Description of the attraction
The Batonis-tsikhe fortress is an ancient fortress, located in the central part of the city of Telavi, which has a rich history. Translated from the Old Georgian language, "Batonis-tsikhe" means "the fortress of the master." Built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. the fortress was considered one of the main residences of several Kakhetian kings. According to historical data, the building was built in two stages - the first stage dates back to 1667-1675, and the second - to the end of the second half of the XVIII century.
Georgian defensive fortifications were built from solid limestone. The stones from which the fortress was built have an uneven shape. The fortress wall is periodically interrupted by two-tier towers, which give the structure a perfect look. Elongated windows can be seen on the second tier of the fortress tower. The towers were erected at the second stage of the citadel construction, in the 18th century, so the windows are very large and, most likely, are the decoration of the fortress, and not loopholes. The roofs of the towers have an original shape. In general, the architectural appearance of the Batonis-tsikhe fortress is characteristic of Georgian architecture.
One temple in 1758 was built by Tsar Heraclius II, the second - the Archil court church - was erected even earlier. On the territory of the fortress there is a monument dedicated to Tsar Heraclius II.
At present, it houses an art gallery, which houses canvases by famous Georgian, Italian, Russian, French and Dutch artists. The palace also houses an ethnographic museum.
The walls of the fortress offer a striking view of the deep valley below. Particular attention is drawn to the large vineyards, groves of mulberry and walnut trees, the green-silver bend of the Alazani, as well as the towering multi-tiered mountains.
