The monastery and Dodo Church, part of the David-Gareji monastery complex, are located in the town of Udabno. This monastery, carved into the rock opposite the Lavra of David, was founded by a disciple of David of Gareji, monk Dodo, in the first half of the 6th century. In the 13th and 18th centuries it was attacked and plundered by various conquerors, including the Mongol dynasties, the Teymurilars, the Seljuks and the Safavids. Despite this, the monastery has retained its spiritual and historical significance.
A visit to this monastery is an interesting journey through a picturesque area. From the David-Gareji Monastery you can get here on foot, enjoying the views of the ravines and rock caves. The monastery remains active, and the monks lead a reclusive lifestyle, so tourist access is limited and requires compliance with certain rules.
Before visiting, the following rules should be taken into account: tourists are not allowed to enter without appropriate clothing (long trousers for men, skirts and hats for women), photographs of monks and their cells are not allowed, and silence and respect for religious norms are also required. Entry to the monastery and filming inside are also prohibited.
For those arriving by car, it is recommended to use a four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) as the road may be difficult to negotiate. Despite the restrictions, a visit to Dodo Monastery promises to be a fascinating and spiritually enriching experience due to its historical value and stunning views of the surrounding valley.
