Day trips from Tbilisi
On our stay in Georgia, we scheduled multiple trips starting from Tbilisi.
The first one took us to Mtskheta - the former capital of Tbilisi, Gori - the birthplace of Stalin - and Uplistsikhe Cave Town, an ancient rock-hewn city. We took another day trip that took us to Kazbegi.
Mtskheta
Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Georgia and is located about 20 kilometers from Tbilisi. The capital was moved to Tbilisi due to the unsuitability of Mtskheta's location for farming. The town of Mtskheta is surrounded by hills which makes it difficult to cultivate crops. The town is home to several important religious sites, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visited Jvari Monastery, which was built on a hill above Mtskheta.
Gergeti Trinity Church
Kazbegi
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is a small mountain town located in the north of Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The town is dominated by the towering Mount Kazbek, which stands at over 5,000 meters and is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the region. Kazbegi is also home to the Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century church perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, which has become an iconic symbol of Georgia and is a must-visit attraction for many.
Mtskheta
Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Georgia and is located about 20 kilometers from Tbilisi. The capital was moved to Tbilisi due to the unsuitability of Mtskheta's location for farming. The town of Mtskheta is surrounded by hills which makes it difficult to cultivate crops. The town is home to several important religious sites, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visited Jvari Monastery, which was built on a hill above Mtskheta.
Jvari Monastery
Mtskheta from the Jvari Monastery
St. Nino played a vital role in introducing Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. She preached despite facing hostility, carrying a grapevine cross that became a symbol of Georgian Christianity. After healing his wife, he converted King Mirian III to Christianity, and her influence was significant enough to make her a holy figure. Her feast day, January 27th, is a national holiday in Georgia.
However, King Mirian III's decision to adopt Christianity was both religious and political. His adversaries, the Persians, practiced Zoroastrianism, and converting to Christianity would help distance Georgia from Persian influence.
St. Nino depiction in Jvari Monastery. St. Nino has a cross, a symbol of Georgian Christianity.
Gori
Gori (name meaning 'hill') is a town located in central Georgia. In 2008, Gori was heavily affected by a 5-day conflict between Russia and Georgia for the South Ossetia region. Gori is best known for being the birthplace of Soviet controversial leader Joseph Stalin.
The town has a museum dedicated to Stalin's life, which includes exhibits of his personal belongings, photographs, and documents related to his political career. In the garden of the museum complex, there is also a small reconstruction of the house he grew up in with his mom.
Other attractions in Gori include a medieval fortress and the nearby Uplistsikhe cave city.
Stalin's statue at Stalin's museum's main entrance
Train carriage was used by Joseph Stalin during his travels in the Soviet Union. You can visit the carriage inside but cannot take pictures. Overall, the carriage was wooden and simple
Reconstruction of the small wooden house where Stalin was born and spent his childhood. The house contains original furniture and personal items belonging to Stalin and his family and you can see the furniture of one room.
Uplistsikhe City Caves
Uplistsikhe is an ancient city located in the eastern part of Georgia, on a rocky cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. The caves, constructed on sandstone by heating it up and then pouring cold water to make it crack, are believed to be home of the Zotacians.
Moreover, there was a pagan temple on the hill, which was destroyed, and in its place, a church was erected after the king adopted Christianity in Georgia in the 4th century. Notably, there is a Roman wall within the complex that was identified by the positioning of its stones. Additionally, there is an internal complex inside the caves with two pedestals where Queen Tamak was coronated for the first time.
We reached the caves with a private tour, but you can take the marshrutka from Tbilisi to Gori (info about buses here) and then hire a cab to take you to the cave, wait for you, and bring you back to town.
Uplistsikhe City Caves
View of the valley from the caves
Other day trips from Tbilisi
Ananuri Fortress is a medieval fortress complex located in the region of Aragvi. You can walk around the complex and explore the historic structures, including the church and tower. Mind your step when climbing the tower, but once you climb you will have views like this one!
Georgian christian cross engraved in Ananuri Fortress.