What to do in Mtskheta: 8 must-visit places.

Updated: April 3, 2024

The best places to see in Mtskheta in 1 day, the ancient capital of Georgia, with tips on where to eat and transportation alternatives.

A visit to Mtskheta and the nearby monasteries is one of the essential things to do near Tbilisi that you can do in 1 day or less.

Therefore, the most common is take the opportunity to go to the Jvari monastery which is within walking distance.

If you go with an excursion they usually include a visit to Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori and the Uplistsikhe caves and thus make a full-day visit.

I visited Mtskheta and Jvari separately, because To go to Jvari I did a hiking route which is quite popular, I will also explain the different alternatives, with or without hiking.

The day I visited Mtskheta I went to see another monastery that is not usually included in excursions, but for me it is very worth it, it is the Shiomgvime monastery.

In the article I tell you all the transportation alternatives and what there is to see, which I leave everything marked on the map at the end of the article.

Mtskheta: the ancient capital of Georgia

The city of Mtskheta is the oldest in Georgia and was its capital before it became Tiflis in the 6th century, because the latter was easier to protect.

Mtskheta is located at the confluence of the Kurá and Aragvi rivers, just over 20 km from the center of Tbilisi.

Some of the churches and monasteries in Mtskheta are from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, because that is where Christianity was first adopted and in 337 it was proclaimed the official religion.

Today it remains the seat of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic religion, as well as a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.

Mtskheta with its medieval religious buildings has been registered since 1994 as UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Specifically, there are 3 buildings registered: the Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral and the Samtavro monastery who are in the same city and then the Jvari monastery which is in the same region.

What to see in Mtskheta and the region?

1. Jvari Monastery

If I had to recommend only one place in all of Mtskheta, I would say that this is the most interesting to see in Mtskheta from a historical point of view.

Furthermore, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the country due to their location at the top of the mountain, with magnificent views over the city of Mtskheta.

The monastery was built on Mount Jvari at 656 m above sea level, in the cliff area, above the conjunction of the Kurá and Aragvi rivers.

The name of the monastery literally means "monastery of the cross» for the immense wooden cross that is inside and apparently miraculous.

- Construction

According to tradition, it was Saint Nino who placed the cross there in the year 545, when it was still a pagan temple. Then, at the end of the 6th century, the church was built.

If you visit Georgia, you will see many churches and chapels dedicated to Saint Nino, because it was she who spread Christianity in the country and introduced King Mirian, the first Christian monarch of Georgia.

Today, in the complex you can also see remains of the wall which was built at the end of the Middle Ages.

The church has been well preserved over the years and despite the long Soviet presence in the country.

In the church, in addition to the cross, what is interesting is the tetraconch shape, that is, with four apses with four niches. But otherwise, it is more austere than other churches.

– Jvari Tunnels

Jvari Monastery has a number of underground tunnels connecting to the Svetitskhoveli cathedral from Mtskheta (point 2), going down the hill and passing under the river.

those tunnels They were used to carry the Sacred Relic (the sacred robe) and protect it in Jvari.

The tunnels also connect to other monasteries in the area, including Shiomgvime (point 4).

At the moment, the tunnels remain closed to the public because they need restoration, but it is hoped that with the help of UNESCO they can open in the future.

• Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Tips:
  • views: The views over Mtskheta and the rivers are very good, especially at sunset.
  • polyphonic songs: but if you want to listen to the polyphonic songs, I recommend going on a Sunday morning when there is mass. Of course, keep in mind that many faithful come that day, just be respectful.

2. Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral

It is an Orthodox cathedral built in the 11th century and His name means "pillar of life" because of the legend that relates Saint Nino and Jesus' tunic.

As it is said, the tunic was brought from the Holy Land and is kept there, that is the reason for the construction of the cathedral and its importance as a religious pilgrimage point.

It was a huge cathedral for the time and the largest in the country until the Tbilisi Cathedral was built in 2004.

– Coronations and tombs

The cathedral has served as coronation site of several kings and apparently 10 kings have also been buried, although only the tombs of 6 kings have been found who are next to the altar.

One of the most notable tombs is that of king Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tiflis.

It's really easy to overlook it, because it doesn't stand out particularly and there are many things to see inside the cathedral, I'll leave you a photo so you can find it.

