Gori

View of Gori from Gori Fortress (photo by Peterfitzgerald, 2005).JPEG|View of Gori from Goris Tsikhe (Gori Fortress)

Gori (Georgian: გორი ) is a city in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia. It is most famous (or infamous) for being the birthplace of Iosif Vissarionovich Jughashvili, better known as Joseph Stalin. Today, surprisingly, it does not look much different from when Stalin ruled the USSR. Gori is also located a short trip from #Uplistsikhe|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.

Gori Halal Travel Guide

Gori map - Map of Gori

Travel to Gori

Many marshrutkas run daily between Tbilisi|Tbilisi's Didube market and the central square of Gori. A more expensive, yet still reasonable option, is to hire a taxi (in some areas you can find cheaper intercity taxis). The marshrutka should cost 3 lari.

Get Around

A tourist information office, which hands out a leaflet with all the twelve sights of Gori and a map is located behind the Stalin Museum (10:00, summer to 20:00, winter 18:00).

Everything that a tourist would want to see within Gori is easily accessible on foot; the downtown is compact.

To get to the nearby Uplistsikhe complex, 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 the Uplistsikhe complex 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 the modern Uplistsikhe village is much cheaper at 1 lari each way. Buses go from Stalin Avenue. A train departs to Uplistsikhe village from Gori at around 10:00 and returns around 17:00. A bus also makes the trip, departing Gori's bus station once around 09:00 and again at noon, returning around 15:00. There are also the usual marshrutkas running from the main marshrutka dropoff by the stadium. Once in Uplistsikhe village it is a walk of 700m across the bridge over the river to the Uplistsikhe complex.

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 Khidistavi, 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 Georgian phrasebook|"sahd-ah-rees uu-plis-tsi-khe?") and they will point you right.

What to See

The Stalin Cult

Stalin monument gori - Giant statue of Stalin in front of Gori's city hall before removal Profile.JPEG|Famous "Profile" rock that looks like a face at Uplistsikhe Church at uplistsikhe.JPEG|Church built over ruined pagan temple of the Sunday God, Uplistsikhe

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 (and the principal revenue earners) in the city are monuments to Stalin and they are all located on or nearby the main square along Stalin Ave. Having visited Georgia and not having seen the birthplace of the Great Man is like going to Agra and not visiting the Taj Mahal.

• Stalin Museum - 32 Stalin Ave 41.987222, 44.113611 ☎ +995 270 27 52 15 Opening Hours: 10AM–6PM 10 lari for foreign tourists (1 lari children), cottage and railway coach 5 lari extra Joseph Stalin Museum, Gori - House Museum Stalin 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 career 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 and 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. Guided Tours in Gori by ehalal.io (email for prices) start regularly. They are sometimes available and will often show you the inside of Stalin's home and train car.

Outside the museum taxi drivers hussle for tours to Uplistsikhe.

