Narikala Fortress, also known as the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi, is a historical fortress overlooking the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi. The fortress is located on a hilltop that rises above the city and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
The fortress was established in the 4th century AD and underwent various renovations and expansions over the centuries. It served as a military stronghold during the Persian and Arab invasions, as well as during the Mongol and Timurid invasions in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The fortress was largely destroyed by the Persian invasion in the 17th century, and was restored and expanded by the Georgian king Vakhtang VI in the 18th century. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the fortress, including its walls, towers, and gates. The most notable surviving structures are the St. Nicholas Church, built in the 13th century, and the recently restored St. George Church, built in the 17th century.
The fortress can be accessed by a cable car from the old town of Tbilisi or by walking up the hill from the same area. The fortress is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.