Shida Kartli Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Shida Kartli

Uplistsikhe, Shida Kartli Region, Georgia. Panorama Of Uplistsuli

'The sunset over Mtkvari River, the smoke rising from the village homesteads, and one of the most extraordinary and powerful feels I’ve ever come across: this place has soul!'

View of a staircase inside of the Stalin Museum in Gori, Georgia.

Gori is a relatively small town located about 80 kilometers from Tbilisi.

Joseph Stalin (his last name is a play on the Russian word for "steel" - his real last name was the Georgian surname of Jugashvili) was born and raised in Gori, and this museum houses both the small boarding house he was born in, and his train car.

It's certainly worth a visit if you're in Georgia. Price is 10 GEL for a ticket - and they have english speaking tour guides available.

I'll let you make up your own mind about the politics of the place, but I will say that the tour had some laugh out loud understatements like: "Stalin and the Soviet mades some mistakes, such as the forced collectivization of agriculture in Ukraine."

I would bet Germans would probably be the most interested - if you've ever been to Germany you'd understand what I mean.

Sunshine on the rocks - view from the Uplistsikhe cave complex near Gori, Georgia.

Uplistsikhe is an ancient fortress settlement that sits up on a hill in a river valley. For a small fee you can climb up a set of stairs and explore what's left on this ancient settlement.

It features an excellent view of the surrounding area.

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What to do in Shida Kartli

Popular places to visit

Joseph Stalin Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Joseph Stalin Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Gori. Make time to visit the churches and monuments while you're in the area.

Gori Fortress

Find out about the history of Gori when you spend time at Gori Fortress. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the churches while you're in the area.

Uplistsikhe Cave Town

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Uplistsikhe Cave Town during your travels in Gori. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its churches.

Kvatakhevi Monastery

You can find out about the history of Kaspi with a visit to Kvatakhevi Monastery.

St. George's Church

St. George's Church is just one of the places to see in Gori, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the churches and monuments while you're in the area.