A Travel Back in Time at the Ancient Cities of Georgia: Gori and Mtshketa

Day 3: Exploring the Historical Gori City, Stalin Museum and Uplistsekhi; Mtshketa, Svetitschoveli, and Jvari Monastery



Nowhere is more enmeshed with Georgia’s rich history, with the exception of Tbilisi, than in the ancient cities of Mtshketa and Gori. Medieval architectures and cobblestones streets give a sense of stepping back in time, reckoned with its vibrant history that makes for fascinating museums and stunning architecture. Along with its trendiest streets, one would find himself lost in the century-old vibe with the sensational experience of Georgian culture embedded in its every corner. Cities that has retained its firm grip on its charm and tradition over the ages and provides a portal of its glorious past.


Gori City 

It is on my third day in Georgia when I was able to see 2 of the most historical cities, Gori and Mtshketa. From the capital Tbilisi, we navigated towards North passing the town of Mtskheta. Along the way, I fascinated myself in the display of mountain scenes dotted with autumn color-schemes. We continued towards west until we reached the town center known as Gori. 




It is the capital of Shida Kartli region with a name originated from the Georgian “Gora” that is, "heap", or "hill". Some interesting facts about it are being an important military stronghold in the Middle Ages and being a strategic importance due to its location on the principal highway connecting eastern and western parts of Georgia. It is also known as the birthplace of renowned Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin, an important figure in the History of not just Georgia, but also its surrounding countries and of the whole union of Russia. 





Uplistsekhi 

Located some 10 kilometers east of the town of Gori is an ancient cave town Uplistsekhe, a major tourist spot that is also included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites. It contains various structures dating back from the Early Iron Ages. An ancient rock-hewn town that’s archaeologists considers as one of the sites of earliest and oldest urban settlement of Georgian ancestors. It has witnessed the important key histories and emerged as a major political and religious center of the country. We took some time in exploring the areas. From its caves to its church carefully scrutinizing those manually crafted stone structures and relics. 




Mtshketa

After having a trip back to the Iron Age in Uplistsekhi, our next portal stop is to the earliest centuries found in the center of Mtshketa, one of the ancient cities of Georgia and the town I’ve been eyeing from a distance since yesterday when we explored the rest of its region in the mountainous area. 


Located 20 km North of Tbilisi, it is part of Mtshketa-Mtianati area and History claims it as the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd Century BCE to 5th Century CE. (I actually don’t fully understand those years also). The city holds the title as being the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church where Christianity is proclaimed as the Kingdom’s official religion. 





Svetitschoveli Cathedral

Svetitschoveli Cathedral is another UNESCO Heritage Site. An enormous grand building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. It has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. There is a legend that a seamless robe of Jesus Christ is buried within the temple making it a religious center for countries for many centuries. 




It was already afternoon, almost 2pm when we reached it and we first head off to its entrance. Feeling like a child in a trip to an amusement park, I started roaming around. Before reaching the main Cathedral, we had to pass the colorful souvenir shops and enticing food stands. 






There’s an array of display of hanging churchkhela, hats, and goods with “I love Georgia” scribbled in each items satisfying my field of vision as I walk in its narrow pathway going to the church. It is truly an enchanting place to be lured around. 





One of the wine shops offers wine tasting so I had a free glass courtesy of the same company we visited the other day Winery Khareba. 



Entering its inside premises, we’ve encountered a few couples with family around dressed for a wedding. Clueless about the time, it must be Georgia’s wedding month. While the other couples are walking out, there’s a pair waiting and another inside having their time slot. 



We went inside and took a glimpse of the church while partaking with the solemn ceremony. Touring after some time, Shota pointed out some wall paintings, saint sculptures, the location of Christ’s Robe and King Erekle Tomb. 







Jvari Monastery

From Svetitschoveli, we drove for a few minutes and reached another “must-see” destination in Georgia. Located on a hilltop from the Town of Mtshketa, is the Jvari Monastery, a 6th Century Monastery also listed as a World Heritage Site along with the other historic structures in Mtshketa. 



This medieval piece of architecture is considered as the most ancient cult monument constructed in the beginning of Georgian Christianity. The name Jvari means “cross” in the Georgian language. Ancient legend says that it was there that St. Nino of Kappadokia put the Sacred Cross symbolizing the acceptance of Christianity by Georgia. 





The side wall of the church offers a scenic view of Mtshketa area. A combination of nature and town structures that’s gives off a picturesque panoramic view. 


We explored the insides of the temple where strict rules applied to maintain the solemnity of the place. Its every corner radiates off a Holy vibe with a sense of peace that comes from its resonating silence. 


Around 4 in the afternoon, we decided to come down from Jvari and traveled back to Tbilisi. The capital and also one of the historical ancients cities and the last place I need to see. 

Also Read: Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city


Day 3 (Half-Day) Summary

Tbilisi-Gori-Mtshketa Route 

Gori City
A) Joseph Stalin Museum 
B) Cave-town Uplistsekhi
Mtshketa
C) Svetitschoveli Cathedral
D) Jvari Monastery
E) Back to Tbilisi

Breakdown of Expenses
10 Stalin Museum Entrance Fee 
10 (5x2) Uplistsekhi Entrance Fee
  6  Wine Ice cream
  4  Khachapuri bread
  5  Souvenir from Jvari
35 Total 





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