Mtskheta in half a day from Tbilisi

Jvari Monastery

Jvari stands on a hill above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. This is where St Nino raised a cross in the 4th century. The great church was built between 590 and 605. It has the best view of Mtskheta and the valley.

No public transport goes up to Jvari. A taxi from Mtskheta there and back with waiting costs roughly 15 to 25 GEL.

Tour

Mtskheta and Jvari, half day

1 day≈ 4 hfrom $120from €110from ₾315

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

The present cathedral was built between 1010 and 1029 by the architect Arsukidze. Tradition holds that Christ's robe is buried here. Elioz, a Jew from Mtskheta, brought it from Jerusalem. His sister Sidonia died clutching the robe and was buried with it. Kings Vakhtang Gorgasali and Erekle II lie inside.

Samtavro Monastery

St Nino lived here in a small cell among blackberry bushes. The 11th-century main church holds the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana, Georgia's first Christian rulers. An ancient burial ground has been excavated nearby.

What to wear and what it costs

Entry to all three churches is free. Cover your shoulders and knees, and women should cover their hair. Scarves and wraps are usually handed out at the door. Men in shorts are not let in.

Getting there

Minibuses to Mtskheta leave Didube bus station when full, roughly every 15 to 30 minutes. The ride takes 25 to 40 minutes and costs 1.5 to 3 GEL. The minibus stops by Svetitskhoveli. A Bolt or Yandex Go taxi costs 25 to 40 GEL. Jvari is harder to reach, because it is on a hilltop and no buses go there.

With a driver you can see all three churches in half a day without changing transport. If there is time left, add Shio-Mgvime or Zedazeni monasteries, about 20 km from Mtskheta. See our half-day Mtskheta tour.