Rabati Castle at a glance
Rabati Castle stands in the historic Rabati quarter of Akhaltsikhe, in Samtskhe-Javakheti. The buildings date from the 9th to the 19th century, so the complex grew over many periods. It is not an unchanged medieval fortress, and it is worth walking through slowly rather than ticking off one tower.
Inside the walls you find an Orthodox church, a synagogue, a mosque and a Catholic church, plus a history museum with its own conditions. Akhaltsikhe lies about 50 km from Borjomi, a drive of roughly 50 minutes. That makes the castle an easy half day from the spa town, and a natural stop on the way to Vardzia.
Rabati Castle tickets and prices 2026
Prices in Georgian lari (GEL). Foreign visitors have their own categories.
| Visitor | Entry |
|---|---|
| Foreign visitor, adult | GEL 20 |
| Foreign pupil or student | GEL 15 |
| Georgian citizen or resident | GEL 10 |
| Georgian pupil, student or pensioner | GEL 3 |
| Audio guide | GEL 15 |
| Guided tour, 1 to 2 guests | GEL 20 per group |
| Guided tour, 3 to 10 guests | GEL 40 per group |
| Guided tour, 11 to 25 guests | GEL 60 per group |
| Guided tour, 26 to 50 guests | GEL 100 per group |
Children under 6 and some other groups enter free, with proof. The guide prices are per group, not per person. For two people, a guide at GEL 20 is cheaper than two audio guides. The museum inside the complex has its own conditions, so do not assume the castle ticket covers it. Bring a document that proves any reduced category.
Our pick: Rabati day trip
A day that stops at Rabati Castle on the way to Vardzia and Borjomi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trips to Rabati Castle and Vardzia
Guided days that pair Akhaltsikhe with the cave monastery and Borjomi, with live prices and availability.
What to see inside the walls
Churches, mosque, museum and walls.
Four places of worship
An Orthodox church, a synagogue, a mosque and a Catholic church stand within the fortress walls. Whether each building is open inside on your day can differ, so treat the interiors as a bonus. Dress modestly and ask before you photograph people.
The mosque and the old quarter
The domed mosque is the most recognisable shape in the complex. Outside the gate, the old stone houses of the historic quarter are worth a short walk.
The museum
The Ivane Javakhishvili History Museum of Samtskhe-Javakheti sits inside the complex and belongs to the Georgian National Museum. Ask at the ticket office what it costs and when it closes.
Views over Akhaltsikhe
The walls give a view over the town and the green hills around it. Late afternoon light suits photos, but check the closing time first.
Getting to Rabati from Borjomi
The road is straightforward, and the castle fits a longer day.
By car or taxi
Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe is about 50 km and about 50 minutes. From Tbilisi, Akhaltsikhe is about 2 hours 45 minutes by road, without stops.
Getting to Borjomi →Combined with Vardzia
Vardzia is about 110 km from Borjomi, roughly 2 hours. A day with both Rabati and the cave monastery is long. Plan an early start and breaks.
Vardzia cave monastery →As a stop on a longer route
Rabati works well between the Borjomi park and a night in the mountains, or on the way into a multi-day route.
Georgia tours with Borjomi →
Rabati Castle: frequently asked questions
How much does Rabati Castle cost in 2026?
Foreign adults pay GEL 20 and foreign pupils and students GEL 15. An audio guide is GEL 15. Guided tours are priced per group, from GEL 20 for 1 to 2 guests.
What are the opening hours?
From 1 October 2026 the castle opens from 09:00 to 18:00. Hours can change with the season, so check before a long drive.
Is the museum included in the ticket?
Do not assume so. The history museum inside the complex has its own conditions, so ask at the ticket office.
How far is Rabati Castle from Borjomi?
About 50 km, around 50 minutes by road. Akhaltsikhe is also on the way to Vardzia.
Which religious buildings stand inside the walls?
An Orthodox church, a synagogue, a mosque and a Catholic church. Whether each one is open inside on your day can differ.