• 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). The statue is being re-erected in the park before 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 en.svg|map of Uplistsikhe Uplistsikhe (უფლისციხე—The Fortress of the Lord) is easily one of the oldest existing cities in Georgia, although it is now uninhabited save for 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 and 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 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 7 lari (1 lari for children or students) and 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 more cheaply. Uplistsikhe suffered long years of neglect and vandalism and is 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 from Gori to the Uplistsikhe complex. Buses also go from Gori to Uplistsikhe village on the other side of the river, 700 m from the Uplistsikhe complex. These run fairly frequently and cost 1 lari. The bus from Gori leaves from the bus station. Ask someone which shuttle van 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) but you may have to wait an hour or longer. 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 local residents, 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) Gori cathedral (view from the Gori Fortress) (B) - A view of Gori Jvari from nearby mountain ridge The church at Gori Jvari stands on an 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 and the view of the Caucasus from the church is spectacular. The moderate hike is roughly 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. Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gori Historical Ethnographic Museum 12 Kirion II Street Located on a side street a two-minutes 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. ☎ +995 8 370 27 28 67 3 lari (May 2013) 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. Guided comments available in Russian and in English. The Great Patriotic War Museum 19 Stalin Ave ☎ +995 270 27-27-12 Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 except Monday, summer season only. Free The museum 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. A section on the 2008 invasion has been added. Gori Academic Theater | Chavchavadze Street ☎ +995 270 273740 - Offers plays in Georgian and Russian, Gori Stadium | at the edge of Stalin Park on Chavchavadze Street - 1 lari Offers occasional soccer games. Stalin Park | along the river south of Chavchavadze Street - The park has a statue of the great man, avary, cages with brown bears, 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. Shopping There are a growing number of shops in Gori where visitors can find Georgian crafts and gifts more cheaply than in Tbilisi. The Stalin Museum offers a limited number of souvenirsy souvenirs in their main lobby. Small shops are also popping up in the downtown. One good bet is the underground pedestrian tunnel below Stalin Plaza. 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 Gothic Church 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. Along Stalin Ave. several late night stores sell crucials and foodstuffs. Central Bazaar | Chavchavadze Street - The place to go to buy goods, albeit with a lot of local flavor. Food, fresh produce, stationery, electronics/adaptors, clothes, shoes, etc. Grocery Store Evropa - 26 Chavchavadze Street ☎ +995 270 27 56 65 Opening Hours: 9AM–10PM One of the best-stocked grocery stores in the downtown, and undergoing an expansion. It has phone cards, water, soda, sweets, toiletries, cleaning supplies, pre-made meals for lunch on-the-go. Grocery Store Sameba | A renovated grocery store, good for water, soda, pastries, and khachapuri Halal Restaurants Atrium | 6 Stalin Street Walk south on Stalin St., about 5 mins from Stalin Plaza, on the left. - 10-15 lari Quickly becoming a local favorite and the Atrium offers traditional Georgian food and a pleasant atmosphere. The service is amongst the best in town. Restaurant Dzmobis Dukani | Queen Tamar Street - 5-10 lari Typical Georgian cuisine with large private dining rooms. The restaurant is locally known for its beef stroganoff. Orbi's Restaurant | 78 Queen Tamara Street - 10–15 lari A local favorite, offers a wide selection of Georgian food and affordable locally-brewed soft drinks. There is a large outdoor patio; inside, it's best to ask for a private dining room-the music can be unbearably loud. Restaurant Imereti | Located next to the theater. Intourist Cafe | 26 Stalin Ave - 10–15 lari 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. Cake House | 22 Stalin Ave - 5 lari Aside from a large selection of delicious cakes and the cafe offers khachapuri, pirozhki, and Pizzas. Coffee House | Stalin Ave - 5–10 lari Despite the name and the cafe only offers two types of Coffee. There is a decent selection of other foods, however, including bliny, salads, and Pizzas. Read Cafe | 10 Stalin Street ☎ +995 555 53 65 33 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - midnight 5-15 lari Non-smoking restaurant and café on the main avenue of Gori. Salads, Pizzas, some Georgian dishes, desserts. Drinks include a selection of Althaus teas, Coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. The Pub | 3 Chitadze st 41.98378, 44.10962 In the Old Gori neighborhood near the medieval castle ☎ +995 370 27 34 05 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 2AM 5-15 lari Has an interesting interior, very friendly environment, excellent service, and delicious food and fruit drinks, including interesting cocktails. There is not much nightlife in Gori and the restaurants are basically one and the same.Almost all the restaurants listed above offer Russian and Georgian soft drinks as well as Georgian soft drinks of varying quality. One standout is Orbi's Restaurant, which offers a local brew for 70 tetri a pint. In the summer, organic juice 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 organic juice or 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 soft drinks, but be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle. eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gori Gori - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gori, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gori. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gori and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gori. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gori. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gori: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gori. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gori: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gori, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gori. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gori, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gori, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gori and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gori, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gori, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gori without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gori is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gori. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Gori is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Gori, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Gori Media: info@ehalal.io Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gori eHalal Group Gori is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gori. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gori. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gori ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gori. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gori, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gori are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io Muslim Friendly Hotels Gori is conveniently only about an hour away from Tbilisi by marshrutka, so it is feasible 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. Hotel Intourist | 26-32 Stalin Ave - 50 lari and below 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. Hotel Georgia in north wing of the same block. Hotel Victoria | 76 Queen Tamara Street ☎ +995 (32) 95-12-72 60 lari and above 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. Guesthouse Luka | 19 Aghmashenebeli St, Tsmindatskali ☎ +995 370 27 87 58, +995 598 55 20 53 25 lari/person A 2nd floor apartment with clean rooms, hot water and internet access. Toilet flush by water bucket. Hosts speak Russian and sufficient English. Make sure to ask for a receipt if paying for more than one night, otherwise you may be asked to pay again. No doorsign, entry is the door under the balcony. Guesthouse Tamazi | Rustavi St. 11 - 25 lari/person including breakfast 10 min walk from the Stalin museum. The rooms are very tidy and comfortable. The family is very friendly and hospitable and they speak Georgian and Russian and can host up to 3 people. Contact: Tamazi Kharibegashvili, +995 598307326 +995 370275707 Internet & Phones Internet Cafe @ ENTER | Chavchavadze Street Opening Hours: 9AM–9PM 1 lari/40 minutes 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. Internet Cafe/Computer Store | Stalin Ave Opening Hours: 10AM–7PM 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. Local Customs in Gori Thit 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 Foreign Muslims "attacking" their "legacy." 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. Foreign Muslims are generally welcomed, but be mindful of those worshipping. News & References Travel Next Taxis are most easily requested by phone (# is written on taxis, 1km - 0.6 lari). They're also hailed by approaching bored looking men sitting in cars around the city; if you have any trouble, just ask anyone, Georgian phrasebook|"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 roughly every half-hour from Gori's bus station located beside the central bazaar (3.50 lari for bus, 4 lari for marshrutka; 1½ 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 hours 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 and 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 other trains going throughout the day, although not much. Locals generally do not know of the existence of these trains and information is difficult to come by. As of September 14 (a Friday), a stop train to Kutaisi departed from Gori at 16:30 for 1 lari, and arrived around 21:00 in Kutaisi (roughly 40 stops in between, very slow and hard plastic seats. Okay scenery). On this particular Friday there were also trains to Borjomi (17:51), Poti (18:46) and Tbilisi (19:17). More trains are available, although sparsely and again there are very slow. Additionally there are hourly north-bound buses during the day from the main bus station to the villages north of Gori on the road to Tskhinvali and the capital of South Ossetia. However, since the South Ossetian conflict in August 2008, crossing the border is difficult, and there are security concerns in the area around the border crossing. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.