Vardzia is a fortress city carved into a rock face, extending over 900 meters. A total of 242 caves have been partially or completely preserved there. The Vardzia Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve encompasses a 13-story cave complex with the Church of the Dormition, defensive and irrigation facilities, monks’ cells, an aqueduct, secret tunnels, a bell tower, and several churches. The main construction period was predominantly between 1156 and 1203.
Culture and History
The Church of the Dormition and its narthex contain wall paintings with scenes from the life of Christ, as well as portraits of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. The Vardzia-Khertvisi cultural heritage area extends for 18 kilometers through the upper Mtkvari basin, from Khertvisi to Vardzia. Asomtavruli inscriptions dating from the 9th to the 18th century can be found in this area. Zeda Vardzia preserves an example of the two-nave church type from the 11th century.
Atskvita is associated with underground shelters called Darnas, which are believed to date from the Late Bronze Age. Atskvita is also described as a place that preserves Georgian folklore and traditions. Historically, Vardzia had 28 wine cellars containing 235 qvevris.
The historic Tmogvi Fortress lies in the Mtkvari Valley and controlled access to Georgia from Asia during the Middle Ages. Khertvisi Fortress is described as a medieval fortress on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nature
The villages and agricultural areas in the Vardzia-Khertvisi gorge are arranged on terraces that follow the topography of the gorge. Sparrows, ravens, and Egyptian vultures nest in the rocks of Vardzia. Blue rock thrushes and rock buntings can be observed around Vardzia.
Getting Around
Vardzia can be reached by bus or minibus via the Tbilisi–Aspindza–Vardzia route. An alternative journey involves taking the train from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe and then continuing to Vardzia by minibus. The road from Khertvisi to Vardzia runs through the Mtkvari Valley.
The 28-kilometer Khertvisi–Shalosheti Mountain–Atskvita hiking route begins in the village of Khertvisi and leads toward Atskvita through untouched wilderness. Completing the full route requires two to three days and an overnight stay in a tent.
Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Vardzia can continue their accommodation search afterward.
More destinations: Chiatura, Motsameta, Alaverdi, Meore Obcha, Etseri, Terjola, Tskaltubo, Sairme
