Narikala Fortress: the citadel that has watched Tbilisi grow

From anywhere in Tbilisi, if you look up you will find its silhouette cut against the hillside: Narikala Fortress. This 4th-century citadel is the historical backbone of the Georgian capital. Persians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks and Russians controlled, expanded and destroyed it in turn, and yet its walls still stand.

Fortaleza Narikala Tbilisi — ciudadela histórica siglo IV vista panorámica Georgia
Narikala Fortress has dominated Tbilisi's skyline since the 4th century

History: from Persian fort to symbol of Tbilisi

The fortress was established in the 4th century as a Persian fort. The Arabs expanded it in the 8th century when they dominated Tbilisi. Georgian kings reinforced it in the 12th and 13th centuries during the Golden Age. In 1827 an earthquake destroyed much of the walls, and stored gunpowder exploded, causing irreparable damage to several sections.

Inside the walls stands the Church of St Nicholas, rebuilt in the 1990s, where masses are held at weekends. Outside the fortress, on the adjacent rock, rises the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) monument — the 20-metre aluminium figure holding a sword and a cup of wine that symbolises Georgia.

What to see from the fortress

The views from Narikala's walls are the finest in Tbilisi:

  • The old town with its wooden balconies
  • The domes of Abanotubani directly below
  • The Mtkvari River and the Bridge of Peace in the distance
  • Modern Tbilisi on the horizon
vistas Tbilisi desde Narikala — panorámica ciudad río balcones casco antiguo
The views from Narikala Fortress are Tbilisi's finest visual reward

How to reach Narikala: cable car or on foot

There are two options:

  • Cable car: departs from Rike Park, costs 2.50 GEL and arrives next to the fortress in 3 minutes. The view during the ride is spectacular
  • On foot: from Abanotubani there is a stairway that takes 15–20 minutes to climb

Fortress entry: free. The adjacent Botanical Garden has its own admission (~1 GEL).

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit Narikala Fortress?

Yes, access to the Narikala walls is completely free. Only the adjacent Botanical Garden and the cable car have a (very low) cost. St Nicholas Church inside the fortress is also free to enter.

What is the best time to go up to Narikala?

At sunset to see Tbilisi bathed in golden light, and then at night to take in the city lights. Dawn is also magical but requires an early start. Avoid the middle of the day in summer because of the heat.

What is the Kartlis Deda monument next to Narikala?

Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) is a 20-metre aluminium sculpture inaugurated in 1958, depicting a Georgian woman holding a sword in one hand (for enemies) and a cup of wine in the other (for friends). It is one of Tbilisi's most recognisable symbols.