Historical Marvels: Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery

Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, located near Tbilisi. It served as the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century.
First, we explore the city itself, with a visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, constructed in the 11th century (though the site dates back to the 4th century). This cathedral was a significant pilgrimage site on the Silk Road, believed to house Christ’s robe, and served as the burial place for Georgian Kings. The cathedral, the second-largest church building in Georgia, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other historical monuments in Mtskheta.
Following this, we take a brief stroll around the town, which is frequently renovated and boasts pleasant surroundings. Later, we visit the Samtavro Monastery, a complex built in the 11th century. It houses the graves of Queen Nana and Mirian III, the king of Iberia, who officially established Christianity in Georgia. The renowned Georgian monk, Gabrieli, is also buried within the Samtavro church.
Only after this do we reach Jvari Monastery, translated as the “Monastery of the Cross.” Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside other historic structures in Mtskheta. Positioned on a rocky mountain, it is an architectural masterpiece from the early Medieval period, offering a stunning view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers and the town of Mtskheta.
With the Mtskheta tour concluded, we head back to Tbilisi.