Mtskheta, Georgia: travel guide
Georgia's spiritual heart, where two rivers meet beneath old churches
Georgia's ancient royal and spiritual capital at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, home to the UNESCO Historical Monuments of Mtskheta — Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
About Mtskheta
Mtskheta is a small town at the meeting of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, just north of Tbilisi, and long regarded as Georgia's spiritual heart. Its ancient churches, set among the hills, are among the country's most important religious sites.
The two main sights are the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the town itself and the Jvari Monastery, which sits on a hilltop across the river with wide views of the valley. The old streets around the cathedral are lined with small shops and cafés, and the whole place can be covered on foot in a few unhurried hours.
Mtskheta suits day trips from the capital, or a quiet overnight stay. Spring and autumn offer clear light and comfortable temperatures for exploring.
- Country
- Georgia
- Currency
- GEL
- Time zone
- Asia/Tbilisi
- Nearest airport
- TBS
Last updated
Top places to visit in Mtskheta
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
unesco · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The 11th-century Cathedral of the Living Pillar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Georgia's most sacred church — traditional burial place of Christ's robe and the coronation church of Georgian kings.
Jvari Monastery
unesco · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 6th-century monastery on a hilltop above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of early Georgian architecture with a sweeping view over Mtskheta.
Samtavro Monastery
orthodox · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
An 11th-century church and active nunnery in Mtskheta holding the tombs of King Mirian and Queen Nana, the first Christian rulers of Georgia, and relics of St Nino.
Shiomghvime Monastery
cave_monastery · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A remote medieval cave-monastery complex founded in the 6th century by St Shio in a rocky limestone canyon northwest of Mtskheta, still a working monastery.
Bebris Tsikhe Fortress
ruins · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ruined medieval fortress guarding the northern approach to Mtskheta along the Aragvi River, its stone walls and towers dating from the early second millennium.
Things to do
- Mtskheta Ancient Capital Tour Cultural · 4 h · from GEL 100 per person
Where to stay in Mtskheta
- Mtskheta Old Town about GEL 140 per night
Small historic centre around Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — a quiet, atmospheric overnight close to Tbilisi.
Hotels
- Hotel Old Capital 3-star · GEL 130 to GEL 260 per night
- Guesthouse Mtskheta Inn 3-star · GEL 80 to GEL 160 per night
Where to eat
- Salobie Georgian · about GEL 25 per person
- Cafe Old Capital Georgian · about GEL 35 per person
Getting to Mtskheta
Nearest airport: Tbilisi (TBS), about 28 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Minibus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Georgia
Frequently asked questions about Mtskheta
- What are the main places to visit in Mtskheta?
- Places covered in our Mtskheta guide include Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, Samtavro Monastery, Shiomghvime Monastery, Bebris Tsikhe Fortress.
- Where should I stay in Mtskheta?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Mtskheta: Mtskheta Old Town.
- How do I get around Mtskheta?
- Ways to get around Mtskheta covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Mtskheta?
- The nearest airport to Mtskheta has the code TBS.