Uplistsikhe Cave Town

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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