Monastery Complex Vardzia (Region of Samtskhe-Javakheti)
Monastery Complex Vardzia (Vardzia) (Georgian: ვარძიის სამონასტრო კომპლექსი) — An outstanding monument of history, culture and religion of Georgia. Carved into the rock, the cave complex is a brilliant creation of the Georgian people. Vardzia (Vardzia) (Georgian: ვარძია) is the result of the creative activity of man, who has withstood the onslaught of time. One of the most beautiful cave cities in the world of the 12th century, located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Over a length of 900 meters, in the steep tuff wall of Mount Erusheti (Georgian: ერუშეთი), up to 600 rooms have been carved out: churches, chapels, residential cells, storerooms, baths, refectories, treasuries, libraries. Remains of the water supply and irrigation system have been preserved. In the center of the monastery complex is the main temple in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cauldrons, located in several tiers, are connected by corridors, platforms and stairs. The caves of the complex go 50 meters deep into the rock and had different purposes – religious, economic and social.
The choice of location for the complex was determined by the best construction properties of the rock, its advantageous location from a domestic and military point of view, as well as the availability of drinking water. The monastery-fortress blocked the gorge of the Kura River (Georgian: მტკვარი) and resisted invasions from the south. All defensive wars that Georgia waged in that era against Muslim expansion are associated with the name of Vardzia. Vardzia was a reliable support for the Georgian kings in the struggle to unify the country. In 1283, a major earthquake occurred in the region, as a result of which a rock layer up to 15 meters thick separated from the rock. Up to two-thirds of the complex was destroyed or severely damaged. Thus, Vardzia lost its defensive significance. Currently, the cave Vardzia is one of the main tourist attractions in southern Georgia. Forbes magazine called the Monastery Complex one of the most impressive places to visit.
Erusheti Ridge (Georgian: ერუშეთის ქედი), Aspindza Municipality (Georgian: ასპინძის მუნიციპალიტეტი)