Ujarma fortress is located on the roadside connecting Telavi with Tbilisi. It’s 40 km away from the Georgian capital. Until 2010, it was difficult to access due to a damaged road. After the restoration of the highway, it became one of the most beautiful road landmarks.

A brief history of the Ujarma fortress

According to the historical records, the fortress dates back to the 3rd century. The king of the Iberia Kingdom founded a city fortress here. In the 5th century, the political status of Ujarma rose. For a short period during the reign of Vakhtang Gorgasali and his son Dachi, it even became the capital of Kartli. The main reason for that was a strategic location at that time. Ujarma was destroyed by the Arab invasion in the 10th century. Later after 2 centuries, King George III rebuilt it. The fortress eventually went into decay after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.

Today the place is ruined. There are only a few remains of once-high walls and towers. Also, there is a still-operating small church. Nevertheless, Ujarma serves as an excellent viewpoint. It is providing spectacular scenes of Gombori Mountain and a small river beneath the fortress.

Infrastructure around the fortress:

Nearby the fortress, there is nothing special. The closest restaurant is in the village Sadakhlo 7 km away in the direction of Telavi. See Iosebis Duqani (Joseph’s Tavern) near Sasadilo.

How to get there:

  • Public Marshrutka (Minivans) from Tbilisi to Telavi or Alvani. Departure from Isani and the price is 10-20 GEL per person.
  • Taxi transfer from Tbilisi to Telavi. The driver collects 4 people. The price per person is 20-25 GEL.
  • By Car.

Tours via Kakheti Region

Useful tips:

Working hours are from 9 am until 6 pm. The price for a ticket is 5 GEL per person.

The fortress is not easily accessible. Put on climbing shoes before going there.

Ujarma fortress on a map