2024 Mtskheta Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy 4-8℃
Popular Attractions
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Jvari Monastery
7-Day Georgia Tour: The perfect time for an autumn trip.
7-Day Georgia Tour: The best plan to explore the whole country! A super detailed guide to help you explore every corner of this mysterious country. Don't miss it!
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🛣️ Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure ✈ Georgia
Embark on a mysterious Caucasus journey and head to Georgia!
Day 2: Arrival in Tbilisi
Welcome to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. 24-hour airport transfer service and a comfortable hotel in the city center.
Day 3: Ananuri Fortress > Jinvali Water Reservoir > Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument > Gergeti Trinity Church
Explore the ancient Ananuri Fortress, enjoy the tranquil beauty of Jinvali Water Reservoir, feel the deep friendship between Russia and Georgia, and finally visit the solemn Gergeti Trinity Church.
Day 4: Bodbe Monastery > Sighnaghi Old Town > Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House
Visit the mysterious Bodbe Monastery, stroll through the ancient streets of Sighnaghi Old Town, and taste the wine of Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House.
Day 5: Uplistsikhe Cave Town > Stalin Museum > Jvari Monastery > Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Visit the Uplistsikhe Cave Town and feel the weight of history; visit the Stalin Museum and learn about the changes in history; visit the Jvari Monastery and feel the religious atmosphere; finally visit the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Day 6: Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral
Visit the Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral all day and enjoy its unique architectural style and religious culture.
Day 7: Tbilisi Hotel - Airport Transfer
End of the journey. The driver will pick you up 3 hours in advance to ensure a smooth return.
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Some tips:
- Visa information: Georgia and China have a mutual visa exemption agreement. Single stay should not exceed 30 days. 📅
- Food: Must-try cheese pie and red wine. 🍷🧀
- Exchange rate: The exchange rate between the Georgian lari and the Chinese yuan is stable, so you don't need to worry about spending too much. 💶💴
- Travel preparation: Avoid the numbers 13 and 666, as they are considered unlucky. 🔍
- Transportation tips: Domestic transportation is centered on Tbilisi, so plan your trip in advance. 🚗
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If you like Georgia, don't miss this guide! Follow me for more exciting content! 🌟
Bell_64-Harper
Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia
A 20-minute drive from Tbilisi is the small town of Mtskheta, which used to be the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the country.
Now Mtskheta is a small but very cozy town with beautiful streets and temples. A particularly beautiful view of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers opens from the ancient Jvari monastery, which stands on a hill above the city. This is definitely one of the best views I've seen in my life 😍
#georgia #europe #mtskheta #tbilisi #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer
Andrey Vasiliskov
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery is located on the top of the mountain 30 mins drive from Tbilisi. The highlight if this place is two different color of river collided.
It was raining very hard on the day we went to Jvari monastery. We barely see any views since it was very foggy. Fortunately we were able to see two rivers meets.
I would have like this place more if we had better weather. But good thing was it was no one there so we enjoyed ourselves.
Entrance fee: Free
Thenayzer
Mtskheta ancient city
Getting There -you can go to Mtskheta from Tbilisi by car or public bus, it takes 20-30 minutes only
Attractions - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, old streets etc. all of them are free, there is also restaurants and some souvenir shops. #newyearadventure #tripblazers #yearofrabbit #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #本地遊 #cafe #georgia #mtskheta #sakartvelo #格鲁吉亚
Nene_inChina
Mtskheta
Mtskheta (მცხეთა) is a city in Mtskheta-Mtianeti province of Georgia. One of the oldest cities of Georgia and its former capital, it is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north of Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Currently a small provincial capital, for nearly a millennium until the 5th century AD, Mtskheta was a large fortified city, a significant economical and political centre of the Kingdom of Iberia.
Herman_traveller
The renovated old houses surrounding the Mtskheta cathedral transformed in small taverns, coffee shops, wine bars and souvenir shops are very offering for many tastes. The cathedral itself with its tall stone wall is majestic. A must see at about 24 km near Tbilisi.
#givethanks
#givethanks
ICEICEE
Not only is it a beautiful view of the town below, of the two rivers mixing, and of the mountains surrounding - but also in the distance on a clear day you can also clearly see Kazbegi and the Caucasian mountains. A bit crowded inside but beautiful to see.
