David Gareja: cave monastery and how to get there

David Gareja is a monastery complex carved straight into the rock on a bare, semi-desert slope near Georgia’s south-eastern border. Hundreds of cave cells and churches, ancient frescoes and sun-scorched striped hills all around make it unlike anywhere else in the country - and people set aside a whole day for it on a trip from Tbilisi.

Why the monastery is famous

The complex was founded in the 6th century by David Gareja, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia to preach Christianity. Over time hundreds of cells, churches, chapels and refectories were cut into the soft rock. The first and main monastery is the Lavra; later, Udabno, Bertubani and other hermitages grew up around it.

The complex expanded in the 9th century under Ilarion the Georgian and reached its peak from the late 11th to the early 13th century. Hard times followed: in 1265 the monastery suffered during the Mongol invasion, and in 1615, during a Safavid raid, the monks were killed and unique manuscripts and works of art were destroyed. Even so, some of the frescoes survived - especially in the Udabno cave monastery.

Cave cells of David Gareja carved into the rock — Cells and churches cut straight into the soft rock. Photo: Incredibleusername / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

David Gareja monastery on a rocky ridge near the border with Azerbaijan — The complex lies on a bare slope near Georgia's south-eastern border. Photo: Jon Gudorf Photography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

What to see

The main draw is the Lavra itself: monastery buildings and cave cells set into the slope, with a bell tower and courtyards. Higher up, over the ridge, lies Udabno with its cave churches and medieval murals, looking out over the endless semi-desert - the distinctive striped hills in reddish and ochre tones. Today the monastery is active again and remains a place of pilgrimage.

Buildings of the David Gareja Lavra set into the cliff slope — The main monastery, the Lavra: buildings and cells set into the slope. Photo: Jon Gudorf Photography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Cave monastery of David Gareja on a slope in the semi-desert — The monastery above the endless Kakheti semi-desert. Photo: Jon Gudorf Photography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

What to keep in mind for the trip

This is semi-desert, and the climate here is harsh: summers are hot, there is almost no shade, so bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes for the climb up to Udabno. The best time to visit is spring and autumn. There is also a border nuance to bear in mind: some of the farther caves, including the upper Udabno monastery, lie next to a disputed stretch of the border with Azerbaijan; as of 2026 access to them is closed - check the current situation before you set off.

Caves and monastery buildings of David Gareja on a rocky slope — The climb to Udabno follows an open slope with no shade. Photo: Jonathan Cardy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Nearby

For how to plan the trip as a full day out - tour, shuttle or your own car, drive times and the border catch - see the separate how to get there from Tbilisi day trip route. The trip pairs well with a visit to the capital, Tbilisi, or with the wine country of Kakheti, such as Alaverdi monastery. Reaching Gareja is easiest by car - for how to rent one, see the car hire section; for more places, see the things to see section.

Photos