Vardzia

5.0

665 ratings

Rate this place

Level 6 Local Expert

great

Level 8 Local Expert

We drove on our own. It's a very atmospheric place. But there are a lot of descents and ascents. It's physically difficult. The most interesting place in the area of the church, you can walk through the tunnels. The entrance fee is 15 lari per person, a minibus goes from the ticket office to the entrance to the cave, it costs 2 lari per person. I recommend going up the route.

See original · Русский

Виктория

Level 14 Local Expert

A place worth visiting, especially for those who have no health problems) because it is physically very difficult to get there. We need to go uphill. But there you will be shocked by the scale, which is only a small part obvious from the outside. An entire city is hidden in the rock, which previously could accommodate up to 50,000 people!!! Nearby there is a parking lot, a shop, souvenirs, a toilet

See original · Русский

Сергей Х.

Level 10 Local Expert

Not very impressed. For the most part, the temple is interesting, the narrow passages from it and, of course, the view of the surrounding nature. The rest are "caves" (holes) in the rock. It takes 1-2 hours to inspect (because everything is the same). If you drive 226 km one way from Tbilisi, the result may disappoint.... It's quite another matter if you spend the night nearby and consider the complex of objects in the area - Rabat fortress in Akhaltsikhe, Khertvisi fortress, Vardzia (plus a thermal spring nearby) and of course the surrounding nature! That is, without long trips of 3 hours.

See original · Русский

Moresto

Level 6 Local Expert

It's a beautiful place, the road is also great, there are many exits to stop and stare at the mountains. In Vardzia itself, there is a ticket office where you can buy entrance tickets, and you can also pay for a "transfer" to the entrance, two lari per person, one way, a very important function. There are benches on the site itself, everything is fenced with railings.

See original · Русский

Vasilisa Telnova

Level 13 Local Expert

There are just a lot of impressions from a trip to Vardzia. And delight. We went with the Sputnik company. The road from Tbilisi to Vardzia is, of course, long, but it didn't become a problem for us.: the road is picturesque, we passed many beautiful places. And, of course, nature… The Vardzia fortress simply amazed with its scale, thoughtfulness, and antiquity. During the tour, we walked through the labyrinths, going up and down the old steps. I had to duck in some passages.… Separately, I would like to say about the temple and its incomparable frescoes ... very exciting. Be sure to visit! It's worth it!

See original · Русский

Юлия В.

Level 6 Local Expert

Unexpectedly, the cave mountain left a lot of impressions for us) we were with children aged 3 and 8, they were happy to wander through the caves, crossing the tunnels. In some places we had to duck down) take water with you) at the end of the route you can buy ice cream and water, which we did. The exit is the same as the entrance, we got a little lost)

See original · Русский

Людмила

Level 7 Local Expert

A great place for a guided tour. It's a long way to get there, but it's worth it. Wonderful views, cave city, audio guide. It's worth staying at the Resort, it's cool there.

See original · Русский

Dmitry K

Level 9 Local Expert

Great place! For about an hour or two! There is a place to climb, it's beautiful! But it's not safe in places... with children only by the hand! To climb to the foot there is a minibus, it is better to climb it, because there is still a functioning temple inside.

See original · Русский

Лилия

Level 30 Local Expert

An absolutely incredible place, the cave monastery complex of the XII—XIII centuries, is so huge from the foot that it seemed to me that I would not be able to get around, and I thought if I returned from halfway, but slowly, with breaks and stops with a guide, we walked the entire route relatively easily))) The ascents and trails are equipped with handrails, amazing panoramas open from the very peaks, and the emotions of being in such a historical place are simply indescribable, considering how many centuries the cave city has been. The monastery has survived more than one invasion, but many things have been preserved and you can see the centuries-old history, in the chapel the only image of King Tamara that has survived to this day. According to one of the legends, when King Tamara was lost in caves and they were looking for her, she answered her uncle's call with "Ak var, dzia!", which meant "Uncle, I'm here", and the cave city of Vardzia was named, and Tamara's father promised to build a chapel if his daughter was found. Now there is an active monastery for men, as the guide told us, there are three monks and one is preparing. When describing iconic or historical places, it is difficult to convey feelings, but it is unusual and very interesting to be there, we really liked it and did not regret that we went, although we were worried that we would not climb. By the way, the entrance is paid, and you can also climb to the foot for a fee (if I'm not mistaken, the entrance is GEL 7 and GEL 15, or vice versa, I may be mistaken).

See original · Русский

Vladislav Dmitriev

Level 30 Local Expert

It's a really cool place. Queen Tamara created something here just for that time. Especially what I remember is the face in the photo. We really liked it. We came from Batumi via Khulo.

