Davit Garedji Monastery

One of the Most Beautiful Caves in Georgia - The David Gareji monastery complex is historically significant and holds a special place among Georgia's numerous cultural monuments. St. David Gareji, one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers, is said to have founded the monastery of Gareji in the sixth century. David established the first monastery in Georgia in a natural cave in the Gareji desert, with the goal of spreading Christianity throughout the country. Even after so many centuries, David Gareji continues to astound visitors with its design and high-level artistic wall paintings. The complex consists of 13 monasteries scattered across the hills of Georgia and Azerbaijan's semi-desert region.

The numerous caves carved into the rugged desert rocks are the first thing that catches the eye. The caves were used as chapels, churches, and monks' quarters. The majority of the cave chapels have well-preserved frescoes dating from the 10th–13th centuries. Not far from the David Gareji cave complex is the Udabno cave monastery complex, which is also well-known and significant. Udabno's cave chapels are breathtaking. They have ancient religious murals and frescoes covering them.

Location: Udabno, Georgia