#givethanks
#givethanks
ICEICEE
This cathedral worth visiting. During our visit, it was an active church with more than one wedding service simultaneously taking place alongside a general daily service for local worshippers. The vast majority of tourists showed due respect for those taking part in these services. One hopes that this is always the case.
#givethanks
#givethanks
ICEICEE
Day 3 (2) of the 14-day Georgia trip: Mtskheta.
Depart from Jvari Monastery (Monastery of the Cross) and head directly to the World Heritage town of Mtskheta at the foot of the mountain.
Mtskheta is only 20 kilometers from the capital Tbilisi. It is an ancient city in Georgia and was once the capital of Georgia.
The town is small and the town center is centered around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Pillar of Life Cathedral). The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was built in the 4th century AD. It is the first church in Georgia after it became a Christian country. It is the second largest Christian holy place after the Jerusalem Church and is also a World Heritage Site. It is said that the church contains the blood clothes of Jesus during his suffering.
The town is very quiet. The small stalls around the cathedral sell various local specialties. They are very distinctive. You can stroll around after visiting the cathedral.
Lucas Garcia
Day 3 (1) of 14-day Georgia Self-guided Tour - Borjomi.
Depart from Tbilisi, pass by Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Uplistsikhe Cave Town, and stay overnight in Borjomi (BORJOMI).
Jvari Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Cross, was built in the 7th century. Jvari Church stands at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. It is the oldest monastery in the old town of Tbilisi. Standing on the monastery, you can see the whole view of Mtskheta, a world cultural heritage town.
Ava@234 Cox
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Hermine Grigoryan
MOST ICONIC 6 CENTURY AD JVARI MONASTERY
Jvari Monastery is one of the most iconic in Georgia. This ancient temple dates back to the 6th century AD. It was built at the dawn of the adoption and spread of Christianity in Georgia.
The Jvari temple is located nearby the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, on the top of a high mountain, from where picturesque views of the neighbourhood open to the intersection of stormy waters of the Aragvi and Kura rivers.
Exterior and interior decorations of the temple are made in simple, and we can say quite austere forms. Unlike most Orthodox churches, Jvari is beautiful with its simplicity, rigour and clarity of lines.
Two ways lead to the top of the mountain where the temple stands: a new asphalt road for cars and a path through which people used to climb up to the sanctuary from time immemorial. The trail begins at the highway. Climbing up along it until about the middle, you can come across a spring with holy water which is believed to appear thanks to the prayers of St. Nino. This water is considered to be curative and miraculous. The temple of Jvari went through a long and difficult journey of one and a half thousand year’s length along with the Georgian people, experienced hardships and difficulties, becoming a symbol of faith for Georgia.
Tips: To get to Jvari Monastery, you'll first want to head toward Mtskheta. In Tbilisi, hop aboard a marshrutka, a shared minivan, for the 20-minute trip to Mtskheta. Once in Mtskheta, organize a round-trip taxi up the monastery and back, as it's deceptively too far to reach by foot.
Tee
Mtskheta, Georgia.
Mtskheta was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. It was once the capital of the oldest kingdom in Georgia, Iberia, and is home to a number of ancient buildings and cathedrals from the 11th to 13th centuries. It is the center of Georgian art, culture, and religion. The entire city follows the architectural style of the 11th century Byzantine period, with domed roofs and cross-shaped buildings.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Living Pillar, is the most famous church in the center of Mtskheta. Legend has it that the robe worn by Jesus during his crucifixion is buried beneath the church. It is also the oldest church in Georgia and is said to be the first church built by Saint Nino in Georgia.
Jvari Monastery is a cross-shaped monastery that overlooks the entire city of Mtskheta, offering stunning views.
Stalin's House and Stalin's Train Carriage
Stalin's House is preserved as it was when Stalin lived there as a child. The interior of the carriage is a complete display of the environment and equipment of Stalin's custom carriage.
Stalin Museum The museum houses many photos of Stalin and his family, as well as photos of the communists who were with him. There are also birthday gifts from various countries to Stalin, including souvenirs from Chinese party and government agencies, which are well worth a visit.
Uplistsikhe, a World Heritage Site, is also known as the Stone City or the City of God. It is a city carved entirely out of stone and offers a rare view. To this day, there are still well-preserved cave churches, wine cellars, and other buildings.
