Gori Region

Gori

Gori is a city in eastern Georgia, which serves as the regional capital of Shida Kartli.

The name is from Georgian gora that is "hill".

This city is well known for two things.

First, Stalin was born here. Second, it was destroyed by the Russians in their attack on Georgia in 2008.

Stalin holds a high position here, thus the most interesting thing in the city is the Stalin Museum.

Gori and its environs house several notable cultural and historical landmarks.

Although for many foreigners this city is principally known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, in Georgian historical memory the city has long been associated with its citadel, the city Fortress, which is built on a cliffy hill overlooking the central part of the modern city.

On another hill stands the 18th century St. George's church of Gorijvari, a popular place of pilgrimage. The famous ancient rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe and the 7th century Ateni Sioni Church are located not far from thi city.