Monastery David Gareji in Georgia: photo and address

Georgia is a country with a rich history. Ancient fortresses, beautiful temples, ancient cities and monasteries have witnessed many interesting and important events in the history of the country.

In Georgia, there are many holy places, some of which appeared in the Middle Ages. They attract pilgrims from many countries. One of the most revered in solar Georgia monasteries is a complex bearing the name of St. David Garedji. It occupies a vast territory. Here many monasteries are concentrated, their age is very respectable: their creation is dated to the 6th-14th centuries.

Monastery complex David Garenji: history

The monastery was founded in the VI century by Assyrian fathers. Together with John Zadazeniysky, St. David arrived and settled in the mountain of Zadazeni. The monks dispersed in different directions. David Garedji chose Tbilisi and settled on Mtatsminda Mountain near the city. Until now our cave and temple have been preserved.

After a while, there was a conflict between David and Tbilisi Zoroastrians. He decided to move to a more remote, deserted area. Such a place is the Gareji desert, the most difficult place for survival in the whole country.

Having settled with his pupil Lucian in a cave, David Garedji fed on milk of wild deer and roots. As evidenced by the life of St. David, near the cave was discovered and banished the dragon. From the top of the ridge, which rises above the cave of David, and today you can see the path of the retreating dragon.

Gradually, David had like-minded people and followers who built themselves caves, carving them in sandstone rocks near the home of David. So there was a cave monastery David Gareji. Ten kilometers from the cave of David was built the monastery of Nattlismemeli. During its long history the monastery was repeatedly subjected to enemy invasions. Shah Abbas in 1625 killed all the monks, and the monastery ceased to exist.

Monastery in the Soviet era

He was remembered by chance during the reign of Leonid Brezhnev. Medea Mizvrishvili, who was then the commissioner for the affairs of Kakheti, came to the monastery. In Udabno, at that time, Azerbaijanians lived. An ethnic conflict arose with them, which reached the point of firing at Mizvrishvili. Medea complained to the all-powerful Shevardnadze, and punitive measures were taken against the Azerbaijanis: they were moved from Udabno to the village of Svan, where they still live.

By the efforts of Mizvrishvili, an asphalt road was laid to the monastery, which has survived well today. At the same time, several houses were built here and electricity was provided.

sights

The monastery David Garedji consists of hundreds of rooms carved into the rocks - cells, temples, rooms, warehouses. A unique cave complex is located in the Kakheti Mountain. Its length is 25 km along semi-desert slopes of the Gareja Ridge.

Today in the Gareja desert there are nine large complexes that have been preserved in various ways. In order to examine them all, it will take a long time. The interest of tourists is caused by:

• Mohatuli;
• Laurus of David;
• Tsamebuli;
• Monastery of Tetri-Udabno;
• Nutlis-Mtsemeli;
• The monastery of Natl.

With some of these monuments we will introduce you in more detail. But first we want to give advice. David Garedji is a monastery in force, so you can not come here without short dresses. Inspired by the centuries and the tranquil atmosphere creates unique sensations. Peace and ringing silence are broken here only by the lonesome exclamations of travelers.

The Lavra of St. David

One of the main monasteries of the complex is the Lavra. This ancient abode consists of carved monsters, or rather hollowed out, in the rock. Looking at a very dense breed, you ask yourself: "How much labor did it cost people to create these premises?"

From a bird's-eye view, it is evident that the Lavra in form resembles a huge cross. In the Lavra of St. David the relics of David Garedjiysky are preserved. According to some sources, the remains of David's disciple, Saint Dodo, are also kept here. There is no documentary evidence of this version, and the place of its burial was not found.

In the monastery there are two chapels, which are located on a hill. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. Neighboring Azerbaijan is also visible. In the VI century, after the death of David Garedjiysky, the monastery complexes of Nattlismemeli and Dodos Rka were erected. In the 9th century in David Gareji (Georgia), St. Hilarion Cartweli built new churches and completed the main church of the Lavra.

A source

According to researchers, the construction of the monastery in such a difficult place to live is due to the presence of a source. This is the only place where you can get water. In addition to it, for many kilometers in this area there is no moisture.

If you visit the excursion to this amazing complex, the guide will certainly draw your attention to the furrows made in the rocks. During the rain, the water ran down over them and accumulated in a special tank.

Monastery of Natlkmetsemeli

It is an active abode, which is strikingly different from the Lavra. You can not get here by bus. A difficult road will master only a good SUV. There are very few tourists here. To get to this monastery, it is necessary, five kilometers to the Lavra, to turn right at the sign and go another four kilometers.

If you arrived by car, then it must be left at the gate. This monastery is a cave in the rocks. As a rule, tourists are not allowed in them. In addition, there is a cave temple of John the Baptist and a stone tower above the rocks. A trail leads to it. To get to the tower, you need to go through a small cave. Inside it's always dark and damp. It is inhabited by many bats. Near this building there is a course down, leading to the monastery caves, but not all are allowed to use it.

If you follow the path to the left of the monastery along the path, you can see several water catchments and another small cave. In it lived the monk Serapion. He was buried in the main temple, and his former cave is considered a very revered place.

The shrine of the monastery

In the monastery of David Garedzhi for a long time was one of the greatest shrines of Georgia. This is the stone that St. David brought from the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When he reached the Holy City, David felt a strong thrill that did not allow him to enter it. He picked up three stones from the ground and went back.

The same night the ruler of Jerusalem saw a dream, from which it followed that someone had taken away the spiritual power of the city. The soldiers were ordered to catch up with David and take the stones from him. They took only two, and the third managed to hide David. He brought him to Georgia. In David Gareji he is brought today only for solemn ceremonies. A stone is stored, which is the third spiritual power of the Holy City, in Tbilisi, in the Cathedral of Sion.

Excursion to David Gareji

Such one-day tours are organized in Tbilisi. Duration - about 10 hours. Visit David Garenji can be in the tour group to 45 people. The cost (for one person) is 45 dollars.

Why is it worth to visit the monastery?

The current monastery complex David Gareji is a vivid example of history and construction art. He amazes with its scale and grandeur. In the desert of David, nearly five thousand cells and churches were hollowed out by the hands of hermits. The Gareja complex is special, because its length on the Gareja ridge is more than 25 km.

The monastery occupies a worthy place among numerous monuments of culture of the feudal era of Georgia. In addition to amazing stone buildings, it is famous for its beautiful scenery, so every visitor after the visit has a lot of great photos.

The way to the monastery

Many travelers are attracted by David Garedji. How to get here? From Tbilisi, you can take a shuttle bus to Rustavi or Gardabani. Next you should hire a taxi that will take you to your destination. The nearest town is Sagarejo, so you can call a taxi from here. In the warm season, you can come to the monastery on the excursion bus.