Mtskheta

Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Mtskheta. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

7 Attractions
4.8 Average rating
3 Categories

About Mtskheta

Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient spiritual heart just outside Tbilisi, feels like a living open-air museum where history and riverine beauty meet. Wander among UNESCO-listed treasures such as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an architectural nexus of legend andOrthodox artistry, and the cliff-top Jvari Monastery offering panoramic views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. The town’s centuries-old winding lanes, sulphur springs, and vibrant market atmosphere invite relaxed strolling, twilight reflections, and local saffron-scented meals. Archaeological sites, medieval fortifications, and nearby monasteries blend seamlessly with modern cafés and wine-tasting rooms, making Mtskheta a compact gateway to Georgia’s sacred traditions, hillside scenery, and celebrated hospitality.

Top-7 Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — Religious site, rated 4.8/5 1
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

4.8 ★★★★★ 14,961 reviews

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, perched in the ancient sacred town of Mtskheta, is Georgia’s principal Orthodox church and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begun in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 11th, it symbolizes the country’s long Christian heritage and houses the revered Mantle of Christ, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site. Travelers can expect a commanding cross-in-square plan, elegant stonework, and an atmospheric interior filled with icons and frescoes. Beyond the cathedral, Mtskheta’s timeless streets and nearby Jvari Monastery offer a graceful, history-rich backdrop for a day of culture and reflection.

RPRC+V9C, Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station, Mtskheta, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
Chronicles of Georgia — Historic site, rated 4.8/5 2
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceMuseum

Chronicles of Georgia

4.8 ★★★★★ 13,047 reviews

The Chronicles of Georgia in Mtskheta is a compelling historic site that threads Georgia’s ancient stories into a tangible, walkable experience. Set near the UNESCO-listed town’s medieval heart, this open-air complex blends panoramic scenery with interpretive displays that trace the nation’s literary and cultural milestones from early chronicles to medieval chronicles. Visitors can expect peaceful gardens, shaded paths, and carved stone panels that bring Georgia’s legends to life, plus vantage points over the Aragvi and the town’s historic monastery silhouettes. It’s a thoughtful add-on for history buffs and first-time visitors alike.

Chronicles of Georgia Temqa, QRC6+65V, T'bilisi, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Parking
Jvari Monastery — Religious site, rated 4.8/5 3
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Jvari Monastery

4.8 ★★★★★ 11,213 reviews

Perched on a hill above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, Jvari Monastery stands as one of Georgia’s most iconic religious sites. Founded in the 6th century, this UNESCO-listed monastery showcases early medieval orthodoxy through its simple cruciform church and austere marble exterior, complemented by striking frescoes and panoramic views. Visiting offers a sense of spiritual hush, a stairway to history, and a gateway to nearby medieval towns like Mtskheta. Expect quiet contemplation, easy trails, and photo worthy overlooks that capture Georgia’s timeless landscape.

RPQM+C79, Mtskheta, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Restroom
Parking
Uplistsikhe — Historic site, rated 4.7/5 4
Historic site Historical LandmarkMuseumHistorical Place

Uplistsikhe

4.7 ★★★★★ 11,641 reviews

Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock‑hewn town in eastern Georgia, perched on a hillside above the plains near Gori and not far from Mtskheta. Carved into soft sandstone over centuries, it blends pagan temples, royal rooms, storied caves, tunnels, and a central square, revealing a continuously inhabited hub from the 6th century BCE to the early medieval era. Visitors wander carved stairways, explore hollowed halls and churches, and enjoy sweeping views across Kartli. It’s a gripping glimpse into Georgia’s transitional era between pagan traditions and early Christian life.

Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Parking Restroom
Samtavro's Convent — Religious site, rated 4.9/5 5
Religious site Place Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Samtavro's Convent

4.9 ★★★★★ 3,041 reviews

Samtavro’s Convent, a venerable Orthodox monastery in Mtskheta, Georgia, rises above the town on a quiet hill with views of the Aragvi Valley. Dating back to the early centuries of Christianity in Georgia, it preserves a sense of ancient devotion alongside later medieval additions. Visitors wander through a tranquil compound to glimpse the stone church, chapel interiors, and well-preserved frescoes, then stroll the stone courtyards and gardens that have nourished monks and travelers for generations. It’s best paired with Svetitskhoveli and Jvari for a full historic Georgian circuit.

RPW9+H84, Mtskheta, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Restroom
Entrance Parking
Tsiskvili in Mtskheta — Market, rated 4.7/5 6
Market Eastern European RestaurantRestaurantFood

Tsiskvili in Mtskheta

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,184 reviews

Tsiskvili in Mtskheta is a lively open-air market set in the ancient capital's museum-town atmosphere. Here visitors browse stalls of Georgian staples—sun-dried herbs, honey, churchkhela, wine and chacha—plus handmade crafts and colorful textiles. The market makes a convenient stop after touring Svetitskhoveli Cathedral or the Jvari Monastery, offering tastings and the chance to chat with friendly vendors about tradition and recipes. Expect a bustling, photo-worthy scene, seasonal produce, and light snacks, with the chance to pick up authentic souvenirs and enjoy a quick meal at nearby eateries.

RPR8+HVX, Mtskheta, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Open now
  • Monday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Tuesday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Wednesday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Thursday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Friday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Parking Restroom Seating
Shiomgvime Monastery — Religious site, rated 4.9/5 7
Religious site Place Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Shiomgvime Monastery

4.9 ★★★★★ 1,457 reviews

Shio-Mgvime Monastery, a venerable 6th-century Georgian Orthodox cave monastery near Mtskheta, sits in a narrow canyon along the Aragvi river. Founded by Saint Shio, it is one of Georgia's oldest monastic communities, carved into cliffs and accessible by a winding path to a small church and a square bell tower. Visitors admire ancient frescoes, a well-tended chapel, and a peaceful courtyard, with panoramic views of the surrounding gorge. The site offers a window into early Georgian monastic life, quiet reverence, and a sense of timeless Georgia.

VJ6R+W3W, Mtkheta-Shiomgvime Monastery, Dzegvi, Georgia
Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Restroom
Parking