Explore the mysterious stone cave city in Georgia

Scattered across the slopes of the Erusheti mountains in Georgia's Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the impressive cave city of Vardzia once consisted of 6,000 rooftops spread over 19 levels.

From the 3,000-year-old Uplistikhe to the 6th-century David Gareja Monastery and the long-forgotten abodes of Samshvilde, all of Georgia's cave sites are awe-inspiring, but none is as dominant as Vardzia, Mysterious cave city.

Rooftops are built on a rocky mountain in the Georgian city of Vardzia.

Dotted on the slopes of the Erusheti mountains, looming over a lush valley punctuated by the Kura River, Vardzia is Georgia's most remarkable cave city.

In the olden days, this was an area perched on a cliff consisting of 6,000 rooftops spread over 19 floors, including 25 cellars, a nunnery, 15 chapels and a pharmacy, all combined to make forged a vibrant medieval city and monastery.

Secret escape tunnels, confusing dead ends

More than 500 caves of the city of Vardzia still exist today.

It was originally conceived and built as a fortress in the 12th century during the reign of King Giorgi III, but it was his daughter who created the city with a series of intricately carved caves and rooms. deep into the heart of Mount Erusheti, among them there is a secret escape tunnel and a row of dead-end houses to confuse the enemy.

It then rapidly evolved from a modest fortress into a vast monastery, cultural center and offensive stronghold. Vardzia is home to about 2,000 monks, tens of thousands of residents, and has fertile terraces and an elaborate irrigation system.

Tamar the Great, the legendary fierce and powerful queen, during her 30-year reign led Georgia to flourish politically and territorially, her rule expanding throughout the region.

Vardzia once had 2,000 monks. About 500 caves still exist today.

Dining room of a cliff house in Vardzia

However, Vardzia's heyday was rather short-lived. In 1283, an earthquake shook the area, destroying more than 70% of the city and knocking down the outer wall in an avalanche.

The monastic community existed for another 300 years until it was persecuted.

Some 500 caves still remain, including a carefully carved apothecary that is still intact and cellars with ancient brewing pots still located below as if untouched by time.

Further into the mountains lies a maze of unspoiled tunnels - some nearly 200 meters long connected together in an ancient network of roads.

The most distinctive structure is the massive bell tower that juts out from the top of a stone platform. It still retains most of its original beauty, although the bell was stolen during a Mongol raid.

Vardzia's most impressive is the Dormition Church with its double dome, hanging bells carved invisible into the mountain face. Inside are beautiful frescoes, including one of the four remaining of Queen Tamar.

A natural spring hidden deep in the tunnels is likened to the tears of Queen Tamar, where you'll find a pool filled with water from the rocks above it.

Opposite Vardzia is the Vardzia Cavetown Viewpoint. This is a great stop to see it all from afar. Then there's the lesser-known Vanis Kvabebi (Vani Caves), an intricately carved stone monastery just a 10-minute drive from Vardzia. Eager climbers reach the site via a series of wooden ladders that lead to a small white-domed church and enjoy sweeping views of the valley.

Not far from Vanis Kvabebi is Tmogvi Fort, a long-forgotten citadel of stained frescoes and crumbling minarets.

Vardzia is located in Samtskhe-Javakheti, a region in southern Georgia bordering Turkey and Armenia with a vibrant culture, landscape and cuisine. In the northern half of the area you'll find Borjomi - a jungle spa town known for its hot springs and bottled mineral water.

Just over four hours' drive from the capital Tbilisi, a drive through Borjomi's jungle and gilded Akhalstikhe fortress will bring you to Vardzia.