Vardzia is one of the most extraordinary cave monasteries located in  southern Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region. You have the chance to  visit one of the cave complexes in the world as part of Vardzia Tour.

Tour  agency Select Georgia Tours offers a one-day tour of Vardzia. Just  imagine you will be able to explore a unique cave town or cave city as  many people call Vardzia.

Over the past several years, we have  successfully organized numerous tours across the country, gaining  firsthand experience in the challenges of crafting itineraries that  cater to diverse travelers. Our mission is to design truly unique and  memorable tours, carefully tailored to different interests and  preferences. The Vardzia Tour is a perfect example of this commitment,  offering an exceptional travel experience that showcases the rich  history and breathtaking landscapes of Georgia.

Feel free to  ask our tour guides anything about the fascinating Vardzia Cave  City—they are always happy to share their knowledge! Plus, they fully  understand the challenges travelers may face and are ready to make your  experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. To cut a long story  short, Select Georgia Tours is at your disposal. We also offer group  tours! You can explore Georgia along with your friends or colleagues.

Now, let’s gather more information about the Kingdom of Georgia and Vardzia in particular.

The History of Vardzia

It  is hard to overestimate the importance of Vardzia as it played an  important role in the history of Georgia. The complex was built in the  middle ages, more specifically in the 12th century. Queen Tamar,  Georgia’s first female ruler, led the project. She is one of the most  celebrated monarchs in the country. Georgians refer to her as King  Tamar.

The main reason for building the monastery was to  provide safety for monks and local people. Georgia faced constant  threats from the various invaders. She imagined a hidden city carved  into the cliffs. This city would be a safe place for worship and  learning.

Interestingly, the city included hundreds of rooms,  churches, tunnels, and irrigation systems. The project symbolized  Georgia’s golden age, a period of territorial expansion, cultural  development, and strong national identity.

Despite its hidden  nature, Vardzia couldn’t escape foreign invasions. The Mongols and later  the Persians attacked the monastery, forcing its inhabitants to abandon  parts of the complex. These invasions, combined with a devastating  earthquake in 1283, significantly damaged Vardzia. The earthquake was  particularly destructive as it exposed the hidden caves, making the  monastery vulnerable to further attacks.

However, even after  these disasters, Vardzia remained an important religious center. Monks  continued to live in the caves, maintaining its churches, frescoes, and  underground water supply. Over the centuries, Vardzia evolved into a  sacred pilgrimage site and a symbol of Georgia’s resilience.

The Location of Vardzia

Vardzia  is carved into the Erusheti Mountains, overlooking the Mtkvari River  valley. The complex is hidden within the cliffs, making it nearly  invisible from afar. The monastery is about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)  above sea level. It is surrounded by rough mountains and green valleys.

The  natural landscape around Vardzia enhances its mystical appeal. The  region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare mountain  birds, wild goats, and endemic plant species. The site’s remote and  picturesque environment has contributed to its continued use as a  spiritual retreat.

An Architectural Marvel

Vardzia is a  masterpiece of medieval rock-cut architecture, with hundreds of rooms  carved into the mountainside. These rooms served various purposes,  including:

• Monastic Cells – Living quarters for monks, complete with sleeping areas, kitchens, and storage rooms.
• Churches and Chapels – Religious spaces adorned with beautiful frescoes and icons.
• Tunnels and Corridors – A network of pathways connecting different levels of the monastery.
• Defensive Structures – Hidden rooms and lookout points designed for protection.

The  main attraction of Vardzia is the Church of the Dormition, located at  the heart of the complex. This church features intricate frescoes  depicting Tamar, her father King George III, and various religious  figures. These paintings, which have survived for over 800 years, are  among the finest examples of medieval Georgian art.

Vardzia’s  engineering also includes an advanced water system. Mountain springs  were redirected through tunnels to provide a consistent water supply to  the monastery. Some of these ancient irrigation channels are still  functional today.

UNESCO recognition and conservation efforts

Due  to its historical and cultural importance, Vardzia has been proposed  for UNESCO World Heritage status. Georgian authorities, along with  international conservation teams, are working to preserve its fragile  structures and artwork. Restoration projects focus on stabilizing rock  formations, cleaning frescoes, and protecting the site from erosion.

Interesting facts about Vardzia

1.  Hidden Entrance and Secret Passages – Originally, Vardzia could only be  entered through a hidden tunnel near the river. This concealed entrance  made it difficult for invaders to find the monastery.

2.  Earthquake Revelation – The 1283 earthquake exposed the monastery’s  caves, making them visible from afar. Before the disaster, Vardzia  appeared to be just a simple rock face.

3. A Monastic Stronghold –  Vardzia is a religious site, but it also has strong defenses. It  includes escape tunnels, watchtowers, and hidden storerooms.

4.  King Tamar’s Connection – According to legend, King Tamar spent time at  Vardzia, personally overseeing its construction. Some even believe she  lived in the monastery for a period.

5. One of the Largest Cave  Complexes in the World – Vardzia is huge. It stretches about 500 meters  across the rock face and has 19 levels.

6. Vardzia’s Name Origin –  The name “Vardzia” is believed to have originated from a legend. Young  Tamar was exploring the caves when she got lost. Her uncle, searching  for her, heard her cry out: “Ak var, dzia!” meaning “I am here, uncle!”  This phrase evolved into “Vardzia.”

7. Still an Active Monastery –  Unlike many other historical cave sites, Vardzia is still partially  inhabited by monks. They continue to perform daily prayers and rituals.