Vardzia Cave Monastery: A Timeless Marvel
Explore Vardzia, Georgia's ancient cave monastery: a stunning blend of history, art, and faith carved into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
Vardzia is a breathtaking cave monastery complex in southern Georgia, carved into the Erusheti Mountain during the 12th century. Commissioned by Queen Tamar, it served as a religious, cultural, and defensive stronghold, featuring thousands of rooms, churches, and tunnels. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to Georgia's rich history and architectural prowess.
A brief summary to Vardzia
- 97JM+CMH, Gogasheni, GE
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring Vardzia involves walking and climbing through tunnels and stairs.
- Bring a headscarf if you plan to enter the active church, or borrow one at the entrance.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
- Consider hiring an audio guide to learn about the history and significance of the site.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the complex and appreciate its intricate details.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Tbilisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) to Akhaltsikhe from Didube Bus Station. These depart frequently between 8:00 and 19:00 and cost around 15 GEL. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. From Akhaltsikhe, take another marshrutka to Vardzia. These depart at 10:30, 12:20, 16:00 and 17:30. The fare is around 5 GEL and the journey takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, a taxi from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia costs approximately 70-80 GEL for a round trip, including waiting time.
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Driving
From Akhaltsikhe, drive east along the highway. After approximately 1 hour, turn south towards Vardzia. The road winds through scenic landscapes before arriving at the parking area near the monastery. Parking costs 2 GEL per person. Note that the road to the attraction was not flat.
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Walking
From the parking area, walk up the path towards the ticket office. Purchase your ticket for 15 GEL. From the ticket office, continue uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the main entrance of the cave complex. A minibus is available for 2 GEL for those who prefer not to walk uphill.
Discover more about Vardzia
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
View of Vardzia
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Vardzia Resort
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Vardzia Resort Restaurant
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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