Although this cathedral was subjected to Soviet whitewashing and many frescoes were damaged, its great beauty and value can still be appreciated.

• Entry Fee:: free, like the rest of the monasteries and churches in the article, but if you can leave a donation that will go well towards the maintenance of these places.
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Religious services: Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tourist visits cannot be made during these times..
• Fact: There are usually many weddings here, mainly on weekends, you can even see a bride in traditional dress. I went on a Saturday at noon and there were 4 girlfriends there. 😍

3. Samtavro Monastery

Samtavro monastery is a complex composed of:

• Church: It was built in the 4th century, in theory it was built where Saint Nino stopped to pray. In this church is the tomb of the first Christian king, Mirian and Queen Nana, there is also the pink sarcophagus of Saint Gabriel;
• a small chapel: It is next to the entrance on the right side, also belonging to the 4th century and although it is quite small it is quite interesting. Is called Makvlovani which means "miraculous bush";
• bell tower: It is a three-story tower from the 13th century and is in the background on the right;
• cemetery: this is a small area next to the entrance and behind the church.
• the active convent of the nuns dedicated to Saint Nino;
• a small religious souvenir shop.

– Saint Gabriel

The church is a place of pilgrimage of the Georgian faithful. Mainly because of Saint Gabriel, who was a monk who died in 1995 and was canonized in 2012.

Is one of the saints most loved by Georgians, who do you think had miraculous healing powers.

His name was Gabriel Urgebadze and he He became a monk in 1955 after doing mandatory service for the Red Army.

In 1965 he became famous for burning a Lenin banner, he was tried for it and sentenced to a psychiatric hospital for 6 months. Then, She spent almost the rest of her life here, in the convent of Samtavro.

• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4. Shiomgvime Monastery

Shiomgvime (or Shio-Mgvime) Monastery is 12 km from Mtskheta and is located surrounded by a huge cliff.

The name means "Shio cave» because it was founded by Shio, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers who were sent in the 6th century to Georgia as Christian missionaries.

The most famous Assyrian father is David Gareja who founded the monasteries next to the Azerbaijan border and I will tell you shortly about my experience visiting them.

⭐ In this other article you can read more about Visit to the David Gareja Monastery.

Shiomgvime, It became the most important monastic community in Georgia in the 6th century, where up to 2,000 monks lived.

The set is composed of:

• A church at the entrance where guards Shio's sarcophagus, on the left side there is a hallway that takes you to the sarcophagus. By the way, it's quite dark there, I couldn't even see where I was stepping. 😅
• A small and old bell tower which is going up the stairs on the left side (outside) of the first church.
• The centuries-old olive trees in front of the main church brought from Jerusalem.
• The main church that houses very colorful frescoes and it is worth going in to see them.

If you look at the top of the cliff you will see some caves dug in the rock.

Furthermore, the cliff is an area nesting eagles and you can see some flying over the area.

📢 Fact: once outside the monastic complex, if you continue along the road just 350 m away you will find a small path that takes you to a tiny chapel.

It is said to be where the Virgin Mary appeared to Shio.

The chapel itself has nothing very relevant, except its size, which is super small, enough for a single person (also marked on the map as point 4).

• Opening Hours: daily from 10 a.m. Although I read somewhere that it is best to go before 9 a.m., it is not true, it is closed, I arrived before 10 a.m. and I had to wait outside.

5. Old town – market and boat ride

The small town of Mtskheta has a relaxed, almost village atmosphere, which invites you to take a walk through its streets, especially in the old town area.

– Jumble sale

On the street on the left side of the wall From the cathedral you will find the market.

It is a street of little shops with souvenirs, food, drinks such as wines and chacha, carpets.

It is a worthwhile walk and will take you little time because the market is about 200 m long (or less).

But, I warn you that this area is very focused on tourism and the prices of crafts or anything else you want to buy will be more expensive than in Tbilisi.

If you are going to buy something you will need cash because the vast majority of stalls do not accept cards.

From this street, it is one of the places from where you can see Jvari monastery.

– Boat tour

You can also take advantage of a boat ride along the river, on the map I have marked the point from where they depart. Although I have to confess that I didn't try it.

