Justinian's fortress
From the sixth century.
Vitaly Zdanevich — CC BY 4.0 · Vitaly Zdanevich — CC BY 4.0 · Giorgi Abdaladze — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vitaly Zdanevich — CC BY 4.0
The ruins of a Byzantine fortress on a rocky hill above the Black Sea north of Batumi, built by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century to guard the empire's eastern coast and fought over for years by the Byzantines and Persians for control of Lazica. It has nothing to do with Jordan's Petra beyond the name, which means rock. Among the trees on the hill lie remains of walls and towers, the foundations of a large basilica, baths and vaults, and stone paths overlooking the sea and the pebble beach below. It is quiet and shaded, like an archaeological garden, with a lovely view over Adjara's green coast from the top. A small entry fee is charged and it is open by day. Paths are rocky and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and take care with children near the edges. Below the hill a quiet pebble beach suits a summer swim. It is about half an hour by car from Batumi on the road to Kobuleti, a short stop on a coastal trip.
From the sixth century.
From the hilltop.
Among the trees.
Tsikhisdziri village on the Black Sea coast, about 20 km north of Batumi
No: the name just means rock in Greek; it is a sixth-century Byzantine fortress.