Ananuri Fortress, the architectural complex of Ananuri is a fortress of the feudal era (XVI-XVIII centuries) near the village of Ananuri. It is located at the beginning of the Zhinvali Dam, at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Ananuri served as the main stronghold for the Aragvi Eristavis, the rulers of this region. The fortress was built in the gorge of two rivers Aragvi and Vedzatkhevi in such a way that no army could pass by unnoticed. The Ananuri fortress played a significant role in numerous wars and has never been taken by storm in its history.
There are monuments for religious, military and secular purposes here. Although many monuments from this era can be found throughout Georgia, only a few of them are collected together in this way and are relatively well preserved. The complex includes the following structures: upper and lower fortresses, ramparts, towers, Church of the Virgin, Church of the Deity, Church of the Healer, bell tower, octagonal cell and reservoirs.
Today, the Ananuri architectural complex is one of the main points of tourist routes in Georgia.