EpicWanderings#555
"Explore Mtskheta: Travel through time and experience the history and culture of Georgia.
Mtskheta, also known as Mtskheta, is a shining pearl in Georgia. It attracts countless tourists with its rich history and culture and magnificent natural scenery. Here is a detailed introduction to Mtskheta:
I. Geographic location and historical background
Geographic location: Mtskheta is located in the east of Georgia, at the confluence of the Mtkvari River and the Aragvi River, with a very superior geographical location.
Historical background: Mtskheta was once the capital of the oldest kingdom in Georgia-Iberia, and is a classic example of medieval church architecture. It is not only the center of Georgian art, culture and religion, but also an important witness to the history of the entire country.
II. World Cultural Heritage
Mtskheta was listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1994, which not only affirmed its historical value, but also recognized the unique style of the town. Tourists can feel a strong historical atmosphere and unique cultural atmosphere here.
III. Main attractions
Pillar of Life Cathedral (Svetitskhoveli Cathedral)
History: This Orthodox church was built in the 4th century AD and was rebuilt in the 11th century AD after being destroyed many times. It is one of the most sacred and magnificent churches in Georgia and a landmark building in the town.
Features: There are exquisite murals in the church. It is said that the holy robe worn by Jesus during his suffering and the foot bones of Christ's disciple Saint Andrew are buried here. There is also a hand holding a set square on the outer wall of the church, and there is a legend about the architect and the master behind it.
Religious status: The status of the Pillar of Life Cathedral in Georgian religion is beyond doubt and is an important symbol of Orthodox belief.
Cross Monastery (Jvari Monastery, also known as Jivari Monastery)
Location: Located on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire Mtskheta town and the beautiful scenery of the confluence of the two rivers.
History: It is said to be the first place in Georgia to erect a cross, and it is also the birthplace of Georgian Christian faith.
Features: The monastery building is majestic and is a must-see photo spot for tourists.
IV. Travel experience
Stroll in the town: There are many beautiful small houses with gardens in Mtskheta, and dogs are basking in the sun and dozing off on the side of the road, full of tranquility and tranquility. Tourists can walk slowly here and feel the unique charm of the town.
Taste food: There are many restaurants around the town that provide authentic Georgian food. Tourists can enjoy a leisurely afternoon while tasting food.
Cultural experience: If time permits, it is recommended to stay in Mtskheta for one night and experience the local culture and lifestyle more deeply.
V. Traffic information
It is very convenient to go to Mtskheta from the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Tourists can take a minibus directly to Mtskheta from the Didube bus station in Tbilisi. There is a bus every half an hour, and the fare is 1Gel/person.
In short, Mtskheta has become one of the popular tourist destinations in Georgia with its rich history and culture, magnificent natural scenery and unique tourism experience. Whether for history lovers or natural scenery seekers, this is a place not to be missed.
adeline_cressida_everhart
Georgia|Spend a Day Exploring Mtskheta and Gori
The ancient city of Mtskheta and Stalin's hometown Gori are both located to the west of Tbilisi. We opted for a car rental 🚗 to visit these two places in one day.
⭕️ Main attractions in Mtskheta:
✅ Samtavro Monastery
✅ Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
✅ Jvari Monastery
⭕️ Main attractions in Gori:
✅ Stalin Museum
✅ Gori Fortress
✅ Uplistsikhe (Cave Town)
🔸 Mtskheta is closer to Tbilisi, while Gori is a bit farther.
🔸 Gori can be reached by train. If not renting a car, you can choose the train 🚊 to visit Gori alone, but public transportation might take more time.
🔸 Among the above attractions, only the Stalin Museum 🏛️ and Uplistsikhe require an entrance fee 🎫.
🔸 Jvari Monastery and Gori Fortress are located at higher elevations, making them suitable for late afternoon 🌇 visits to enjoy the panoramic views. It is recommended to schedule Jvari last for its beautiful scenery overlooking the city and the river 🌊.
🔸 Samtavro Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ⛪️ are close to each other, about a seven to eight-minute walk 🚶♀️.
🔸 The Stalin Museum and Gori Fortress are relatively close to each other.
