Vardzia Cave Monastery: A Timeless Wonder
Explore Vardzia, Georgia's ancient cave monastery: a stunning historical and spiritual site carved into the mountainside.
Vardzia is a remarkable cave monastery complex in southern Georgia, carved into the Erusheti Mountain. Founded in the 12th century, it served as a spiritual center, fortress, and symbol of Georgia's Golden Age, featuring hundreds of rooms, churches, and tunnels adorned with stunning murals.
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 sturdy shoes as exploring Vardzia involves walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no restaurants inside the cave monastery.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and have the best light for photography.
- Consider the audio guide for background information, as there are limited signs.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Vardzia via public transport, begin by traveling to Akhaltsikhe from major cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi. From Akhaltsikhe, take a marshrutka (minivan) from the main bus station to Vardzia. These depart approximately four times daily during summer, with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. The marshrutka will drop you off near the entrance of Vardzia. A one-way ticket costs around 7 GEL. Check the latest schedules locally, as times can vary.
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Taxi
Alternatively, hire a taxi from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia for a more direct route. Taxis can be found near the Akhaltsikhe bus station. Negotiate the fare in advance; a round trip, including waiting time, typically costs 70-80 GEL. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes. This option offers flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.
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On-site
Once at Vardzia, purchase your entrance ticket at the ticket booth. The entrance fee is 15 GEL. From the ticket booth, you can walk up the hill to the cave entrance (approximately 10 minutes), or take a minibus for an additional 2 GEL. Consider renting an audio guide for 15 GEL to enhance your visit. Note that the route through the cave complex is one-way.
Discover more about Vardzia
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vardzia Visitor Center
0.3 km
Explore the Vardzia Visitor Center, your gateway to the stunning Vardzia cave monastery in Georgia, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking views.
View of Vardzia
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Vardzia, a stunning cave monastery carved into the cliffs of Georgia, where culture and nature unite.
Chachkari Church
0.5 km
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Restaurant vardzia
0.5 km
Experience the essence of Georgian cuisine at Restaurant Vardzia in Gogasheni, where family-friendly dining meets breathtaking scenery.
ვარძია მასპინძელი - VARDZIA MASPINDZELI
0.6 km
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Vardzia Resort
1.0 km
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Vardzia Resort Restaurant
1.0 km
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Zeda Vardzia
2.2 km
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Valodias Cottages
2.8 km
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Akhchia Church
4.4 km
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Guest House Tirebi
4.8 km
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Tsunda Church
5.1 km
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Narimani Tower
10.8 km
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Vardzia Terraces
17.1 km
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Javakheti Protected Areas Administration
17.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient Vardzia cave monastery, a jewel of Georgian history and architecture.
Mtkvari Canyon
0.9 km
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Sulfur Bath
1.3 km
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ჭაჭკარი
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Vanis Kvabebi
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Tmogvi Castle
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დანკალი
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ეწვიეთ დანკალს, ისტორიულ სოფელს ჯავახეთის პლატოზე, და აღმოაჩინეთ უძველესი ეკლესიის ნანგრევები და ამ ადგილის მომხიბლავი ისტორიები.
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Kumurdo Cathedral
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Khertvisi Fortress
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Jivani House Museum
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Essential places to dine
Imperator Restaurant
17.1 km
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Hovik
17.5 km
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Restaurant Kokhta
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Restaurant Chiko
22.2 km
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Chobareti Meskhetian House Mzianeti
25.5 km
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Georgia
28.8 km
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Edemi
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Saojakho Garemo - Restaurant
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Romantika
36.5 km
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seafood restaurant
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B I S T R O
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Restaurant Bistro
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Lager Bräu
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ethnodesign
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Souvenirs shop and beverages
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Yura Market
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Meskhuri Nobati
14.2 km
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Murjakheti
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MARKET TIR PARK 24/7
17.0 km
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PARTEZ
17.0 km
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VLAD supermarket
17.0 km
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ELIT Market
17.0 km
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Мужская Обувь У Артура.
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SB
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Coffeex Akhalkalaki
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SUPERMAX
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Spar
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Caliber.Akhalkalaki
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fresh Juices - Georgian traditional alcohol (Wine, Chacha, Cognac)
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Leki
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Beer Bar
28.1 km
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BEER HOUSE
29.1 km
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Sport Bar
37.2 km
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ძველი პაბი
38.1 km
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HOTEL JULIA Akhaltsikhe
38.6 km
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Terrassa Launge bar
38.7 km
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Hotel Rabati
39.0 km
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კაფე ბარი კახისი
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EASY BAR
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Après-ski
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ფუძის კერის სიყვარულის
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ჩაიხანა / Chaikhana
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WOODS STOP
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Tbilisi
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Garage club
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BarBar Art Room
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Diamond Club
81.1 km
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Ray Night Club
81.4 km
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Gyumri Home
81.7 km
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Metelica club
83.5 km
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Rio
96.1 km
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Cafe & Bar NIAVI
96.7 km
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