Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is the capital of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, and is a mere 22 kilometres from the Turkish border. Its monumental fortified citadel, Rabati, was begun in the 13th century and still dominates the city from its high perch (in Georgian: akhal = new, tsikhe = castle). The aristocratic complex has recently been restored (like new) and includes a mosque, minaret, church and synagogue. They confirm Akhaltsikhe’s reputation for religious and ethnic tolerance as the city was divided between Christians, Jews, Ukrainians, Russians, Georgians and Armenians from the 17th century. The area still has a large Armenian population.