Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe, a remarkable rock-hewn town situated 10 kilometers east of Gori on the north side of the Mtkvari River, is an ancient town carved in the rock. You can explore the 40,000-square-meter Shida Qalaqi (Inner City), less than half of its original size. As a historical-architectural museum-reserve, Uplistsikhe offers visitors a glimpse into its ancient urban settlement features, including streets, squares, a sewer system, four gates, and various tunnels and fences.

Entering Uplistsikhe via its old main access track involves ascending about 5 meters up the rocks opposite the entrance cafe and following the rock-cut path to the left. Metal-railed steps lead up through the main gate, where the excavated main tower of Shida Qalaqi's defensive walls can be seen. The old main street takes you to several important cave structures, including the Theatre, likely a temple from the 1st or 2nd century AD, and the large pre-Christian Temple of Makvliani.

One of the notable structures is Tamaris Darbazi (Hall of Queen Tamar), a large hall with an ancient stone seat and a carved stone ceiling resembling wooden beams. This pre-Christian temple, alongside other significant sites like the Uplistsulis Eklesia, a triple-church basilica built in the 10th century, showcases Uplistsikhe's rich religious history. You should also explore the emergency escape tunnel running down to the Mtkvari River, an ingenious feature used for carrying water and providing an escape route during sieges.

You can take a taxi from Gori to reach this historical site. Alternatively, marshrutka (minibuses) leave Gori bus station several times daily for the village of Kvakhvreli, a 2-kilometer walk from Uplistsikhe, with a direct service to Uplistsikhe planned for the near future.