See original · Русский

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

Utkelova Marina

Level 30 Local Expert

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.

See original · Русский

Ирина

Level 29 Local Expert

You should definitely come to this place, especially if you plan to stay in Borjomi. Unfortunately, Vardzia has not been preserved in its original form to this day, but even if only a small part has been preserved, and not everything is accessible to the public, you take at least 3 hours to get from the entrance to the cave city to the exit. You can get from the ticket offices by minibus, you can walk. We took a minibus, but in general it was possible to walk there for free. we had a free visit, we watched everything we wanted, no one pushed or stepped on our feet. But I think we would have received no less emotions from the tour..

See original · Русский

Nini

Level 14 Local Expert

The best thing we remember about Georgia. An ancient cave city. There are "multi-room apartments". Very interesting. I recommend taking a minibus before the start of the route, this is an additional fee, but you will have to walk a lot and all along the stairs. The lifts are now equipped with handrails, they didn't exist before, of course, the view is better without them, but it's safer with them. A temple has been preserved inside the rock (active) With medieval frescoes, the atmosphere is incredible. The children, and we all liked the tunnels. They sell drinks and ice cream next to the temple (walk a little ahead). Honestly, it was very unexpected and very useful, as the children were tired. But the magic (ordinary) ice cream gave them a second wind. We have the most pleasant impressions. Be sure to visit this place.

See original · Русский

Юлия А.

Level 6 Local Expert

I advise you to visit! It's worth it! We enjoyed climbing the caves. We took one audio guide, which was enough for general information. 2-3 hours is quite enough to slowly explore everything and relax upstairs with an ice cream in your hands (there is a small shop with drinks and snacks on the rock)

See original · Русский

Anton ----

Level 10 Local Expert

It's an amazing place. A city built into a rock by monks. The place was improved, paths and railings were made. It is completely unclear how the monks moved there without this. The views are breathtaking. Beautiful photos are guaranteed. A full-day tour, but we didn't regret it at all. Special thanks to the guide, George 13. We had a great tour, told a lot of historical facts, legends, and joked a lot during the tour. I definitely advise you to visit.

See original · Русский

Вадим И.

Level 17 Local Expert

It's an amazing place, very beautiful nature, and the view and beauty of the mountains makes one's breath stop. There are active Kedmi on the territory of the monastery complex and monks live there. Spare no money and take a guided tour (only it is in English, please note this). There are many rooms in the complex that have their own history, there is an active church of those times where you can put candles and pray, as well as collect holy water, which is considered to be the tears of Princess Tamara. Get ready, there are many steps, steep narrow descents and ascents. Knees can exit the chat. Another important point is that if you are told on a tour that Tamara spent the night or lived in one of the rooms, this is not true. She did not spend more than one night there.

See original · Русский

Максим Соловьёв

Level 19 Local Expert

It's beautiful and one of the must-see places. But it's sooo much to walk. There are lots of ascents and descents, narrow passages. * I recommend not giving up at the beginning and walking to the middle, there's a temple inside, it's beautiful. * There is a delicious spring water in the middle of the way. Don't miss it. * There is spring water at the end of the way, too, do not carry it with you all the way - then you will collect it. * Fans of "you need to see everything, it's disrespectful otherwise" can wish good luck and not miss foot day. Because there are many caves there that are the same, you don't have to go into each one and take pictures. * I also recommend an audio guide.

See original · Русский

Елена Баранова

Level 7 Local Expert

An incredible open-air museum. We stopped in Borjomi specifically to visit this place. One of the best locations in Georgia. We drove from Borjomi by car for about an hour, beautiful views along the way. It's better to come to the opening, it's not so hot and there are fewer people. Parking is 5 GEL, they did not approach us, so they stayed for free. The ticket is 15 lari, and for another 2 lari you can get to the beginning of the trail by car.We walked up by ourselves, it's about 7-10 minutes. The complex itself is huge, there are descents and ascents of stairs, keep this in mind. We walked by ourselves for about 3 hours, having previously read the history of the city on the Internet. You can sit and relax in the shade in the cool rooms of the complex. The views are very beautiful.

See original · Русский

Ольга Лень

Level 10 Local Expert

Vardzia is a city in a rock (a monastery complex founded in the 12th century.) The tour was very impressive:We managed to inspect the cells, storerooms, the church, the water supply and even the bathhouse! Wear comfortable shoes, it's important.

See original · Русский

Елена

Level 15 Local Expert

The best cave city we've ever seen. It is open until 19 in summer. There you can first walk outside, and then go through the church and get into a tunnel that is dug through the entire rock and exit from the other side below.

