Machi Fortress

Machi Fortress (Toga) - Fortress-hall and church, located in Kakheti, on the territory of Lagodekhi Nature Reserve, at the confluence of the river Matsimistskali and Bneli Khevi (dark gorge). Machi was the summer residence of the kings of Kakheti. Ruins (walls, towers, church, covered reservoir, ditches, etc.) are preserved.

Nearly in the center, in the ruins of the castle-hall, there is a small hall church; the construction date is not readable. Presumably, the temple was built during the reign of Alexander II (1574-1605). The temple was seriously damaged and needed immediate aid. The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia carried out a complete rehabilitation of the temple in 2016, in particular - the earth was removed from the outer perimeter and interior of the temple; The chamber was freed from vegetation and ground debris; Damaged cornices was restored; The cracks in the western and eastern walls of the temple were reinforced and filled with limestone; The chamber was partially rebuilt; Two doors of Larix wood were made and installed; The temple was covered with tin, imitating stone slab.