Gori
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Gori (Georgian: გორი ) is a city in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia. It is most famous (or infamous) for being the birthplace of Joseph Vissarionovich Jughashvili, better known as Stalin. Today, surprisingly, it does not look much different from when Stalin ruled the USSR. Gori is also located a short drive from Uplistsikhe, an ancient Silk Road cave city and former regional center of pagan worship.
The name Gori may look and sound like the plural form of the Russian word for mountain (горы, GO-ry), but the name of Gori, incidentally meaning hill (singular) in Georgian, is much older than the first Russian contact with the Georgian kingdoms in 1500s.
Understand
Get in
Many marshrutkas run daily between Tbilisi's Didube market and the central square of Gori. A more expensive, yet still reasonable option, is to hire a taxi.
Get around
Everything that a tourist would want to see within Gori is easily accessible on foot; the city center is compact.
To get to nearby Uplistsikhe, however, it is best to hire a taxi. Taxis are easy to find around the main square and drivers will be willing to wait for you while you explore Uplistsikhe so that they can drive you back to Gori once you have finished. The whole taxi ride, including waiting, should not cost more than 25 lari and drivers will go as low as 15 lari if you are a hard bargainer.
Public transport to Uplistsikhe is much cheaper at 1 lari each way. Buses go from Stalin Avenue to the village on the opposite side of river. A train departs to Uplistsikhe from Gori at around 10AM and returns around 5PM. A bus also makes the trip, departing Gori's bus station once around 9AM and again at noon, returning around 3PM.
If you are driving, head south in Gori on Stalin Ave across the Mtkvari River and turn left on the second main cross-street (not the one running right along the river). This road will take you through the village of Khidistori, where you should try to maintain a straight course, bearing to the left if at a fork, and past the village you should approach Uplistsikhe. If you are feeling lost, ask anyone for directions (try "sahd-ah-rees oo-plee-see-khay?") and they will point you right.
See
The Stalin Cult
Unlike the majority of Georgia, Gori is full of people who still revere their home-town boy who made such an indelible mark on human history. The principal attractions (as well as the principal revenue earners) within the city are monuments to Stalin and they are all located on or nearby the main square along Stalin Ave.
- <see name="Stalin Museum" alt="" address="32 Stalin Avenue" directions="" phone="+995 270 27 52 15" url="http://www.stalinmuseum.ge" hours="10AM–6PM" price="10 lari for foreign tourists" lat="" long="" email="stalinmuseum@posta.ge" fax=""></see>
The Stalin Museum is the highlight of a visit to the city of Gori. Behind its faux-Venetian facade is an impressive museum filled with paraphernalia and media documenting the life and careers of I.V. Jughashvili. The museum's portrayal of Stalin is one-sidedly nostalgic, which can be jarring for visitors, but the exhibits are actually quite well done and there are ample Georgian babushkas throughout the museum who will be more than happy to elaborate on the exhibits and answer questions. Unfortunately, the exhibits are overwhelmingly in Russian and Georgian, to the disadvantage of most Western visitors. But the main show requires no language—Stalin's death mask. Stalin's bronze death mask is not so exciting in and of itself, but the lighting and bizarre, personality cult-chic, red velvet display will surely elicit goose bumps. At the ticket office, ask about an English or German-speaking guide. They are sometimes available and will often show you the inside of Stalin's home and train car.
- Stalin's Birthplace:
If we are to believe the plaque, Stalin's birth house now resides within a cage of neoclassical Doric columns. There is not much here for the visitor other than a creepy photo opportunity and the plaque which reads in both Russian and Georgian:
| Here I.V. Stalin was born on 21 |
| December 1879, and here he |
| spent his childhood until 1883. |
- Stalin Statue
Few of the many statues of Stalin throughout the former USSR have survived to this day and Gori's is certainly one of the most magnificent and well-kept. This large statue long stood in front of Gori's city hall, located up Stalin Ave. from the end of the main square, opposite the Stalin Museum, until a bush-league surprise removal in the middle of the night by the current pro-Western government (over presumed objections by Gori residents and officials). There are plans, however, to move the deposed statue over to the Stalin museum. There are two other Stalin statues in Gori: a replica of the main statue is in Stalin Park and the second—of Stalin as a young man—can be found beside Gori State University.
Uplistsikhe
Uplistsikhe (უფლისციხე—The Fortress of the Lord) is easily one of the oldest existing cities in Georgia, although it is now uninhabited save tourists. Founded in the sixteenth century BC and carved out of rock, this was a bustling city over 3000 years ago and was, before the introduction of Christianity in the fourth century, a major regional center of Caucasian pagan worship. After Saint Nino converted King Mirian II of Iberia, the pagan temples of Uplistsikhe were sacked and the city went into long-term decline. Its decline was hastened by devastation at the hands of the Mongols in the 12th century, although it remained inhabited, serving as a stop along the Silk Road until the 15th century.
