Vardzia – Rock City in Georgia

Vardzia – one of the most wonderful and mysterious places in Georgia. It is a rock city-monastery, carved into the slopes of a mountain range along the Mtkwari (Kura) river valley. This extraordinary place, built in the 12th-13th centuries, served as both a monastery and a defensive fortress. Rooms hidden in the rocks, churches, corridors and lots of legends and stories associated with it make Vardzia one of the most valuable monuments in Georgia.

History – Vardzia – a rock city in Georgia

The construction of Vardzia was started by King Giorgi III in the 12th century as a defensive fortress that was supposed to protect the country against enemy invasions, mainly Persians. His daughter, the legendary Queen Tamara, continued to work on the expansion of Vardzia. Transforming it into a huge monastery complex, as well as one of the spiritual and cultural centers of Georgia.

At its peak, the city consisted of over 600 rooms, including churches, living chambers, wine cellars (marani), libraries and a treasury. Vardzia was self-sufficient – inside it there were also networks of tunnels supplying water, which allowed the inhabitants to survive sieges.

In the 13th century, Vardzia was severely damaged by an earthquake that destroyed most of the city. Despite this, the place remained an important religious center until the Persian invasion in the 16th century.

Visiting Vardzia – What to see?

The Vardzia complex is a labyrinth of tunnels, staircases and rooms that delight with both their architecture and unique atmosphere. Here are some of the highlights worth seeing:

1.Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – This is the heart of Vardzia, built in rock on the orders of Queen Tamara. The interior of the church delights with beautiful frescoes from the 12th century, which depict biblical scenes and images of Queen Tamara and her father Giorgi III.
2.Tunnels and living quarters – About 300 of the original 600 rooms have survived to this day, including the monks’ living quarters, wine storage rooms and dining rooms. Here you can feel what life was like in this hidden city.
3.Irrigation systems – During its heyday, Vardzia had an extensive water supply system. Thanks to this, the monastery was able to survive sieges and difficult climatic conditions.
4.Mysterious escape tunnels – There is a network of escape tunnels in Vardzia that allowed monks and monastery inhabitants to escape in case of danger. These corridors, carved into the rocks, were a key defensive element.
5.Panorama of the Mtkwari Valley – From the upper parts of the complex there is a beautiful view of the Mtkwari River valley, the surrounding mountains and the picturesque landscape of southern Georgia.

Interesting facts about Vardzia

1. Vardzia is closely associated with Queen Tamara, who is one of the most revered figures in Georgian history. According to legend, Tamara spent a lot of time here in prayer, and some of the rooms in the city were supposed to be her personal chambers.
   
2. According to one legend, the name “Vardzia” comes from the scream of Queen Tamara, who as a child played in the city’s labyrinths. When she went missing, her uncle started looking for her and she replied, “Aq var, dzia!” – which means “I’m here, uncle!”
   
3. The frescoes in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary are one of the most beautiful examples of Georgian sacred art. On the frescoes you can see the image of Queen Tamara, whom Georgians worship almost as a saint.

Practical Information for Tourists – Vardzia rock city in Georgia

1. Location: Vardzia is located in southern Georgia, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, about 60 km south of the city of Akhaltsikhe and about 250 km from the capital, Tbilisi. It is best to reach Vardzia by car, although organized trips from larger cities are also possible.
   
2. Opening hours: The complex is open to tourists every day from 10:00 to 19:00 in the summer season (from April to October) and from 10:00 to 18:00 in the winter season (from November to March).
   Ticket prices: An entrance ticket to Vardzia costs about 15 GEL (about PLN 20). Children, students and pensioners can benefit from discounted tickets that cost less. You can also hire a guide who will tell you about the history and curiosities of this place in English or Russian (cost approx. 50-70 GEL).
   
3. Access: The most convenient way to get to Vardzia is by car from Akhaltsikhe or Tbilisi. The road leads through picturesque areas and offers spectacular views. There are also buses that run to the nearby town of Aspindza, from where you can hire a taxi.
   
4. Visiting time: It is worth spending at least 2-3 hours to visit Vardzia to see all the attractions and walk through the numerous tunnels. It is worth wearing comfortable shoes, because some of the paths are steep and uneven.
   
5. Accommodation and restaurants: Near Vardzia there are several small guesthouses and restaurants where you can try traditional Georgian dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri and local wines. For those planning a longer stay, Akhaltsikhe offers more accommodation and restaurant options.

How to prepare?:

Visiting Vardzia is an amazing journey back in time, but it is worth preparing properly:

1. Comfortable shoes: Sightseeing requires climbing stairs and walking on rocky terrain, so comfortable shoes are essential.
2. Water and sun protection: Temperatures can be high during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to bring water and some sun protection.
3. Camera: Vardzia is the perfect place for photography enthusiasts. The picturesque views of the Mtkwari River valley and the rock structures themselves make an unforgettable impression.

Summary

Vardzia is a place that perfectly combines history, culture and natural beauty of Georgia. The rock monastery, filled with mysterious tunnels and medieval frescoes, is one of the most valuable monuments in the country. The unique atmosphere of this place and its unique architecture attract tourists from all over.