The Mtskheta ancient town, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Jvari Monastery in Georgia

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Mtskheta is the oldest town in Georgia. It was founded in the V century BC, and now it is one of the main points of interest for tourists from all over the world. 

​Mtskheta is the home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (literally "The Living Pillar"), which was built at the beginning of the XI century, as well as several other old churches, the Samtavro monastery, the ruins of a fortress of the IX century, and some other ancient buildings.


One of the most famous places in Georgia - the Jvari Monastery, which is immortalized in the Mtsyri poem by Mikhail Lermontov. The Jvari Temple was built at the turn of V-VI centuries BC. Together with the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. From the hill, on which the Jvari is located, a view opens up of the merge of the Kura and Aragvi rivers.

It takes 20 minutes to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi by a shuttle bus from the Didube Metro (and bus) station. The most convenient way to reach the Jvari Monastery is to take a taxi from Mtskheta.