Location: Georgia, the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Gulripshi municipality, village of Tsebelda.
Constructions inside the complex: watch towers, ecclesiastical structures, remains of the palace, diverse defense structures.
Historical-architectural description: According to the Greek sources, Tsebelda fortress was one of the most significant fortification structures of the Early Medieval Georgia. As evidenced by Procopius of Caesarea, 6th c. Byzantine historian, Tsebelda was a well-protected fortress, which played a significant part in the defense system of the Lazika (territory populated with western-Georgian tribe lazi) kingdom. Up to now, remnants of the past glory of Tsebelda are preserved in the ruins of the fortress, such as: watch towers, ecclesiastical structures, remains of the palace, diverse defense structures. In early 20th c. fragments of the mural painting were discovered during the study of one of the fortress churches.
Current condition: The territory is currently occupied by Russia, on account of which it is impossible to study and to conduct the pertinent works.
