Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi: history, the climb and views

Narikala is an ancient fortress above Old Tbilisi and one of the city’s emblems: walled sections on a steep, rocky hill, with the tiled rooftops, the Kura River and the sulphur bath quarter spread out below. People climb up here for the history and for the panorama that opens up from the walls.

Why the fortress is famous

Narikala is one of the oldest structures in Tbilisi: a fortress has stood on this hill since the 4th century. Its founding is dated to the reign of King Varaz-Bakur (around the year 364); popular tradition links the first citadel with King Vakhtang Gorgasali, but archaeology does not confirm that version. Over the centuries the fortress was rebuilt and extended more than once: the Arabs added fortifications in the 7th century, then David the Builder in 1089-1125, and most of the surviving walls date to the 16th-17th centuries.

The name itself, by the common account, goes back to the Mongolian “Narin Qala” - “little fortress”. Narikala was badly damaged in the 1827 earthquake, when part of its buildings were destroyed. Today it consists of two walled sections on the ridge of the hill - between the Abanotubani sulphur bath quarter and the Tbilisi Botanical Garden.

How to get there and make the climb

The fortress stands above the historical centre, and there are two ways up to it.

By cable car

The quickest way is the cable car from Rike Park on the left bank of the Kura. The glass cabin runs over the river and the Old Town straight to the walls of Narikala and takes you up in a couple of minutes. Payment is by Metromoney transport card; it’s best to check the current fare on the spot, as prices change over time. The ride itself, over the rooftops of Old Tbilisi, is an experience in its own right.

On foot

The other option is to walk up from Meidan Square and the sulphur bath quarter, through the old lanes. The climb takes roughly 15-25 minutes, goes uphill and is uneven in places, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Along the way views of the Old Town open up, and you can come down by cable car - or do it the other way around.

What to see inside

The main draw inside is the walls and towers themselves: two sections of fortifications stretch along the ridge, and you can walk along them, taking in masonry from different eras. Inside stands St Nicholas Church - rebuilt in 1996-1997 on the site of a 13th-century church that had been destroyed by fire. Inside, the church is painted with frescoes of biblical scenes and episodes from Georgian history.

But what most people climb up for is the panorama. From the walls of Narikala a sweeping view opens over Old Tbilisi, the bend of the Kura, the tiled rooftops, balconies and domes. Along the same ridge you can walk to the Kartlis Deda (“Mother of Georgia”) monument - an aluminium statue visible from almost anywhere in the centre.

What to keep in mind when visiting

The fortress grounds are open and free to visit - you only pay for the cable car, if you take it up. The surface along the ridge is uneven, the railings are minimal in places, and it can be windy up high: keep children close and choose comfortable shoes. St Nicholas Church is a working church, so modest dress is appropriate when you go in.

The best time to climb up is at sunset and the first hours after it, when the Old Town is lit up and the air is cooler. But by day, too, you can see the whole centre from the walls.

Nearby

Narikala stands in the very heart of Old Tbilisi, so it’s easy to combine with neighbouring sights. Right below the hill lies the Abanotubani sulphur baths quarter, and the Bridge of Peace spans the Kura. There’s more on the capital in the Tbilisi travel guide, and other places across the country are gathered in the things to see section.