Uplistsikhe is a cave town and is located about 15 km from Gori, on the bank of the Kura River, along the ancient Silk Road.
According to archaeologists, it is considered the oldest urban settlement in Georgia and is carved into the volcanic rocks of the ridge of Mount Kvernaki.
The oldest structures date back to the first century A.D. but according to more in-depth studies this area was inhabited since 2000 B.C.
The name of the city comes from the leader of ancient local tribes who was called Upali (Lord). Uplistsikhe means “Fortress of the Lord”.
In the rock-cut city there are caves, defensive walls, water systems, roads and numerous buildings.
In the twelfth century it was destroyed during the invasion of the Mongol army.
In the eighteenth century it was completely abandoned and submerged by layers of earth and sand. Thanks to the efforts of numerous experts, Uplistsikhe has been unearthed and is now listed as a UNESCO listed historical monument.
The city is also home to several churches, including the Church of the Assumption which dates back to the tenth century.
