Karagöl Sahara Milli Parkı
Your journey to Artvin remains unfinished without absorbing the nature of the Karagöl Sahara National Park. With an area of 8,030 acres, this nature reserve was opened in 1994, hosting only one hotel near the gorgeous Karagöl Lake for the purpose of swimming, camping, and hiking. Breathe deeply in the untouched nature of the park and soak up in its memorable sights.
Porta Monastery
Porta Monastery, constructed within 869-915 BC, is a Georgian monastery located on a hill encircled by fresh greenery. It’s believed that the monk Grigol Khandzteli, the founder and head of many cloistral in the historical area of Tao-Klarjeti (in southwest Georgia), established Porta Monastery. It does really worth walking a steep 2-km route to approach this stunning yet ruined church in a remote forest.
Ardanuç Kalesi
The Ardanuç Kalesi, surrounded by the jagged lines of natural cliffs, is a famous fortress in Artvin overlooking the valley. The stunning castle welcomes its visitors through climbing up the steep metal stairs. In the early 9th century, it served as the watching tower of Ashot the Great, Georgian king.
Livane Kalesi (or Artvin Kalesi)
Bagrat III, the monarch of Georgia and Abkhazia, constructed the Livane Kalesi in 937. Featured with uneven cut stone walls, the structure was expanded within the sovereignty of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I. Sitting on a rock over the valley; the Livane Kalesi houses a large tank and a chapel.
Şavşat Kalesi
Apparently, Artvin is the city of fairy-tale castles established by the Georgians. The Şavşat Kalesi was built in the 10th century as the home to Shavsheti, one of Tao-Klarjeti’s many princedoms. The fortress hosted a wine cellar, hammam, and a pharmacy.
Mençuna Şelalesi
With 100-m height and spectacular sights, the Mençuna Şelalesi is one of the largest waterfalls in Artvin, and a popular tourist spot where you can see water falls to the ground. Mençuna Şelalesi gently plays with your eyesight and hearing senses: open your eyes widely to see the evergreen forest encompassing the waterfall, and listen carefully to the water tumbling down the cliff.
Barhal Kilisesi
Davit III Kurapalat built Barhal Kilisesi in 973 in the Barhal or Altınparmak village. It’s a cathedral church and a medieval Georgian monastery surrounded by a natural landscape.