Mtskheta- one of the oldest cities in Georgia, located just 6 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. There are several important sights and much more to see here. Therefore, tourists love this place, of course we also went on the third day of our stay in Georgia, and now we will tell you where to go and what to do!
It is believed that the city was founded in the 5th century BC. The eldest son of the king of Kartlos, Mtskhetos, settled at the confluence of two rivers and named the settlement after himself. At the beginning of our era, Mtskheta became the capital, and in the 4th century, the main events related to the baptism of Georgia took place here.
The city was located in a very convenient place, on a narrow rocky cliff, and was a transit point for routes to the north. Now you will no longer see high cliffs, because in Soviet times a hydroelectric power station was built, and the level of the rivers rose, although Lermontov wrote “Where, merging, they make noise, embracing, like two sisters, the jets of Aragva and Kura.” Now there is no noise, but it flows quietly.
View of Mtskheta from a neighboring hill
It is very convenient to travel to Mtskheta from Tbilisi for the whole day or half a day, combined with a visit to Gori and Uplistsikhe. The road from the capital takes about half an hour, and minibuses run frequently.
In 2010, a large-scale reconstruction took place in the city, it was put in order: the streets were paved, the monasteries were restored, a museum and an information center were built - in general, they did everything humanly. It is pleasant to walk along the streets and visit temples.
The main attractions of Mtskheta that tourists visit are the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Church, the first is located in the very center, and the second is on the mountain opposite the confluence of two rivers.
All adjacent streets to the cathedral are pedestrian, so you need to get off on the main street (park your car there) and walk on foot to the main square in front of the cathedral.
A huge temple, visible from everywhere, surrounded by a stone wall. According to legend, a chiton (robe) of Jesus Christ was buried in this place and a cedar immediately grew, which immediately became sacred. When the first temple was built in Mtskheta, they decided to cut down the cedar and put it as a column, but after the prayer of St. Nino, he miraculously ended up in the old place.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Mtskheta
In the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali rebuilt the original church into a stone temple, and in the 10th century, when the temple was badly damaged, they decided to build a new large temple, which we can see now.
The most important thing inside is a life-giving pillar, that same cedar. As they say, he was streaming myrrh before the invasion of Shah Abbas, and on the fresco next to it is drawn something resembling a flying saucer, that is, a UFO :-)
Entry fee: is free
Working hours: 08:00 — 20:00
A small church on a hill, clearly visible from anywhere in Mtskheta. In the 4th century, King Mirian erected a wooden cross here, and at the end of the 6th century, the prince built a church on the site of the cross. Now it is a beautiful symmetrical building with modest interiors, but what a view of the city and the surrounding valley opens from here!
The best way to get to Jvari is by taxi (15-20 GEL round trip per car). Walking distance is not easy. Although the church seems to be very close, but it is located on the other side of the river, you have to make a big circle, and then climb the hill.
There she is Jvari - on the hill
Entry fee: is free
Working hours: 09:00 — 19:00
Samtavro
This is the name of the convent, on the territory of which there is the Transfiguration Cathedral, the Church of St. Nina, the bell tower. According to legend, on the site of the monastery there was a blackberry bush, under which Saint Nina lived and prayed.
Entry fee: is free
Working hours: 08:00 — 20:00
Bebristsikhe
A large fortress to the north of Mtskheta, the exact time of its construction is unknown. Now it is in disrepair, but you can take a walk.
Hotels, guesthouses Mtskheta
Most often, people settle in Tbilisi and come to Mtskheta for half a day or a day. But living here has its advantages - a quiet cultural town with cobbled streets, a rural area, but at the same time with infrastructure.
Here are the most popular options, costing from 1000 rubles per day per room.
The sights of Mtskheta (Georgia) are not numerous, and there are only three main ones among them: the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Samtavro Monastery, famous for its miraculous icons, and the ancient fortress of Bebristsikhe.
And the city itself is more like a village with a population of about 9 thousand people. However, the popularity of this place is so great that the local authorities have begun the restoration of all monuments.
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A bit of history
People came to this place in the Bronze Age, appreciating the convenient location of a high rocky cape at the confluence of the rivers. Mtskheta became the Georgian capital two centuries after it was captured by the commander Pompey in 65 BC. The palace of the Iberian kings was erected here, St. Nina lived, many events related to the baptism of Georgia took place around the capital.
