Vardzia

ვარძია

A vast cave monastery complex carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain in the 12th century under Queen Tamar. Its honeycomb of tunnels, chapels and frescoed Church of the Dormition make it one of Georgia's most spectacular historical sites.

Things to do

• Explore the cave complex — Wander the honeycomb of tunnels, cells, and chambers carved into the cliff over 13 levels, connected by stairways and passages.
• Church of the Dormition frescoes — Admire the 12th-century wall paintings including rare portraits of Queen Tamar and her father King George III inside the main church.
• Walk the ancient irrigation tunnel — Follow the underground water supply system that once fed the monastery, an engineering feat of its era.
• Vardzia bell tower — See the freestanding bell tower and take in views over the Mtkvari (Kura) River valley below.
• Vanis Kvabebi caves — Visit this nearby lesser-known cliff monastery a few kilometers away for a quieter, less crowded experience.
• Khertvisi Fortress — Stop at this dramatic medieval fortress at a river confluence on the road to or from Vardzia.
• Bathe in Vardzia hot springs — Soak in the sulphur thermal pools near the village along the river after a day of climbing.
• Sunset over the valley — Watch the cliff face glow golden in late afternoon light from the opposite bank of the river.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian soup dumplings, twisted at the top and eaten by hand, common in the mountain villages nearby.
• Khachapuri — Cheese-filled bread served hot; look for the local Meskhetian versions in Samtskhe-Javakheti guesthouses.
• Tashmijabi — A regional Meskhetian specialty of mashed potatoes blended with stretchy cheese into a smooth, savory dish.
• Apokhti — Traditional Meskhetian dried and cured meat, a local preserved delicacy worth trying.
• Homemade wine and chacha — Sample family-made wine and the potent grape brandy chacha offered in local guesthouses.
• Guesthouse home cooking — Eat at a family-run guesthouse in Vardzia village where hosts serve garden vegetables, cheese, and fresh bread.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for the church — Cover shoulders and knees, and women may need a headscarf to enter the active Church of the Dormition.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The cave paths involve steep stairs, narrow tunnels, and uneven rock, so proper footwear is essential.
• It is still an active monastery — Monks live and pray here, so keep noise down and be respectful in sacred areas.
• Bring water and sun protection — The site is exposed with little shade, and summer heat in the valley can be intense.

Nearby

• Vanis Kvabebi — 2 km
• Khertvisi Fortress — 10 km
• Kumurdo Cathedral — 21 km
• Sapara Monastery — 32 km