David Garedzha

a complex of cave monasteries 60 km southeast of Tbilisi. Stretching over approximately 25 km, there are several hundred dwellings in hollowed-out cliffs. The oldest monasteries of David Garedzha—the David Laura and the Dodo and Natlis-Mtsemeli Monastery (of John the Baptist)—were founded in the first half of the sixth century. Other monasteries, such as the Udabno, Chichkhituri, and Bertubani, were formed in the tenth to 13th century. Many churches and refectories of the David Garedzha contain frescoes of the eighth to 14th century, including portraits of historical figures.