Vardzia Cave Monastery
Vardzia (ვარძია in Georgian) is a cave monastery in southern Georgia, close to the Turkish border. It was established in the 12th century. As you can see in the photos, most of the outer walls have fallen away, largely due to an earthquake in 1283.
Vardzia cave monastery, with the Mtkvari River and valley to the right
There was a brief power cut when I was exploring inside the complex, but while everyone else panicked I switched on my head torch.
Dormition church to the right
I travelled to Vardzia from Akhaltsikhe via taxi which cost 50 GEL (around £18), with various stops including Khertvisi Fortress.
Photos taken with the Canon Powershot G1 X.
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