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    Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

    The most interesting things to do in Mtskheta. Photos and a brief description.

    Mtskheta
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    About Mtskheta

    The Georgian city of Mtskheta was founded in the V century BC. The area around is picturesque: the city is located at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. There are many legends and myths associated with these regions. There were also events here that influenced the course of history.

    In addition to the natural beauty, Mtskheta contains architectural and cultural attractions of different eras. Among them are active and abandoned temples, ruins of an ancient city, monasteries and even a fortress, which in former times had strategic importance.

    There are wonderful panoramic views from the hills. There are few roads, but you can use them to get to any object of interest to tourists. It will not work to get lost here, and the locals will willingly point out the right way.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

    Jvari

    The current temple, founded in the VI century. It is built on top of a mountain near the confluence of two rivers: the Kura and the Aragvi. The small walls around, like the towers, are now in ruins. It is believed that the events of Lermontov's "Mtsyri" took place here. There are many interesting details in the architecture of the preserved buildings, for example, special arches – tromps. Jvari went through restoration in the late noughties, as it was on the verge of destruction.

    Jvari
    Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

    Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

    Founded in the XI century, dedicated to the 12 apostles. For a long time it was the main temple of Georgia. It served as the place of the coronation of the kings of the Bagration dynasty. They were buried here. The original painting of the interior walls has not been preserved. The most memorable frescoes from the existing ones date back to the XVII century. The belfry and the gates are an example of Georgian folk architecture. In 1994, the cathedral will receive the status of a World Heritage Monument.

    Samtavro Monastery

    The first church buildings appeared on the site of the present monastery in the IV century. Now the complex consists of the convent of St. Nina and the Samtavro-Transfiguration Church. The temple and the surrounding areas often changed their appearance. A major restructuring occurred in the XI century: the expansion of the interior space, the appearance of the southern gate and ornament. Special values: the miraculous icon of Saint Nina, the relics of saints, the graves of kings.

    Samtavro Monastery
    Bebristsikhe Fortress

    Bebristsikhe Fortress

    It is located on the right bank of the Aragvi. The exact time of the foundation is unknown. The earliest buildings here appeared in the I century BC. The original purpose was protection from mountain tribes. It is the place of death of Demeter I, the king of the Bagration family. At the moment, the fortress is in a ruined state. Fragments of the wall and a number of fortifications, as well as part of the citadel, remained in relative safety.

    Church of Antioch

    Another name is St. Stephen's Church. It was built in the IV-V centuries near the confluence of Aragvi and Kura. It was erected as a sign of gratitude to the Almighty for getting rid of the aggressors - the Persians. In the VIII century it was destroyed and restored only after almost a thousand years. Its dimensions have become more modest. Externally, the building looks abandoned, but inside there are fresh frescoes. It belongs to the territory of the convent.

    Church of Antioch
    Shio-Mgvim Monastery

    Shio-Mgvim Monastery

    Built after 560, 9 km from the city. There is a road leading to it – the only one in the vicinity. It is named after the founder – one of the Assyrian fathers. For three centuries, the monastery was patronized by the princes of Amilakhvari, who were buried nearby. The monastery was the largest and most famous in Georgia. Its first building is the Church of John the Baptist. There are other buildings, as well as a well and a bell tower. There are caves on the cliffs.

    Zedazensky Monastery

    It was founded in the VI century by one of the Assyrian fathers – John. It is located on a mountain, so it offers a picturesque view of the panorama of the city of Mtskheta, as well as the monastery of Jvari. The monastery was ruined in the XVII century and since then has not returned to its former way of life. At the moment it has the status of an architectural monument. There is a holy spring nearby, the water from it is considered healing.

    Zedazensky Monastery
    The ancient city of Armazi

    The ancient city of Armazi

    An ancient settlement, the ruins of which can be found opposite Mtskheta. The approximate time of destruction is the VIII century. Archaeological excavations were carried out, the foundations of temples, both pagan and Christian, were found. Until 2012, when the area was cleared, the ruins did not attract tourists. An observation deck is equipped. Among other things, some columns, outlines of halls, wine storage, ruins of baths have been preserved.

    Pompeii Bridge

    It is located on the outskirts of the city. It was built around 65 BC. It was used to cross the Kura River until the middle of the last century. It was badly damaged when a hydroelectric power station was built on the river. The water level rose, and part of the stone structure was inaccessible. The design of the bridge is quite complex, which is why it is so well preserved. However, perestroika also happened. The cracks are filled with lead, there are concrete inserts.

    Pompeii Bridge
    The Kura and Aragvi Rivers

    The Kura and Aragvi Rivers

    They flow in the east of Georgia. The Aragvi, which has a length of 66 km, is a tributary of the Kura, whose length is 1364 km. The city of Mtskheta stands at the place of their confluence. The legend of the love of two sisters for one young man is connected with the emergence of Aragvi. The death of the heroes of the myth gave rise to a branched river. The Kura is navigable by a third. Fishing is conducted here. Major cities, including Tbilisi, are founded along the shores.