Kartli Region in Georgia: History, Fortresses and Scenic Spots

The region is located in Iberia, an ancient Greek province. It is mentioned in ancient Roman and Greek sources. It is the site of the struggle for independence and the founding of the state of Georgia. The region is easily accessible. Tbilisi is the center, with roads leading to interesting sites and landmarks.

The starting point of your journey through Georgia could be the city of Gori, famous for its ancient fortress, Goristsikhe. This multi-level structure was founded by King David. It is believed that an earlier defensive fortification stood on the site of the citadel. Today, the walls of the picturesque fortress are well preserved, and from its top, a view of the entire city opens.

Another landmark in Gori is Joseph Stalin's house. The famous leader of the USSR was born in this town. The house is a history museum, preserving the Soviet atmosphere of the 1930s. While opinions on Joseph Stalin vary, his contribution to the history of Russia and the CIS countries is difficult to overstate. The house-museum offers a detailed look at the political figure's life. Stalin's personal transport—a railway carriage—is also on display.

Georgia's most ancient city, Uplistsikhe, was founded downstream of the Kura River. The settlement dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, and some inscriptions indicate that the cave city was founded as early as the 1st century BC.

At one time, the city contained approximately 700 caves and fortifications. Only 150 survive today. The city survived numerous raids, one of which occurred during the Tatar-Mongol invasion. The raid resulted in the destruction of more than half the settlement. Despite regular sieges, residents did not abandon their cave homes until the mid-19th century.

For history buffs, Georgia offers another landmark: in Surami, on a lonely cliff, sits an ancient fortress steeped in legend. One of these legends tells a dark, almost tragic story. Construction of the fortress was continually halted due to numerous collapses of the defensive citadel walls. At the time, Surami was ruled by a prince who seduced a young village girl and abandoned her, marrying a more advantageous bride. Years later, the girl became a fortune teller, and in one of her visions, she prophesied that the citadel walls would only be strengthened when a young man of princely blood was immured within them. A popular uprising resulted in the prince's beloved son becoming a victim.

Any tourist should definitely visit the town of Borjomi. Situated in the Borjomi Gorge near Tbilisi, it owes its worldwide fame to its mineral springs. The wells produce natural water enriched with sodium, potassium, phosphates, magnesium, and much more. Industrial production of mineral water began in the first half of the 19th century. "Borjomi" has become a household name for the water used to treat digestive tract, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular system, and kidney diseases.

Georgia also has its fair share of sports. The ski slopes on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains are particularly attractive to tourists. The Bakuriani resort is a good choice for an active holiday. It is located 1.7 km above sea level. Infrastructure in the resort area is rapidly developing; the authorities are interested in the large influx of tourists, and tourists are looking for comfort. For those who enjoy evening skiing on the snowy slopes, the ski slopes are illuminated. A modern ski lift leads to the very top of the slope.

The tourist season begins in November, and the weather is pleasing to the eye. Sunny and windless days in Bakuriani – what could be better! The average snow depth is 60 cm. The winter season ends in March, but don't worry, the resort is also open for summer holidays. In Bakuriani, hiking trails are open in the summer for family-friendly mountain walks.

Kartli offers something for even the most discerning traveler: historical sites, stone fortresses, monasteries steeped in legends and folk tales, breathtaking mountain scenery, and hiking trails—all of these are the riches of the Kartli region.

Find more news from Georgia on the pages of Madloba! Here we publish helpful reviews, life hacks for tourists and visitors to the country, and provide detailed information about all the attractions and establishments in major cities.

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