Things to do & places to visit in Shida Kartli Region, Georgia

Shida Kartli Region #8 destination in Georgia 2023. The average rating score is 4.10 based on 2.128 traveler reviews, of 29 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tbilisi, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 23:35.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Gori Free Walking Tour (168 reviews)
- Amazing tour
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours

The city of Gori should be proud of this amazing girl and the tour she made to show the best of her city. I was lucky to be part of this tour and learn so much about not only Gori but Georgia in general and get many food, books, and movie recommendations. She speaks about her city and country with passion and it was my pleasure listening to her. Would recommend to everyone while visiting Gori because you will learn things you won’t be able to hear or learn anywhere else. See more..
5.0 Sergi Makalatia Gori Historical and Ethnographical Museum (28 reviews)
- Worth the visit - hidden pearl of Gori
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • History Museums

When you come to Gori I definitely recommend you to visit this museum. I was really fascinated by the exhibition that ranges from findings from BC to the 20th century, all from the region around Gori. You can get a very sightful guided tour in english with Nia, which you will love. The museum was not too big and overwhelming, which I liked, and it made me curious to learn more about the Georgian history and culture. The staff was also very kind. Most tourists in Gori only visit the Stalin museum which I think is a big shame. I preferred this one. See more..
5.0 Merebashvili's Marani (13 reviews)
- Hoping to visit again soon...
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Discover the centenary history and traditions in Merebashvili's wine cellar and taste the best qvevri wines in the heart of Georgia. See more..
5.0 Art House (6 reviews)
- Excellent place and interesting exhibitions!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Excellent place and interesting exhibitions! I would like to visit them again in future with my friends. See more..
5.0 Bebnissi Gardens (3 reviews)
- Райские сады в полутора часах езды от Тбилиси
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Apple orchards See more..
5.0 Tsromi Cathedral (2 reviews)
- Tsromi Cathedral, Another Offering from Gori City
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

While in Gori city, it is worth visiting the Tsromi Cathedral. Another historic and old building. The Shida Kartli region is full of such attractions. The place is similar to many other cathedrals in Tbilisi with a unique story of people visiting the location. See more..
5.0 Photographers Club (2 reviews)
- Spaces for everyone
Monday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Art Galleries

Art house is a center of visual art, education, and culture, which is founded by Gori Photographers Club. The Gallery constantly offers exhibitions and public programs free of charge. See more..
5.0 Kvatakhevi Monastery (1 review)
- Kvatakhevi Monastery
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

The Kvatakhevi monastic complex is situated near the village Kavtiskhevi at the end of the gorge cut by a stream in the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range, protected on three sides by the steep mountain slopes. It dates to the 12th-13th century, and resembles the monasteries of Betania, Pitareti, and Timotesubani in its architectural form and decoration, reflecting a contemporary canon of a Georgian domed church architecture. The overall plan is nearly a square, with the dome resting upon 2 freely standing pillars and 2 pillars fused with the ledges of the altar. The internal space of the church is formed by the arms of the cross and the dome which surmounts the crossing point. See more..
5.0 St. Mary's Church (1 review)
- The temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Churches & Cathedrals
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is located in the center of the city of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia. The church was damaged on the night of August 7-8, 2008 during a bomb explosion during the war between Russia and Georgia. The church is currently used by various Orthodox Christian groups in the country. The church was built in 1718. The masonry of the walls of the façade is covered with large crosses and arches. See more..
5.0 Chateau Ateni (1 review)
- Relaxing,Wine tasting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wine Bars

