Uplistsikhe: Georgia's oldest rock-cut city

10 kilometres east of Gori, on the bank of the Mtkvari River, a sandstone hill conceals one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus: Uplistsikhe, whose name in Georgian literally means Fortress of the Lord. Carved directly into the rock since the second millennium BC, it was for centuries the most powerful city in Georgia before Christianity transformed the region.

Uplistsikhe Georgia — ciudad rupestre cuevas roca arenisca río Mtkvari
Aerial view of Uplistsikhe above the Mtkvari River: a stone city that withstood invasions for 3,000 years.

History of Uplistsikhe: 3,000 years carved in rock

The origins of Uplistsikhe date back to the second millennium BC, when the first pre-urban settlements began to carve into the sandstone hillside. Between the 9th and 11th centuries AD it reached its peak as the religious and commercial capital of the Kartlian kingdom, with a population of up to 20,000 inhabitants. It was also an important centre of pagan worship before Georgia adopted Christianity in the 4th century.

The Mongol invasion in the 13th century marked the beginning of its decline. Although a small community remained until the 19th century, the city never recovered its former glory.

What to see at Uplistsikhe

The rock-cut theatre

One of the most striking features of Uplistsikhe is its rock-cut theatre, with a semicircular cavea and carved columns that demonstrate the Hellenistic influence on pre-Christian Georgia. It is one of the oldest rock-cut theatres in western Asia.

Temples, wine cellars and the pharmacy

The complex includes columned pagan temples, a wine cellar with kvevri (clay jars) still in situ, a room identified by archaeologists as a pharmacy, and a palace complex with royal chambers.

The Christian basilica

On the ruins of a pagan temple, a three-nave church was built in the 10th century, symbolising the layering of Christianity over Georgia's ancient religions.

Uplistsikhe interior cuevas — templos paganos basílica cristiana Georgia
The interior of Uplistsikhe's chambers shows the layering of pagan and Christian styles over the centuries.

How to get to Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi or Gori

Uplistsikhe is 10 km from Gori (Stalin's birthplace) and 90 km from Tbilisi. From Gori there are taxis and rental cars. A visit to Uplistsikhe is usually combined with the Stalin Museum in Gori and, given a full day, with Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta. Entrance: 7 GEL.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do you need to visit Uplistsikhe?

Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours is enough to explore the site at a comfortable pace. The visit involves climbing and descending stairs carved into the rock, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Can you combine Uplistsikhe and Gori in one day?

Yes, easily. Many travellers visit the Stalin Museum in Gori in the morning and Uplistsikhe in the afternoon, or vice versa. From Tbilisi it is a full-day round trip.

What does the name Uplistsikhe mean?

Uplistsikhe means "Fortress of the Lord" in Old Georgian. The particle "Uplis" refers to God or the Lord, and "tsikhe" means fortress or castle.