We will tell you about the mysterious rocky city near Akhaltsikhe, its features, and how best to get to Vardzija.
Even experienced travelers will not remain indifferent to the cave city of Vardzia, located in the southern part of the country in the Javakheti region. This unique cave complex in Georgia is often recommended to visit as part of excursions to the fortresses of Rabati and Khertvisi, as well as to the resort town of Borjomi.
Vardzia is not only a natural landmark but also an ancient monastery. Despite the fact that the hospitable locals allow tourists even in beachwear, it is better to dress appropriately.
The History of the Cave Monastery
Conception and the beginning of construction
The first structures date back to the dawn of the second millennium. They appeared on the site of the future cave complex during the reign of Queen Tamar's father, George III. It is believed that even the name of the cave complex originates from the phrase "I'm here, uncle!" which Tamar shouted in her childhood while hiding in the rocks. Another version of the name is associated with the word "vardj," which is how the Persians called Georgians.
In 1184, the Assumption Church was already carved out here on the orders of the great queen.
The Blossoming of Vardzia
In the following two centuries, Vardzia actively grew and developed. Numerous cells were built, and monks settled in them. The cave city acquired another function - defensive. It became a fortress that often concealed soldiers during times of war. Enemies could not notice the carefully camouflaged entrances to Vardzia. Only a small church was visible from the outside. But inside the mountain, there was a full-fledged city. It's no wonder that Vardzia was once called the "invisible" city.
During the time of its initial construction, Vardzia was the center of the country. Today, the cave complex is located on the outskirts of Georgia. Only a third of the original structures remain: 600 rooms carved into the 900-meter cliff.
Dark Times
Much was destroyed in the 13th century during the largest earthquake in Georgia's history. After that, Vardzia was looted twice - first by the Persians in the 16th century, and then by the Turks a century later. Each time, the blood of local monks was shed, and the monastery was stripped of its golden bells.
In the 19th century, Russians, by fighting against the Turks, once again gained the right to make the monastery active. Since then, several hermits have been living here, and tourists have the opportunity to see Vardzia with their own eyes. For the convenience of monastery guests, several wooden and stone staircases have been built inside, and wherever necessary, there are safety railings. Therefore, the tour is accessible to both children and elderly people.
Infrastructure of the Cave City
A visit to the city of Vardzia takes about one to two hours. For comfortable leisure time, you can freely get water at the entrance from a special spring. Near the cave city, you will find:
A restaurant.
A free restroom.
Parking for cars is provided.
Description of the Vardzia Tour
The first stop on the way will be the Rabati Fortress. Despite its magnificent exterior, only a few original structures have been preserved inside the fortress.
Group tours also include stops in the mountains for rest and to take some memorable photos.
Today's Vardzia consists of several churches and hundreds of cells carved into the mountains. The church complex includes numerous intricate tunnels, the logic of which is difficult to discern.
Tour Price
Adult tickets cost 7 GEL, while children under 7 years old pay 1 GEL.
A guide costs 25 GEL, and an audio guide is available for 10 GEL.
Inside the cave complex, there is a shuttle bus available to take you up the mountain for 1 GEL.
Surroundings of the Cave City
Vanis Kvabebi: Monastery-Cave
Located three kilometers away from Vardzia is the Vanis Kvabebi monastery-cave. You can reach it by a regularly operating shuttle bus or by walking. Several monks reside in the cells here, and ongoing renovations are taking place. One of the advantages of Kvabebi is the almost complete absence of tourists.
The monastery complex includes three churches, with the main one (known as the "embedded" church) situated on the highest mountain. It's noteworthy that the monastery was once a women's monastery and had a remarkably strict code of conduct. Several disobedient nuns who broke the rules were thrown off the cliffs. However, for the past couple of centuries, only men have resided within the monastery.
Akhalkalaki
This small and cozy town serves as a base for exploring the nearby attractions. There are always few tourists here, so prices for accommodation and food are much lower compared to the average in the country. Enjoying a full meal at a restaurant will cost around 15 GEL. The same amount is the price for a day's stay in local apartments.
The town is home to several churches (the main one being the Ascension Cathedral), abandoned sulfur baths, and a small park.
As for the attractions, there is only the Rabati Fortress. It is practical to stay overnight in this quiet place and use marshrutka (local minibus) transportation to reach more expensive resorts or architectural landmarks in Georgia.
Rabati Fortress
The name "Rabati" translates to "fortified place". A century and a half ago, the fortress was almost completely destroyed. Under the order of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Rabati was thoroughly reconstructed. Existing buildings were supplemented with structures resembling those in Jerusalem. It is now a complex covering an area of 7 hectares.
Lower Part
The fortress is divided by a crenelated fence into two parts. The lower part houses a hotel, restaurant, public restroom, information kiosk, and souvenir shop. It is a common sight to see newlyweds taking photographs here.
Upper Zone
The upper part of the fortress appeals to history enthusiasts. It harmoniously brings together two cultures - Orthodox Christian and Muslim. Tourists have access to all the attractions of the fortress regardless of their religious affiliation.
Christians enjoy visiting the Saint George Cathedral, exploring the Historical Museum, and strolling along the white colonnades and pergolas with fountains.
Those who practice Islam are delighted by the Ahmediye Mosque, the pasha's resting rooms, the Meskhetian hall, and the local educational institution. One of the recent additions is the Citadel - a tall tower with the flag of Georgia.
Schedule and Prices
Working Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Ticket Price: The entrance fee for the upper part of the fortress is 6 GEL. Admission to the Historical Museum is paid separately (2 GEL). The lower part of the fortress is free for all visitors.
How to Get to Vardzia
In order to save on transportation costs without compromising on the quality of the excursion, it is better to pre-book your trip online through a specialized website.
Another affordable way to reach the cave city is to wait for the marshrutka (minibus) from the city of Akhaltsikhe. The fare is 5 GEL. Such transportation operates daily, four times a day.
From Tbilisi or Batumi, you can reach Vardzia affordably by bus for 10 GEL or comfortably by taxi for 60 GEL. However, using a taxi driver as a guide in Vardzia is not recommended.
It is challenging to make a self-guided trip to Vardzia. It is more advantageous to combine it with a visit to the nearby Vanis Kvabebi Monastery, as well as the cozy town of Akhaltsikhe and Rabati Fortress.
