Shaumiani (Shulaveri) Small Fortress

Shaumiani (Shulaveri) Fortress, located in Kvemo Kartli, near the village of Shaumiani (former Shulaveri) of Marneuli Municipality.

Shaumiani Small Fortress - in the Shulaveri River basin, north-west of the village of Shaumiani, is preserved in a rock rising from the cliff, the locals call it a pierced stone ("tsak - qar"). Natural rock is used as a fence, and in easily accessible places limestone walls are built, which are built in a "chess" pattern, like Chapali and Narikala. In addition, the rock contains the remains of several caves of various sizes, and pedestrian steps have been cut into the rock to the southeast to climb the peak. In the Natsikhari area, on the rock to the south and east, two small arched chapels are built with whitewashed walls, irregularly arranged, which were painted at one time. Fragments of glazed ceramics have been found in the area. The fortress was repaired in the late centuries of the feudal era. The fortress, in addition to being a garrison for the feudal lords of Shulavreli, also conveniently blocked the road leading to Shulavrishche, the Wolf's Gate. (Source: Historical Geographical Essays of Kvemo Kartli, p. 283 - Devi Berdzenishvili)