Highlights not to be missed include: a Hellenistic amphitheater overlooking the Mtkvari river where residents of Uplistsikhe once enjoyed Greek-style performances, a functioning 9th century church built atop the ruins of an ancient pagan temple to the Caucasian sun god, a once pillared seat of kings, and a fun cave tunnel leading out of the city to the riverside. Also be sure to note the round storage spaces once used for wheat and the shelf-like spaces for medicinal herbs—a veritable bronze age pharmacy!
Uplistsikhe is of considerable historical interest and is properly enjoyed with a guide. Chances are good that your guide will find you before you ask (there is not much alternative employment in this area) and there is a good chance of finding an English-speaking guide on site. Be sure to negotiate prices with the guide though, and don't accept the first offer. Entry fee to the site is 3 lari, the receptionist will try to sell you leaflets and books but don't fall for it as she is trying to rip you off. The guides sell the same books for cheaper.
Uplistsikhe suffered long years of neglect and vandalism and is currently undergoing significant restoration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accordingly, certain areas may be closed off from direct contact during your visit, although all sites will still be viewable.
It should cost 10 lari to get a taxi one-way to Uplistsikhe. Buses also go to the village on the other side of the river, about 1km from Uplistsikhe. These run fairly frequently and cost 1 lari. The bus from Gori leaves from the bus station. Ask someone which minibus to get it (there was no English sign); someone in the ticket office guided me to it. Getting a bus back to Gori is very simple (just walk along the main street of the village until you see a group of people waiting by the road, just near the point where it meets another road).
Goris Tsikhe (Gori Castle)
Goris Tsikhe stands at the heart of the city atop a large hill and is the only structure in town that could dwarf the Stalin statue. According to locals, Goris Tsikhe's most notable moment in world history occurred in the first century BC, when it was conquered by the Roman General Pompeii. The current ruins are more recent, however, having been built after the Mongol invasion. There is not much to see inside the ruined castle's walls, but there are nice views of the city and the surrounding dark green plains of Shida Kartli. The approach to the ruins was recently repaved and the surrounding area cleaned up, but the site remains free and the only price of admission is the short, steep walk up the path.
Gori Jvari (Gori Cross)
The church at Gori Jvari stands on a outcropping of rocks and can be seen from practically anywhere in Gori. Originally built in the 12th century, it was burned down by the Turks, rebuilt, and destroyed again by an earthquake in 1920. The current church was built in the 1980s. On days commemorating St. George (November 23 and April 23), Gori residents flock to the church with sacrificial sheep. The sheep are walked around the church three times, and in accordance with Orthodox tradition, are taken just off the church grounds for slaughter. On a clear day, the view of the Caucasus from the church is spectacular.
The moderate hike is approximately three hours round trip. To reach the trail head, walk south along Stalin Avenue until you cross the river. The road will cut to the right and then cross the railroad tracks. On the other side of the tracks, turn right then take the first left and then the windy path up the hill that is immediately on your right. This twists up the hill. If you find a graveyard on your left, you are going in the right direction. There are more hiking options along the mountain ridge above Gori Jvari and there a number of ruined churches scattered through the area.
Do
- <do name="Historical Ethnographic Museum" alt="" address="12 Kirion II St" directions="Located on a side street a two-minute walk directly east of the Stalin Museum. There is a sign in English pointing you towards it, and take the first alley to the right." phone="(=995) 8 370 27 28 67" url="ethnomuseumgori@gmail.com" hours="" price="3 lari" lat="" long="">The Ethnographic Museum houses cultural and historical exhibits, including ancient archaeological artifacts, weapons, national costumes and textiles, traditional jewelry, and furniture. A good place to get a feel for the Georgian way of life in past eras.</do>
- <do name="The Great Patriotic War Museum" alt="" address="19 Stalin St" directions="" phone="27-27-12" url="" hours="" price="Free" lat="" long="">The WWII Museum sits near Stalin Park, and has a unique mural outside. Inside is a collection of photographs and memorabilia, such as medals, some equipment, personal effects, and an interesting exhibit showing Gori and the region's participants. </do>
- <do name="Gori Academic Theater" alt="" address="Chavchavadze St" directions="" phone="+995 270 273740" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Offers plays in Georgian and Russian</do>
- <do name="Gori Stadium" alt="" address="at the edge of Stalin Park on Chavchavadze St" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="1 lari" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Offers occasional soccer games</do>
- <do name="Stalin Park" address="along the river south of Chavchavadze St" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">The park has a few aging rides, a Ferris wheel, and a paint ball range. On summer evenings, it is often crowded with people and a good place for people watching.</do>
Buy
There are a growing number of shops in Gori where tourists can find Georgian crafts and gifts for prices that are cheaper than in Tbilisi. The Stalin Museum offers a limited number of kitschy souvenirs in their main lobby. Small shops are also popping up in the city center. One good bet is the underground pedestrian tunnel below Stalin Square. Shop No. 14 in the underground offers a variety of handmade Georgian crafts made by local street children at a Gori-based NGO.
