Uplistsikhe: Georgia's Ancient Cave City

Our journey through Georgia included a 1.5-hour visit to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town about 10 kilometers east of Gori. This remarkable cave city is situated on a high rocky bank of the Mtkvari River, which provides an interesting glimpse into Georgia's past.

Uplistsikhe (meaning "the lord's fortress" in Georgian) is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Human presence dates back to the end of the 2nd millennium BC. The site blends various rock-cut architectural styles and shows the transition from pagan to Christian structures.

We explored the 8-hectare complex by following narrow alleys and staircases connecting different cave structures. The site is divided into three main sections: lower, central, and upper parts. The central area contains most rock-cut structures and connects to the southern part via a narrow pass and tunnel.

Notable features include a ceremonial hall with a Roman-style arch and a pillared hall that once served as a seat of power. Some larger structures have carved ceilings designed to resemble wooden logs. At the summit stands a 9th-10th century Christian basilica built of stone and brick.

Before touring the caves, we visited the small on-site museum, which displays artifacts found during excavations and shows a short informative film about the site's history. This helped us understand how Uplistsikhe evolved from a pre-Christian center to a Christian stronghold when Tbilisi fell to Muslim invaders and then was abandoned after Mongol raids in the 14th century.

From various points in the complex, we enjoyed excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The site's elevated position offers panoramic vistas of the Mtkvari River valley, with the winding river below and rolling hills stretching into the distance. The contrast between the rugged cave structures and the natural beauty of the countryside added another dimension to our visit.

Parts of the site were destroyed by an earthquake in 1920, but conservation efforts continue. Uplistsikhe has been on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list since 2007.

Overall, this ancient cave city was a very unique and impressive stop on our Georgian trip.