See original · Русский

Alex V

Level 7 Local Expert

a very decent, powerful and atmospheric place! take a minibus to get to the beginning and not drag yourself up in the heat, as well as a guide, otherwise you will not understand the whole idea of this creation! Without a guide, it will just be a hike through numerous rooms and stairs.. a must-visit in Georgia.

See original · Русский

Оксана

Level 7 Local Expert

The beauty of the cave city/monastery is breathtaking, the road is good, we drove through the Goderdzi pass (there are places of landslides to the ski area, but the road workers are working)

See original · Русский

Мария Исаева

Level 22 Local Expert

I definitely recommend it, although it's not close. It's a very interesting place. We were lucky with the weather, it was warm and sunny. We really enjoyed it, because it turned out to be a very unusual tour.

See original · Русский

452633 Белоусова

Level 4 Local Expert

The place is magical! The views are spectacular, the temple is in operation. Not everyone can do it, there are difficult descents. A minibus will take you to the beginning of the route (additional charge). There are cafes below near the bubbling river.

See original · Русский

Дмитрий

Level 30 Local Expert

Just looking at this place is breathtaking. An incredible cave complex with preserved tunnels, plumbing systems and "wine cellars". Some of the caves are used as cells for monks and are closed to tourists. This is one of the must-see places in Georgia. What is written about his story: The foundation was started by Tsar George III, and completed by his daughter, Queen Tamara, turning the complex into a stronghold of Georgian power. According to legend, little Tamara got lost in the caves, and at the call of her uncle she shouted: "Ak var dziya!" ("I'm here, uncle!"). This is how the name "Vardzia" appeared. It was not only a monastery, but also a secret hideout. The system of secret passages allowed residents to suddenly appear in front of the enemy. Up to 40-60 thousand people could hide here. In 1283, a powerful earthquake collapsed the outer layer of the rock, destroying 2/3 of the complex. In the 16th century, it was plundered by the Persians and Turks, and the monastery was deserted. For a long time, Vardzia stood in desolation. It was only in 1938 that the Soviet authorities declared it a museum reserve. The real renaissance began with the arrival of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Monastic life returned here in 1989-1998, and thanks to a large-scale restoration carried out in 2015-2018, the rocks were reinforced, and the ancient complex was reopened to the world.

See original · Русский

Наталья Каменских

Level 13 Local Expert

This is an incredible place! The entrance fee is 15 lari. We came with an excursion from Tbilisi. The guide told us all about the history of this place. But you can get an audio guide for an additional fee.

See original · Русский

Светлана

Level 15 Local Expert

The company organized the trip for us BatumiFun.com . A city hollowed out of the rocks in the Middle Ages! It's not like drilling a hole in concrete). It is a pity that everything has not been preserved to this day in its original form, but you can see where they prayed, cooked food, and made wine. It was here that I realized differently the expression that mountains protect. It's real, a whole city inside a rock.

See original · Русский

Анастасия П.

Level 7 Local Expert

It's a beautiful place, and even more so if you're from Russia... That's a lot of emotions and impressions. Keep in mind that you need to walk a lot here, and if you eat with the elderly or small people, then go early to slowly get around everything. the people are very nice, the cashier was generally very nice and helped us get to civilization for the night, although he needed a nearby village, took us straight to the common road to the city, helped us a lot This place is very necessary to visit.

See original · Русский

Igor Vasilyev

Level 15 Local Expert

This place is worth a visit. There's a lot to see. Tickets are inexpensive, parking is available, but at the exit some local guy is trying to get GEL 5 for parking, although there are no signs that parking is paid. I think he's a local businessman. There is a cafe, but it is expensive, you can climb either on foot, which is difficult in the heat, or by minibus for 2 GEL. Go down as well.

See original · Русский

Сергей Gektor

Level 8 Local Expert

I agree with all the positive comments in the reviews! No photos convey the atmosphere of this place, you need to visit it!!! Must have to visit! We drove from Barjomi, 1 hour and 30 minutes on the road. The road is normal, but there are holes in the ground and the road is kind of washed out in places.

See original · Русский

Алексей

Level 10 Local Expert

I would put a zero if it were possible. I twisted my leg because I didn't notice the unfenced pit in the dark. Naturally, there are no doctors nearby. I limped through the pain to the upper parking lot of the minibus and asked the driver to help me get down to the parking lot. He did not refuse, but took the full fare (GEL 2+GEL 2), although he always goes down empty. They probably didn't make it to the cash register. They profit from the pain of others. So much for hospitality. Thanks, great place, I recommend it to everyone (sarcasm).

See original · Русский

Катя Г.

Level 14 Local Expert

An amazing place with incredible views. He admires the power of nature and the human talent to arrange life where it seems impossible. The scale is breathtaking.

