Vardzia Historical–Architectural Museum-Reserve

Vardzia Historical–Architectural Museum-Reserve was established under this name in 1938 by a decree of the government of the Georgian SSR, and in 1981 it was renamed the Vardzia Museum-Reserve of Art, History, and Architecture. Since 2004, the museum-reserve has been administered by the Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection, and Sports of Georgia. In 2008, by presidential decree, the museum-reserve was transferred to the jurisdiction of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia and was officially named the Vardzia Historical–Architectural Museum-Reserve.

The territory of the museum-reserve includes the municipalities of Aspindza, Akhalkalaki, and Ninotsminda. It consists of the 12th-century historical–architectural cave complex cut into the rock, along with the earlier (10th–12th centuries) Ananauri monument.

The multi-tiered (13-level) Vardzia complex—consisting of the Church of the Dormition, defensive and irrigation structures, monastic cells, etc.—was constructed mainly between 1156 and 1203, and was consecrated in 1185, during the reign of Queen Tamar (1184–1213). The construction of Vardzia’s many chambers (including 420 rooms within 120 residential units, 25 wine cellars with 185 qvevri, etc.) and other elements of the ensemble (cells, bell tower, refectory, etc.) was completed in the 13th–14th centuries.

As of 1 January 2010, the complex included 242 caves: the “hall” with a small church, Tamar’s cell, a council room, a refectory, a wine cellar with drinking chambers, a pharmacy, an aqueduct, defensive structures (special hiding places and secret tunnels), a 13th-century bell tower, the narthex of the main church, the Ananauri Church with 13th–15th century murals, and the “Litania Church”—15 churches in total. Particularly important are the murals of the Church of the Dormition and its narthex (1184–1203), which, along with scenes from the life of Christ, include portraits of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar.

The museum-reserve oversees, studies, and promotes the historical, architectural, and archaeological monuments located within its jurisdiction.