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.

4.8

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

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

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.
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.
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

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Vardzia is more than just a historical site; it's a journey into the heart of Georgia's Golden Age. Carved into the Erusheti Mountain, overlooking the Mtkvari River, this cave monastery was commissioned by Queen Tamar in the late 12th century. Initially conceived by her father, King Giorgi III, as a defensive refuge, Tamar transformed it into a sprawling complex of over 6,000 rooms across 19 tiers. Vardzia's strategic location and intricate design made it a formidable fortress against invaders. The complex housed churches, chapels, living quarters, wine cellars, and even a sophisticated irrigation system. The Church of the Dormition, adorned with stunning murals, stands as a testament to the artistic and religious significance of the site. These murals, dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries, showcase the life of Christ and offer a glimpse into the evolution of Georgian mural painting. Legend says that the name 'Vardzia' originated when a young Tamar, lost in the caves, called out to her uncle, 'Ak var dzia!' ('I am here, uncle!'), which King Giorgi III then used to name the complex. Though partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1283 and later abandoned, monks returned in the 20th century, and today, a small community continues to inhabit the caves. Vardzia remains an active monastery, inviting visitors to explore its depths and discover the stories etched into its ancient stones.