Mtskheta

Mtskheta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, sits at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers in Georgia. This ancient capital, just 20 km north of Tbilisi, is home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, and Samtavro Monastery. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, Mtskheta has been designated a "Holy City" by the Georgian Orthodox Church. When you visit, you'll walk through centuries of Georgian culture and spirituality.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mtskheta's historical monuments became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The site includes three main structures: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Samtavro Monastery. These monuments represent different phases of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, ranging from the 4th to the 18th centuries. They stand at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers, creating a landscape that has been carefully preserved through legal and administrative measures.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century, is the central piece of Mtskheta's religious complex. This cathedral has served as the burial place for Georgian kings and holds significant importance in Georgian Christian history. You'll see intricate stone carvings and frescoes that have survived centuries. Inside, you can find the grave of Sidonia, who, according to legend, was buried with Christ's robe. The cathedral's name, which translates to "Life-Giving Pillar," comes from another legend involving a cedar tree that grew from Sidonia's grave.

Jvari Monastery

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery offers a panoramic view of the town and the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. Built in the 6th century, this monastery is considered one of the best examples of Georgian tetraconch architecture. The monastery's name, meaning "Monastery of the Cross," comes from the wooden cross erected on this site by Saint Nino in the 4th century. Despite its age and exposure to the elements, Jvari Monastery has maintained much of its original structure and decorative details.

Archaeological Discoveries

Mtskheta's rich history is further evidenced by numerous archaeological findings in the area. Excavations have unearthed artifacts dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, providing insights into the early settlements of the region. You can explore the ruins of Armaz-Tsikhe Castle, located on a hilltop outside the town. This castle, considered the oldest in Georgia, served as the seat of the 2nd-5th century Georgian kings. These archaeological sites help you understand Mtskheta's ancient past and complement the town's medieval Christian monuments.

Local Cuisine and Wine

While exploring Mtskheta's historical sites, you can sample local Georgian cuisine. The town has several restaurants serving traditional dishes such as khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Mtskheta is also part of Georgia's wine country, with the nearby Mukhrani area known for its vineyards. You can visit local wine cellars to taste Georgian wines made using traditional qvevri methods, where wine is fermented and aged in large clay vessels buried underground.

How to Get There

You can easily reach Mtskheta from Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city. The most convenient way is by marshrutka (shared minibus) from Tbilisi's Didube bus station. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 1 Lari. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which offers more flexibility but is more expensive. Once in Mtskheta, most sites are within walking distance of each other, allowing for easy exploration on foot.