In the XII-XIII centuries in the south of Georgia the cave monastery complex of Vardzia was built. It was carved into a rock almost 900 meters high and included more than 1000 rooms: cells, refectory, libraries, pantries, even baths. In peacetime the settlement was used as a monastery, during an attack by enemies the population of the nearest villages rose into impregnable rock and was in danger. All caves were interconnected by internal passages, protective devices and traps for enemies were equipped.
In XIII a strong earthquake occurred and part of the mountain collapsed. Many premises were destroyed, the city became unsuitable for life. However, some caves have been preserved and today it is an important tourist attraction of Georgia and a working monastery.
During a tour of Vardzia you can visit the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and see interesting frescoes. Some of the frescoes were damaged after the fire in 2017, now restoration work is being carried out on the temple territory.
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