Marvelous Mtskheta Tour – A Journey Through Time

Step back 2,500 years to Georgia’s ancient capital, where Christianity first took root in the Caucasus. This UNESCO World Heritage tour takes you beyond ordinary sightseeing to the spiritual soul of Georgia—where kings were crowned, saints performed miracles, and architectural masterpieces have stood for over a millennium. Led by local guides who know every legend and hidden corner, you’ll discover why Georgians say: “You haven’t seen Georgia until you’ve stood at Jvari.”

Perfect for: History lovers, spiritual seekers, architecture enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone wanting to understand the deep roots of Georgian identity.

Itinerary

Departure: Tbilisi (hotel pickup available)

Just 20 kilometers from modern Tbilisi lies Mtskheta, a small town with an enormous historical footprint. Founded in the 4th century BC, Mtskheta served as the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia for nearly a thousand years. Even after the political capital moved to Tbilisi in the 5th century AD, Mtskheta retained its role as Georgia’s spiritual center—a position it holds to this day.

Jvari Monastery: The Cross on the Mountain

Your pilgrimage begins at Jvari (literally “the Cross”), a 6th-century monastery perched dramatically on a rocky mountaintop overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. The short drive up the winding road builds anticipation—and when you step out, the view takes your breath away.

In the 4th century, after St. Nino converted King Mirian III to Christianity, the newly baptized king erected a wooden cross on this sacred hilltop—a former pagan site. According to tradition, the cross performed miracles, and crowds of Georgians came to worship here. Two centuries later, King Stephanoz I built this exquisite church around the site of King Mirian’s original cross.

Jvari represents the pinnacle of Georgian early medieval architecture. Its perfectly proportioned tetraconch design (a square with four semicircular apses) influenced church architecture throughout the Caucasus for centuries. Despite being 1,400 years old, the structure remains remarkably intact.

From Jvari’s terrace, you’ll see why Georgian poet Mikheil Lermontov immortalized this view in his poem “Mtsyri.” The two rivers merge far below, ancient Mtskheta spreads across the valley, and the Caucasus Mountains rise in the distance.

Photography tip: Golden hour (late afternoon) bathes the valley in magical light. This is Georgia’s most photographed vista for good reason.

Bagineti Archaeological Site

Available for small groups (up to 6 people)

Descending from Jvari, small groups can explore the Bagineti archaeological site—the remains of an ancient district where Georgia’s pre-Christian kings once held court.

Walking among the excavated ruins, you’ll discover royal palace foundations where Iberian kings administered their realm, Roman-style thermal baths dating from the 1st century BC to 2nd century AD, pagan temple remains from before Christianity’s arrival, and ancient city walls that once protected the royal quarter.

Historical note: These archaeological layers prove human settlement here stretches back over 2,000 years, making Mtskheta one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Caucasus.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: The Living Pillar

Entering through Mtskheta’s narrow streets, you’ll arrive at Svetitskhoveli (“the Living Pillar”), Georgia’s most sacred cathedral and the country’s spiritual epicenter for over 1,000 years.

The Legend: When Christ was crucified, a Georgian Jew named Elias was present in Jerusalem. He purchased Christ’s robe from a Roman soldier and brought it back to Mtskheta. His sister Sidonia took the robe and, overcome with emotion, died clutching it. The robe couldn’t be separated from her body, so she was buried with it. From her grave grew a giant cedar tree.

Centuries later, when St. Nino converted Georgia to Christianity, King Mirian ordered the tree cut down to build the first church. But the sacred cedar stump refused to move—until St. Nino prayed all night, and it rose into the air, floating and glowing with miraculous light. When it descended, it became the church’s central pillar—the “living pillar” that gives the cathedral its name.

The current cathedral, built in the 11th century by master architect Arsukisdze, represents Georgian medieval architecture at its finest. Inside, you’ll discover the sacred pillar draped in ornate fabric marking Christ’s robe burial site, royal tombs of Georgian kings and queens, ancient frescoes depicting biblical scenes and Georgian saints, and intricate stone carvings where every surface tells a story.

Cultural note: Svetitskhoveli remains Georgia’s coronation cathedral. Although Georgia no longer has a monarchy, this is where kings were crowned for centuries, and it’s still considered the nation’s most important church.

Samtavro Monastery: Where Christianity Took Root

A short walk from Svetitskhoveli brings you to Samtavro (“the ruler’s place”), an 11th-century monastery complex with its own compelling story.

Within the monastery church lie the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana—Georgia’s first Christian rulers who, persuaded by St. Nino in 337 AD, declared Christianity the state religion. This made Georgia one of the first nations in the world to officially embrace Christianity, predating most of Europe.

The monastery grounds also include a small church marking the site where St. Nino herself lived in a simple tent among blackberry bushes while converting the Georgian kingdom. Her modest dwelling contrasts powerfully with the grand churches built in her honor.

Unlike many historic churches that function primarily as museums, Samtavro remains an active monastery. You’ll likely see monks and nuns going about their daily prayers, pilgrims lighting candles, and locals seeking blessings.

What you’ll experience: This living spiritual tradition connects you directly to 1,700 years of continuous Christian practice.

The Sacred Confluence

Throughout your tour, you’ll return again and again to views of the river confluence—where the silver-green Aragvi River from the mountains meets the muddy Mtkvari River from the valleys. This meeting of waters held spiritual significance long before Christianity arrived.

Ancient Georgians believed this confluence was a sacred place where heaven and earth touched. When St. Nino chose nearby hills for her cross and the first churches, she was building on thousands of years of spiritual tradition.

Why Mtskheta Matters

In an age of rapid change, Mtskheta stands as a testament to what endures. For over 2,500 years, people have gathered at this confluence of rivers seeking meaning, beauty, and connection to something greater than themselves.

The stones of Jvari have witnessed 1,400 years of sunrises. The pillar in Svetitskhoveli has stood for a millennium. Kings have been crowned, saints have prayed, and countless pilgrims have found what they were seeking in these sacred spaces.

When you visit Mtskheta, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re participating in a living tradition that connects ancient Georgia to the present moment.

This is why Georgians say: “Mtskheta is not just our history—it’s our soul.”

Practical Information

Departure: Tbilisi (hotel pickup available)
Duration: 4-5 hours (including transportation)
Distance: 20 km each way from Tbilisi
Difficulty: Moderate (walking, stairs, uneven surfaces)
Group Size: Maximum 10 people

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces and stairs. Modest clothing for church visits—shoulders and knees should be covered. A light jacket as churches can be cool inside. Camera for Georgia’s most photographed views. Water bottle (we provide bottled water).

Optional Add-Ons

Traditional Georgian lunch at a local family restaurant (+$15-25 per person). Wine tasting experience at a local vineyard or cellar (+$20-30 per person). Extended tour to nearby Shio-Mgvime monastery or Armazi Fortress ruins (contact for pricing).

Mtskheta tour FAQ