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Davidgareja Monastery Complex

Davidgareja Monastery Complex is a cave monastery ensemble from the Middle Ages. It is famous for mural paintings and sculptures and located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of mount Gareja. The complex was founded in the 6th century by thirteen Syrian Fathers. One of them, by the name David, settled in a natural cave of mount Gareja. David (St. David Garejeli) was builder of the first monastery (Lavra) of the complex. Later David's disciples Dodo and Lukiane founded two monasteries Dodo's Rka and Natlismtsemeli.

In the 11^th -13th centuries the economic and cultural development of Davidgareja reached its highest phase. New monasteries Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri were built; the old ones were enlarged and well organized. Nowadays there are 19 small monasteries.  

The renaissance of fresco painting chronologically coincides with the general development of the life in the Davidgareja monasteries. The high artistic skill of Davidgareja frescoes made them an indispensable part of world treasure. There are various unique frescoes: fresco of the Great Georgian King – David Agmashenebeli (the Builder) in Natlismtsemeli Monastery; frescoes of Tamar Queen and King Lasha-Giorgi in Bertubani and portrait of Demetre Tavdadebuli and other builders of monastery.

Tour duration 6-8 hours.

Price includes

• Transportation
• Picnic
• Guide