Natlismtsemeli Cave Monastery (David Gareja)
Natlismtsemeli Monastery (John the Baptist) (Georgian: გარეჯის ნათლისმცემლის მონასტერი) – One of the cave monastery complexes of David Gareja, founded in the 6th-7th centuries by David Gareja’s disciple Lukiane. The monastery complex, carved into the rock massif, includes churches, residential and utility caves, and fortifications. Fragments of a tower have been preserved above the complex, on the top of the cliff. From the southwest, the complex is surrounded by a rampart with towers fortified with buttresses, preserved in a damaged form. The caves were carved out in different periods. The monument distinguishes layers of the late feudal and modern periods. During this period, oriental motifs are observed in the style of cave construction.
Fragments of ancient paintings have been preserved in several churches. The main church in the center of the complex with frescoes from the first half of the 12th century deserves special attention. The fresco image of the master who created the cave, preserved in one of the churches of the complex, deserves attention. The painting of the Natlismtsemeli Monastery (John the Baptist) is one of the most outstanding and impressive in Georgia. The issue of water supply has been effectively resolved in the monastery. Systems of reservoirs and water channels have been discovered in the rock massif. During the archaeological work carried out in the Monastery Complex, materials from different periods were discovered: glazed, clay and glass vessels, a coin of Queen Tamar, metal objects, jewelry and more.
Gareji Desert (Georgian: გარეჯის უდაბნო), Gardabani Municipality (Georgian: გარდაბანი)
