Jvari Monastery

History of Jvari

According to tradition, after the conversion of Kartli in the 4th century Saint Nino placed a large wooden cross on the hilltop, and pilgrims came to it from all over the country. Later a small church was built over the cross, and at the turn of the 6th–7th centuries the present church. The base of the cross still stands inside, in the centre of the hall.

The church was built under the rulers of Kartli, whose names and figures are carved in reliefs on the façades. This monastery above the river confluence is traditionally linked with Lermontov’s poem “Mtsyri”.

What to see

• Church — austere, with almost no decoration inside; in the centre is the stone base of Saint Nino’s cross.
• Façade reliefs — angels, a cross and figures of the church’s builders; best seen on the east wall.
• Ruined walls and the small church next to the church — remains of the monastery’s ancient enclosure wall.
• Viewpoint — a view of Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari.

Best time to visit

Go in the morning or an hour before sunset: soft light and fewer groups. Summer afternoons are hot and crowded.

How to get there

• By car or taxi: about 30 minutes from Tbilisi along the Mtskheta highway; the turn-off up the hill is signposted. Parking at the church is free.
• Public transport does not go up the hill: marshrutkas from Didube metro run only to Mtskheta, and from there you take a taxi up.
• On a tour: Jvari is almost always combined with Mtskheta — more in our article about Jvari Monastery.

Tips

• Women need a headscarf and skirt, men long trousers; wraps are usually available at the entrance.
• It is almost always windy at the top — bring a sweater even in summer.