Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for five hundred metres and up to nineteen tiers. The Church of the Dormition, which is dated back to the 1180s (also known as the golden age), has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century. Rabati was Built in the 13th century and was developed under the influence of different cultures over subsequent centuries and this is reflected on its architecture. Within the 7 hectares castle complex there is a Church, a Mosque, a Minaret and a Synagogue.