Nokalakevi fortress

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When visiting Samegrelo you should visit Nokalakevi, the ancient town which is located on the left bank of the river Tekhura, in Senaki. Presently this is an archaeological museum-conservation area.

Nokalakevi's coordinates, as scientists suggest, coincide with the location of the mythic city of Aia, capital of the Colchian kingdom, from where, according to legend, the Argonauts kidnapped the Golden Fleece.

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The ancient city is referred to as Archaeopolis or Tsikhegogi, in various historical sources, was built by the Duke of Egrisi and Svaneti in the 3rd century BC.

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There are various buildings and ruins on the territory of the fortress, such as the ruins of the two towers, the two baths, the Royal Palace of the IV century, and the tree-dimensional basilica of the V century.

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The reservoir of water, as well as the tunnel and other buildings have been preserved here. There are also tombs on the territory of Nokalakevi, where gold, silver and bronze jewelry, coins, ceramic objects, pottery and spearheads have been discovered.

How to get there :

About an hour from Mukhuri. From Senaki take the direction to Martvili, you will find the fortress about 18 kilometers on your left.