⛪ David Gareja Monastery
Georgia
About This Sacred Site
David Gareja is a remarkable complex of rock-hewn monasteries stretching for 25 kilometers along the semi-desert slopes of Mount Gareja on the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. Founded in the 6th century by David, one of the thirteen Syrian monks who brought monasticism to Georgia, the complex eventually grew to include about 19 monasteries with thousands of cave-cells. The Udabno monastery section features extraordinary 8th-14th century frescoes painted directly on the rock face, though some have been damaged over time.
Key Facts
- •Founded in the 6th century by St. David Garejeli
- •Comprises about 19 monasteries over 25 kilometers
- •Contains extraordinary cave frescoes from the 8th-14th centuries
- •Located on the Georgian-Azerbaijani border
- •Once housed thousands of monks in rock-cut cells
Location
Coordinates: 41.4472, 45.3789
Related Holy Sites
⛪Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica)
The spiritual center of Roman Catholicism and home of the Pope.
✝️Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
💧Lourdes (Sanctuary of Our Lady)
Where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times, famous for miraculous healings.
🐚Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The destination of the Camino de Santiago, one of the world's greatest pilgrimages.
✨Sanctuary of Fátima
Where three shepherd children witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917.
🌹Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The most visited Catholic shrine in the world, housing the miraculous tilma.