The monastic complex "Vardzia"

This is the famous monastery complex, this cave fortress city, which is carved into the rocks in the years 1156-1205. by order of King George III to protect the south-western borders of Georgia, and his daughter - Queen Tamara has basically completed the construction of a giant "nest." for its intended purpose fort served for only about one hundred years. After the earthquake the rock collapsed together with most of the caves and their inhabitants. Only a third of the grand complex, but even this small part simply amazing. More than half a kilometer stretch sheer cliffs, where the carved numerous facilities of religious and secular buildings of 11-13 floors (height of the complex more than a hundred meters). In total, more than 600 rooms, including 15 churches, the throne hall, rooms for special occasions, living cells, a refectory, baths, pantries, pharmacies, libraries and many other cave rooms connected by passages and tunnels. They could accommodate as many as 50 thousand people. By Vardzia was held, and a conduit length of 3.5 km where the water is flowing today. In addition, a very original wells were built, some well preserved to this day - with a delicious, fresh and an ice-cold water, which reduces the teeth. Vardzia had a developed system of irrigation for the nearby situated terraces of fertile land. Vardzia performs several functions: protection - to protect the borders of the Georgian kingdom, a spiritual - as a Christian monastery, and food - are kept large stocks of food in case of a long siege. In the valleys, the local monks grew grapes and crops. The only entrance to the complex passed through a secret tunnel near the river Kura. The biggest cave - the Church of the Assumption. Wall of the main temple hall type with arch Korobov (on podpruzhnyh arches) and pilasters, which consists of two layers, entirely covered with frescoes of excellence, among which survived the famous images of King George III and Queen Tamara (1180-ies., Master George). Not far away - standing on the belfry (line XIII - XIV centuries.) Used to come here to pray Queen Tamara. Although the monastery was designed for men only, but as an exception, as the Queen, Tamara had been pulled separate apartments. At the end of XIII - the beginning of the XIV century. Vardzia rebuilt (after the earthquake) and being completed. Unfortunately, the consequences of the earthquake Vardzia deprived of its former strategic importance as an impregnable fortress. And over its long history, these magnificent buildings have been repeatedly destroyed. In 1551 the monastery was destroyed by the troops of the Shah of Iran Tahmasp. At the end of the XVI century was conquered by the Turks, and came to a complete desolation. Only in 1828 Vardzia was finally released. Since 1938, declared a museum-reserve and, despite the great restoration work, not everything is available for viewing ... Scientists do not stop to investigate Vardzia and from time to time he pleases with new discoveries. So, recently told news agencies the important news: August 20, 2007, Gruzinfo. During the archeological excavations in the region of South Georgia Javakheti in the cave monastery complex Vardzia, found renee unknown underground shelters dating from the medieval period, the agency Pirveli. These carefully camouflaged shelters intended to save the monks and the inhabitants of the cave complex, including members of the royal family, during the invasion of enemies. " Recently, the monks settled here once again - and welcomes tourists.