Hypogea 2026
International Congress will be held in
Tbilisi, Georgia, from 22 to 26 September 2026,
under the patronage of the Union Internationale de Spéléologie (UIS).

The primary objective of the congress is to exchange knowledge and experience acquired at both the international and national levels in the field of speleological research on artificial caves (works of anthropogenic origin and of archaeological-historical significance). It also aims to promote the
underground historical and cultural heritage, to safeguard it, and to foster its sustainable use. Traditionally, HYPOGEA congresses are hosted in countries where important complexes of artificial caves are widespread and where there is a longstanding scholarly tradition in the study of these cultural
and historical monuments. For this reason, it was decided to hold Hypogea 2026 in Tbilisi, Georgia - a country renowned for its magnificent complexes of rock-cut monuments, such as Uplistsikhe, Vardzia, the cave monasteries of David Gareji, and many others. Their systematic investigation has been underway for more than a century, conducted by both Georgian and international scholars.

The congress aims to advance and strengthen the exchange of experiences and information in the field of artificial cavities at the international level. Simultaneous translation into Georgian and English will be provided throughout the sessions. The three days of the congress will be dedicated to the presentation of studies conducted in different countries, while two days will focus on guided excursions to sites of particular interest, including artificial cavities and related cultural monuments.