Akhaltsikhe (ახალციხე)

Sapara Monastery, Akhaltsikhe


Akhaltsikhe (Georgian: ახალციხე) is a city in the south-central part of Georgia. Straddling the Potskhovi River which separates Old Akhaltsikhe in the north from New Akhaltsikhe in the south, it is a city of some 20,000 people (2011 estimate).

Akhaltsikhe dates back to the 12th century. It was ruled by members of the Jaqelis family from the 13th to the 17th century, when it came under Ottoman rule. The Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829 annexed it into the Russian Empire.

The Old Town of Akhaltsikhe is quite well preserved with a number of historic monuments such as its old fortress, churches and mosques. These provide a glimpse into the regional architecture from the past centuries.

Surb-Nshan Armenian Church, Akhaltsikhe

Visiting Akhaltsikhe

The cheapest way to go to Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi is to take a minibus (marshrutka) from the bus station at Tbilisi's Didube Market.

Places of Interest in Akhaltsikhe

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