Samtskhe-Javakheti
Vardzia - Ancient Cave Monastery
10 views7 min readGeorgia
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About Vardzia - Ancient Cave Monastery
Vardzia is a remarkable 12th-century cave monastery carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain.
Built during the reign of Queen Tamar, this sprawling complex once housed up to 2,000 monks and featured 13 levels with churches, living quarters, libraries, and wine cellars.
The main church, adorned with stunning frescoes including a portrait of Queen Tamar, remains a testament to medieval Georgian engineering and artistry.
The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgia's golden age.
Travel Tips
- •Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October)
- •Local currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
- •Don't miss trying local cuisine and wine
- •Learn a few basic Georgian phrases - locals appreciate it!