The date of Birtvisi fortress's construction is unknown, though it is first mentioned in historical sources in the 11th century. As the author of the "Matiane Kartlisai" tells us, during one of the battles for Tbilisi "Liparit son of Liparit and Ivane son of Abaza, eristavi of Kartli, lured the Tbilisi emir Jafar out at Mukhatgverdi and seized him, and held him long in captivity, and took Birtvisi from him." It appears that in the reign of Bagrat III part of Kvemo Kartli, including Birtvisi, was in the emir's hands. Later Liparit son of Liparit, eristavi of Kldekari, lost Birtvisi fortress along with his other strongholds.