Uplistsikhe

უფლისციხე

An ancient rock-hewn cave city carved into a sandstone massif above the Mtkvari River, inhabited from the Bronze Age through the Middle Ages. Visitors explore streets, halls, a pagan temple and a Christian basilica dating back millennia, all set in a dramatic eroded landscape.

Things to do

• Explore the Central Hall (Tamaris Darbazi) — Walk through the largest rock-hewn chamber, traditionally linked to Queen Tamar, with its coffered ceiling imitating wooden beams carved directly into the stone.
• Visit the Uplistsulis Basilica — See the three-nave Christian brick basilica built in the 9th-10th centuries atop the ancient pagan complex, marking the site's transition from paganism to Christianity.
• See the Pagan Temple and Sacrificial Hall — Examine the pre-Christian sanctuary with its carved niches and a deep pit thought to have been used for animal sacrifices to the sun goddess.
• Walk the ancient main street — Follow the central rock-cut thoroughfare with wheel ruts worn into the stone, connecting the city's residential and ceremonial quarters.
• Descend the secret tunnel to the Mtkvari — Explore the long escape tunnel carved through the rock down toward the Mtkvari River, once a vital water supply and defensive passage.
• Photograph the eroded sandstone landscape — Climb to the upper terraces for sweeping views over the dramatic honeycombed cliffs and the river valley below.
• Visit the on-site museum — Browse artifacts including ceramics, jewelry and coins excavated from the caves at the small museum near the entrance.
• Combine with nearby Gori — Pair your visit with the town of Gori 10 km away, home to the Stalin Museum and Gori Fortress, an easy add-on to the trip.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Try Georgia's famous soup-filled dumplings at restaurants in nearby Gori, twisting off the doughy top and drinking the broth first.
• Khachapuri — Sample the cheese-filled bread, often served in the boat-shaped Adjaruli style with egg or the round Imeruli style common in this region.
• Mtsvadi — Enjoy Georgian grilled pork or beef skewers cooked over grapevine coals, a staple at roadside eateries around Kartli.
• Georgian wine — Taste local wines from the Kartli region, a historic winemaking area, sometimes offered from traditional qvevri clay vessels.
• Churchkhela — Pick up the candle-shaped candy of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold by vendors near the site entrance.
• Lobio and shoti bread — Warm up with a hearty bean stew seasoned with herbs, served with fresh bread baked in a clay tone oven.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy shoes — The rock surfaces are uneven, slippery when wet and involve climbing steps, so proper footwear is essential for safe exploration.
• Bring sun and water protection — There is little shade among the exposed sandstone and it gets very hot in summer, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
• Respect the sacred basilica — The 9th-century church remains a religious site, so dress modestly and behave quietly when entering.
• Hire a guide for context — Much of the site is unlabeled, so a local guide greatly enriches your understanding of the caves' Bronze Age and medieval history.

Nearby

• Gori — 8 km
• Ateni Sioni Church — 13 km
• Kintsvisi Monastery — 25 km
• Shio-Mgvime Monastery (Tbilisi and Surroundings) — 36 km