6. Tree of Life Mosaic

The The most interesting mosaic in Mtskheta from Soviet times is the “Tree of Life” from 1973 which was placed in the old cinema.

The building was completely restored to transform it into what is today the Mtskheta Archaeological Museum.

Luckily, this fabulous mosaic, which represents various aspects of Georgian life, remained as part of the façade.

The museum is a very short distance from Samtavro Monastery (point 3) and is worth stopping by to see, it will only take you a few minutes.

7. Pompey Bridge

On the Kurá River are the ruins of an ancient bridge built of stone in 65 BC by Pompey the Great, a Roman commander.

Formerly, it was the only bridge that allowed crossing the river and it was used until the 19th century, when it was rebuilt.

The bridge belonged to the well-known Georgian military road, although the bridge that remains standing is the reconstruction.

But unfortunately It is usually hidden under water and it is only visible on rare occasions when the level is very low or the dam gates are opened.

What you can do is pay attention when you cross the bridge that is in operation, look to the right to make sure it is visible and stop when you turn around.

8. Bebristsikhe Fortress

This fortress located just over 2 km from the Svetitstkhoveli cathedral and next to the Aragvi river was Built to protect Mtskheta and Tbilisi from attacks from the north.

The construction accompanies with its shape the mountains where it is built.

One of the most striking things are the impressive wall walls that exceed 2 m thick.

The fortress is quite abandoned and it really is not one of the most impressive visits, I only recommend it if you have time.

Tips for visiting Mtskheta

These visits are mainly religious, keep the following in mind:

• Take care of your clothing: If you travel in summer, take care of the clothes you wear, it is better that you wear clothes that cover your shoulders and preferably below the knees or take something to cover yourself.
• cover the head: In some places they ask us women to cover our heads, but they have scarves at the entrance so you can use them.
• Free: all the monasteries and churches in the article are free, but if you can leave a donation they are always welcome to maintain the places. These places also help people with few resources.
• I respect: Always be respectful of the faithful who are there, especially when taking photos and give them way.
• Masses: Religious services are reserved for the faithful, but you can go and behave respectfully without attracting attention as a tourist. In my experience, polyphonic songs are very beautiful to listen to, relaxing and of course part of the local culture.
• Remember: as the saying goes, "Wherever you go, do what you see".

Where to eat in Mtskheta?

In Mtskheta you will find many good restaurants where you can have lunch.

My favorite is the restaurant Ornament Express They have many dishes of Georgian cuisine that are worth it.

For example, him lobio What they prepare there is very good, it is a bean-based stew that is served with the fried bread mchadi and here they also accompany it with jonjoli.

Another of the notable dishes in this restaurant is the trout and the lobiani is finger-licking good.

😋 You may be interested in this other article about 9 Best Traditional Georgian Food Dishes and where to eat them.

Map of visiting Mtskheta

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

How to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi?

Driving

Mtskheta is very close to Tbilisi and well signposted and if you are going to drive you can take advantage of the day to visit other nearby sites.

The best way to rent a car in Georgia It is with this practical search engine that works with Georgian companies.

Therefore, the prices are the cheapest, you ensure that you will not be scammed and you contribute to the local economy instead of hiring an international company.

Bolt and Taxi

If you order a car with Bolt it will cost you between about 20 and 25 lari (7.16 and 8.95 euros) according to the application.

But in my experience there are no cars that respond to this type of trips because then they don't know if they will have passengers to return.

The best thing would be to find a taxi and negotiate a rate to make several stops to visit what interests you.

A good price is about 100 lari (35.80 euros) or even a little more depending on the stops you ask for.

Bus from Tbilisi to Mtskheta

The marshrutka or minibuses They leave from Didube every half hour, the first one leaves at 8 a.m. and It takes about 30 minutes to arrive.

It costs 2 lari (0.72 euros) and you can pay when you arrive to the driver.

But I recommend you buy the ticket at the office which is next to the bus, because passengers with a ticket always have priority over those who do not have one.

I would say the stops in Mtskheta are when someone asks for them, I got off when the majority of passengers got off (point 9 on the map) which was very close to the cathedral.

Bus from Mtskheta to Tbilisi

To return to Tbilisi The bus goes on the street parallel to the one it arrives at. That is, if you go from the cathedral, you have to walk one more street, the street is called Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station.

