Uplistsikhe is one of oldest urban settlements in Georgia and dates back to the Iron Age.It had been through multiple invasions and also ravages of time and a massive earthquake.What we get to see now are these enormous rock cut structures.According to legends the slaves were given tools made of gold and metal and they had to toil till the metal wore out.And then they were granted freedom and also the gold .I wish they had a choice !
In its heydays this place had about 700 rock structures of which only 150 remain.The oldest inhabitants were pagan worshippers.
We reached the site at noon and set out to explore the caves.There is a bit of steep climbing and one has to watch out for the slopes and pits.I went inside the caves expecting to see some distinct features but most look alike.It is hard to believe that there was once a sprawling city with temples,houses, hospitals,pharmacy,prison and interconnecting streets.Amazing how they have they carved into the rocks with primitive tools.
There are no drawings or carvings .Just bare walls with empty nooks.
WINE CELLAR
This is the 10th century church at the site of the original pagan temple.
I hope this unique cave complex makes it to the list of UNESCO heritage sites soon.