In the 6th century, they became the capital, but Mtsekheta continued to be an important center at the crossroads of trade routes. It lost its city status only in 735, when it was destroyed by the army of Mervan. They did not begin to rebuild the former capital, and it turned into a simple village.
During the Soviet era, the city changed a lot. The Zemo-Avchalskaya hydroelectric power station (built in the 1930s) raised the level of the rivers by ten meters: the famous rocks and the legendary Pompeevsky Bridge disappeared under water. The settlement became a small town on the shore of the lake. Then it was declared the regional center.
What to see in Mtskheta
So, what to see in Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia? We have collected the TOP of the best attractions.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
The temple can be seen from any corner of the city; around the perimeter is surrounded by a stone fence. The legend says that the robe of Christ was buried in its place, and the grown cedar was declared sacred. It was first wooden, then stone church. Then the first stone temple suffered, and it was rebuilt in 1030.
Now the modern cathedral is more than 10 centuries old. The building has seven columns. The seventh was called “life-giving”, because according to legend it was cut down from the first grown cedar. Saint Nina prayed for a miracle, and the cedar grew again. The grave of this saint is now located on the territory of the cathedral under this same cedar. They say that he was streaming myrrh before the invasion of one of the Arab Shahs.
The cathedral has a baptismal font. Now the clothes of the Virgin and Christ, the mercy of the prophet Elijah and a particle of the Cross of the Lord are kept here.
The entrance is free.
Working hours: from 8-00 to 20-00.
Address: Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station.
Church of Jvari
The church is located on a hill, therefore it is clearly visible from any point. In the 4th century, St. Nina put a cross in its place, and two centuries later a church was erected to protect it. Inside there is a very modest decor: a mosaic partially extant, reliefs on the facades, icons hung on the walls, a cross rises in the middle of the room.
The octagonal dome crowns the main building, with extensions adjoining on both sides.
In Soviet times, the church did not work - there was a closed military base nearby. Included in the list of monuments protected by the state.
Note: near the church there is a platform with a beautiful view of the surroundings. Knitted and clay souvenirs are sold nearby.
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: from 9 am to 7 pm.
Address: Mount Jvari.
Monastery Samtavro
The convent consists of the church of St. Nina, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration and the bell tower. Tradition says that a blackberry bush used to grow here, next to which Saint Nina lived. Then a church was built in its place, placing an altar in place of the bush. The modern look originates in the century before last, when the Church of the Transfiguration appeared. Its length is 27.5 meters. The original decoration has not been preserved. The walls are decorated with reliefs.
About 50 people live in the monastery itself. In the main temple there are several Orthodox shrines: the miraculous icons of Nino and the Mother of God, the grave of King Mirian, a piece of the life-giving pillar, the relics of Aviv. The monastery did not close even in the 20th century.
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Mtskhetskiy rayon, Mtskheta.
Bebristsikhe
Built in the 9th century, the fortress now attracts only romantics, couples and those tourists who are not too lazy to walk 8 km from the center. And earlier it served as protection against mountain raids. During excavations, even more ancient remains of a protective rampart were discovered.
Consider: visiting these ruins, you should be careful - by 2018 they have become very dilapidated.
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: around the clock.
Address: 8 km from Mtskheta.
Mtskheta Gate
During the construction of the cinema, the remains of the city gates were discovered. Therefore, the building began to consist of two floors: the first floor was occupied by the exposition, the second - by the cinema hall. The building has not been repaired for a long time, but the entrance to the ruins is still open.
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: all year round.
Address: Opposite the Republican Bank.
City of Armazi
The oldest Georgian settlement appeared in the 3rd century BC and flourished at the turn of the millennium. Two centuries later, it became ruins after the Arab grandiose campaign against Georgia. The city was subjected to barbaric plunder even during baptism: not only pagan idols were destroyed, but also the church of the local St. Nina. Now pretty shrubs grow on its ruins.
Unfortunately, today, walking among the old ruins of the city, it is difficult to imagine the central role of Armazi in the local cultural and commercial life.
Free admission.
Opening hours: around the clock.
Address: 2 km from the city.
Zedazeni Monastery
According to legend, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers founded the monastery in Mtskheta. However, even the exact date of foundation is unknown, around the 2nd century BC. It is believed that the founder was John, whose body was buried on the territory. During the earthquake, the monastery was destroyed, however, in the 8th century AD, a new monastery was restored in the old place. And two centuries later a small chapel was erected. He lost his influence by the beginning of the 17th century, finally desolation occurred after the invasion of Abass the First, the burning of the local church by the Persians and the absence of their lands. At the end of the 19th century, there was an unsuccessful attempt to revive the monastery, but due to the small number of parishioners, the monks left these walls.