🔸 Outside the Stalin Museum, there is a train carriage 🚞, a ground floor exhibition hall, and a small exhibition hall between the first and second floors that are all 🆓 free. Only the main exhibition hall on the second floor requires a ticket 🎫.
🔸 The arched columns in the corridor outside the museum are very photogenic 📸.
🔸 For lunch 🍽️, it is recommended to eat at the entrance of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where there are several restaurants.
🔸 We departed from Tbilisi at 10:30 AM 🕥, so we didn't visit Uplistsikhe in Gori. If you start earlier, it can be included in the itinerary.
🔴 Suggested itinerary:
👉 Gori Fortress 🏰 - Stalin Museum 🏛️ - Uplistsikhe - (Lunch) Svetitskhoveli ⛪️ - Samtavro - Jvari 🌅
Liam Reed$31
Mtskheta an amazing small town that welcomes you with a beautiful view
#myhiddengems #mtskheta #georgia
Mtskheta is a beautiful small town just 23 kilometers from Tbilisi. You can take a minibus 🚐 for 2$ and it takes 40 minutes to get there or catch a taxi 🚕 for about 7-10$ and get there in twenty minutes.
You also can enjoy nice Georgian wine 🍷and tasty food
Tami 9
Georgia Mtskheta: The Church and Architectural Beauty
Mtskheta, Georgia, is an ancient city in the country of Georgia.
If you visit Georgia, you must not miss this ancient church, which boasts beautiful architecture and is located at the confluence of three rivers. From here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the town below, along with the atmosphere and landscape of Georgia.
Today, the church remains an important site where locals come to pay their respects, worship sacred objects, and pray for blessings. You can drive up to the church easily, as the roads are accessible. However, during winter, the roads can be slippery due to snow, so it's advisable to hire a personal guide who is skilled in driving and ensures safety.
With my shutter
Mtskheta Old Town
Mtskheta Old Town is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in Georgia, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia and a spiritual center of Eastern Orthodoxy.
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Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you will be captivated by the solemnity of the ancient Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. These buildings not only showcase the essence of Georgian architecture but also preserve many precious religious artworks.
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The traditional markets and restaurants within the old town offer a great opportunity to experience authentic Georgian culture and cuisine, with some being family-run establishments.
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DiscoveringAdventurer.
Ancient cathedral in Georgia.
It’s really amazing place to visit in Mtskheta, Georgia, the history of the cathedral and how it was built is the most interesting part, even though it’s closed at night, it’s still amazing to look at it at night.
Lika Datuashvili
Jvari Monastery, a religious landmark in Georgia
Jvari Monastery, also known as Jvari Monastery, is located on the opposite hilltop at the confluence of the Kura River and the Aragvi River. From the top of the hill, you can overlook the entire old city of Mtskheta and the spectacular view of the confluence of the two rivers. This beautiful scenery has been vividly depicted by poets many times in history, and Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov, a Russian national poet, is one of them.
It is said that due to the large temperature difference of the river water of the two rivers, the rivers show different colors. Under good visibility, you can see the color boundary of the two rivers at the confluence with the naked eye.
Jvari Monastery is a landmark building in the religious history of Georgia. Since Saint Nino erected the cross in Jvari Monastery, it has attracted believers from all over the Caucasus. Unlike many traditional churches, there are no murals on the interior walls of this church. In the center is a huge wooden cross, on which the episodes in the Gospel are cleverly carved.
Address: Zahesi-Jvari Monastery
How to get there: Take a taxi from the Cathedral of the Pillar of Life in Mtskheta, about 15 lari round trip.
Tickets: Free
AvaMacLeod93
A timeless symbol of Georgian spirituality
Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commands the skyline above Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital. Built in the 6th century, its cross-shaped design and strategic location at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers make it both architecturally significant and spiritually revered. Visitors marvel at its stone carvings, Byzantine-influenced architecture, and sweeping vistas of the Caucasus Mountains—a testament to Georgia's rich cultural and religious heritage.#tbilisi #familytrip #historicallandmarks #trip
Address - Mtsketa
Highlights - UNESCO Heritage Site, Pilgrimage Church
Rating - 9/10
wandermom.qa
Mtskheta - former capital city of Georgia.
breathtaking Svetitskhoveli cathedral , Built in the XIth century, recognized be UNESCO as a world heritage site. Definitely worths visiting. the nearby area is authentic and beautiful🩵
S.o.p.h.i.e.
