Gori

Gori, the administrative capital of the Shida Kartli region, is a city with a unique history and culture. Located about 80 kilometers west of Tbilisi, it has a population of around 50,000 people, many of whom live in Soviet-era buildings due to a 1920 earthquake that destroyed the city's older structures.

Things to See

The 13th-century Gori Fortress stands atop a rocky hill, offering a popular viewpoint to gaze out at the city and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Below the fortress, a sculpture carved in 2010 serves as a reminder of Georgia's temporarily lost territories.

The city is also home to several museums, including the Stalin Museum, which contains over 60,000 historic objects, and the Gori Museum of History and Ethnography, which preserves fascinating archaeology collections dating back to the IV-III millennium BCE.

Around Gori

For those interested in ancient churches, the 12th-century Gorisjvari church and the 7th-century Ateni Sioni Church are notable attractions. A short drive from Gori lies Uplistsikhe, an ancient town carved into the cliffside 3,000 years ago, which was an important cult center of Iberia and later a pagan fortress.

The city's surroundings offer a blend of old and new, with many opportunities to learn about Stalin's life and legacy, as well as the city's natural beauty and cultural significance.

How to Get There

Gori is located about 80 kilometers west of Tbilisi, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation.