Mtskheta ancient capital of Georgia

 

Mtkheta was the capital of Georgia before 5th century, at that time Georgia was called kingdom of Kartli. It might be considered as “Georgian Juresaim” so as Nino Cappadocian began spreading Christianity across Georgia from Mtskheta. She lived here in king Mirian gardener’s house. Mirian was first Georgian Orthodox king. Here was also built first Orthodox Church in Georgia and is kept seamless robe of Jesus.  St. Nino has also raised a cross on the mountain near Mtskheta. Now Cathedral of Jvari is built there and you can enjoy beautiful view over city of Mtkheta from this mountain. There are much more saint and historical things kept in this ancient city. All of them you can see while visiting it.

               

Our first stop would be on the mount Armazi, where Cathedral of Jvari is built. You will enjoy the beautiful view over city and two rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari which meet each other right at the foot of this mountain.  After we go to the city and visit cathedral of Svetitskhoveli which means “Living Pillar Cathedral” in translation. You can see this pillar in the cathedral also with many other saint things. Here are buried Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi capital of Georgia) and one of the most proficient Georgian kings Irakli II.

               

Later we will take a walk through beautiful little streets of Mtkheta (World Heritage List UNESCO from 1994) and visit second very important Monastery Samtavro. This is now sisters monastery where you can find remains of King MIrian and Queen Nana. Blackberry bush near which St. Nino lived is still growing at the territory of the monastery.

 

Itinerary: Monastery of Jvari, Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro

 

Tour prices:

Individual up to 3 per 100 Gel for all.

4-7 per 25 Gel per person.

8-20 per 20 Gel per person.

 

Not included in price: dinner.

Meeting point 12 pm at Meidani square.

Duration 4h.