Uplistsikhe Cave Town
An ancient cave city carved into basalt cliffs, bearing witness to 3,000 years of Caucasian history.
Overview
Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn city founded around 1000 BC, with a history spanning 3,000 years. The whole city was carved into reddish-brown rock and includes palace halls, pagan temples, wine cellars and prisons, with a population of up to 20,000 at its height. A Christian church survives on the site, showing the transition from paganism to Christianity, and it is one of Georgia's most important archaeological sites.
History
Uplistsikhe, whose name means the lord's fortress, was one of the principal cities of the ancient kingdom of Kartli and a major religious centre, where pagan deities were worshipped. It was already partly abandoned by the time the Mongols destroyed much of it in the 13th century, and a Christian basilica was built on the summit in the 10th century. It was declared a museum in 1957.
Highlights
- •The rock-cut palace hall
- •The ancient pagan temple
- •Caucasian panoramas
Practical tips
- •Visit in the morning before the heat
- •Wear shoes with good grip on the rock
Practical information
- Best time
- April to October
- Tickets
- About GEL 12
- Opening hours
- 10:00 to 17:00
- Local food
- Grilled meat, cheese bread and walnut sauce
- Getting around
- Gori is reached from Tbilisi by train or bus; a hired car is best between sights
- Visa
- Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days with a passport valid for at least six months.
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