GE
Mtskheta
Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where two rivers meet below the hilltop Jvari Monastery
Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where two rivers meet below the hilltop Jvari Monastery
Built in 1010–1029 by the architect Arsukisdze on a 4th-century church site, the cathedral was a coronation and burial place for Georgian kings. Tradition holds that Christ’s robe is buried here.
Allow about an hour inside.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
On a hill across the river, this late 6th-century church became a model for many later Georgian churches. It overlooks the town and the meeting of the rivers.
Reach it by taxi; it is not walkable from town.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
This 11th-century convent church, with peaceful gardens, holds the graves of important figures in Georgian church history. It is usually quieter than the cathedral.
Photo: Kober, CC0
The view from Jvari over the confluence, where the two rivers’ differently coloured waters meet, is one of the best known in Georgia.
Photo: Tadeáš Gregor, CC BY-SA 4.0
The ruins of this medieval fortress stand on a ridge just north of town, a short walk away.
Photo: Interfase, CC BY-SA 4.0
Restaurants by the river and on the streets around the cathedral serve Georgian classics: khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and lobiani (bean bread). Stalls sell churchkhela, strings of nuts dipped in grape juice.
Local wine and chacha (grape brandy) are widely available.
Marshrutkas (minibuses) leave from Didube station in Tbilisi about every 30 minutes and take under half an hour. Taxis are also inexpensive.
Jvari Monastery is on a hill across the river and needs a taxi from Mtskheta or Tbilisi.
Georgia uses the lari (GEL). Mtskheta is affordable.
One day covers the main sights.
Take a taxi to Jvari Monastery for the view, then to town.
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro, then lunch by the river.
Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their heads. Scarves are lent at the door.
Morning services feature Georgian polyphonic singing.
Take a taxi; there is no bus.
Try local wine and churchkhela.
Quick answers for planning time in Mtskheta.
About 20km, under half an hour by marshrutka or taxi.
Yes, the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta were inscribed in 1994.
By taxi from Mtskheta or Tbilisi.
Modest clothing; women cover their heads. Scarves and wraps are provided.
May to June or September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Georgia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.