Gori: Discover the Birthplace of the Soviet Dictator, Joseph Stalin

Why visit Gori?

Have you ever fancied visiting the birthplace of one of the most infamous rulers in history… well, Gori is the perfect place for you! Gori is most famous for being the birthplace of the former Soviet Union dictator Joseph Stalin. Here you can learn all about the former Soviet Union and Stalin’s life in the brilliant Stalin Museum as well as seeing the panoramic views of this beautiful city from the ancient fortress. Take yourself back in time, and experience life behind the Iron Curtain in Gori.

How to travel to Gori?

If you are travelling from Kutaisi then you can travel by train here and this will cost 14 GEL (€5). You can also travel to Gori from Tbilisi by train and this will cost 16 GEL (€5.50).

A faster way to get here is to travel by marshrukta (minivan) and this usually costs 6 GEL (€2) from Tbilisi.

Top things to do in Gori:

1. Stalin Museum

The Stalin Museum in Gori is dedicated to the life and times of Joseph Stalin, the enigmatic leader of the Soviet Union. Established in 1957, the museum houses a collection of artefacts, documents, and exhibitions from the era of Stalin. The museum is unique and provides an interesting experience for anyone wanting to learn about the former Soviet Union.

This museum costs 10 GEL (€3.50) to visit.

2. Stalin Monument

Erected in 1952, the monument was a symbol of Stalin’s power. However, after Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the perception of the monument changed. Many saw it as a reminder of the repressive and authoritarian aspects of Stalin’s rule. Amid growing controversy and calls for its removal, the statue was eventually taken down in 2010. Its removal marked a shift in public sentiment and acknowledgement of the complex historical legacy associated with Stalin’s rule. You can now see it displayed in the museum complex.

3. Gori Fortress

Gori fortress origins trace back to the early medieval period, and it has played a strategic role in the region’s history due to its location on top of a hill. Over the centuries, the fortress has experienced numerous transformations reflecting the architectural influences of different eras. From serving as a defensive fortress to a royal residence, the Gori Fortress stands as an impressive feature that should not be missed in Gori.

It also boasts brilliantly panoramic views of Gori. It is completely free to enter.

4. Day trip to Uplistikhe

Uplistikhe is an ancient rock town in Georgia, that originated in the late Bronze Age. It was used as a trading and cultural centre along the Silk Road. With influences from Georgian, Persian, and Hellenistic cultures, it thrived as a settlement in the early centuries AD. The adoption of Christianity brought religious significance, but the Arab invasions in the 7th century led to the decline. Rediscovered in the 20th century, Uplistsikhe is now a UNESCO site, offering a glimpse into the past through its intricate rock-carved structures, tunnels, and chambers.

Entrance to the complex costs 15 GEL (€5).

To get here you could hire a taxi to take you there and wait for you and then return back to Gori. This should cost around 30 GEL (€10). You could go via a tour group to Uplistikhe or both Gori and Uplistikhe. You can use websites such as GetYourGuide or Viator to book a tour. Or simply just look for a tour company based on the streets in Tbilisi or Gori.

Where should you stay in Gori?

Budget – Tamar Guest House – charming and welcoming accommodation option that offers visitors a comfortable stay in the heart of this historic city.

Medium – Mariana – This hotel has a proximity to Gori’s landmarks, such as the Stalin Museum and the Uplistsikhe cave complex, making it an ideal starting point to explore Gori.

High – Gori Apartments – It has well-furnished apartments that provide a luxurious experience.

Author

Katie

Full-time doctor, part-time traveller. I am the kind of traveller who travels on a shoestring and somehow manages to pack two weeks worth of clothes, a tripod and all my books into a little rucksack.