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Vardzia cave monastery

Updated: November 3, 2026

Samtskhe-Javakheti · about 250 km from Tbilisi

Vardzia is a monastery carved into the cliff of Mount Erusheti above the Mtkvari River, in southern Georgia near the Turkish border. The complex stretches about 500 m along the cliff.

Construction began under King George III in 1156, and under his daughter Queen Tamar the Church of the Dormition was carved out and Vardzia was turned into a fortified monastery with hundreds of caves on many levels.

The church preserves frescoes from the 1180s with the earliest known portrait of Queen Tamar. Vardzia is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

WhereSamtskhe-Javakheti, about 250 km from Tbilisi
Builtsince 1156, church — 1184–1186
Ticketabout 15 ₾ for adults
Hoursroughly 10:00–18:00, shorter in winter
How long1.5–2 hours to look around

How to get there and prices — in our article →

Tours that visit Vardzia

Vardzia excursion from Tbilisi in 1 day — photo 2

Vardzia excursion from Tbilisi in 1 day — photo 3

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The history of Vardzia

Construction began in 1156 under George III. Under Queen Tamar, in 1184–1186, the Church of the Dormition was carved into the rock and painted, and then the cells, defensive passages and a water supply about 3.5 km long were expanded.

In 1283 an earthquake brought down the front of the mountain, exposing caves that had been hidden. In 1551 the monastery was sacked by Persian troops, and after the Ottomans arrived in 1578 the monks left. Today monks live in some of the caves again.

What to see

Church of the Dormition — the main rock-cut church with 12th-century frescoes and a portrait of Queen Tamar holding a model of the church. Photography inside is not allowed.
Cells and halls on several levels, connected by stairs and tunnels.
Monastery winery with qvevri jars buried in the floor.
View of the Mtkvari gorge from the upper levels.

Best time to visit

The best season is April to October. The complex is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, until 19:00 in summer. From Tbilisi people leave at 7:00–8:00 to get back before dark.

How to get there

By car: 3.5–4 hours from Tbilisi via Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe.
By public transport: marshrutka from Didube bus station to Akhaltsikhe, then a taxi or local marshrutka.
On a tour: in one day people usually combine Vardzia, Khertvisi Fortress and Rabati in Akhaltsikhe — more in the article about Vardzia.

Tips and safety

Set off early: the drive is long, and it is better to get back before dark.
You need comfortable shoes — the steps are stone, and in some tunnels you will have to duck.
Bring water and a torch, and a hat in summer: there is little shade on the route.
Modest clothing for the church: a headscarf and skirt for women, trousers for men.
The nearest café is 2 km from the entrance — bring water and a snack.