President Saakashvili believes Akhaltsikhe will become Georgia’s top tourist centre

Georgia, Tbilisi, May 10 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/ Mikheil Saakashvili visited Akhaltsikhe on Wednesday and inspected the restoration works at the fortress in the old part of town. The President of Georgia said Akhaltsikhe will become a major Georgian historic tourist centre without any competition. "Because it is one of the best places in Europe, only one or two places in Italy and Spain and one in North Africa can compete with Akhaltsikhe." he said. A minaret will be built, Jakeli Palace and the oldest baths and a citadel will be restored as part of the Rabat fortress rehabilitation. Room for high level meetings and four swimming pools lined with mosaics will be built in the citadel. The ancient fortress will regain its original form and be surrounded by a four metre wide wall. The construction of an amphitheatre, home weddings, Valley of Love, fountains, cafes and restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, shops and a four-star hotel will be completed in the near future. The two main streets of Akhaltsikhe are to be laid with paving stones, the facades of buildings restored and the roofs are changing with some buildings being built from scratch. It is planned to reconstruct 36 houses in the first phase. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az