The Fortress of Ksani was built by Bagrat, the son of Constantine II, King of Kartli, during the conflicts between his brother, King David X of Kartli, and King Av-Giorgi of Kakheti. The fortress is well integrated with the surrounding landscape, offering a view over the valleys of the Mtkvari and Ksani rivers. Its original structure has been significantly altered over time, and today it stands partially ruined.

Did you know that…

1. The fortress’s first construction layer (1511–1514) is entirely built of river stones, while the second layer (1746) includes bricks as well. From the first construction phase, the lower parts of the defensive walls, the remains of the bastions, and two towers have been preserved.

2. When Avgiorgi heard about the construction of the fortress, he came with an army and laid siege to it. The siege lasted three months but was unsuccessful. Avgiorgi mockingly sent wine to Bagrat with a message: "You are a prince, yet you haven’t tasted wine for a long time." Bagrat, however, sent back a live trout from a well along with a message: "You’ve been standing by the Ksani River for three months and haven’t tasted trout; here, taste this living one." Convinced that the fortress was well-stocked with supplies and freshwater, Avgiorgi lifted the siege and retreated.

3. In 1513, Avgiorgi invaded Kartli for the second time. Bagrat captured him and imprisoned him in The Fortress of Ksani, where he was soon executed.

4. In 1746, the heavily damaged fortress was almost entirely rebuilt by Konstantine Mukhranbatoni, as evidenced by a well-preserved construction inscription carved above the fortress entrance.

5. On November 7, 2006, by decree of the president of Georgia, the Fortress of Ksani was granted the status of an immovable cultural monument of national significance.