One location, many impressions
Vardzia is a monastery city carved into the rock of Mount Erusheti in the Mtkvari valley. Its construction began under King Giorgi III, and the main part was built at the end of the 12th century, during the reign of Queen Tamar. Hundreds of cells, churches, a refectory, wine cellars and water channels were cut into the cliff on several levels, linked by tunnels and stairways. An earthquake in 1283 brought down part of the rock face, exposing the inner rooms of the city to the outside. The heart of the complex is the Church of the Dormition, with surviving 12th-century frescoes that include portraits of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. A monastery still functions at Vardzia today. 📷 Photos: SzerokieWidoki, Martin Cígler, Piotr Rokita, Sarah Murray / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