Icons and other religious paraphernalia can be purchased at the shop beside the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. These can make for interesting gifts. Shops along Chavchavadze Street (running perpendicular to Stalin Avenue) sell Georgian jewelry and icons as well.
- <listing name="Central Bazaar" address="Chavchavadze St." phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">The place to go to buy goods, albeit with a lot of local flavor. Food, fresh produce, stationary, electronics/adaptors, clothes, shoes, etc.</listing>
- <listing name="Grocery Store Populi" alt="[closed]" address="14 Stalin Ave." directions="" phone="" url="" hours="24 hrs./day" price="" lat="" long="" email="info@populi.ge" fax="">Recently opened, this store is the first regional branch of a Tbilisi-based chain of grocery stores. Its selection is huge, and the service and facilities are up to Western standards.</listing>
- <listing name="Grocery Store Evropa" alt="" address="26 Chavchavadze St." directions="" phone="+995 270 27 56 65" url="" hours="9AM–10PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="kureli@rambler.ru" fax="">One of the best-stocked grocery stores in the city center, currently undergoing an expansion. It has phone cards, water, soda, sweets, toiletries, cleaning supplies, pre-made meals for lunch on-the-go. The grocery store's website is [1].
</listing>
- <listing name="Grocery Store Sameba" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" url="">A recently renovated grocery store, good for water, soda, pastries, and khachapuri</listing>
- <listing name="Russian Shop" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Water, soda, phone cards, toiletries, breakfast foods, frozen goods, and a decent selection of imported food and drinks.</listing>
Eat
- <eat name="Atrium " alt="" address="6 Stalin St. " directions="Walk south on Stalin St., about 5 mins from Stalin Square, on the left." phone="" url="" hours="" price="10-15 lari" lat="" long="">Quickly becoming a local favorite, the Atrium offers traditional Georgian food and a pleasant atmosphere. The service is amongst the best in town. </eat>
- <eat name="Restaurant Dzmobis Dukani" alt="" address="Queen Tamar St" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="5-10 lari" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Typical Georgian cuisine with large private dining rooms. The restaurant is locally known for its beef stroganoff.</eat>
- <eat name="Orbi's Restaurant" alt="" address="78 Queen Tamara St" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="10–15 lari" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">A local favorite, offers a wide selection of Georgian food and inexpensive locally-brewed beer. There is a large outdoor patio; inside, it's best to ask for a private dining room-the music can be unbearably loud.</eat>
- <eat name="Restaurant Imereti" alt="" address="" directions="Located next to the theater." phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></eat>
- <eat name="Intourist Cafe" address="26 Stalin Ave" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="10–15 lari" url="">The main dining room is located inside the Intourist Hotel but may be unavailable because of private parties. A second entrance is located beside the hotel (walking toward the Stalin Museum) with a secluded outdoor patio. The selection is not as wide as Orbi's, but the quality is comparable.</eat>
- <eat name="Cake House" address="22 Stalin Ave" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="5 lari" url="">Aside from a large selection of delicious cakes, the cafe offers khachapuri, pirozhki, and pizza.</eat>
- <eat name="Coffee House" address="Stalin Ave" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="5–10 lari" url="">Despite the name, the cafe only offers two types of coffee. There is a decent selection of other foods, however, including bliny, salads, and pizza.</eat>
Drink
There is not much nightlife in Gori and the bars and restaurants are basically one and the same. Almost all the restaurants listed above offer Russian and Georgian beers as well as Georgian wines of varying quality. One standout is Orbi's Restaurant, which offers a local brew for 70 tetri (about 30 Euro Cent) a pint. In the summer, beer tents pop up around town and offer the usual selection. But to really enjoy a summer evening in Gori, it's best buy a bottle of beer or wine at a store and join the crowds of young people at the birzhas by the Stalin Museum and Stalin Park. Some of the nicer stores in town are beginning to offer imported beers, but be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle.
Sleep
Gori is conveniently only about an hour away from Tbilisi by marshrutka, so it is possible to visit Gori and Uplistsikhe as a day trip. There are not many commercial opportunities for overnight stays, though the options are improving. Staying in Gori does present a cheaper alternative to Tbilisi, and can be a pleasant change of pace from the capital.
