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Narikala

🇬🇪 Georgia · 4th century

Narikala in Georgia
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Narikala (Georgian: ნარიყალა, pronounced [naɾiχʼaɫa]) is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Mtkvari (Kura) River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. On the lower court there is the recently restored St Nicholas church. Newly built in 1996–1997, it replaces the original 13th-century church that was destroyed in a fire. The new church is of "prescribed cross" type, having doors on three sides. The internal part of the church is decorated with the frescos showing scenes from both the Bible and the history of Georgia.

Text adapted from “Narikala” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Narikala ranks #590 of 7,738 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #4 of the 39 mapped in Georgia. Founded c. 350, it is older than 98% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 8 atlas entries founded in the 4th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 5,904 times in the last 60 days, more than 87% of the atlas. 4 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Tbilisi, 4 km away. See how Georgia compares in the castle statistics.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Narikala?

Narikala stands in Georgia, at 41.68778°, 44.80861°.

When was Narikala built?

The atlas dates its founding to c. 350. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.

How famous is Narikala?

In this atlas's fame ranking: #590 of 7,738 worldwide, and #4 in Georgia. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.

What is the nearest castle to Narikala?

Orbeliani Palace, about 1 km away.

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