Vanis Kvabebi: A Cave Monastery Complex
Explore the ancient cave monastery of Vanis Kvabebi in Georgia, featuring intricate caves, tunnels, and churches carved into a cliffside. A historical treasure!
Vanis Kvabebi is a cave monastery in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, dating back to the 8th-13th centuries. Featuring a network of caves, tunnels, and churches carved into a cliff face, it offers a glimpse into Georgia's rich religious and cultural past.
A brief summary to Vanis Kvabebi
- Khertvisi-Vardzia-Mirashkhani, GE
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven and involves some steep climbs and narrow passages.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and intricate architecture of the cave complex.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience.
- Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Vardzia cave monastery and Khertvisi Fortress.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Vanis Kvabebi using public transport, start from Akhaltsikhe, a major transport hub in the region. Take a marshrutka (minibus) towards Vardzia. Inform the driver that you wish to stop near Vanis Kvabebi. The marshrutka may drop you off on the main road, from where you'll need to walk approximately 4km south of Tmogvi village and 2km before Vardzia, where a track heads 600m up from the road to the monastery. Public transport (marshrutka) from Akhaltsikhe to the Vanis Kvabebi turnoff: approximately 3-5 GEL.
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Taxi
For a more direct route to Vanis Kvabebi, consider taking a taxi from Akhaltsikhe. Negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand. The taxi should be able to take you directly to the base of the monastery complex, minimizing the amount of walking required. A taxi from Akhaltsikhe to Vanis Kvabebi will cost approximately 30-50 GEL.
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Walking
If you are already visiting Vardzia, you can reach Vanis Kvabebi by walking. From Vardzia, walk approximately 2km north along the main road. Look for a track heading up the hill towards the monastery. The walk from the main road to the monastery is about 600m. Be prepared for a steep climb. There are no costs associated with walking to Vanis Kvabebi.
Discover more about Vanis Kvabebi
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vardzia Resort Restaurant
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Vardzia Resort
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ვარძია მასპინძელი - VARDZIA MASPINDZELI
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View of Vardzia
1.8 km
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Chachkari Church
1.9 km
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Vardzia Visitor Center
2.1 km
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Restaurant vardzia
2.2 km
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Guest House Tirebi
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Tsunda Church
3.6 km
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Zeda Vardzia
4.2 km
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Valodias Cottages
4.7 km
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Akhchia Church
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Narimani Tower
10.8 km
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Javakheti Protected Areas Administration
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Vardzia Terraces
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Unmissable attractions to see
Виды нагору
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Panoramic view
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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.
ჭაჭკარი
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Vardzia
2.0 km
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Tmogvi Castle
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Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint
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Mtkvari Canyon
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Sulfur Bath
3.1 km
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Kumurdo Cathedral
4.3 km
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მირაშხანის მთა
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Khertvisi Fortress
11.0 km
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Akhalkalaki Castle
14.9 km
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Essential places to dine
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15.1 km
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Restaurant Kokhta
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Restaurant Chiko
22.4 km
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Chobareti Meskhetian House Mzianeti
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Georgia
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Edemi
34.5 km
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Saojakho Garemo - Restaurant
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Romantika
37.6 km
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B I S T R O
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Georgian cuisine
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seafood restaurant
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Restaurant Bistro
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Murjakheti
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PARTEZ
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VLAD supermarket
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ELIT Market
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SB
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Coffeex Akhalkalaki
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Spar
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SUPERMAX
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Sport Bar
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HOTEL JULIA Akhaltsikhe
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Hotel Rabati
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