The largest monastic fortresses in Georgia. David-Gareji Monastery complex.

The monastery has become the center of the Davidgareja complex. Gradually, the monastery complex has grown and now has more than 20 historical monuments: churches of Natlistsem (John the Baptist), Chichkhituri, Dodos Rka, Udabno (Desert), Lavra of David, Mravaltskaro (many springs), Tetri Udabno (White Desert), Shavi Senakebi (Black Cells), Berebis Mta (Mountain of Monks), Tsintskaro, Gansashori, Sabereebi, Berebis Seri, Satorge, Kotsakhura, Bertubani, Mgvime, Kolagiri, Didi Kvabebi, Patara Kvabebi, Veran Gareja, Pirkugmari.

During the late Middle Ages, monasteries were connected to each other by watchtowers and signal towers, which have come down to us in the form of ruins. The importance of Gareja especially increased in the XII-XIII centuries, when King David Agmashenebeli declared monasteries royal property and exempted them from taxes. The monasteries used donations from the Bagrationi royal family. The leaders of the monasteries were members of the royal darbazi (council) and enjoyed the right to send honorary gifts to the royal court. In 1424-1745 the monasteries were subordinated to Catalikos. However, later they again came into the possession of the king.

The David-Gareja complex was repeatedly subjected to enemy invasion, but the Georgian rulers systematically restored the ruined monasteries. David-Gareja monasteries laid the foundations for original monastic and building traditions, the creation of their own school of Fresco painting. Especially noteworthy is the painting of the XII-XIII century. in the back church of the Mother of God, the cave monastery of Bertubani. A rich collection of manuscripts was kept in David Gareja.