Vanis Kvabebi
Vanis Kvabebi, cave complex, desert monastery, a monument of architecture and culture of Georgia VIII-XVI centuries. In historical Javakheti, the municipality of Aspindza,near more famous cave city of Vardzia, on the right bank of the Mtkvari river.
The complex consists of a defensive wall built in 1204 and a maze of tunnels running on several levels in the side of the mountain.
The monastic complex included 200 cave rooms, located in 16 floors, the shelter, crypt, tomb, walking tunnels and 6 churches.
Remained three channels for water supply and reservoir, fragments of painting and important inscriptions of historical character.
There are, also, two churches in the complex. A newer stone church that is in quite good shape stands near the top of the wall, and a smaller, domed church that clings to the rock on the level of the highest tunnels.
In 1089 the central part of complex was destroyed by a strong earthquake.
During the reign of Queen Tamara (1184-1213) the reconstruction of Vanis Kvabebi began. The earthquake 1283, again destroyed Vanis Kvabebi.
In the XIV-XVIII centuries the monastic life was revived again .
In 1551, the Persians, and in 1576 the Ottomans destroyed it, after which it was devastated.
Vanis Kvabebi serves as a popular destination of tourism.
