Mtskheta

History of Mtskheta

Mtskheta is one of the oldest towns in Georgia, continuously inhabited since antiquity. For almost a thousand years, from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, it was the capital of Iberia (Kartli). In the early 4th century Saint Nino converted King Mirian III to Christianity, and Kartli became one of the first Christian countries in the world.

In the early 6th century King Dachi moved the capital to Tbilisi, but Mtskheta remained the spiritual centre: Georgian kings were crowned and buried here up to the 19th century.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

The present cathedral was built by the architect Arsukisdze in 1010–1029 on the site of a 4th-century church. It is the second-largest church in Georgia — 57 m long and about 50 m high, behind a massive fortress wall.

According to tradition, Elioz, a Jew from Mtskheta, brought the robe of Christ from Jerusalem, and his sister Sidonia died clutching the robe to her chest and was buried with it. A cedar grew on her grave and was used to make the church’s pillar — hence the name: “life-giving pillar”. Georgian kings are buried in the cathedral.

Jvari and Samtavro monasteries

• Jvari — a church of 590–605 on a hill above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari. According to tradition, Saint Nino set up a wooden cross here. Its form — four apses under a dome — became a model for many Georgian churches. More in the article about Jvari Monastery.
• Samtavro — a convent in the town centre, on the spot where Saint Nino lived. King Mirian and Queen Nana are buried here.

How to get there, prices and a day itinerary — in our article about Mtskheta.

Best time to visit

In spring, in April–May, everything is green and 18–24 °C; in September–October the vineyards turn yellow, and in October the rtveli grape harvest takes place. Summer can reach 35 °C, and in winter the town is quiet with almost no tourists. Coach groups arrive at midday — it is better to be there by 9:00 or after 16:00.

Tips

• In churches women need a headscarf and skirt — these are often provided at the entrance; men need long trousers.
• No marshrutkas go to Jvari — you need a car or a tour.
• Arrive before 10:00 — tour buses come later.
• Mtskheta is easy to combine with Ananuri and Kazbegi — it is on the way to the Georgian Military Road.