Vardzia, Georgia - Timings, Tips & Things To Do

Vardzia, Georgia: Overview

The Vardzia cave town is a key highlighted landmark of Georgia, featuring a huge complex carved into the rock and extending to diverse levels such as tunnels, workshops, apartments, churches, and wine cellars. Vardzia in Georgia is blended with history, architecture, and nature, as numerous caves are constructed within the mountainside. This place is divided into floors within its entire height, and all the floors are connected through tunnels.

Discovering the history of Vardzia, the destination is aligned with the two monarchs, and these are Giorgi III and his daughter, Queen Tamara. Right from the monastery, you will get to see the stunning views over the fertile valley below. The insights of Vardzia cave town from the other side of the river are a place you will find nowhere else. Visiting this destination, you have the accessibility to around 300 rooms that are well connected.

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How To Reach Vardzia

By Rental Car: If you prefer to travel to Vardzia by car, you can hire a rental car. There are two route options; the first one is the E60 highway, and it will take around 3 hours to reach Vardzia. The second route is the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti, which takes around 4 hours. This scenic drive lets you experience some of the best places in Georgia along the way.

By Mini Bus: Travelling by bus is also a convenient mode of transportation. Once you arrive at Akhaltsikhe, you are required to transfer to a marshrutka that will ultimately take you to Vardzia. Buses take approximately 2.5 hours to reach the final destination.

By Taxi: Have a comfortable ride by taking a taxi from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia. If you don’t find the buses, there are taxi drivers available in front of the bus station, and you can hire a taxi for the round trip while you visit the Vardzia caves.

Best Time To Visit Vardzia

The best time to visit Georgia, Vardzia, is between April and October, and this is the peak season in which the maximum number of people visit Vardzia. Planning a trip during this summer season, you can explore the lush greenery of the landscape and get thrilled by the riverbanks. The winter season is also ideal to visit Vardzia, and in the winter months, the place looks beautiful as it gets covered with snow all across the caves. Even though the weather is freezing, it will be a worthwhile destination for you. So, both the summer and the winter seasons are perfect to explore Vardzia.

Tips To Visit Vardzia

Wear decent walking shoes and dress modestly with your shoulders and knees covered.
When entering the chapels inside Vardzia, men must wear long pants, and women should wear long skirts.
It will be great for you if you bring the snacks on your own.
Bring a water bottle with you as travelling in the summer season, it is necessary to stay hydrated. For your convenience, there is a spring water fountain at the entrance of Vardzia where you can fill the bottle.
You can purchase souvenirs from the Ethnodesign shop near the ticket booth at Vardzia, where you can buy handicrafts.
If you are visiting Vardzia during winter, be careful when you climb on the edges of the rocks.
Carry some amount of cash with you, as cards may not be accepted everywhere.

Things To Do at Vardzia

The Arc, Bell Tower: Entering the Vardzia, the first spot is the Bell Tower. Visiting the destination in the early morning, you will see the mesmerizing sunrise right from the Bell Tower.
Cave Rooms: Explore the cave rooms in the Vardzia monastery, combined with 300 rooms, wine storage cellars, an apothecary, and a dining room.
Spiritual Place: Visit the church of the Dormition, which features a painting of Queen Tamar, and you can see the faded frescoes on the exterior of the church.
Wine Cellars: Discover the wine cellars within Vardzia, where you can see the necks of clay amphora immersed in the stone floors.
Old Church: When walking across the tunnel, you will get to see the widest caves representing the old church and a small grave.
King Tamar’s Room: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enter King Tamar’s Room, which is the highest cave on the east side of the monastery. Visiting this place, you will learn about the Throne of King Tamar. It will be best to visit during the time of sunset, as the colour of the rocks changes right from golden beige to dark grey
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Quick Information

Vardzia Timings:

Monday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Time Required to Visit Vardzia:

2 to 3 Hours

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Gveleti Waterfall

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FAQs About Vardzia

What is the history of Vardzia?

Vardzia is a cave monastery complex that was built between 1156 and 1208 during the time of the reign of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamara. The Vardzia is involved with natural caves and includes a throne room, church, a reception chamber, a meeting room, bakery and a lot more.