Vardzia cave monastery
🇬🇪Georgia, Gogasheni
Vardzia is a cave monastery complex located in southern Georgia, along the banks of the Kura River, near the town of Aspindza. Constructed in the 12th century, it features over 400 rooms across a 500-meter-wide rock face, including chapels, cells, and wine cellars.
More about Vardzia cave monastery
The Vardzia complex was founded during the reign of Queen Tamar in the late 12th century and played a significant role in Georgian monastic life. It extends across 13 levels and is carved into the Erusheti Mountain. The monastery is accessible via a road from Aspindza, with guided tours available for visitors. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since the late 20th century after significant damage from earthquakes and invasions.