Yesterday I ventured to an isolated group of ancient monasteries (Orthodox Georgian) skirting the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan in a southeastern section of Georgia. The area contains twelve monasteries (there is a 13th on Azerbaijani soil) and is known as David Gareja, after a guy named David that founded the original. I visited the two most accessible and, if the guide book is correct, the two best preserved. The first is known as Lavra and is a functioning religious community with resident monks and all. Lavra is the site of the original caves used for sleeping quarters and religious contemplation. David (one of the thirteen so called Syrian fathers) brought a style of religious asceticism previously established in the Middle East.
On the hillside above and behind Lavra sit the remains of the Udabno Monastery. Along with a stupendous view of the savannah-like plains of this part of Georgia and western Azerbaijan you will find a series of caves that comprised the monastery, to include the refectory and main church. The monastery (i.e. caves) are in shambles but religious frescoes are still visible on the walls and ceilings of some of the caves. The entire monastery complex has seen its share of cycles of destruction and rebuilding as a result of countless invasions (Turks, Persians, Mongols, etc.).
|Technically, the border is to the left of the photographed area but you get the point.|