Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia

Historically, in Georgia, a country of high mountains and stone rocks, a special type of architectural art has developed - carving temples, fortresses and even entire cities in rock monoliths. The objects of such unique architecture were such great Georgian monuments as the cave city of Uplistsikhe, the complex of monasteries David Gareji and the amazing ancient city of Vardzia.

Vardzia is 18 km from Akhalkalaki, in close proximity to the border with Turkey. The city was created in the XII - XIII centuries during the reign of George III and his daughter Queen Tamara to protect the southern borders of Georgia. Vardzia is not just chaoticly dug cave rooms in a sheer rock. This is a real multi-storey (!) complex with streets, tunnels and stairs leading past monasteries, temples, fortresses, baths, libraries, residential buildings, etc. In total, more than 600 rooms connected by passages, which stretched along the mountain in length for 800 meters, in depth of the mountain up to 50 meters and in height for eight floors.

Dear friends, I want to offer you an interesting tour along the route.

Tbilisi (Kutaisi or Batumi)-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia

We will start our journey from the city that will be convenient for you and our first stop on the route will be the city of Borjomi, located in the gorge of the same name. We will take a walk through the park to the beautiful waterfall, try natural mineral water directly from the springs and enjoy the cleanest mountain air and magnificent landscape.

Borjomi.

water directly from the springs and enjoy the cleanest mountain air and magnificent landscape.

Borjomi.

The history of Borjomi Gorge is directly related to mineral waters. Perhaps without the springs, Borjomi would be an excellent resort place, thanks to the wonderful beauty of nature and a unique healing climate. But thanks to the mineral water of Borjomi, it became famous worldwide.
The name of the area according to legend came from two words: "borge" - "fortress wall" and "omi" - "war". Previously, they fought often, and the village of Borjomi was conveniently located in the gorge. The mountains around it became the fortress wall, and watchtowers were built on the slopes of the gorge.
Archaeologists believe that the sources were known as ancient times. This is evidenced by 7 stone baths found in the early XX century, dating from the beginning of the first millennium AD. At that time, it was used for bathing, not drinking. Then the springs were forgotten again for a long time, and the places where they are located were abandoned.

Next, we will go to the south of Georgia to the administrative center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the city of Akhaltsikhe and inspect the Rabat fortress, built in the oriental style.

ahaltsikhe

After exploring Rabat, we continue our journey and after driving 68 km in front of us in all its glory, the cave city of Vardzia unfolds.