GEORGIA - Uplistsikhe

14:51 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn town, dating back to the 1st millennium BC. It is where the foreman of Shida Kartil lived which is how the town got its name which means ‘the Lord’s Fortress’. Built on a high rocky left bank of Mtkvari river, it is notable for its unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture.


On the way to Uplistsikhe, I could see rocky hills on the side of the road.


The town grew into a major religious, political and commercial centre of eastern Georgian kingdom of Kartli (Iberia) during Hellenistic (III – I cc BC) and Roman times (I – III cc AD).


The entrance fee to Uplistsikhe.


Ticket counter.




Uplistsikhe, covering an area of almost 40,000 square meters, consisted of three parts (lower, central and upper area). It had a defensive wall, ditch, several passes, tunnel, streets, water pipes and drainage channels.




Defensive walls that are in rubbles now.


The Georgian lady guide who brought us around the complex.


Climbing up the steel staircase to the ancient cave town.


The lower area is connected to the central area by a narrow rock-cut pass and a tunnel.


A monitor lizard enjoying the view.


The coexistence of pagan and Christian architectural.


Uplistsikhe is identified as as one of the oldest urban settlement in Georgia.


The ‘outer’ town is where the settlements were located around the caves and the ‘inner’ town is located in the caves which were used as shelter during invasions.









Entire town was carved into the soft stone of the mountainside.


Theateron


The ceiling of the theatre hall.




The cave town overlooking Mtkvari river.


Panoramic view from Uplistsikhe.


Queen Tamar’s Hall.


The hall was used by the rulers.


This hall is called the ‘Queen Tamar’s Hall’ even though she never lived here.


The column in the middle is newly added to support the ceiling to prevent it from collapsing.


“Apothecary” area where they used to keep the herbs and medicine.


This is an ancient wine presses carved in stone.




At the summit of the complex is a Christian basilica, built in the second half of 10th century. Archaeologists have found many artifacts of different periods. Many of these artifacts are now in the safekeeping of the National Museum.


Taking a photo with the guide.


The church is named Uplistsulis Eklesia (Prince Church), built over a pagan temple.


Internal view of the church.








The remnants of the ancient town.


Uplistsikhe, located 10km east of Gori, on the north bank of the Mtkvari is an impressive cave city.


Some of the caves at Uplistsikhe.


A rock that looks like a man’s face facing left. See it?


A closer view.


Exploring Uplistsikhe is no stroll in the park. You have to be reasonably fit.


We exited by following a path to a secret tunnel.




Rock-cut pass.


Going down the 41m long tunnel.






And this is the secret tunnel that led us to the river bank.




It is believed that this tunnel allowed people to secretly get water from the river.




Time to make a move.


Goodbye, Uplistsikhe. Kutaisi is my next destination.