Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe is an ancient city carved directly into a mountain, consisting of many chambers, tunnels, and rooms connected to one another. The entire complex was created by hollowing out the rock, forming large halls, residential areas, and underground passages that remain visible today.

The city began around 2000 BCE during the Bronze Age, when people started carving into this mountain to build their home. Over many centuries, it became an important trading point along routes connecting east and west, until it was abandoned after the 18th century.

The settlement displays traces of different religions and cultures that once lived there: pagan temples stand near early churches and homes used by various peoples. This mixture shapes the site today and shows how many different communities coexisted in this place.

It is best to come in the morning when light enters the caves and allows you to see the rooms more clearly. Good footwear is important, as the paths are uneven and involve climbing many steps.

The Great Hall impresses with skillfully carved stone columns, showing how advanced the builders were. More surprising still is the underground channel system that leads directly to the Mtkvari River – evidence of sophisticated planning thousands of years ago.