Now the monastery has been revived, pilgrims and tourists come here again. Some - to admire the magnificent view and the preserved painting of the 7th century with George defeating the dragon, others - to draw holy water from the source.
The entrance is free.
Opening hours: all day.
Address: 4 km from Saguramo, 6 km from the city. It is easier to get to it by bus.
Archaeological Museum-Reserve
The State Museum unites archeological monuments. The main building houses a collection of various specimens of the Bronze Age, historical artifacts of the Middle Ages and ceramics of antiquity.
Entrance: 1 lari. As of the end of 2018, the museum is closed.
Opening hours: 10-00 - 17-00, closed on Mondays.
Address: David Agmashenebeli 34.
Chateau Mukhrani
The Bagration-Mukhransky family estate was built in the 19th century. It was here that the first billiards in Georgia appeared.
Here you can stroll through a beautiful park, look at the vineyards and cellars, ride a horse and eat in a restaurant. And, of course, treat yourself to local Georgian wines, of which there are 14 varieties.
Free admission; 35 GEL for a bottle of wine or a tour with tasting.
Working hours: from 10 to 18.
Address: Mukhrani, Mtskheta.
How to get from Tbilisi to Mtskheta
There are several convenient ways:
- Taxi. You can catch a taxi on the street (for example, near the station) or order online. There and back will cost 50 GEL.
- Minibus. You can get from Didube metro station for 1.5 GEL. There are minibuses on the far platform of the station; the easiest way is to ask, since the names are in Georgian. They go - once every 20 minutes, reach in half an hour.
- Train. The cheapest way is a 1 GEL ticket. They go twice a day.
It is worth noting: The easiest way is to use the shuttle service. Walks - often, is inexpensive, if anything - they will tell you the way.
Where to stay – hotels Mtskheta (Georgia)
The most famous, popular with tourists, hotels:
- Hotel Sani.
To the international airport - 28 km, to Tbilisi - 17 km. Guests will especially appreciate the sun terrace. All rooms have satellite TV, private terraces or balconies. The hotel offers car rental;
- Iberia.
This guest house is located 18 km from Tbilisi. Travelers can enjoy barbecues, go skiing or go fishing. Couples in love especially loved this hotel;
- old capital.
Good for families with children. Has bike rental, children's menu, playground and paid babysitting. In the vicinity there is a gift shop;
- Hotel Mtskheta Sanapiro.
To the international airport - 42 km, to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - 100 meters. Services include fishing, hiking and canoeing;
- Hotel prime.
To the capital - 15 km. Services: free Wi-Fi, secure parking, TV with satellite channels. Many rooms have balconies.
Mtskheta Map
The map will be useful to all tourists planning walking or car trips along the roads of Mtskheta-Mtianeti. 
Beautiful photos of the city of Mtskheta
Finally, I want to say what you should definitely do in Mtskheta:
- Learn how to bake bread in a Georgian oven. For example, this can be done in the Gujari restaurant.
- Take a tour of local wines. There are many of them, for example, the Wine House can conduct such an excursion for you.
- Buy excellent chestnut honey for gifts and guests, sold at the local market.
When planning a route through the Georgian expanses, you should definitely include the sights of Mtskheta in your travel program. 
Oriental beauty and color of nature, mountains, wine, muffled flute music, aromas of the most delicious barbecue - all this is sure to await everyone who decides to visit one of the most beautiful countries of the East - Georgia.
Georgia is also filled with an incredibly large number of ancient fortresses, endless valleys, gentle sea and unique Christian shrines, which are significant architectural monuments. So, if you decide to give yourself a vacation in this beautiful country, then you should definitely plan your routes in order to see as many different sights as possible, which are literally at every step.
Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia
The first capital of Georgia and one of the most ancient cities in the region is considered to be a city that was founded according to historical data more than two thousand years ago. The city is located at the junction of two beautiful rivers: Kuru and Aragvi, more precisely, the first gracefully flows into the second.
The incredible location of Mtskheta is very attractive - low mountains spread on all sides, on which there are monasteries and fortresses of the ancient era. It is this feature that gives the city a certain charm and historical appearance.
