Tbilisi Trip Overview
Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities of the country of Georgia is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Remains of towns at this location have been dated to earlier than the year 1000 BC, and Mtskheta was capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC – 5th century AD. It was the site of early Christian activity, and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia in 337. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery (6th century) in Mtskheta are amongst the most significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 hours
Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Tbilisi Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities of the country of Georgia is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Remains of towns at this location have been dated to earlier than the year 1000 BC, and Mtskheta was capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC – 5th century AD. It was the site of early Christian activity, and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia in 337. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery (6th century) in Mtskheta are amongst the most significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture.
Stop At: Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi Georgia
Narikala Fortress was built in the end of the 4th century by the Persian Sassanids. The name Nari Kala (small fortress) comes from Persian. It was built by the Persian Sassanids at the end of the 4th century. The fortress was supposed to dominate the Mtkvari valley.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sioni Cathedral Church, 3, Sioni Street Old Town, Tbilisi Georgia
Sioni Church was built at the end of the 6th century and is dedicated to the Blessed Mother. The church was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The Sioni Church is an elegant, imposing building. Sioni is the cathedral and the main church of the Patriarchate along with the Trinity Cathedral.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Metekhi Cathedral, Metekhi St, Tbilisi Georgia
The Metekhi Church is located in the historic district, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. According to historical sources, King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the church and a fortress here. It also served as a residence for Georgian kings.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Abanotubani, Abano St, Tbilisi Georgia
Oriental style sulfur baths quarter of Abanotubani to see the most famous bath, Chreli Abano. According to the legend, it was built when King Vakhtang Gorgasali’s falcon companion fell that Tbilisi’s “warm” sulfur springs were discovered; helping to give it its Georgian name.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Anchiskhati Basilica, Loane Shavteli, Tbilisi Georgia
AnchiskhatinChurch is one of the oldest churches in the city. It dates from the 6th century and used to have a different name. It was dedicated to st Mary.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: The Bridge of Peace, Tbilisi Georgia
The Peace Bridge stretches across the Kura River and connects the old town of Tbilisi with the new residential areas. The length of the pedestrian suspension bridge is 156 meters.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Jvari Church, Mtskheta Georgia
Jvari Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastery from the 6th century. The name is translated as a cross monastery. In 1966 Jvari, along with other Mtskheta monuments, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Jvari Church stands on a rocky hill above the Aragvi and Mtkvari junction and the city of Mtskheta.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Arsukidze, Mtskheta 3300 Georgia
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral in the historic city of Mtskheta.
Svetitskhoveli, known as the tomb of Christ’s Mantle, was the most important Georgian church for a long time and is still one of the most revered places of worship.
Duration: 45 minutes
