Don't expect a simple tourist postcard from Vardzia. This place is not shown — it is being experienced. At first you just see a rock. Majestic, harsh, riddled with dark holes, like the honeycombs of a giant stone beehive. It seems like it's just a game of nature. But then you get closer, and the rock comes to life. She begins to speak in the whisper of ages. You're walking through narrow tunnels cut out of the rock. When you touch the walls with your palm, they are rough and cold, but they still hold the warmth of thousands of lives. Here is the monk's cell, where the only window was a view of the Kura Gorge. Here is the huge church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where candles are still burning under the arches painted with the faces of saints. Sunlight, making its way through the openings, draws golden patterns on the floor, and the dust in these rays dances, as if they were the souls of former inhabitants. Vardzia is not just a cave city. It's a vertical world created against all odds. A world where climbing the stairs, you literally climb the floors of history. Here, in these stone walls, the heart of Georgia beat during the invasions. They prayed here, raised children, painted frescoes and looked into the distance, waiting for the enemy. You leave Vardzia not with a bunch of photos, but with a feeling. With the feeling of touching something infinitely ancient and real. This place reminds you of the power of the spirit, that even a stone can be turned into a house, and fear into prayer.

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Валерия М

Level 10 Local Expert

There is a long road and caves and open areas. At the end there is a descent of more than 200 steps, often without a handrail. It is determined that basic physical training and lack of fear of heights are required. I do not recommend elderly people. It's so beautiful! The 11th century temple with frescoes and mosaics. Amazing views! There is a restaurant nearby on the banks of the Kura River with quite reasonable prices and wine!

See original · Русский

Vardzia

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