An ancient 6th-century Byzantine outpost on a cliff by the sea, with ruins of a basilica and terraces.
Petra Fortress is one of the most impressive historical attractions in the vicinity of Batumi, situated on a rocky cape near the settlement of Tsikhisdziri, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city. This ancient fortress was constructed in the 6th century by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian and played a vital role in defending the eastern borders of the Byzantine Empire for a long time.
Its strategic position atop a sheer cliff allowed control over coastal and overland trade routes while safeguarding the region against invasions. Across various epochs the stronghold changed hands repeatedly, hosting Byzantines, Persians, Arabs, and Ottomans, which is reflected in its architecture and strata of cultural artifacts.
Today Petra Fortress preserves massive stone walls, the ruins of towers and residential dwellings, as well as remnants of ancient water supply systems. From the grounds of the fortress, breathtaking panoramic views open up across the Black Sea and the coast, making this site particularly appealing to tourists, photographers, and history buffs.
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