Monastery of Vardzia
Vardzia is a legendary cave city in Javakheti, carved in the depths of a picturesque rock towering above the Kura River. The cave monastery complex of XII-XIII centuries is considered an outstanding monument of medieval Georgian architecture. Vardzia was created mainly in 1156-1205, during the reign of George III and his daughter Queen Tamara. Located on the southwestern border of Georgia, the monastery-fortress blocked the Kura Gorge from the invasion of Iranians and Turks from the south. At that time all rooms of the monastery were hidden by the rock, they were connected to the surface only by three underground passages through which large groups of warriors could appear completely unexpectedly for the enemy.
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For 900 meters along the left bank of the river in the steep tuff wall of Mount Erusheti carved about 600 rooms: churches, chapels, cells, storerooms, baths, refectories. The rooms go 50 meters deep into the rock and rise to a height of 8 floors. Secret passages connecting the rooms, the remains of water supply and irrigation system have been preserved. In the center of the monastery Vardzia is the main temple in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On its walls one can see unique fresco paintings, including images of George III and Tamara. The frescoes of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Ascension and Transfiguration are also of great value.
