Uplistsikhe Cave Town Tour from Tbilisi
Today I will take you to Iron Age Tour for a Uplistsikhe Cave Town Tour from Tbilisi in Georgia. “Uplistsikhe” a Georgian word which translates to “Fortress of the Lord” is an ancient, historical Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age town. This anicent Cave Town has a 3000 years old rich historical and cultural significance from Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. It was one of the most important political, religious and cultural centers of Georgia built across Old Silk Path ranging from 6th century B.C. to 11th century A.D.. This town had a population of about 20,000 during its peak of prosperity.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town Tour from Tbilisi – Day trips from Tbilisi | Tours from Tbilisi
Situated on the rocky banks of Mtkvari river, ancient Uplistsikhe Cave Town is 85-90 km away from Tbilisi(capital of Georgia country). The site of this cave town is 10 km east of the small town of Gori (birthplace of Stalin). And therefore Uplistsikhe Cave Town tour must be included in your itinerary of day trips from Tbilisi.
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Uplistsikhe Cave Town complex can be divided into three parts South(lower), Middle (central) and North (Upper) spread across 8 hectares of land. Most of the structures are constructed through underground tunnels, alleys, rock-cut steps which also meets at the river flowing behind. These tunnels and alleys served as an escape route during invasions.
This historical town depicts unique combinations of cultures from Anatolia and Iran. This rock-cut city has the co-existence of Pagan and Christian architecture. The major part of caves are not having many decorations, but there are remains of the bakery, prison, cellars, sacrificial altars, few carved ceilings, amphitheater all connected through rock-cut steps and tunnels.
During Archaeological excavations, numerous artifacts like gold, silver & bronze jewelry with samples of ceramics and sculptures from different time periods have been found and now are kept in the National Museum of Tbilisi. Archaeologists have also found many temples and facts of worshipping Goddess Sun before the arrival of Christianity. At the top of cave town, there is Christian Basilica dating from the 10th century.
The rock-cut structure includes one large hall with pillars named as Hall of Queen Tamara.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town survived 3000 years but was destructed by Mongols in 13th century and some parts were destroyed by natural disasters like 1920’s earthquake.
How to do reach Uplistsikhe Cave Town | Day trips from Tbilisi
From Tbilisi to Gori (Uplistsikhe Cave Townsite place) public transports like Marshrutkas are available costing 4 Georgian Lari (3 USD) and takes around 1 and a half hours. Also, private taxis with driver cum guide can be hired from Tbilisi for this day tour. I took a private car with Georgian guide/driver with many stopovers at houses of Georgian locals in between for lunch and understanding local living of that place.
Entrance fee for Uplistsikhe Cave Town – 3 Georgian Lari.
If you want English speaking guide then 25 Georgian Lari extra.
Opening timings of Uplistsikhe Cave Town – 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.
The view from the top of rock/cliff is amazing with views of flowing Mtkvari river, agricultural farms and settlements of Gori.
There are many day trips from Tbilisi like
- Rabati castle tour
- Winery tour
- Explore Caucasus mountain range in Kazbegi
There are many itineraries for Georgia in summers and Georgia in winters. Read to know more about Georgia.
So, till then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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