Less than 80km west from Tbilisi is the city where Stalin was born. There is a museum to its most famous son, which has many interesting exhibits chronicling his life. Rather worryingly, there is virtually no mention of any of his crimes against humanity. The Museum of Stalin has tours conducted by English speaking guides. There is a fortress on the hill, first built in the 13th century, but subsequently extended and altered by the Georgian kings Rostom of Kartli in the 1630s and Erekle II in 1774. During the 2008 South Ossetian War Gori came under aerial attack by the Russian Air Force. Both military targets and residential districts of the city were hit, resulting in civilian injuries and deaths. Around 20 minutes drive from Gori is the ancient city of Uplistsikhe It is a fascinating and beautiful city with homes, civil buildings and temples hewn from the rock. To get there, take taxi from Gori for about 15 Lari. Marshrutkas to Gori leave from Didube (3 Lari one way).