Gudauri derived its name from a certain Gud (either a person or a mythological figure), who first gave the name to Gud-gora (Gud mountain).
This toponym frequently appears in XIX century literature (for example, in Lermontov’s novel “A Hero of Our Time”).
Moreover, according to literary scholars, Gudauri is one of the possible sources for the invented name of Prince Gudal in Lermontov’s “The Demon”.
Since the Georgian Military road passed through Gudauri, a postal station existed in Gudauri from the XIX century.
Travelers of that time always stopped here before making the push up to Gud mountain.
Those coming from Russia would usually descend the mountain in complete exhaustion and rest right here.
The building of the station still stands by the roadside, today, it is the oldest building in all of Gudauri.
At the end of XIX century, the station was rebuilt into a large stone house and guest rooms were added.
The evening stagecoach from Vladikavkaz to Tiflis always made a stop here.