Keep in mind that on that street there is no stop bus.

Simply go to that street and when you see the marshrutka with the Tbilisi sign, signal it to stop. Then You pay the driver the 2 laris when you arrive in Didube

⭐ In this other article you can read more about How to get around Tbilisi, Georgia and visit neighboring countries? with lots of advice.

Train

Honestly, I haven't tried it because right now There are only 2 trains a day.

The train takes 23 minutes, It leaves from Square Station and costs between 1 and 3 euros.

The Mtskheta railway station is on the other side of the Kura River, about 2 km from the city center, from there you will have to go by taxi or walk for half an hour.

Excursion

A very practical way to visit these places and take advantage of the day to see Gori and the cave city of Uplistsikhe is to take a tour. I recommend this one full day excursion.

Finally, if you are short on time, the best option is to do this tour to Mtskheta, Ananuri and Kazbegi.

Kazbegi, is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the country with the famous Gergeti church, you can read more in this Guide to Kazbegi and Ananuri.

Below you can see availability and book this tour.

How to get from Mtskheta to Jvari?

• Taxi: will cost between about 15 and 20 lari (5.37 and 7.16 euros), you may have to negotiate a little and takes about 20 minutes from the center of Mtskheta.
• By Bus: in summer there is a bus which takes you to the Jvari monastery, you will have to ask for more details at the Mtskheta Tourist Office which is very close to the entrance of the cathedral. When you leave the walled area, walk to the left along that street and you will see it right away.

Hiking to Jvari

From both Tbilisi and Mtskheta you can take a taxi to the Zahesi-Jvari Monastery road.

If not, another alternative is to go from Tbilisi with the metro to Sarajishvili M/S and from there with bus 381 that leaves you at point 10 on the map.

Then from there There is no specific path, but rather there are a lot.

If you did the road trip They are less than 6 km and an ascending gradient of 193 m.

I Between round trips along the trail I did almost 16 km because I climbed the little mountain that is before, which has views towards Jvari.

I probably also did a lot more accumulated elevation gain, because I went up to the other little mountain, went down almost to the lake that is in the valley and then went up to the little mountain where Jvari is.

The route is very good and not difficult, I would say it is a medium to low level. In winter the route becomes a little more technical because there is snow and ice.

The most attractive part of the trail is the valley that has a beautiful forest and the lake, and it is also very quiet.

📢 Friend's tip: There are cows in the area, keep your distance (a lot of distance) because they are very well protected by sheepdogs.

I passed about 10 meters away and in a matter of seconds I was surrounded by 3 large and 2 medium dogs. After a few minutes they left, but what a scare. 😅

How to get to Shiomgvime from Mtskheta?

If you visit the Shiomgvime monastery you will see that there is almost no one, I was there for a little over 1 hour and I only saw a small group arrive when I was leaving.

Although it can receive large groups on religious dates.

That's why, you will not find public transport alternatives to go to this monastery.

The best way to get there is drive or go with a taxi which will cost you between 15 and 20 lari (5.37 and 7.16 euros) round trip.

There is a taxi rank in front of the Mtskheta fountain, near the Samtavro monastery (point 11 on the map).

Where to stay in Mtskheta?

To see Mtskheta in 1 day you will have enough, but staying there can be a good idea to then continue visiting other regions of Georgia such as Kazbegi or Kakheti and even follow the route to Armenia.

Here are 2 of the best hotels in Mtskheta and both have a very good price:

• Cheap: Old Capital It is next to the cathedral and has fantastic views from the terrace.
• Half: Magdalena Hotel It is a small hotel with a lot of charm and rich and abundant breakfasts, without a doubt the best hotel in terms of quality and price.

🔝 If you want to know the best of the Caucasus without worrying about anything, book this All-inclusive trip to Georgia and Armenia, which costs less than 150 euros a day.

Final Thoughts

As you have seen in this article, there are many things to see in Mtskheta, both historical places and beautiful landscapes that you cannot miss on your trip to Georgia.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Georgia and the Caucasus

• What to do in Tbilisi: 24 must-visit places.
• Visit to Gori and Uplistsikhe from Tbilisi
• What to do in Kutaisi: a complete guide
• 9 Traditional Georgian Food Dishes
• What to do in Yerevan: 14 best plans