Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Mtskheta

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Mtskheta

The Georgian city of Mtskheta was founded in the 5th century BC. The surrounding area is picturesque: the city is located at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. Many legends and myths are associated with this area. Events that influenced the course of history have also happened here.

In addition to natural beauties, Mtskheta has architectural and cultural sights of different epochs. Among them are active and abandoned temples, ruins of the ancient city, monasteries and even a fortress, which in former times had strategic importance.
There are beautiful panoramic views from the hills. There are few roads, but they can be used to reach any object of interest to tourists. It is impossible to get lost here, and the locals will gladly show you the right way.

Top-10 Tourist Attractions in Mtskheta

Jvari Monastery

 4.8/5

8656 reviews

An active 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 it, as well as 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, such as special arches – trompe l’oeil. Jvari underwent restoration at the end of the noughties, as it was on the verge of destruction.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

 4.8/5

12255 reviews

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

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Samtavro's Convent

 4.9/5

2364 reviews

The first church buildings appeared on the site of the present monastery in the 4th century. Now the complex consists of the St Nina Convent and the Samtavro Transfiguration Church. The temple and the adjacent territories often changed their appearance. The major reconstruction took place in the XI century: the expansion of the inner space, the appearance of the southern gate and ornamentation. Special values: miracle-working icon of St Nina, relics of saints, tombs of kings.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Bebristsikhe

 4.4/5

294 reviews

It is located on the right bank of the Aragvi. The exact time of its foundation is unknown. The earliest buildings here appeared in the 1st century BC. The original purpose was defence against mountain tribes. It is the place of death of Demetre I – the king of the Bagration family. At present the fortress is in a ruined state. Fragments of the wall and a number of fortifications, as well as part of the citadel remain relatively intact.

Open time

Mtskheta Antioch

 4.8/5

116 reviews

Another name is the Church of St Stephen. 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 deliverance from aggressors Persians. In VIII century it was destroyed and restored only after almost a thousand years. Its size became more modest. Externally the building looks abandoned, but inside there are fresh frescoes. It belongs to the territory of the convent.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Shiomgvime Monastery

 4.9/5

1169 reviews

It was built after 560, 9 kilometres from the town. There is a road leading to it – the only one in the neighbourhood. It was named in honour of its founder, one of the Assyrian fathers. For three centuries the monastery was patronised by the Amilahvari princes, who were buried nearby. The monastery was the largest and most famous in Georgia. Its first building is the temple of John the Baptist. There are other buildings as well as a well and a bell tower. There are caves on the cliffs.

Open time

Jvari Monastery

 4.8/5

8656 reviews

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 Jvari Monastery. The monastery was ruined in the XVII century and since then has never returned to its former way of life. At the moment it has the status of an architectural monument. Nearby there is a holy spring, the water from which is considered curative.

Open time

Armazi Citadel

 4.8/5

81 reviews

An ancient settlement, the ruins of which can be found opposite Mtskheta. The approximate time of destruction is the 8th century. Archaeological excavations were conducted, foundations of both pagan and Christian temples were found. Until 2012, when the area was cleared, the ruins did not attract tourists. A viewing platform was equipped. Among other things, some columns, outlines of halls, a wine storehouse and ruins of baths have been preserved.

Open time

Pompeus Bridge

 4.7/5

367 reviews

Located on the outskirts of the city. It was built around 65 B.C. It was used for crossing 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 construction of the bridge is quite complicated, that is why it has been preserved so well. However, rebuilding also happened. The gaps are filled with lead, there are concrete inserts.

Open time

Aragvi

 4.8/5

103 reviews

They flow in the east of Georgia. The Aragvi, which is 66 kilometres long, is a tributary of the Kura River, which is 1,364 kilometres long. The city of Mtskheta stands at their confluence. The legend about the love of two sisters for one young man is connected with the origin of the Aragvi. The death of the heroes of the myth gave birth to the branched river. The Kura is one third navigable. Fishing is carried out here. Major cities, including Tbilisi, have been founded along its banks.