High up in the Georgian skies at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level, on the southern slopes of Mount Patara Abuli, you will find a true marvel of ancient engineering - the Abuli Cyclopean Fortress. A relic of the Bronze Age and once a key stronghold of the first Georgian kingdom of Diauehi, this historical site in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region holds secrets that date back over 3,500 years.
To reach this impressive cyclopean structure, you need to trek along a steep path, sometimes carpeted with grass, and at other times, strewn with boulders. This journey, though challenging, offers an unrivaled glimpse into the past as you navigate through the immense moraines - heaps of giant basalt boulders that have served as hideouts for ancient people evading enemies.
The fortress itself is a spectacle to behold. Composed of dry-built walls that soar to heights of 5 meters (16.4 feet) and widths of 3 meters (9.8 feet), it stands as a symbol of the architectural prowess of an era long past. This magnificent citadel spreads over an area of 60x40 meters (197x131 feet), its basalt blockades punctuated with two gates to the south and east.
But this fortress isn't just about towering walls. It also hosts an inner fortress, storage stations, and around 40 stables - some with two floors, some with three, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your journey through time. And the true beauty of the location is revealed when you gaze upon Paravani Lake and Didi Abuli Mountain from the slope of Mount Patara Abuli.
As you tread through the ancient hiding spots and explore the multi-tiered stables, remember, the Abuli fortress still guards secrets that archaeologists are yet to uncover. Despite its visible grandeur, much of its story still lies shrouded in the mists of time.