Climate and location
It should be noted that the climate in Mtskheta is quite mild. There is no cold winter here, and in January the mark reaches two degrees above zero. At the same time, summer cannot be described as sultry or very hot. Even in the peak months (July, August), the temperature here is no more than thirty-five degrees. As for the most favorable period for tourists to visit the city, these are the months from May to November.
Mtskheta, how to get from Tbilisi: is the first place outside of it, which tourists love to visit so much. If you go from the center, then the distance from Tbilisi to Mtskheta is no more than 25 km to the north of the country.
How to get from Tbilisi. There are a lot of options to get to the beautiful city:
It is worth noting that in Georgia, most of them understand the Russian language and speak it well, so you can easily find out how to get to a particular area from almost anyone you meet.
Mtskheta, Georgia: attractions
Even though the city very small(the population is only 7,000 people) and you can walk around it in just a few hours, there is something to see here. And in order to admire the sights around Mtskheta, you will have to use the services of carriers, since the distance between them is impressive, and certainly not for walking.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
The main attraction not only of Mtskheta, but, perhaps, of the whole of Georgia, is rightfully considered the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is located in the very center of the city.
According to history, it was erected in the 4th century and since the 15th century it has retained its appearance without significant changes. That is why it is unquestionably included in the list world heritage.
For all Christians, this cathedral is not only a very important temple, which was erected on the burial site tunic of Christ but also holy.
Interestingly, the temple is surrounded by a powerful fortress wall along the entire perimeter, and there are also massive entrance gates. It all looks more like a medieval castle.
Monastery Samtavro
Another truly beautiful holy place can be considered Female Monastery Samtavro, which is located near the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This is where you can see:
- Icon of St. Nina.
- The miraculous icon of the Iberian Mother of God.
- A piece of myrrh-streaming pillar and other important relics.
Mtskheta Jvari
Another shrine that the city is famous for is the Jvari Monastery, which is located not far from the city on a fairly high hill. Since it is not easy to climb the mountain, it is best to take a taxi, especially if you are traveling with children.
It is known from history that the Jvari church was erected in the sixth century, on this rock Saint Nino in honor of the adoption of Christianity by Georgia erected a cross.
A lot of tourists who rest in Tbilisi tend to visit Mtskheta primarily because of Jvari. Indeed, in Mtskheta, it is best to take a photo from the observation deck of Jvari.
It is worth noting that the Jvari monastery was mentioned even in such a famous work as "Mtsyri" written by M.Yu. Lermontov.
Fortress Bebristsikhe
Another monument of ancient history, which is gracefully located on the top of the hill, can rightfully be considered the Bebristsikhe Fortress. Now, of course, the fortress is in disrepair, but every tourist is allowed to walk around it.
It is from here that an extraordinary view of the city as a whole opens up, and the fortress itself, as it were, reminds with its whole appearance that in the distant past it was the true protection of the city from enemies.
Just imagine, the fortress was built in first century BC- that is why even all guidebooks recommend visiting it.
Things to see around Mtskheta:
It is worth noting that in addition to attractions within the city, you can find a lot of interesting things in the surrounding area. One such place is, for example, monastery Shio-Mgvinsky, which according to history is even older than Jvari.
The monastery is located 30 km from Tbilisi, in a rather narrow gorge, almost on the very bank of the river. An interesting fact is that today this architectural complex is fully operational and attracts a considerable number of pilgrims from all over the world.
If you do not reach Mtskheta from Tbilisi, then you can stumble upon settlement of Armazi- or rather, to the ruins of the ancient city, which for archaeologists are the real value and attraction.
Of course, for an ordinary tourist, the appearance of the ruins will not produce supernatural surprise, so you should go here only with a good guide who can tell the story. Also, the view of Mtskheta is so amazing that anyone can be here and admire the beauty for hours.
Kazbegi National Park
Such a large number of shrines in one small town does not mean that there is nothing else to see. There are historical museums, architectural monuments, and parks with their own chic nature in Mtskheta.
For example, Kazbegi park can rightly be considered a national landmark, thanks to only one mountain, which, by the way, ranks third in the world in height. It was here, according to the legends, that he was chained Prometheus.
Where to stay in Mtskheta
For every tourist, Mtskheta will give the opportunity to choose on one's own where is the best place to stay as there is here.
