Day trip to vardzia Travel Guide

Free Guide: Explore Vardzia, Georgia's ancient cave monastery: a historical and spiritual journey through a remarkable underground city.

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Explore Vardzia, Georgia's ancient cave monastery: a historical and spiritual journey through a remarkable underground city.

Vardzia is a breathtaking cave monastery complex carved into the Erusheti Mountain in southern Georgia. Dating back to the 12th century, this historical site features hundreds of caves stretching along the cliff, once housing thousands of monks and even serving as a refuge for the local population.

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Opening hours

Every dayOpen 24 hours

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: 1 a Gogias Tsikhe St, Borjomi 1200

Getting there

Public Transport

From Borjomi, take a marshrutka (minibus) to Akhaltsikhe. These depart frequently from the Borjomi bus stop on Meskheti Street; the ride takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 4 GEL. From Akhaltsikhe bus station, transfer to a marshrutka to Vardzia. These depart at 10:30 AM, 12:20 PM, 4:00 PM and 5:20 PM. The journey to Vardzia is roughly 1.5 hours and costs 7 GEL. Alternatively, a direct marshrutka from Tbilisi to Vardzia costs around 22 GEL and takes approximately 5 hours. From the Vardzia bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance. Consider paying the extra 2 GEL for a minivan shuttle from the ticket booth to the main entrance to avoid a steep uphill climb.

Taxi

From Borjomi, a taxi to Vardzia takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes and costs approximately $65-$85. From Akhaltsikhe, a taxi to Vardzia will cost approximately 70-80 GEL for a round trip, including waiting time. Taxis can be found near the bus station. Once at Vardzia, a taxi will drop you off at the parking area near the shops and restaurants. From there, steps lead up to the ticket office. A shuttle to the complex entrance costs an additional 2 GEL per person.

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Overview

Vardzia is more than just a historical site; it's a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual devotion of medieval Georgian civilization. Carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain, this cave monastery dates back to the 12th century, primarily constructed during the reign of King George III and his daughter Queen Tamar. The complex originally served as a fortress before Queen Tamar transformed it into a fortified monastery.The cave system stretches approximately five hundred meters along the cliff, with caves reaching up to nineteen tiers. It once comprised over 6000 rooms, including churches, chapels, living quarters, wine cellars, and even a throne room. A hidden tunnel leading to the Mtkvari River provided a secure escape route. The most significant structure is the Church of the Dormition, adorned with remarkable murals dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries. These murals showcase the life of Christ and other religious figures, influencing the evolution of Georgian mural painting.Despite suffering damage from earthquakes and invasions throughout its history, Vardzia remains an impressive site. Today, visitors can explore the remaining caves, wander through the tunnels, and admire the ancient frescoes. A visit to Vardzia offers a unique glimpse into Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage. The site is part of the Vardzia Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve since 1985.

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Discover Vardzia: Georgia's ancient cave monastery, a marvel of medieval architecture and a gateway to the country's rich cultural and natural heritage.

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