Chikuneti Fortess

Distance from Batumi: 30 km

Distance from the village of Acharistsqali: 13 km

  Chikuneti Fortress is located in the Khelvachauri Municipality, along the road leading to the village of Chikuneti.
Today, only ruins of the fortress remain, along with a 32-meter-long tunnel. The fortress once commanded a view over the road running through the Machakhela Valley—a route of great military, strategic, and economic importance.

Various types of structures have been discovered on the site; a few years ago, a wine cellar containing eight *kvevris* (traditional Georgian clay vessels) of various sizes was accidentally uncovered on the slope near the fortress. Both the fortress and the wine cellar date back to the 11th–13th centuries.

Best time to visit: Year-round

How to get there: Minibus No. 403 or No. 404

Address: Batumi Bus Station – 24 Shavsheti St., Batumi.