- <sleep name="Gueshouse Marina" alt="" address="15 Sturua Str." directions="Head north on Ninoshvili St, past Stalin Museum. After about 10 minutes there is a school on the right, Sturua is the 3rd street after. Turn right." phone="+995 (270) 7-53-92" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="30 lari/person" lat="" long="">A comfortable guesthouse located in a quiet neighborhood about a 15 minute walk from the city center. The rooms are spacious and very clean, and the hosts warm and hospitable. Hot water is reliable, and the price includes breakfast, internet usage, and pick-up from the station. The owners speak Georgian and Russian, the son knows some English, and they can help arrange day trips in the area. (April 2011 update: some people are renting the house long term - there is no room available) </sleep>
- <sleep name="Hotel Intourist" alt="" address="32 Stalin Ave" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="50 lari and below" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">A typical Soviet hotel with typical dour Soviet service and rooms that look unrenovated since the Khruschev era. Water and electricity are not always available. On the second floor, Rooms No. 1 & No. 2 have been renovated (50 lari - more if you are non-local/Russian); the rooms on the third floor, while cheaper, are less than desirable.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Hotel Victoria" address="76 Queen Tamara St" phone="+995 (32) 95-12-72" email="" fax="" checkin="" checkout="" price="60 lari and above" url="">The best hotel in Gori. Built in 2000, it has modern rooms with air conditioning and television. Conference facilities are available. Orbi's Restaurant is next door. Accepts major credit cards.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Guesthouse Luka" alt="" address="19 Aghmashenebeli St, Tsmindatskali" directions="" phone="+995 370 27 87 58, +995 598 55 20 53" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="25GEL/person" lat="" long="">A comfortable guesthouse with clean rooms, hot water and internet access. The price includes breakfast. Hosts speak Russian and English.</sleep>
- <sleep name="Guesthouse Tamazi" alt="" address="Rustavi St. 11" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="25 GEL/person" lat="" long="">10 min walk from the Stalin museum. The rooms are very tidy and comfortable for 25 Lari per person including breakfast. The family is very friendly and hospitable, they speak Georgian and Russian and can host up to 3 people. Contact: Tamazi Kharibegashvili, +995 598307326 +995 370275707</sleep>
Connect
- <listing name="Internet Cafe @ ENTER" address="Chavchavadze Street" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="9AM–9PM" price="1 lari/40 minutes" url="">The best of the two internet cafes in Gori, but expect to be surrounded by adolescent boys playing Counter Strike. The connection is reasonably fast and the staff are helpful.</listing>
- <listing name="Internet Cafe/Computer Store" address="Stalin Ave" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="10AM–7PM" price="" url="">Smoky, dark and generally unpleasant. Only go here if you're in a bind. The computer store in front offers a limited selection of computer supplies.</listing>
- <listing name="Post Office" address="Chavchavadze St" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url=""></listing>
Respect
This is an odd point, but one that deserves attention: relatively few people in the world "cherish" the memory of one of the 20th century's greatest mass murderers, Joseph Stalin, but most that do live in Gori. Try to avoid denigrating their hometown hero. Gori is a small, poor city and its residents really do not want to listen to foreigners "attacking" their "heritage."
Visitors to local churches should respect Orthodox customs. Women should wear longer skirts and cover their head (either with a hat or with a head scarf). Some churches will provide this for you. Foreigners are generally welcomed, but be mindful of those worshiping.
Go next
Taxis are most easily requested by phone (# is written on taxis, 1km - 0,6Lari). They're also hailed by approaching bored looking men sitting in cars around the city; if you have any trouble, just ask anyone, "Sahd ah-rees tahk-see?" and they will get you a ride (picking taxi on a street costs extra 1 Lari). Marshrutkas back to Tbilisi take off approximately every half-hour from Gori's bus station located beside the central bazaar (3.50 lari for bus, 4 lari for marshrutka; 1.5 hours). If you've missed the Tbilisi-bound marshrutkas ask for taxi vans near theatre (Tsabadze st.) or near VTB bank. Expect to wait for 3-5 passengers to fill van, price - 5 Lari (1 hr drive). To reach highway you have to use taxi. Taxi rides from the center to the highway generally cost 2 lari; alternately, you can stop city marshrutkas Nos. 6 or 24 along Chavchavadze Street and ride to the highway for 40 tetri.
If you're traveling west, there are daily direct buses and marshrutkas to Kutaisi, Borjomi, and Batumi. Timetables are posted in the bus station. All westbound vehicles pass through the transport hub in Khashuri, so you can take a marshrutka to Khashuri departing every half hour (2 lari, 1 hour) and transfer to another one from there. The Tbilisi-Batumi night train (15-25 lari to Batumi, 7 hours) passes through Gori at 11:30PM. Tickets can be purchased only one hour in advance, so be sure to show up to the train station early.
There are also hourly north-bound buses during the day from the main bus station to the villages north of Gori on the road to Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia. However, since the South Ossetian conflict in August 2008, crossing the border is very difficult, and there are security concerns in the area around the border.