Ikorta castle
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| Location | Lower Ikorta, Shida Kartli, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°09′59″N 44°09′21″E / 42.16639°N 44.15583°E |
| Type | ruins |
| Beginning date | 17th century |
| Completion date | 18th century |
Ikorta castle is a historical castle of Ksani dukes (eristavs) in eastern Georgia, near the city of Gori in the village of Kvemo-Ikorta (Lower Ikorta) [1] on the bank of river Artseula.[2] The current remnants of the castle are Ikorta church and the citadel. Presumably dating to the 17th-18th centuries, the exact time of its construction is not known. The castle was built most probably when Ksani eristavs moved from Kvenipnevi to Akhalgori and obtained Ikorta as one of their residences. The Ikorta church served as the burial place for eristavs, and currently numerous gravestones can be found inside and around it.
The exact construction time is not known, and presumable dates to the 17th-18th century, when Ksani eristavs lead the rebellion against Iran. In 1732 Kartli was fighting against lezgins, who were completely defeated under the walls of Ikorta castle. In 1736 Iranian troops of Nader shah were defeated by Ksani eristav Shanshe by the castle.