The cave monastery of Vardzia

Vardzia Monastery is located inside the mountain of Erushte, and was once equipped with a real water pipe, as well as an entire irrigation system. The complex includes not only cells, but also several temples, chapels, pantries, places for storing treasuries, libraries and other necessary premises. The total height of the monastery is eight floors. The monastery was erected at the end of the 12th - the beginning of the 13th century under George the Third and his heiress Tamara. In addition to religious orientation, the monastery also performed a protective function. The monastery-fortress protected the valley of the river from potential attacks of Turks and Iranians. In the wartime the royal family found shelter here. With the outside world & raquo; The monastery was connected by three underground exits.