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<p>Georgia, encompassing portions of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, holds exceptional geoheritage but limited formal geoconservation protection. While more than 330 natural monuments are recorded, no UNESCO Global Geopark has yet been designated, and geological values are rarely put forward in heritage listings. We evaluate the Vardzia region, where a 12th-century rock-cut city is carved into Upper Miocene ignimbrites of international scientific significance, as a strong candidate for an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. We outline four large geosites of international scientific significance: (1) the Goderdzi Volcanic Formation including the Mtkvari Ignimbrite and portions of the Niala resurgent caldera; (2) Quaternary flood basalts of the Javakheti Plateau; (3) the Late Pleistocene Abul–Samsari volcanic ridge; and (4) the extensive Goderdzi petrified wood site. The volcanism is in an unusual tectonic setting of a continental collision zone. Volcanism in collisional settings is uncommon and attributed to several mechanisms. The geological setting also houses a cultural landmark of Georgia: the 12th century Vardzia rock-cut city, carved into the Mtkvari Ignimbrite flow. This monumental structure integrates geological and cultural heritage. We compare these features to analogues in existing geoparks and discuss education, geotourism, and management readiness. We conclude that Vardzia integrates geology and living culture in a coherent volcanic-tectonic system suitable for geopark development.</p>

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Rock-cut City of Vardzia and Its Surroundings (Georgia): A Potential UNESCO Global Geopark in the Lesser Caucasus

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月24日

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  • Daniel Tormey,
  • Avtandil Okrostsvaridze,
  • Mirian Makadze,
  • Giorgi Boichenko,
  • Salome Gogoladze,
  • Rabi Gabrielshvili

摘要

Georgia, encompassing portions of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, holds exceptional geoheritage but limited formal geoconservation protection. While more than 330 natural monuments are recorded, no UNESCO Global Geopark has yet been designated, and geological values are rarely put forward in heritage listings. We evaluate the Vardzia region, where a 12th-century rock-cut city is carved into Upper Miocene ignimbrites of international scientific significance, as a strong candidate for an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. We outline four large geosites of international scientific significance: (1) the Goderdzi Volcanic Formation including the Mtkvari Ignimbrite and portions of the Niala resurgent caldera; (2) Quaternary flood basalts of the Javakheti Plateau; (3) the Late Pleistocene Abul–Samsari volcanic ridge; and (4) the extensive Goderdzi petrified wood site. The volcanism is in an unusual tectonic setting of a continental collision zone. Volcanism in collisional settings is uncommon and attributed to several mechanisms. The geological setting also houses a cultural landmark of Georgia: the 12th century Vardzia rock-cut city, carved into the Mtkvari Ignimbrite flow. This monumental structure integrates geological and cultural heritage. We compare these features to analogues in existing geoparks and discuss education, geotourism, and management readiness. We conclude that Vardzia integrates geology and living culture in a coherent volcanic-tectonic system suitable for geopark development.