Vardzia Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
cave dwellings
About Vardzia
The site is part of the Vardzia Historical–Architectural Museum-Reserve. The popular story behind the name is that the young Tamar (later Queen of Georgia) went out hunting with her uncle Giorgi and got lost in the caves. Giorgi searched for her and eventually found her, because she shouted out from the rock cave above "I am here uncle", which in local language is close to the wordVardzia, i.e.am here uncle. The first construction took place at Vardzia during the reign of Giorgi III (1156–1184), the site was laid out and the first cave dwellings excavated. With the medieval kingdom of Georgia threatened by the Mongols his successor Tamar developed the site following his death carving out the Church of the Dormition as well as more dwellings, and constructing defences, water supply, and an
Top Attractions in Vardzia
Explore the best things to see and do in Vardzia:
- ★Church of the Dormition
- ★Hot Pool
- ★Khertvisi Castle
- ★Upper Vardzia & Nuns Monastery
- ★Vanis Kvabebi
- ★Vardzia Monastery
Where to Stay in Vardzia
- 🏨Gocha Guesthouse
- 🏨Hotel Vardzia Terrace
- 🏨Taoskari Hotel
- 🏨Tsunda
- 🏨Vardzia Resort
Vardzia Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: