Temples and cathedrals in Mtskheta

Q: In what architectural style was the Jvari Monastery built and what historical events are associated with it?

Jvari, built in the VI-VII centuries, is a rare example of early Christian Georgian architecture with a tetraconkh layout. This temple-fortress on the top of the mountain inspired Lermontov to the poem “Mtsyri”. Here, in 327, St. Nino erected the first Christian cross in Georgia, which symbolizes the adoption of Christianity.

Q: Where to go to Mtskheta with children to be interesting to the whole family?

The Archaeological Museum with the finds of the ancient period will fascinate children with authentic artifacts. On the territory of the settlement of Armazi you can see the ruins of the ancient capital of Iberia with the remains of the fortress walls. The interactive exposition in the Kartlis Deda center will introduce national crafts through master classes.

Q: Where in Mtskheta to make the most atmospheric photos with views of ancient monuments?

The observation deck at the Jvari monastery offers panoramic views of the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers - this angle is depicted on the coat of arms of Georgia. Inside Svetitskhoveli, unique frescoes of the XVI century and a stone “living pillar” are photographed. The ruins of the fortress of Bebristsikhe on the hill create a dramatic backdrop for pictures at sunset.

Q: What little-known but significant religious sites are there in Mtskheta besides Svetitskhoveli?

The Church of Antioch of the VI century preserved the ancient Georgian asymmetrical domes and carved capitals. The Shiomgvime Monastery, founded in the VI century by Shio Mgvimsky, is hidden in a picturesque gorge with cave cells of hermits. The chapel of St. Nino at the site of her first prayer contains a rare mosaic of the fourth century.

Q: What unique artifacts are stored in the temples of Mtskheta and what legends are they associated with?

In Svetitskhoveli under the bush is the chiton of Christ – according to legend, it was brought from Jerusalem by the sister of Lazarus. The monastery of Samtavro keeps the miraculous icon of the Iberian Mother of God, written, according to legend, by the evangelist Luke. In Jvari, an ancient stone cross of the V century with unique Georgian ornamentation has been preserved.

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Jawari Temple

The temple and monastery in Jvari is the first Georgian World Heritage Monument dating from the 7th century. Located near the c …

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Temple of Svetitskhoveli

Svetitskhoveteli Church for many years was the Main Georgian Orthodox Church, an object under the supervision of UNESCO. Here w …

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Samtavro Temple

Samtavro Monastery is located in Georgia, in the city of Mtskheta. Samtavro is translated from Georgian as “royal place”, which be …

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Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located 25 km from Tbilisi. It dates back to the 11th century. The history of the temple is full of my …

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Excursions Mtskheta (17)

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Excursion to the holy city of Mtskheta

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Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery

This tour is ideal for those who want to touch the history and spiritual culture of Georgia in just a few hours. We will start wi …

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Profitable! Mtskheta, Jvari, Uplistsikhe

So, we go to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta. On the way we will visit the Temple of Jvari ("Holy Cross Temple"), built …

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Temples and cathedrals in Mtskheta

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Excursions Mtskheta (17)

Guides Mtskheta (9)

Tours Mtskheta (2)