Beautiful Jvari mountain monastery in Georgia
Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. It stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of Georgia.
It is almost impossible to get here by public transport or on foot, so I recommend that you take a taxi from Tbilisi or buy a tour to this place, which are sold almost everywhere.
#europe #georgia #mytripvlog #church #mountain
Andrey Vasiliskov
some ancient places in Georgia
Getting There - by car 20-30 minutes from Tbilisi
Attractions - Jvari monastery and the scenario
everything is free you just need to go there from Tbilisi by car or from Tbilisi to Mtksheta by bus and then take taxi. Jvari is one of the most important monastery in Georgia. #newyearadventure #tripblazers #georgia #mytripvlog #2023travelwish #本地遊 #格鲁吉亚
Nene_inChina
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta, eastern Georgia. Jvari is a rare case of an Early Medieval Georgian church that has survived to the present day almost unchanged. Wikipedia
Herman_traveller
From Tbilisi to Mtskheta, it is less than 20 kilometers away, there are many minibuses, and there are public transportations. The traffic is very convenient.
Mtskheta The ancient city was founded in the Georgian dynasty bronze age, at the intersection of ancient trade routes and at the confluence of two rivers.
This ancient city was once the capital of the Georgian dynasty. Until the 5th century, the Georgian dynasty moved to Tbilisi. As a religious centre, the ancient city of Mtskheta follows the architectural style of the 11th century church dome and cruciform plane.
The ancient city of Mtskheta is a classic example of medieval church architecture and a testimony to the fine art and culture of the Georgian dynasty, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of Georgian culture and art. The
Tiwari Church is the oldest church in the ancient city of Mtskheta, built between 585 and 604 AD. Like other medieval cross churches, it is well-designed and its architecture is clear, showing the exquisite craftsmanship of the builders. The worship of the cross is also a sign of the devoutness of the Georgians.
TIPS:
1, the church is free to visit.
2, photographs are not allowed inside the church.
3, there are a lot of car rentals around the church. The driver provides a chartered service to the Jvari Monastery (Mtskheta Holy Cross Monastery) on the opposite side of the church. The waiting time includes 10GEL (reference price).
Hero_V5.
Mzkhta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its historical significance and some cultural relics. As one of the most vibrant Christian centers in Georgia, Mzkheta was declared a Holy City by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014.
This ancient city is located at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. From the Bronze Age to the prosperous Christian era, this rare mixed cultural value has ruled the region and created under a unique eclectic lifestyle. An atmosphere of an old town as old as Georgia's history.
Because it is the origin of Christianity, it is the most devout city in Georgia. From the car you can clearly see the towering Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The two walk slowly along the street, typical along the street. Small merchants in Georgia, when they arrived at the church, they were already crowded with people, the bishop was praying, and other Christians followed.
雙喜與子琛.
The ancient city of Mtskheta has a history of 4,000 years and was once the oldest town in Georgias land, the capital of Iberia, where a large number of temples, cemeteries, ancient architectural sites and fortifications of ancient Greek and Roman periods were discovered. . A number of ancient buildings and cathedrals from the 11th to the 13th centuries are left in the city, the most famous of which are the Svetitskvili Church and the Jiwari Monastery. It is the entire Georgian centre of art, culture and religion, and the entire city follows the 11th century Byzantine domes and cruciform flats. In 1994, the city was included in the World Cultural Heritage.
The main attraction now is three churches, of which the St. Nino Women's Monastery and the Svetitskvili Church (preserving the cloak of Jesus) are located in the town centre, just a few minutes walk away, and the oldest The Jiwari Monastery (there is a very nice hymn in the afternoon). On the top of the mountain opposite the river, you need a taxi. When you visit the Svettskvili Church, you will meet many local drivers and ask if you are on the summit. The Jiwari Monastery, chartered to and from 20 Lari.
PS: Photographs are not allowed inside all churches in Mtskheta.
Transportation:
There is a shuttle bus from Tbilisi to Mtskheta, take the subway to Dedubi station, you can find the roadside stop through the underground passage, the shuttle to Mtskheta The fare is 1 Larry, the journey is 30 minutes, and after getting off, it is the monastery of St. Nino.