SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI
vardzia
Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred metres and in up to nineteen tiers. The Church of the Dormition, dating to the 1180s during the golden age of Tamar and Rustaveli, has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century
Borjomi
Borjomi district - represents the whole resort zone (Borjomi , Bakuriani , Tsagveri , Libania ) Borjomi is spa and climatic resort at on altitude of 800 meters. the resort is famous for its mineral water, which is good for people with health problem.
One of the great attractions for tourists is the ecologically-themed amusement park-covered with coniferous forests. there are many small hotels and houses fox visitors in Borjomi and its suburbs.
Rabati
The city was established in the 9th century by Guaram Mampal, son of the King of Tao. From the 13th to the end of 14th centuries it was the capital city of Samtskhe-Saatabago, ruled by the Georgian princely (mtavari) family and a ruling dynasty of the Principality of Samtskhe, the House of Jaqeli.
In 1393 the city was attacked by the armies of Tamerlane. Despite the Turko-Mongol invasions fortress withstood and continued to thrive. After the Treaty of Constantinople in 1590, the whole territory of Samtskhe-Saatabago went under the rule of Ottoman Empire. Turks Mostly used to build defensive edifices. In 1752 first mosque was built in Rabati. In the first half of the 8th century Prince Vakhushti of Kartli writes
Sapara
Sapara - was the summer residence of Samtskhe chiefs. It is located 12 Kilometers from the town Akhaltsikhe. The monastery was founded in IX-X century great-do me church was built at the end of XIII century named after st. Saba great chief Beka built 12 churches here. Exept churches there is bell-tower of XV century , the fortress and the castle of chieves. The church of Sapara is fully painted.