The Church of the Assumption of Mary

Vardzia’s main highlight is the Church of the Assumption of Mary at the heart of the cave complex. The monastery church is mostly carved into the rock, with its magnificent column portal and a hall in the form of a barrel vault with its well-preserved coloured frescoes.

The frescoes portray many New Testament scenes and, on the north wall, King George III and his elder daughter and successor, Queen Tamar. This is one of only four ancient artistic renditions of George and Tamar, showing the future Queen as a yet unmarried woman, not wearing a wimple.

Please note: to be allowed in the church, women must wear long skirts and a head covering, and men must wear long trousers.

Inside the church you find several different pathways leading deeper inward. There is a natural spring which locals refer to as “Tamar’s Tears.” While protected behind a glass wall, there is a small container in front which allows visitors to take a sample

The door to the left of the church door leads into a long tunnelled stairway (perhaps 150 m long), which leads up inside the rock and emerges well above the church, a claustrophobic but rather exciting experience.

You cannot really get lost despite the size of the complex, and once you have explored the various different levels, you'll find yourself led back down the hillside in a large loop.

Picture Credits: beyondarts GmbH

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.