Keselo Fortress, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tusheti in the northeastern corner of Georgia, stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and its historical significance. Constructed from stacked stone blocks without the use of mortar, Keselo embodies the architectural ingenuity of the Tushetian people, who utilized their surroundings to create formidable defensive structures.

Keselo Fortress

Perched atop rocky outcrops or nestled within narrow valleys, Tushetian towers dot the rugged terrain, serving as both defensive fortifications and symbols of the region’s unique identity. These towers, with their distinctive cylindrical or rectangular shapes, are crafted from locally sourced stone, meticulously stacked to withstand the harsh mountain elements and potential enemy incursions.

The architecture of Tushetian towers is characterized by its simplicity, yet it is highly effective in its purpose. With thick walls and narrow windows placed strategically for defensive purposes, these towers provided refuge for villagers during times of conflict, offering shelter from raids by marauding tribes or invasions from neighboring kingdoms.

Beyond their defensive function, Tushetian towers also served as social and cultural hubs for the community. Families would gather within the towers for communal activities, celebrations, and decision-making processes, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the villagers.

Moreover, Tushetian towers played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Tusheti, both physically and metaphorically. Their imposing presence atop the mountainsides symbolized the resilience and fortitude of the Tushetian people, who persevered against the challenges of their environment and the pressures of external threats.

In essence, the architecture of Tushetian towers reflects the ethos of the Tushetian people—resourceful, resilient, and deeply connected to their land and heritage. As enduring symbols of Tusheti’s past, these towers continue to stand as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural significance of the region, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at their beauty and historical importance.

In Tusheti, north of the village of Omalo, in the historical district of Keselo, a fortress built on a rocky hill dates back to the 18th century. Keselo Fortress, Tusheti architecture in general, is an organic part of the Tusheti environment, which is distinguished with rare beauty and reflects the difficult and battle-filled historical past of this region.

Keselo Fortresses – History and Structure

Centuries ago, this monument, located 2100 meters above sea level, served a special purpose. During wartime, the locals took refuge here with their families and fought against the enemy.

The fortress’s construction comprises dry piles of flat slate, while its complex once consisted of 12 towers, of which only three and some fragments of the wall have survived.

Today, the fortress is being actively restored and, crucially, during the restoration, the construction technology used in the Middle Ages is retained, with the towers rebuilt using dry piles of slate stone.

So far, seven towers have been restored at Keselo, with a museum having been opened in one of them, where you can see collections of archaeological and ethnographic objects, which tell many interesting stories about the lives of the local people and Tusheti in general.