Gulebi Fortress

Gulebi Fortress is a historical treasure hidden among the mountains of Adjara, located near the village of Gulebi in Keda Municipality, about a 1.5-hour drive from Batumi. Constructed in the 12th–13th centuries on a strategically important elevation, the fortress allowed control over extensive territories: impressive views open up from here overlooking villages, the Shavsheti Ridge, and Zendidi Hill. In different eras, Gulebi served not only as a defense post, but also as a refuge for noble families: for example, in the 16th–18th centuries, Atabag of Samtskhe Qvarqvare IV and his mother Dedisimedi took shelter here.

Today Gulebi Fortress consists of picturesque ruins that have preserved an atmosphere of past grandeur. Of greatest interest is the western wall with three beautifully carved loopholes, while the entrance to the fortress is situated at a height of just over a meter and carved directly into the rock, making it hard to access for enemies. The tower was likely multi-story, but only part of the structure has survived to our day. There are no traces of other buildings inside the fortress, and nearby water springs were used for drinking.