Hidden and little known places: Georgia

11/9/16

Uplistsikhe - Ancient Cave Town in Georgia

Uplistsikhe is situated on the river Mtkvari, around ten kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Gori (which is famous as Stalin's birthplace). At first glance this ancient complex looks like an abstract form of art created by Gaudi. Various rock formations, holes and chambers remind of sophisticated sculptures and certain shapes like for example a human face. You will be amazed when you find out that this site dates back to as early as the second millennium BC. It is the oldest ancient settlement known in Georgia. Left without any care for many years, it was plundered several times and destroyed by an earthquake in 1920. Now, it's on the UNESCO list and there are some works planned to preserve it.

The views from the cliff over the village and the Mtkvari river are spectacular, the natural forms of agriculture are still kept to this day, if you are lucky, you will see the shepherds with their herds grazing down in the valley below the ruins.

Uplistsikhe - Ancient cave city

Uplistsikhe - "The head"

Uplistsikhe - Ancient cave city

History of Uplistsikhe

The name Uplistsike means "the fortress of the Lord". It began its history in the Iron Age, second millennium BC. Back then, the complex was a very important cultural center for pagan worship in the Kartli (Iberia) region. Among the ruins, one can find the amphitheater, the pagan temple with an opening in the roof and smaller chambers that seem to have been homes. All the structures were carved out of sandstone rock. Not much is left nowadays from the grandeur of the place, but it's easy to imagine how magnificent and great it once must have been. On the top of the hill, above the ancient settlement, after the introduction of Christianity, a three-naval basilica was built in the ninth century AD. It is still open until this day. The decline of Uplistsikhe began in the twelfth century after Mongol invasions, although it was still functioning for the next few centuries to follow.

Uplistsikhe - The ninth century basilica

Uplistsikhe - ruins of the ancient city

Uplistsikhe - The basilica

Ruins of ancient chambers carved from sandstone

Sandstone rock formations

Ancient cave city - "The head"

Ancient cave city

View over the valley

Clay vessels at the Basilica in Uplistsikhe

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11/6/16

Vardzia, Georgia Cave Monastery Carved in Rock

Vardzia - the monastery dating back to the twelfth century AD, located on the banks of the river Mtkvari is one of the most important historical sites in Georgia. Similar to the cave towns that can be found in Goreme region, Turkey, however this one is even bigger, carved out of the entire wall of the cliff, with beautifully decorated church. The location, in the middle of a huge gorge, offers unforgettable views. Until this day, some monks still live in those caves.

The site is really incredible and not overcrowded as few people in the West even know that there is such a country as Georgia. So, visit it now, before it gets too touristy and expensive. Now, you still can freely walk through all the corridors carved out of the rocks olmost a thousand years ago.

The cliff wall - The view of the whole cave monastery

Vardzia - Cave Monastery

Beautifully decorated stones

The mountains around Vardzia

The valley

Vardzia - The gate

Bells at the Church of the Dormition

History of Vardzia

The site of Vardzia was inhabited since the ancient times, and cave towns in the region date back to as early as the fifth century BC. One of them is Uplistsikhe (click the link to see post and photos about Uplistsikhe), a must see besides Vardzia. Cave Monastery City of Vardzia was carved in the twelfth century during the Georgian Golden Age.

The name of the cite comes from, according to the legend, a conversation between Tamar (who is depicted in the church of the Dormition) and Giorgi, his niece, when he was looking for her after she had gotten lost in the maze of the tunnels. She replied when called: "I'm here" ("Ac var dzia" in Georgian). And "Var dzia" became the name.

The monastery is made of numerous tunnels connecting houses and other rooms with the beautifully painted, well preserved church of Dormition and other smaller chapels.

It was abandoned in the sixteenth century after the Ottoman Invasion, however, as I have mentioned above, some monks live there until today.