What places should be visited by an independent traveler who arrived in Georgia? Arriving in this picturesque country, you should look into a city like Mtskheta. After all, it is he who is the very first capital of Georgia. Currently, the capital of Georgia is, but Mtskheta still remains the heart of the country. It is here that the cultural and historical center of Georgia is concentrated. It is enough just to walk along the ancient streets of the city to see all the traces of its former greatness.
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Classmates
The age of the ancient city of Mtskheta is over 2 thousand years. The authorities have invested heavily in the development of the city to attract tourists to the many sights of Mtskheta. Currently, all historical monuments in the city have been completely restored. On the territory of the ancient city there are many not only tourists, but also pilgrims, since it was from this place that the evangelization of Georgia began. And this was still happening in 327.
Let's take a closer look at Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia, its attractions, as well as how to get from Tbilisi to this city.
A bit of history
For the first time, Mtskheta was mentioned in chronicles that date back to the second half of the first millennium BC. Then Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient state of Iveria. However, the legend greatly exaggerates the age of the city. Traditions say that the founder of Mtskheta was the son of the king of Kartli, whose name was Mtskhetos. He gave this name to the new settlement. And the whole city gradually descended from itself, and then the whole state of Georgia, which was previously called Kartveli.
The Greeks, Persians, Romans, Turks and many other nations tried to capture the city several times. The ancient city of Mtskheta was the capital for almost 1,000 years, until Tbilisi was built in the 5th century. Despite this, Mtskheta remained the religious capital, since the throne of the head of the Christian church of Georgia was located there.
Mtskheta: how to get from Tbilisi?
To get to Mtskheta, first of all, you have to get to the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi. There are direct regular flights that can take you to this city. These flights are offered by the following airlines:
- "Georgian Airlines".
Travel time is usually 2.5 hours. If at the same time you fly with transfers, then the cost of the flight will be lower than on a direct flight. As a rule, connecting flights are concentrated in the following cities:
- Warsaw.
- Istanbul.
- Kyiv.
If you arrived in Tbilisi by car, then Mtskheta can be reached in just 15 minutes. Distance from Tbilisi to Mtskheta is 20 kilometers. At present, one can even say that the ancient capital has become a remote outskirts of Tbilisi. Of course, buses run regularly between the two cities.
In order to get to Mtskheta by bus, you will have to come to the Didube metro station in Tbilisi. Coming out of the subway upstairs, you must again dive into the underpass, which leads to a spontaneous market. After passing through the vegetable rows, you will get to the same impromptu bus station. There is a ticket booth here, where you need to buy 1 ticket for 1 lari, since drivers do not take money for the fare. Minibuses to Mtskheta run every 15 minutes.
Nature and climatic features of Mtskheta
In addition to many attractions, the ancient Georgian capital famous for its picturesque nature. Mtskheta is located at the place where the Aragvi flows into the Kura. This river was also described by Lermontov himself in his work "Mtsyri".
As for the climate in this area, it is very mild.
- Winters are dry and not very cold compared to more mountainous areas. The average daily air temperature in January is about +2 degrees. It is not very hot in summer.
- In July and August, the air warms up to a maximum of 27 degrees. Tourists say that the most favorable time to visit Mtskheta is from March to mid-November.
On all sides, the ancient capital is surrounded by low mountains, on the tops of which you can see ancient fortresses and monasteries.
Mtskheta, Georgia: attractions, pictures
Monasteries of Mtskheta, photo
Very often this city is called the Second Jerusalem. Despite this, for Georgians this place is also a real religious shrine, since it was in Mtskheta that a Christian saint named Nino came with the good news of the Gospel. It is also worth noting that in the main temple of Mtskheta, until today, one of the most revered holy relics is the tunic of Jesus Christ, which was divided among the Roman legionnaires at Calvary.
Around the city, many monasteries appeared, located on the surrounding hills. Such a cluster of religious sites can no longer be found anywhere else on the territory of Georgia. It is for this reason that the entire city of Mtskheta was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
You should definitely visit the Samtavro and Jvari monasteries, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, as well as the Bebristskhe fortress. For 30 GEL you can buy an organized bus tour with a guide from Tbilisi. So what to see in the ancient capital?
