Gvara Fortress

Upon visiting Machakhela National Park, make sure not to miss the stunning Gvara Fortress. Located in Khelvachauri, at the confluence of the Chorokhi and Machakhela rivers, the castle stands 50 meters above the Machakhela river level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Gvara Fortress spans an area of 150 square meters, with its remaining walls standing between 3-6 meters high.

The primary purpose of Gvara Castle was to oversee and control the roads that passed through the valley. Its strategic location also made it crucial for defense purposes.

During archaeological investigations, 22 Kvevris from the 11th century were uncovered, suggesting that the castle was in use between the 10th and 18th centuries.

In the southern part of Gvara Fortress, a well with an attached triangular structure was discovered. Beneath it lies a storage room. Although the well is currently 2.80 meters deep, it is believed to have been deeper in the past, but has since been filled with earth, stones, and leaves.