The road to the monastery is gorgeous, the views are amazing. The monastery itself is well maintained and clean. There is a toilet on the territory, a shop with church goods and a grocery (we didn't go in, we didn't look at the assortment). We climbed up the mountain to the cell where the water collects- David's tears. The border guards met, but they were quite friendly)))

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Anastasia R.

Level 15 Local Expert

An interesting place, surrounded by beautiful colorful mountains and a quiet valley. We went there from Tbilisi via Sagarejo - there is an asphalt road everywhere. Part of the monastery is closed to the public, but there is still something to see. If you go there and get hungry, I recommend visiting the Oasis club in the nearby village of Udabno.

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Utkelova Marina

Level 30 Local Expert

There is no fuss here. You stand on the edge of a cliff, looking at the vast expanses stretching into Azerbaijan, the monotonous landscape of a scorched semi-desert. The air rings with silence, and only the wind whispers ancient prayers. It's not just a monastery. It is a cave city carved into the mountain by monks who sought solitude with God. An incredible, harsh grace still lives here. I still don't understand how people could create such a thing many hundreds of years ago without modern technology. This is one of the largest cave monastery complexes in the whole world! It was founded in the sixth century by St. David of Gareji, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers. The complex stretches for 25 km and includes hundreds of caves: cells, churches, refectories, crypts. Unique frescoes. In the main monastery complex, the Lavra of David, frescoes of the VIII-IX centuries depicting David of Gareji and his followers have been preserved. These are priceless works of art of ancient Georgian painting! A symbol of faith and perseverance. The monastery has survived for centuries: flourishing under Queen Tamara, devastation by the Mongols and Persians, and rebirth again. This place is a symbol of indomitable spiritual power. The dust of centuries, the sun—scorched space and the feeling of eternity - that's what David-Gareja is. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, take water and a hat with you. The climbs are quite steep, but the view from the top is worth it! It is better to drive an SUV with an experienced driver or on a guided tour.

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David Gareji monastery

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