It is situated in Khertvisi village of Aspindza Municipality, Southern Georgia, in Meskheti region.

According to a local legend, Khertvisi was once destroyed by Alexander the Great, though it has then been reconstructed and invaded on numerous occasions through the centuries.

According the inscription on a stone, found in the fortress, significant reconstruction was made by Zakari Kamkamishvili in 1354–1356.

Khertvisi fortress is situated on the high rocky hill in the narrow canyon at the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Paravani.

The citadel, resting on the mountain top, is itself made of smaller separate parts.