GEORGIA - Mtskheta

Mtskheta is an ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers and it was here where the adoption of Christianity by Georgia began in the year 334. In 2014, the Georgian Orthodox Church declared it a “Holy City”.


View of Jvari Monastery as we approach from the road.


The Mtskheta Church of Holy Cross, also know as Jvari Monastery is an outstanding monument of Georgian architecture. It was one of the greatest religious sites and a center of pilgrimage for Christian nations of the Caucasus.


Jvari Monastery of the 6th century near Mtskheta is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and it is a site not to be missed while in Mtskheta.


Souvenirs sold at the carpark area of the monastery.


This cross-shaped monastery is built on the top of a cliff with its early Christian Georgian Architecture. Jvari means cross in Georgian.







Behind me is the view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers and Mtskheta town from the monastery.


A beautiful view Mtskheta town and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral can be seen from Jvari monastery.


Part of the building suffered damages from rain and wind erosion and inadequate maintenance.




It is on this location in the early 4th century that St. Nino, a female evangelist erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. The present building is built between 590 and 605 by Erismtavari Stepanoz I. The octagonal base of the cross can still be seen at the middle of the church.




The portrait of St. Nino.






In the late Middle Ages, the complex was fortified with a stone wall and gates. We can still some remnants of it today.


Then from Jvari Monastery we drive to Mtskheta town.


The Svetitskhoveli complex in the centre of the town includes the 11th century cathedral, the palace and gates of the Katolikos Melchizedek from the same period and the 18th century gates of Irkali II.


The defensive walls of the cathedral.


The entrance of Svetitskhoveli.


From the side, you can actually see the entrance wall tilting. Looks like its about to collapse.


The Svetitskhoveli is one of the most sacred places in Georgia  where the Robe of Christ is buried.


Wrapped around skirt before entering the cathedral.


The interior was originally covered with wall paintings but these were whitewashed over and only recently have fragments of them been revealed again.


The place where Sidonia, who was said to have been buried holding Christ’s robe is preserved in the Cathedral. From her grave grew an enormous cedar tree. And from the cedar tree, seven columns were made for the cathedral’s foundation.


It also contains the graves of the ancient Georgian kings, including this tomb of Erekle II.












The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, originally built in 4th century, has been damaged several times by invasions and earthquakes. The present cathedral was rebuilt in 11th century.




The fortress around the cathedral was built during the reign of King Erekle II in 1787. The wall has eight towers in total.


From Svetitskhoveli I can see Jvari on the top of the hill.


There is a tourist information office just outside the Svetitskhoveli.




A wedding chapel is adjacent to the tourist information office.




The Mtskheta town with its beautiful surroundings.


Within walking distance from Svetitskhoveli complex is the Samtavro (Place of the Ruler) complex.


The Nunnery of St Nino or some calls it St Nino convent dates from the 4th century.


It is here where St Nino dedicated herself to disciple merit in the 4th Century.


According to the legend, St. Nino actually lived on this site.




Tombs within the compound.


A nun at the Samtavro compound.


The larger church on this site was built in the 11th century as is known as the Samtavro Transfiguration Orthodox Church.




Saw a funny looking carving at the church’s wall.


The inside of the Samtavro Church.






This is the grave of Mirian, the Georgian king who adopted Christianity and his wife.


Saint Gabriel, a Georgian Orthodox monk whose body is now buried buried here at the Samtavro monastery.


Hmm…wonder if that body in the coffin is where his body is.








In addition to these two churches, there is also a 16th century bell tower and some monastic structures at Samtavro.


Time to bid Mtskheta farewell as I proceed to the picturesque Ananuri.