10 Attractions in Gori You Should See

Gori is one of the oldest towns in Georgia. It is believed to have been founded by King David in the 12th century, although it officially gained city status only in the early 19th century. Throughout its history, the city has faced various challenges: bloody wars, changes in authority, and earthquakes.

The last one occurred about 100 years ago and was so powerful that it heavily damaged Gori, which had to be rebuilt almost from scratch, with many architectural, historical, and cultural monuments lost irretrievably.

In this overview, we have gathered the most interesting sights in Gori to save you time in planning your tourist route.

This is the city's true landmark - an ancient fortress that once had a defensive function, and there are also mentions of Goristsikhe as a prison. It has not been fully preserved, as some walls have been destroyed.

Why visit:

The fortress is an integral part of the city's history and is included in the list of cultural values of Georgia. Goristsikhe is located in a rocky area (mountains), which is how the city got its name. Initially, there was an ancient tower, but later it was demolished, and at the order of the Georgian King David the Builder, this fortress was built.

Address: Goristsikhe Fortress, 10 Besarion Jughashvili St, Gori, Georgia.

The city of Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, which is why there is an entire museum complex dedicated to him. At the entrance, you will see a statue as well as the house where the leader of the people presumably lived.

There is also a train carriage nearby, which Stalin used to travel during World War II. This is a modified version of the carriage designed for the royal family - its walls were reinforced with armor, and the glass in the windows was replaced with bulletproof glass.

Why visit:

This museum will appeal to history buffs. You can not only visit the memorial sites associated with Joseph Vissarionovich but also see valuable exhibits with over 40,000 items, such as the leader's death mask.

Address: Joseph Stalin Museum, 32 Stalin Ave, Gori, Georgia. Entry: paid.

Near the defensive fortress Goristsikhe is a memorial to the fallen heroes. These are the defenders of the fortress - 8 knight warriors seated as if around a huge round table. Each of the heroes is missing some part of their body, reminding people that wars do not come without casualties.

Why visit:

The monument was erected in 2008 and has since attracted significant interest from visitors to the city. For locals, this monument symbolizes fearlessness and heroism, while for others, it serves as a reminder of the brutality of war. In any case, the memorial encourages every tourist to reflect.

Address: Monument to Fallen Heroes, 74 Davit Guramishvili St, Gori, Georgia.

This church is located a bit away from the city on a high hill and is named after the most revered saint in Georgia - Saint George. It does not feature exquisite architecture or ornate interior - it looks like an ordinary small temple, but it is known for its traditions.

Why visit:

This is an unusual church where people come not just to pray. Many Georgians visit here to make a wish. However, to fulfill the cherished dream, one must thank the patron and bring an animal sacrifice, which they will walk around the church three times.

After making the sacrifice, they hold a picnic, inviting not only friends but even passing tourists. And although this ritual has nothing to do with Christianity, it is an ancient tradition that dates back to pagan times.

Address: Saint George Church, Didi Gorijvari 1400, Georgia.

This cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in the early 19th century and was originally intended to be a Catholic church. However, during the Soviet era, the church was closed, looted, and its icons were removed; the building was used as a warehouse and later as a music school.

Why visit:

This beautiful cathedral, with its long and dramatic history, is not very popular among locals. After its restoration, the Cathedral of Saint Mary opened its doors to congregants in 2013, but even now it does not gather many people even on Christian holidays. However, it is open and free for visits and prayers.

Address: Cathedral of Saint Mary, Gori, Georgia.

The museum was founded in 1935, using exhibits found during scientific research and archaeological excavations in the fields. The museum also contains materials belonging to the countries of the Middle East and Asia. Several Georgian scientists, including I. Javakhishvili, S. Makalatia, and I. Kipshidze, contributed to the museum's opening.

Why visit:

If you want to see unique collections of household items, graphics, applied art, and books in both manuscript and printed form, don't miss this museum. Here you will learn about the cultural and spiritual life of Georgia throughout different eras.

Address: Historical-Ethnographic Museum of Gori, 12 K'irion II St, Gori, Georgia.

This museum is dedicated to armed conflicts of a certain period - the 20th and 21st centuries. You will find not only exhibitions dedicated to World War II but also to conflicts in Afghanistan, Ossetia, and the conflict with Russia in 2008.

Why visit:

The museum features not only photographs and informational stands but also unusual installations, such as wreckage of rockets and bombs. If you wish to learn more about the conflicts, the guides will tell you about them and even show you the stretch of road where Russian tanks reached.

Address: War Museum, 19 Stalin Ave, Gori, Georgia.

This landmark is located near Gori, but it is recommended for all tourists as it is a true multi-level city carved into the rock.

Uplistsikhe resembles a beehive, and scientists claim it was carved as far back as 1000 BC. The town consisted of houses and tunnels, with various niches and corridors cut out. Notably, people lived here up until the 19th century.

Why visit:

The carved columns and halls are well-preserved, so the town can be viewed not only from afar but also up close, from within. Additionally, the mountain on which Uplistsikhe is located offers beautiful panoramic views. There is also an ancient cemetery nearby, where stone sarcophagi are preserved.

Address: Uplistsikhe, Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia.

Architecture and construction enthusiasts will surely appreciate Ateni Sioni, located nearby Gori in the village of Ateni. It is built in the traditional Georgian style and was erected in honor of the Virgin Mary back in the 6th century. It is a well-preserved monumental structure with ancient ornaments outside and frescoes inside.

Why visit:

Today the church is not active, but tourists can visit it on a guided tour to view the frescoes with religious motifs and artistic paintings from the 11th century. Also, portraits of feudal lords and Georgian kings remain on the walls.

Address: Ateni Sioni, Khidistavi-Ateni-Boshuri, Georgia.

A landmark located near Gori (30 km from the city) - the ancient Orthodox church of Samtavisi. It was preceded by another religious structure built in the 5th century - its fragments were found under the cathedral's floor. The Samtavisi church itself was built around 1030.

Why visit:

Since Samtavisi Cathedral is over 1000 years old, it has been restored and rebuilt many times over its existence. Only the eastern wall remains untouched and is accessible to all tourists. However, the cathedral does not differ much from its original version; only the original ornaments have been altered.

The church is popular not for its wealth and interior decoration but for its history, ancient domes, and frescoes. Additionally, ancient tombstones are embedded in the floor.

Address: Samtavisi Cathedral, Samtavisi, Georgia.