David Gareja Monastery Complex

What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well

 Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Your day will begin with a tour to David Gareja, one of the most venerable and largest monastery complexes in Georgia. At one time, the pilgrimage to the David Gareja monastery amounted to the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. And if you are a lover of desert landscapes, this is exactly the place for you. Interestingly, David Gareja Monastery is situated on the territory of two countries simultaneously – Georgia and Azerbaijan. The view from the monastery on a clear day is stunning!

David Gareja Monastery was founded by one of thirteen Assyrian monks who came to Georgia in the 6th century. Gareja came with his teacher John Zedazeni and settled on a mountain in Mtskheta, which later has got the same name Zedazeni. After one year, the monks left Zedazeni and went to Georgia to convert to Christianity.Gareja was chosen to go to Tbilisi where he lived in a small cave on Mtatsminda Mountain. Soon however, a conflict arose between the Zoroastrians and Gareja, so he decided to move to a completely isolated place. He chose one of the hardest places to live in Georgia – in the barren desert in the very eastern part of the country.

During your visit, you will enjoy a detailed lecture-style tour program, which will include a visit to the monks’ caves, Gareja’s lavra where he is buried, and other interesting places. You will also have an opportunity to view the well-preserved frescoes, which were painted in a special style, and which provide valuable insight into the day-to-day life of monks in ancient times.

Today David Gareja monastery attracts believers and pilgrims from all around the world.

In fact, David Gareja is considered to be the protector of family and women who suffer from infertility.

Your guide will tell you many stories, mysterious legends, and provide you with much valuable and interesting information during the tour. After a full, informative day spent at David Gareja, you will then board a comfortable bus for your journey back to Tbilisi.

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