Georgia: Amazing Vardzia

Vardzia is a cave city like none other, having seen cave dwelling in various parts of the world. Vardzia is a whole complex of hundreds of rooms built on the side of a cliff, established in the 12th century as a fortress. As many of the outer walls were damaged by earthquakes, it is easier to take in the whole site at a glance, though the labyrinth of stairs, tunnels, and rooms were most fascinating explored in person.



















We based ourselves in Akhaltsikhe to visit Vardzia. However, Akhaltsikhe itself means "new castle" in Georgian and now has been mostly reconstructed (to attract tourists?). And although it was lacking in atmosphere and patina, we had fun clambering around it, day and night.

















On the way to Vardiza there was one more fortress, Khertvisi Fortress. Today this region does not look like particularly valuable real estate, but apparently it was during the Middle Ages.