For wine lovers (and not only), check out our "Chateau Atheni" must-see list for travelers in the Kartli region. Just 15 minutes away from Gori you will find an environment of real quality wine and chacha - a variety of wine cellars, beautiful courtyards and delicious dishes so you won't leave our place so easily. See more..
5.0 Nika Vacheishvili's Marani (1 review)
- incredible nature and pleasant hosts
Wineries & Vineyards
this place doesn't need many words. not it is possible to fully describe nature around. hosts are very pleasant people, and the food and wine are great also. much recommended See more..
5.0 Explore Georgia (1 review)
- good place, which you have to see in Georgia
Private Tours
amazing experience in georgia, i dont have too much words for to explain it, perfect place for relax and enjoy in georgia See more..
5.0 Kula (1 review)
- Best place to visit in gori!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

I really recommend this place! Environment was in traditional style and very beautiful. Everything I bought was so delicious . Here you can buy georgian national wine, also georgian national candy - churchkhela, dry fruit, geoorgian nuts. natural juices and other.. Price was really reasonable. ✔️ See more..
5.0 Tatulashvili Ceramics Studio And Museum (1 review)
- Cool, Creative, Cultural - Well Worth Your Time in Gori!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Galleries
A treasure trove of traditional Georgian and contemporary painted ceramics, perfect for gifts, souvenirs, and to decorate your home with. Wine vessels (some of which are so intricate, it'll take some guessing how they work!), cups, bowls, vases and ornaments. Watch Givi, a 3rd generation master, working at the potter's wheel, then give it a go yourself! Givi's wife Maia speaks English and Russian, and can tell you more about the family and the studio- which has existed in that house for over 100 years (the original brick and earth kiln is still there!) Also enjoy the mini-museum of 19th century photos and household metal and wooden items. See more..
5.0 Chateau Ateni (1 review)
- Relaxing,Wine tasting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wine Bars

For wine lovers (and not only), check out our "Chateau Atheni" must-see list for travelers in the Kartli region. Just 15 minutes away from Gori you will find an environment of real quality wine and chacha - a variety of wine cellars, beautiful courtyards and delicious dishes so you won't leave our place so easily. See more..
4.5 Uplistsiche Cave Town (803 reviews)
- Fascinating Adventure
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Amazing place with an interesting history. The whole experience is a must if you plan to visit Gori, Uplistsikhe town is only 20 min away. The cave Town is just magnificent rich in history, and the museum explains it very well. I suggest to do it backwards, meaning start from the tunnel and find your way back to the entrance, I felt it's a much better experience doing it this way. There's an entrance fee of 7 Gel, the officials there respected the Covid-19 regulations. See more..
4.5 Monument to the Defenders of the Fortress (16 reviews)
- At the foot of an amazing fortress - a remarkable set of statues
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This is a very special place - a monument , yes. But. Place also to reflect upon the horrors of past conflicts. A place of peacefulness too. See more..
4.5 Atenskiy Zion (8 reviews)
- Church is further than monastery
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Ateni Sioni Church is little bit further from Atenis Sioni monastery, about 500m and some 10km from Gori. The church is under renovation inside and partly outside. Unfortunately, if I understood correctly from our guide that renovation is on hold, as no money. The Church dates back to 7th century and has plenty of murals inside, which is uncommon compared several other churches in Georgia, making it special. It is built in cross shape and is small, ca 24x19m. Outside has writings in early Georgian, making it also unique. Don't miss this place, when visiting Stalin museum and caves. It doesn't take long to see the church. They are also producing honey and wine at premises. See more..
4.5 Kintsvisi Monastery (3 reviews)
- The best time to visit is autumn
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

The Kintsvisi Monastery complex consists of three churches, of uncertain origin. The central (main) central church dedicated to St Nicholas is thought to date to the early 13th century, in what is generally regarded as the Georgian Golden Age. A very small chapel standing next to it is dedicated to St George, and dates from around the same time. The oldest church, dedicated to St Mary dates from the 10-11th centuries, but is mostly in ruins. Wikipedia See more..
4.5 Uplistsikhe Winery (2 reviews)
- Great place
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Restored ancient winery on Uplistsikhe cave town territory See more..
4.0 Gori Fortress (176 reviews)
- A nice view
Ancient Ruins