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This temple is considered the oldest in all of Georgia. The monastery was built in the XI century. However, legends say that already in the 4th century there was a small church on this site. The legend says that a girl named Sidonia converted to Christianity and asked her brothers to bring something that belonged to Jesus Christ himself from Jerusalem. They brought the chiton, which they removed from Jesus before His crucifixion. As soon as Sidonia touched the clothes, she breathed her last. So she had to be buried, since it was no longer possible to remove the tunic from the hands of the dead girl. This church was erected over the grave of the girl. The monastery is considered unique, and Georgia is very proud of it. That is why many pilgrims from all over the world flock to Mtskheta.
Monastery Samtavro. This monastery is located within the ancient capital. It was built by order of King Mirian on the site of an unpreserved church. The monastery was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt again. In the first half of the 11th century, under George I, the monastery took its current form. However, some of its parts, including the dome, were created a little later - after the earthquakes of the 16th-17th centuries. The creation of the altar gates should be attributed to the same period. Frescoes of the 16th-17th centuries have survived to this day. Currently, Samtavro is a functioning women's monastery and keeps a piece of the myrrh-streaming pillar, the miraculous icons of the Iberian Mother of God and St. Nina, as well as many other relics. The monastery is also the resting place of the first Christian king Mirian and his wife Nana. The revered Georgian holy elder Gabriel is also buried in the temple.- . Jvari is another shrine, thanks to which the ancient capital of Georgia became famous. Jvari is located outside the city, on a high hill. It should be noted right away that the climb up the hill to Jvari is quite difficult, so it is recommended to take a taxi, especially for families with children. As mentioned earlier, Lermontov wrote about this place in his work "Mtsyri". The name of the monastery Jvari is translated from Georgian as "Cross". This name was not given to the temple by chance, since it was on this hill that a cross was erected in honor of the adoption of Christianity by Georgia. The temple of Jvari itself was built only in the VI century.
- . Arriving in Georgia, you should definitely visit this ancient monument. This attraction is located on the northern outskirts of the city, on top of a hill. Now only ruins can be seen here, looking at which it is hard to believe that the fortress successfully defended the city from attacks. Externally, the citadel looks very small, so, most likely, its garrison was not numerous. Perhaps the fortress was so impregnable due to its advantageous location. For the first time in chronicles the fortress was mentioned in 1156. Georgian king Demeter I died within these walls. It is also worth noting that in 2010 the attraction was badly damaged due to a landslide.
Monastery Shio-Mgvime. The uniqueness of this shrine of Georgia lies in the fact that it is invisible. The buildings of the monastery are so merged with the natural rocky ledges that they become noticeable only when the traveler approaches the temple at a close distance. Many excursions come to this oldest sacred complex. In the 6th century, a church was built on this site, which has survived to this day almost in its original form. The building has a two-tier dome with a turret and a gabled roof, which has no analogues not only in Georgia, but throughout the world. At present, the male cave monastery continues to operate here, in which the miraculous icon of the healer Panteleimon is kept. Therefore, many pilgrims come to the monastery.
Natural attractions of Mtskheta
What else can be seen? In addition to the Monasteries, Mtskheta boasts of its natural attractions. In the vicinity of the city is the Kazbegi National Park. Here you can get acquainted with the picturesque nature of Georgia. It is also worth noting that the gorge in the Terek valley was an important strategic passage from Transcaucasia to the north. Medieval castles have been preserved on steep cliffs. Kazbegi is the third highest mountain. Legend has it that Prometheus was chained here.
Attractions in Mtskheta
A Georgian folk proverb says: “If you have been to Georgia, but have not been to Mtskheta, then you have not been to Georgia.” And this is true! This ancient city is the spiritual heart of Georgia; it is not for nothing that the locals call it “the second Jerusalem”.
Sights of the city of Mtskheta
Mtskheta is the oldest city in Georgia, founded according to legend by Meskhet, a descendant of Noah, back in the 5th century BC. - rich in ancient sights. Among the main attractions of Mtskheta, one must name, of course, the ancient monasteries. But the inquisitive tourist around Mtskheta will also be pleased with ancient settlements and extraordinarily beautiful natural sights.
Monasteries of Mtskheta
Ancient monasteries are the main goal of the pilgrimage to Mtskheta. It is because of the monasteries that it is popularly called the “second Jerusalem”. 
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral- the main object of pilgrimage to Mtskheta and the most ancient monastery in Georgia, founded in the 4th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral was rebuilt several times, which left its mark on its architecture, making it unique. 
