Vardzia: Queen Tamar's Cave City in Southern Georgia

In the far south of Georgia, where the Mtkvari River winds through the Erusheti Mountains near the Turkish border, the cliff hides an extraordinary secret: Vardzia, a city carved into basaltic rock by order of Queen Tamar in the 12th century. More than 600 chambers spread across 13 levels make this one of the most spectacular cave complexes in the entire Caucasus and the world.

Vardzia Georgia — ciudad rupestre medieval cuevas montaña Erusheti
Panoramic view of the Vardzia cave complex, carved into the Erusheti Mountains in southern Georgia.

History of Vardzia: from Fortress to Monastery

Construction of Vardzia began in 1185 under the reign of Queen Tamar, the iconic figure of Georgia's Golden Age, and was completed in the 1190s. The complex served simultaneously as a fortress, monastery, and refuge city capable of sheltering up to 50,000 people in the event of an invasion. Its location on a vertical cliff and the network of underground galleries made it virtually impregnable.

A devastating earthquake in 1283 destroyed the front two-thirds of the city, exposing chambers that had previously been invisible from outside. Despite this, monks remained on site until the 16th century.

What to See in Vardzia

The Church of the Assumption and Its Frescoes

The spiritual heart of the complex is the Church of the Assumption, whose walls preserve 12th-century medieval frescoes of exceptional quality and condition. Standouts include the portrait of Queen Tamar and her father, King Giorgi III, painted during their lifetimes — a rarity in the religious art of the era.

The 600 Rock-Cut Chambers

Royal apartments, monastic cells, wine cellars, a library, a pharmacy, and a theatre make up the labyrinth of Vardzia. The irrigation system that carried water from the river to the upper terraces demonstrates an advanced level of hydraulic engineering for the 12th century.

Iglesia Asunción Vardzia — frescos medievales reina Tamar Georgia
The Church of the Assumption preserves medieval frescoes featuring a portrait of Queen Tamar, painted during her lifetime.

How to Visit Vardzia from Tbilisi or Borjomi

Vardzia is about 90 km from Borjomi (2 hours by car) and 350 km from Tbilisi (around 4–5 hours). The most popular route combines Vardzia with an overnight stay in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe, where the Rabati Castle is located. The site is open every day and entrance costs 5 GEL. At Destino Cáucaso we include Vardzia in our southern Georgia tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to visit Vardzia?

We recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the complex at a relaxed pace, especially if you want to reach the upper levels and admire the church frescoes. The visit involves walking and climbing rock-cut stairs.

Is Vardzia on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

Vardzia is on Georgia's tentative list for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but has not yet been officially inscribed. It is protected as a National Cultural Monument of Georgia.

How do I get to Vardzia from Tbilisi?

From Tbilisi there are buses to Akhaltsikhe and from there minibuses to Vardzia. By private car the journey takes about 4–5 hours. Many travellers combine Vardzia with a stop in Borjomi and Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe.