Slesa Castle

Slesa Castle lies northeast of the village of Atskuri, in the Akhaltsikhe municipality in the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Georgia.

Slesa Castle actually consists of a 2 separate fortifications on 2 separate hills; the castle and a tower. A sign at the site stated 2 names; Slesa Castle and Moktseva Castle. Most sources on the internet state that Moktseva is just another name for the castle. But I suspect the names actually pertain to the 2 different fortifications.

Slesa Castle situated on the left bank of the Kura River (called the Mtkvari in Georgia) is said to have been built in the 10th/11th century. Its purpose was to protect the approach to the heartland of Georgia from the south through the gorge of the Kura River. It was part of a chain of fortifications situated in the gorge that would use bonfires to warn each other of an approaching enemy. However it was only first mentioned in the 16th century when it tried to withstand the Ottoman invasion of Georgia.

At present Slesa Castle is freely accessible, situated right next to the ს8 road, leading from Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe, although it does require a bit of rock climbing. I was not able to find a safe route to the southern tower. A great castle ruin.

Gallery