Uplistsikhe ('Lord's Fortress') is one of the oldest urban settlements in the Caucasus — a rock-hewn city carved out of a sandstone cliff on the Mtkvari river, continuously inhabited from the Bronze Age (1,000 BC) until the 13th century. Over 150 caves survive: pagan temples, wine cellars, a Christian basilica, throne rooms, and bakeries — a complete cross-section of pre-Christian Georgian civilization.
Full itinerary
Highlights of this day trip
- 150+ caves carved into the sandstone cliff since 1,000 BC
- Pagan sun-god temple with acoustic amplification (still working)
- 10th-century Christian basilica built atop the pagan site
- Ancient wine cellars — Georgia was making wine here 8,000 years ago
- Optional combined tour with Gori (Stalin's birthplace, 20 min away)
- UNESCO tentative-list site — far less crowded than Mtskheta
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi
- Modern vehicle with driver-guide in your language (EN / RU / HE / AR / ZH and more)
- Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe entrance fees
- Bottled water
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes with grip — the sandstone gets slippery
- Sun protection — the site is exposed with almost no shade
- Warm layers for the church visits (Mtskheta cathedral is cold)
- Head cover for women entering churches
Best time to visit
April-June and September-October are best — the exposed sandstone is unpleasant in July-August heat. Winter visits are dramatic (snow on red rocks) but wear grippy boots.
Frequently asked
Is Uplistsikhe worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially for anyone interested in archaeology or pre-Christian history. It's older than most of what people travel to see in Turkey or Iran, and receives a fraction of the tourists.
Can I combine Uplistsikhe with Gori and Stalin's museum?
Yes — Gori is 20 minutes from Uplistsikhe. A full-day tour easily fits Mtskheta + Uplistsikhe + Gori (+ Stalin Museum, personal politics aside).
How much walking is at Uplistsikhe?
About 1.5 hours of walking on uneven rock surfaces with some stairs. Moderate difficulty. Not wheelchair accessible.