Samshvilde

Samshvilde was one of the oldest cities in Georgia, occupying a narrow promontory between the gorges of the Khrami and Chivchavi rivers, defended on two sides by cliffs and on the third by walls, and it was a regional capital before being repeatedly sacked and finally abandoned. What is left is spread along the spur: stretches of wall and gate, cisterns, cave chambers cut into the rock, a bath, and the ruined Sioni church, built between 759 and 777 and carrying an inscription recording its construction. Excavation has been under way in recent years. There is no ticket office and no supervision, and the walk out along the promontory is exposed.

What you actually see

• A city on a cliff promontory - defended by two gorges and a wall.
• The Sioni church ruin - built 759 to 777 with a dated inscription.
• Cave chambers and cisterns - cut into the rock along the spur.
• Ongoing excavation - the site under active investigation.

When to go

April to October; the promontory is hot and exposed in summer and muddy in winter. Half a day. Bring water; there is nothing on site.

Honest expectations

There are no facilities, no signage and unfenced cliff edges. The track in needs clearance and the last stretch is walked. Excavation areas may be fenced. Nothing is explained on the ground.

Nearby

Tetritskaro is north; Birtvisi lies east.