Vardzia - cave monastery complex, XII-XIII centuries in southern Georgia, Javakheti. An outstanding monument of medieval Georgian architecture. Located in the province Aspindza district of Samtskhe-Javakheti, in the valley of the Kura River (Mtkvari), about 100 km south of the town of Borjomi, near the village of the same name. For 900 meters along the left bank of the Kura River in the sheer wall of mountain tuff Erusheti (Bear) is carved up 600 premises: churches, chapels, living cells, store-rooms, baths, refectories, treasuries and libraries.
The premises of the complex goes up to 50 meters deep into the rock and climb to a height of eight stories. Preserved secret passages linking the premises, the remnants of water supply and irrigation systems. In the center of the monastery is the main church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The temple hall-type arch is covered by Korobov (in girth arches) and adorned with pilasters on the walls - a unique mural paintings (including images King George III and Queen Tamar, 1180-ies., Master George). Great historical and artistic value are the frescoes of the Dormition of the Mother, the Ascension and the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The premises of the complex goes up to 50 meters deep into the rock and climb to a height of eight stories. Preserved secret passages linking the premises, the remnants of water supply and irrigation systems. In the center of the monastery is the main church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The temple hall-type arch is covered by Korobov (in girth arches) and adorned with pilasters on the walls - a unique mural paintings (including images King George III and Queen Tamar, 1180-ies., Master George). Great historical and artistic value are the frescoes of the Dormition of the Mother, the Ascension and the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.
