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Uplistsikhe: An Ancient Cave City

Explore Uplistsikhe, Georgia's ancient cave city: a journey through time, carved in stone, revealing millennia of history and culture.

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Explore Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia's oldest cave cities, dating back to the Bronze Age. Carved into a rocky hillside, this once-thriving center reveals a unique blend of pagan and Christian history, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into ancient life.

A brief summary to Uplistsikhe

  • Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, GE
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground and climbing stairs.
  • Bring water, especially during the summer months, as there is limited shade.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the larger tour groups.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the main highlights of the cave city.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Uplistsikhe via public transport, begin by taking a marshrutka (minibus) from Tbilisi's Didube Station to Gori. These depart frequently, cost around 4 GEL, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. From the Gori bus station, take a local bus towards Uplistsikhe for 2 GEL. This bus will drop you off a 15-minute walk from Uplistsikhe. Alternatively, a taxi from Gori to Uplistsikhe costs approximately 30-40 GEL for a round trip, including wait time.

  • Taxi

    From Gori, a taxi to Uplistsikhe is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare beforehand, aiming for around 35 GEL for a round trip, which includes waiting time while you explore the site. The journey from Gori to Uplistsikhe is short, approximately 15 minutes.

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Discover more about Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe, meaning 'Lord's Fortress,' is an extraordinary cave city in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia, approximately 10 kilometers east of Gori. Founded around 1000 BC, it grew to become an important religious, political, and cultural hub by the 6th century BC. Strategically positioned along the Silk Road, Uplistsikhe thrived as a trade center and residence for the ruling elite. Carved into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the Mtkvari River, Uplistsikhe's unique architecture showcases a blend of local and regional rock-cut traditions. The city's layout includes streets, squares, temples, theaters, and dwellings, all hewn from the living rock. At its peak, Uplistsikhe housed around 20,000 people. Before Christianity became the state religion in the 4th century, Uplistsikhe served as a major pagan center, with temples dedicated to a sun goddess. The arrival of Christianity led to a gradual decline in the city's importance, though Christian structures, like the 10th-century Church of the Assumption, were later added. For a time, both religions coexisted within the city. After Tbilisi was captured by Arabs, Uplistsikhe experienced a brief resurgence, serving as a royal residence. However, the Mongol invasion in the 13th century led to its destruction and eventual abandonment. Today, Uplistsikhe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the cave complexes, including Queen Tamara's Hall, an ancient theater, and a secret tunnel to the Mtkvari River. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia's pre-Christian past and the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants.

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