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Infamous for being Stalin's birthplace, the city of Gori is characterized by Soviet architecture. It is a world apart from the rest of Georgia as this town's locals still respect Stalin for making history. A proof to this is Stalin Museum. Non-English speakers will have some difficulty since the exhibits are in Russian and Georgian, although the museum's highlight-Stalin's death mask-requires no speaking guide. The cult-chic display exudes a strange and eerie aura.

Quintessentially Stalinist

Around the city, there is more than one statue paying homage to Stalin. The largest is in front of Gori's city hall and there is a replica at the Stalin Park. The second is a depiction of young Stalin located beside the Gori State University.

Containing the giant Stalin statue is the Gori Tsikhe (Castle), which rests on a large hill in the heart of the city. Although there is not much inside the castle ruins, visitors might be overwhelmed by the Shida Kartli's dark green plains.

Prehistoric jewels

Of course, there is more to the city's history than Stalin. For truly ancient history, there is the 16th-century BC city of Uplistskihe. Its most impressive part is the Hellenistic amphitheatre, which has an aerial view of the Mtkvari River. To relive its pagan past, visitors might want to stop by the church built on top of a temple for the Caucasian sun god. Another equally impressive site is a pillared seat of kings and a cave tunnel leading to the river side.

Trails to religious experience

Gori Jvari (Cross) is home to a unique religious experience. Every November 23 and April 23, St. George is commemorated here by sheep sacrifices from the Gori residents. The sheep walk around three times and are slaughtered off the church grounds. For visitors who do not favor such rituals, the Gori Jvari church provides an awesome view of the Caucasus. A hike there takes about three hours and just across is the Ateni Road. On the Ateni Road are more hiking trails and some church ruins.

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