5th International Congress of Speleology in Artificial Cavities: Hypogea 2026
The 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 first four International Congresses of Speleology in Artificial Cavities (HYPOGEA) were successfully held in Rome, Italy (2015); Cappadocia, Turkey (2017); Dobrich, Bulgaria (2019); and Genoa, Italy (2023).
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).
Georgia is particularly rich in outstanding rock-cut monuments. On the territory of the country we encounter a wide variety of sites: from ancient artificial caves, dating back to the Bronze Age and excavated through the method of heating and cooling the rock, to cave sanctuaries of the Classical period, created in the brilliant style of Roman architecture. Especially remarkable, however, are the Christian monastic complexes, comprising dozens of rock-hewn churches, refectories, and cells—many adorned with frescoes of extraordinary artistic mastery.
The Congress is held under the patronage of the Union Internationale de Spéléologie (UIS) and is organized by the Georgian National Museum and the Ministry of Culture of Georgia in partnership with the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia.
HYPOGEA is an international scientific platform dedicated to the study, documentation, protection and promotion of artificial cavities and underground heritage.
The first four International Congresses of Speleology in Artificial Cavities (HYPOGEA) were successfully held in: Rome, Italy (2015), Cappadocia, Turkey (2017), Dobrich, Bulgaria (2019) and Genoa, Italy (2023).
The first circular can be downloaded at: https://hypogea2026.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Hypogea-2026.pdf
All information at the event website: https://hypogea2026.com/