See original · Русский

Эд

Level 22 Local Expert

This active monastery will not leave you indifferent, it is a very atmospheric place with a deep history. I've been there twice and I want to come back to see the convent, which is very close. There is a cafe, parking, toilet, souvenirs under the mountain. I recommend a cafe in front of the bridge by the river with a view of the monastery.

See original · Русский

Семён Орлов

Level 30 Local Expert

We came here by car with an overnight stay to visit in the morning. I was surprised by the scale of the caves, the size, and most importantly, the large temple with a dome right inside the cave with bells. It's an amazing place. There is a sense of history here, of some kind of power. One of the TOP 5 places in Georgia, definitely worth a visit. This is my personal rating after a year of living in Georgia.

See original · Русский

Сусанна

Level 9 Local Expert

We were here on a very hot day, and we were very sorry. Climbing the trail was unbearable, and there wasn't much to do in the caves, except to inspect the bare walls. If you're lucky, you can see lizards with bats. The view of Vardzia is beautiful from below, the view from Vardzia itself did not impress us. I think we wasted our time by coming here.

See original · Русский

Наталья

Level 7 Local Expert

There are very beautiful views from above, but the path will not be easy for everyone, it is very difficult to go down when you go back up the steps (it is not safe), in places there are no barriers- you had to hold on to the walls, which is also not safe. You can go up there on your own or with a guide, the price will certainly be different.

See original · Русский

Артем Д.

Level 13 Local Expert

The cave town and monastery are impressive. A place of strength and energy. When visiting Georgia, I recommend that you include it in the program. The only thing is, it's a very long 4-5-hour drive from Tbilisi - if you have time, book accommodation for a day.

See original · Русский

msk55

Level 13 Local Expert

Walk a lot on dangerous stone stairs. There is no turning back. You're calculating your strength. Entrance is 15 lari per person, parking is 5 lari per car.

See original · Русский

Igor Romanovskiy

Level 14 Local Expert

It's an amazing place!!! Dear friends, I advise everyone to visit this place of holiness and heroism of the ancient monks of Georgia))) Words cannot convey it, you need to see it.

See original · Русский

Верa

Level 14 Local Expert

We visited at the end of April, it was warm and clear There are many steps, descents and ascents I really wanted to visit and for good reason I recommend you to visit, there are no disadvantages Just plan the time, get there, and the visit itself is for the whole day. We stayed in Borjomi, the journey was not tiring, we admired the beauty of the gorge

See original · Русский

Татьяна Прохорова

Level 10 Local Expert

It's an amazing place! We touched the ancient, multi-storied city in the rocks. It is advisable to have non-slip shoes.

See original · Русский

Лариса К.

Level 13 Local Expert

The tour is very difficult, but very interesting. For 13 hours, our international (Belgian, English, Ukrainian and 7 people from Russia) group traveled along mountain roads, walked in Borjomi-Kharagulsky Park, climbed the Vardzia mountain cave complex, and this is almost an 8-storey fortress with complex tunnels, then attacked the Rabat fortress. Tired and satisfied, returning to Tbilisi, we listened to Georgian songs performed by our guide Beso)) I recommend it to outdoor enthusiasts.

See original · Русский

Павел Бутов

Level 6 Local Expert

An awesome monument to Christianity of the Middle Ages. A must-visit for anyone who is interested in history or something grandiose, like a city in a rock...

See original · Русский

Ольга

Level 14 Local Expert

A very interesting place to tour. The guide told and showed all the interesting places. You can take an audio guide. It takes a lot to walk, but it's worth it!!!

See original · Русский

Оксана Кулебякина

Level 10 Local Expert

Amazing and very unusual! This place is a must-visit if you are in Georgia.

See original · Русский

Ирина Алексеева

Level 7 Local Expert

Definitely worth a visit. We really liked it. Admission is GEL 15 per adult. There are a lot of moves. You need to book 2 hours for a visit. A very picturesque road to the mountain caves. On the way you will meet a suspension bridge over the river. I recommend not to skip, but to walk along it, look at the views.

See original · Русский

Любовь Лаврова

Level 12 Local Expert

An amazing place!!! I really love such sights, very beautiful views! It is interesting to go through all the paths hollowed out in the rock!There is also a temple in the rock, girls, do not forget to take scarves if you want to visit!There is a wonderful cafe near the river below, you can eat and drink delicious wine to the sound of the river with beautiful views!

See original · Русский

ПроБагги

Level 27 Local Expert

It's not the first time in this place. If you are interested in watching not only khachapuri and khinkali in Georgia, go here. An ancient city, interesting historical events that swept through it. Worthy.

See original · Русский

Vardzia

278 reviews