The monastery of Vardzia

The monastery of Vardzia

Vardzia Cave Monastery was built during the reign of King George III and his daughter, Queen Tamar. There exists a legend sur l’origine du nom de ce monument exceptionnel à architecture médiévale. Selon la légende, quand Tamar était encore petite fille, elle adorait jouer dans cette ville caverneuse qui était encore inachevée à cette époque.

One day, when she was playing there with her uncle who lost sight of her, Tamar shouted loud and clear from this labyrinth of caves: "Ak var dzia!" "Which translates from Georgian as:" I am here, uncle! ". The last two words echoed throughout the caves, and were heard by King George III. This is how he ordered this place to be called "Vardzia".

The monastery of Vardzia