Vardzia

About

Vardzia, an intriguing village in Georgia, is renowned for its 12th-century cave and tunnel system etched into a cliffside. The cave complex, towering up to 19 stories high, ranks among Georgia's most striking ancient cave towns. Today, remnants of a throne room, a church, a wine cellar, and a bell tower can still be observed in the complex network of caves and tunnels. The Church of the Dormition stands as the most striking portion of the site, notable for its paintings, impressive archways, and suspended bells. Spending several hours exploring the cave city of Vardzia allows for a leisurely journey through its every corner. If time is scarce, an hour-long visit will suffice for a one-way walk through the main caves and churches before returning to the parking lot. Situated off the beaten path, Vardzia may not offer mass tourism luxuries, but its authenticity significantly enhances the travel experience.