Jvari monastery. A monastery was built on the very edge of the cliff, at the confluence of the two rivers Aragva and Kura. And it was not for nothing that Mikhail Lermontov described this place in his poem “Mtsyri”. From the top of the hill on which the monastery is located, there is an amazing view of the ancient city of Mtskheta. 
Monastery Samtavro. The second largest monastery in Mtskheta was built on the spot where the hut of St. Nina, the Enlightener of Georgia, once stood under a blackberry bush. The name of the monastery "Samtavro" means "royal place", because the monastery served as a burial place for the kings of Georgia.
Shio-Mgvime Monastery. One of the most famous monasteries in the vicinity of Mtskheta and Tbilisi was founded in the second half of the 6th century by one of the Assyrian fathers Shio Mgvimsky.
Architecture
The architecture of the city of Mtskheta is shrouded in an aura of mystery, many of the sights are of unknown origin, and some of them were discovered by accident. 
Caribbean- the city gates of Mtskheta, not known to every tourist. The gates were found by chance during the construction of a cinema in Soviet times. 
Fortress Bebristsikhe located in the north of Mtskheta, the time of the foundation of the fortress remains a mystery, but antiquities were found on its territory. Today, the fortress is dilapidated, and tourists should be careful when visiting it, but from the top of the hill on which the fortress stands, an unforgettable view of the city opens up. 
Pompeii bridge- a stone bridge built by the famous Roman general Pompey the Great around 65 BC. Since the middle of the 20th century, after the construction of a hydroelectric power station, the bridge has been flooded, and today it can only be seen when the water level in the river drops.
Museums of Mtskheta
State Archaeological Museum-Reserve of Mtskheta. Ancient Mtskheta itself, in fact, is a museum city. In its surroundings you will find fascinating archaeological sites such as Samtavro burial ground or the settlement of Armazi. But in the best way the history of Mtskheta will tell you, of course, State Archaeological Museum-Reserve of Great Mtskheta. This museum contains unique artifacts found by archaeologists during excavations of the ancient capital of the Georgian kingdom of Mtskheta.
The time of visiting the archaeological museum is from 10:00 to 17:00, the day off is Monday.
Also, the museums of Mtskheta include wine studio Chateau Mukhrani, which also has something to see. Here you will be given an excursion, introduced to winemaking, and you will enjoy tasting the famous Georgian wines.
Natural attractions of Mtskheta
The classic of Russian literature M. Yu. Lermontov described the nature of Mtskheta in his work Mtsyri: “where, merging, they make noise, embracing, like two sisters, the jets of Aragva and Kura ...”. Indeed, the nature of Georgia cannot leave the heart of a person who sees it indifferent. Among the natural attractions of Mtskheta and its environs you can see:
- Aragvi- one of the most popular rivers in Georgia. Pushkin and Lermontov wrote about this river, many Georgian drinks, cafes and restaurants are named after it.
- Kazbegi National Park located in the Terek river basin. At the moment, the infrastructure of the reserve is actively developing.
Other natural attractions include:
- Somkhet Range;
- mountainous peak of Zilga-Khokh;
- Debet river, Algeti and Khrami.
The nature of Mtskheta fascinates no less than its ancient history and unique architecture.
What to see for a tourist in Mtskheta in 1 day
Mtskheta is a small town, and a tourist will need a 5-6-hour excursion to see its sights. The best sightseeing to carry out according to this list:
- Start your tour from the Cathedral Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
- Next, from the square in front of the cathedral, take a walk along Arsakidz street e - the legendary architect who built the building of the current cathedral.
- next visit Shio-Mgvime Monastery.
- After the monastery look Bebristsikhe fortress.
- Finish the tour with a visit to the women's monastery Samtavro.
Antioch Church. If you have time, be sure to visit such sights in the vicinity of Mtskheta as Antioch Church, jvari temple or settlement of Armazi.
What to see in Mtskheta for tourists with children
Natakhtari airfield with mountains in the background. In addition to visiting monasteries and visiting architectural sights, tourists with children should look at the beauty of Georgia from a bird's eye view.
The airfield will help you with this. Natakhtari, where you can order a ride on a small plane.
Believe me, the beauty of Georgia's nature and the feeling of flying will not leave your child indifferent.
Perhaps our readers can suggest other activities for children in Mtskheta? Be sure to share them in the comments!
Video review of the sights of Mtskheta
We have selected a video for you that will introduce you to the history of Mtskheta and the historical sights of this ancient capital.