Gori & Uplistsikhe
Gori is a city in eastern Sakartvelo located not too far from the capital (Gori means hill in English). In the heart of the city, on top of a hilltop originally constructed fortress was named Gori. It was mentioned in the Kartvelian chronicles as early as the 7th century. Nevertheless, the ruins on the northern slope and the archaeological findings indicate that there was a fortress here as far back as the 1st century BC. There is a theory that fortress was built by Byzantine Caesar Heraclius to store ammunition battles against the Persians. The fortress has been invaded many times and controlled by Ossetians, Iranians and Persians, among others. The stronghold has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.
On top of the ruins of Gori fortress this city is also famous for the one and only in the world – State Museum of Joseph Stalin. It was founded in 1937 and contains 60,000 exhibits. The museum includes the memorial house where Stalin is believed to have been born, a personal Stalin’s train car and a building which fits the exhibition.
However, if you are not interested in communist dictator who brought up terror upon many nations, there is one more extraordinary place 10 km east from Gori – Uplistsikhe. It is a rock-hewn city. Historically, it is one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus region. An amazing cave city where life dates back to early Bronze Age.
Helpful tips
Markets. In Gori as in every other location on the world enjoyed by tourists you will have plenty of shops who can sell you overpriced souvenirs. Prices in grocery shops are the same as through whole Sakartvelo, however, take into consideration that bigger shops usually hold better price.
Tap water in Gori and in whole Sakartvelo is amazing. They have huge underground water reserves, mountain springs and water there is clear and tasty in most of the places. Thus, we recommend trying it and do not bother buying it from shops. Neither of our hosts advised against using water from tap for drinking.
Transportation. To get to Gori you can use train, bus or car. The city has great accessibility with this transport as it is less than 100 kilometers away from capital – Tbilisi.
In the city it is common to use public transportation such as minibuses or taxies which are the fastest way to get around the city. We preferred walking as it helps to get to know the city and see not only the touristic places and we recommend you do the same if you have the chance.
Best of luck planning your holidays in Gori!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Sakartvelo?
If you have anything in mind, please let us know and let’s discuss it.
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