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A fascinating cave city built on a mountainside, between the caves there are systems of passages and external stairs and a beautiful church cave. Payment for the site is near the parking lot but the entrance to the caves is up the road. There is a service transit that takes passengers to the upper parking lot - it is recommended to use it and get back to the lower level on the east road that descends from the caves through a tunnel that was used by the cave dwellers on their way to the river. To reach this descent, you must continue all the way up the mountain of the cave city and not retrace your steps towards the entrance. It is highly recommended site, NOT 2 B MISSED.…
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Date of experience: December 2019
2 Helpful votes
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+1
When traveling to Georgia you must visit it. An historical location comparable to many others most famous underground cities. This beautiful monastery has been carved and built into the mountain in 1185, ordered by Queen Tamara.
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Date of experience: October 2019
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Completed during the reign of Queen Tamar in the late twelfth century, the complex consists of hundreds of rooms carved into a cliff. An entire city has been created in the cliff including stables, a church, banquet hall, Kings chambers, wine stores, a bell tower and residential quarters. The rooms are connected by tunnels and walkways. The church is the most beautiful part of the complex. It is beautifully decorated with frescoes and is still in use. Given its height, the complex also offers great views over the surrounding country. The complex stretches over several levels connected by walkways and staircases. You can take a shuttle bus (private vehicles are not allowed) from the entrance to reach the complex since the climb is pretty steep. However, you might have to wait a long time if there is a large group ahead of you. The shuttle bus drops you at the base of the complex. Of course you can also hike up if you are up to it. The complex itself requires a lot of climbing most of which is outdoors. It also requires a lot of bending since the doors and walkways are not very high. So you need to be reasonable fit. Also, most of the climbing is outdoors which can be tough during the hot summer months. Sturdy footwear is essential. Also, carry a water bottle which you can fill from a fountain at the base of the complex. There are no fountains in the complex itself and it can get pretty hot during the summer months. If visiting in summer, it is preferable to visit in the morning hours to avoid the extreme heat. Unfortunately, its remoteness makes this difficult unless you start very early.…
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Date of experience: June 2019
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I recently went here as part of a small tour group. Some nice photogenic pictures can be taken here of the cave dwellings. Be prepared to do a lot of walking uphill though. There is a lot of history behind this site which is better experiencing first hand rather than reading in a book. Oh, and you probably should wear a warm jacket and toboggan in the winter. …
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Date of experience: February 2020
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There is so much wonderful history here and the views are truly amazing. The church within the cave system is small but enchanting. There are marshutkas available to take you there for a day trip from Akhaltsikhe but for a more comfortable visit, a taxi is recommended.
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Date of experience: April 2019
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