Useful information about Batumi and Georgia
Rose Castle
The cave complex called Vardzia is one of the most unique sights of Georgia. Vardzia is a monastery complex and a monument of medieval architecture of the country. The monastery is located in the south of the state, a hundred kilometers from Borjomi.
Vardzia is a high rock towering above Kura. About six hundred caves are carved in the steep wall of the rock. In the rocky city, some caves formed naturally, and some were carved man-made. The main rooms were intended for the temple and library, others served as a refectory or pantry. There were also living rooms and even baths.
The fortress is very similar to an anthill. Caves carved in the lower tiers stretch down in depth. Then they branch and rise to a very decent height. Once, the water supply and irrigation systems were perfectly set up here.
Vardzia, or in other words the Castle of the Roses, was carved primarily for protection, as the locals were constantly attacked. Nature herself gave the inhabitants of the southern part of the country such a miraculous gift. The fortress was almost ready from the start. It was just required to settle in the existing caves and add a few new ones.
During the reign of the legendary Tamara, the fortress was expanded and landscaped. A temple was also built in the underground city. It was here that Queen Tamara hid from fierce enemies, resolved intra-family conflicts, and in prayers she escorted her husband to the battle, who returned victorious.
The cave city stretches along the shore of the Kura for a kilometer. The monastery was built 8.5 centuries ago, but it served only about a hundred years. A strong earthquake destroyed him. Despite the fact that the earthquake almost destroyed the monastery, it is currently an operating complex.
The fact is that more than ten years ago, restoration work was carried out here. During the repair work, tourist interests were also taken into account. Today, the fortress is divided into the monastery part and the secular. Entrance to the monastery is prohibited for tourists, since this place is considered a shrine. Secular half has free access. Here, tourists can visit one hundred caves, interconnected by tunnels.
Outstanding frescoes dating back to the twelfth century can also be seen in the cave complex. Frescoes are of great value in the cultural heritage of the country. Nowadays, the fortress is a very important object of the cultural and spiritual life of Georgia.