A nice view The fortress is a walking distance from the Stalin museum, but the hike up there is not an easy one, and the fortress is mostly in ruins, it offers a nice view of Gori from above though, so it is worth the hike. Gori is a lovely city so don’t miss the chance to stroll around. See more..
4.0 The Great Patriotic War Museum (18 reviews)
- First time tourist
History Museums

Had a great day today. Everything from getting picked up from my hotel to being informed of numerous information on the way to the museum. Not to forget the lady who took us on the English speaking tour of the museum was extremely well informed and happy to answer all questions Definitely highly recommend See more..
4.0 Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (15 reviews)
- Spotlessly Clean and Beautifully Decorated
Churches & Cathedrals

It is well worth finding the Cathedral and spending a little time enjoying the beautiful interior. It is not a large building but it is wonderfully decorated and not dark and oppressive. The gardens across the road are pleasant to relax in and have wonderful metal statues of giants. See more..
4.0 Samtavisi Cathedral (3 reviews)
- Pastoral peace
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

On my first trip to Georgia, after exploring Tbilisi, I first visited the cathedral of Samtawissi before I went to other places. In so far, that was decisive for me. You leave Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, go past Mtskheta and Jarvi, in the direction of Gori. Samtawissi is near the village Igoeti, in the east of the region called Interior Kartli. The fortress of Ksani is not far away. Samtawissi was a bishop's cathedral a long time ago. It is surrounded by a wall because it was a fortified church in the middle of nowhere. The landscape around the church is lovely, especially in spring when the trees are in blossom. The village is a bit ramshackle. You enter the cathedral grounds through a gate on top of which there is a bell tower. The church was first built in the 11th and 12th centuries, and was partly destroyed afterwards. The east facade, which is still original, disposes of some elegant sculptures, which make Samtawissi the equal of Nikorzminda. A rather big Tree of Life sums up Christian cosmology there. Another symbol is the Lilly of The Valley, which stands for the purity of the Virgin Mary. Much more symbolism and Christian thinking are hidden in the Samtawissi cathedral facade. But then I am not a theologian. A native guide with a very good knowledge of the Georgian history of art might be useful when you visit Samtawissi. The interior of the church is plain. I remember feeling very small, smaller than in European cathedrals, because all the construction elements seemed to move upwards. On the whole i think it is a shame that so far only one reviewer has written about Samtawissi Cathedral, which is a jewel of Georgian church architecture, which many more people should get to know. See more..
3.5 Stalin Museum (850 reviews)
- Things that belonged to Stalin
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

I am glad I visited the museum with a guided tour from Tbilisi because our guide was really knowledgeable and told the whole story of Stalin, including the bad parts. However we could notice that the guides of the museum were only showing the other tourists obvious things like "here is a picture of Stalin, here is a coat of Stalin" without giving any additional information. So if you expect to discover more about Stalin you have to do your own research, don't expect to find out more here at this museum. It only shows the objects and photos of Stalin. See more..
3.5 Gori State Dramatic Theater (5 reviews)
- Authenticity
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

Vast public squares with important buildings can still be found in many former Soviet republics. I think it is a good sign that Georgia has not demolished the square in Gori since it gained its Independence. The townhall and theatre are typical constructions from the Soviet era. You may like them or not. They are part of the history of Georgia. See more..
Ori Marani (0 review)
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Ori Marani, our small artisanal winery is nestled on the Caucasus Mountain of Georgia, in the village of Igoeti in Shida Kartli region.Georgia is the cradle of viticulture and winemaking where wine has been made for 8000 years using the same artisanal clay vessel called Qvevri. Ori Marani’s primary focus is the artisanal production of sparkling wines. We also make confidential still wines See more..
Tedzami Wines (0 review)
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Wineries & Vineyards • Wine Tours & Tastings

See more..
Luka kurtanidze (0 review)
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings • Day Trips

See more..
Off-Road tour (0 review)
Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

See more..