.svg/35px-Flag_of_Akhaltsikhe_(City).svg.png){kind=small}
| Akhaltsikhe ((ka)ახალციხე) | |
 | |
| The Ahmediyye Mosque dominated by the citadel. | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Georgia (country) |
|---|---|
| Region | Samtskhe-Javakheti |
| Population | 17 903 hab. (2014) |
| Postal code | 0800 |
| Spindle | UTC 04:00 |
| Location | |
 41 ° 38 ′ 20 ″ N 42 ° 59 ′ 10 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
Akhaltsikhe is a city of Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Understand
Akhaltsikhé (Georgian: ახალციხე, “new fortress”) is a small town of around 50,000 and the capital of the Samtskhé-Javakheti region. The city has been founded for at least 800 years. It was a regional administrative center for the Ottomans from the XVIe century until the Russo-Turkish War. Until XXe century, Akhaltsikhé is populated mainly by Armenians. Today, unlike the rest of the province, it is predominantly Georgian. It's a rather peaceful town, but its old town is worth a visit, and it's a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, including the Sapara Monastery and Khertvisi Fortress in the immediate vicinity.
To go
By car
The main road access to Akhaltsikhe is the Georgia East-West Highway (E60), with exit at the Khashuri (direction Bordjomi). Of marchroutki (collective taxis) connect the Akhaltsikhé bus station / large market to the Didube market in Tbilisi as well as to the bus stations in Kutaisi and Khashuri.
It is preferable to embark early in the morning, to avoid changing marchroutka when arriving at Khashuri.
It is not very difficult to catch a marchroutka connecting Akhaltsikhe to Khashuri before dinner time.
By train
Akhaltsikhé is connected to the main railway axis Batumi-Tbilisi-Baku, by the branch of Bordjomi with terminus at Akhaltsikhé. About one train per day from the stations of Batumi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi.
Circulate
See
- 1 Rbati Castle (რაბათის ციხე)
Mon.- Sun. : 9 h - 19 h. 
free, guide (in French): up to 5 people 20 GEL, more than 5 people 30 GEL. - 2 Sainte-Marine Church (რაბათის წმ. მარინეს ეკლესია)
Mon.- Sun. : 
free, guide (in French): up to 5 people 
Make
Buy
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
Communicate
Around
- 1 Sapara Monastery (საფარის მონასტერი) – The monastery was established in the 10th century, but the main church, Saint-Sabas, was built during the 13th century.e century. Until XXe century, the monastery was perfectly preserved thanks to its situation protecting it from its discovery by the Ottomans during the three centuries during the control of the empire on the southwest of Georgia. Sadly, the monastery was abused during Soviet times, but not to the same extent as many other Georgian Orthodox establishments. The frescoed walls have not been whitewashed, and remain in good condition (especially after recent restoration). On a visit, be sure to climb the nearby slopes to a rocky outcrop to get beautiful views of the monastery and surrounding valleys. Also, be sure not to use the flash in churches unless you want to see a few seriously angry monks. If you can make yourself understood, you can make yourself spend the night in the rooms of the monastery.
- 2 Khertvisi fortress (ხერთვისის ციხე) (overlooks the village of Khertvisi) – The outcrop was used as a fortress in the second century BC and is believed to have been destroyed by Alexander the Great. A "modern" fortress was however built around the XIIIe and XIVe centuries. She experienced the struggle during the Ottoman invasion (and subsequent occupation) in the XVIe century. The walls on the far side face directly onto a cliff falling steeply to the Koura below. If you fancy a fit of vertigo, pull yourself up and look down.
