Live Your Best Lives
Gori, located on the Kura River in Georgia, is the capital of Shida Kartli Oblast and a strategic city in Georgia. It was founded by David IV, one of the greatest kings of Georgia. It has highways connecting to the rest of the country.
Gori is the hometown of Stalin. Former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was born in Gori in 1878. The Stalin Museum is located at the north end of Stalin Street in the city center and was built in 1957. Outside the main building are Stalin's former residence and Stalin's special train.
Uplissicht is a famous attraction here. It is a city carved out of stone. It was built in the Bronze Age and has important historical significance.
Spring and autumn are the best time to travel
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Gori is historically significant as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and was an important town during the medieval period in Georgia. The town is home to ancient landmarks like the Gori Fortress and Uplistsikhe Cave Town, which reflect its long and varied history.
Gori is located in central Georgia, approximately 85 kilometers west of Tbilisi. It can be reached by train, bus, or taxi from Tbilisi, or by car via the E60 highway.
The best times to visit Gori are during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Most attractions like the Stalin Museum and Gori Fortress are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours may vary seasonally.
The entrance fee for the Stalin Museum is about 10 GEL (Georgian Lari), and tickets can be purchased onsite. Some attractions may offer discounts for students and group tours.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for most attractions in Gori. However, for larger groups or during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book tickets a few days in advance.
To fully explore Gori, including the Gori Fortress, Stalin Museum, and Uplistsikhe Cave Town, plan for at least 4 to 6 hours.
Guided tours are available in Georgian, Russian, and English. Audio guides are also available at the Stalin Museum and other historical sites.
The best viewpoint is from the Gori Fortress, offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Uplistsikhe Cave Town also provides stunning photo opportunities of the ancient cave structures and landscapes.
There are no regular night visits or light shows in Gori, but special evening tours may be available for groups upon request.
Gori is less crowded than other Georgian cities, but weekends and holidays can be busier. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the off-season (autumn or winter).
Most attractions in Gori have basic amenities such as toilets, small cafes, and souvenir shops. For more dining options, you can head to the town center.
While some areas like the Gori Fortress may be challenging for those with mobility issues, most museums and historical sites are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors with the help of ramps and elevators.
Cash (GEL) is widely accepted in Gori, though some larger establishments may accept credit or debit cards. Mobile payments like Google Pay or Apple Pay are not commonly accepted.
Most Georgian restaurants offer vegetarian options, though vegan options may be limited. Halal food is less common, but you can find some Middle Eastern restaurants that cater to this diet.
There are several souvenir shops around Gori where you can buy traditional Georgian items like wine, pottery, textiles, and wood carvings.
From Gori, you can take a train or bus to Tbilisi or other Georgian cities. Taxis are also available for private transport to nearby towns or attractions.
