Vardzia, Tbilisi

Vardzia Tours & Tickets

Did you know? Vardzia

Vardzia was carved into the mountainside in the 12th century by Queen Tamar of Georgia, containing over 600 rooms including churches, dwellings, and storerooms across 13 levels.

The complex was damaged by a 1283 earthquake that collapsed the outer wall, exposing the interior caves to the Mtkvari River valley below.

Vardzia's main church features stunning frescoes from the 12th century, including a rare depiction of Queen Tamar herself among the royal donors.

The site sits 1,300 metres above sea level on the left bank of the Mtkvari River in southern Georgia, near the Turkish border.

Medieval monks occupied Vardzia for centuries, using the caves for worship, storage, and refuge during invasions and conflicts.

Vardzia: frequently asked questions