David Gareja monastery complex, Cave monastery in Kakheti, Georgia.
The monastery complex contains twenty monasteries carved into rock formations, connected through tunnels across a semi-desert terrain at the Azerbaijan border.
Saint David Garejeli and twelve Assyrian fathers established the monastery in 501 CE, marking the beginning of Christian monasticism in eastern Georgia.
The monastery walls display medieval frescoes depicting religious scenes and represent the development of Georgian art from the 8th through 13th centuries.
Visitors need to arrange transportation from Tbilisi, bring water supplies, and wear modest clothing when exploring the religious complex in this remote location.
The monastery complex spans the Georgia-Azerbaijan border, with caves and churches distributed across both sides of the international boundary line.
Location: Kakheti
Inception: 6 century
Founders: David of Gareji
Part of: Azerbaijan–Georgia border
GPS coordinates: 41.44754,45.37636
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:52
Georgia offers diverse photography settings from ancient fortresses to natural landscapes. The country features medieval churches, monasteries carved into cliffs, and national parks. Photographers can document architecture in Tbilisi, mountains in Svaneti, and coastal scenes along the Black Sea. Historical sites include Roman fortresses, Orthodox cathedrals, and archaeological ruins.
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