Mtskheta
★ 4.7🇬🇪 MtskhetaSuggested visit Half a dayBest season April to June and September to October, with mild weather
World HeritageReligious siteHistoric site
The ancient capital of Georgia, its stone cathedral at the meeting of two rivers inscribed as World Heritage.
Overview
At the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, Mtskheta was the capital of the kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and joined the World Heritage List in 1994. The Svetitskhoveli cathedral, built in the 11th century, is one of the most important churches in Georgia, and the Jvari monastery on the hill above overlooks the confluence — the classic view of the country.
History
Capital of Iberia from the 3rd century BC, it saw Georgia's conversion to Christianity in the 4th century AD and remained a religious centre after losing its political role.
Highlights
- •Svetitskhoveli cathedral
- •Jvari monastery and the river confluence
- •The cobbled streets of the old capital
- •The Samtavro monastery
Practical tips
- •Dress conservatively inside the churches
- •Jvari sits on a hill and is reached by road
Practical information
- Best time
- April-June, September-October
- Tickets
- Churches are free
- Opening hours
- Roughly 9:00-18:00
- Local food
- Khachapuri, grilled meat, Georgian wine
- Getting around
- About 30 minutes by road from Tbilisi.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a valid passport.
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