Darchidzeebi Fortress

Darchidzeebi Fortress, a well-preserved medieval structure, can be found in the village of Darchidze within Shuakhevi municipality. Nestled in the picturesque Mareti Valley, the castle stands at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level, 104 kilometers from Batumi. It is strategically built on the right bank of the Chirukhistskali River.

Dating back to the 11th-12th centuries, Darchidzeebi Fortress was once known as Gogolauri and is now also referred to as Mtisubani. As with many castles of its time, it was designed for optimal defense, making it inaccessible from three sides and only reachable via a single road.

A 1.5-kilometer footpath extends from the castle, suggesting that it may have once served as a checkpoint.