Tbilisi Trip Overview
Private full day tour to Mtskheta includes visiting old capital of Georgia town Mtskheta, where human settled from the 2nd millennium BC and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in 6th century that survived almost unchanged, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral known as the burial site of Christ’s mantle and Samtavro Monastery both completed in 11th century. After exploring Mtskheta, you will travel 12 km northwest to visit medieval monastic complex “the cave of Shio” located in a narrow limestone canyon with lots of once used hermit sells. Private tour to Mtskheta is for people who desire to travel through time to explore all main tourist attractions and hidden gems of the old capital of Georgia, known with its outstanding examples of medieval architecture. Total drive 105 km (65 miles).
Additional Info
Duration: 9 hours
Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
Private full day tour to Mtskheta includes visiting old capital of Georgia town Mtskheta, where human settled from the 2nd millennium BC and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery built in 6th century that survived almost unchanged, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral known as the burial site of Christ’s mantle and Samtavro Monastery both completed in 11th century. After exploring Mtskheta, you will travel 12 km northwest to visit medieval monastic complex “the cave of Shio” located in a narrow limestone canyon with lots of once used hermit sells. Private tour to Mtskheta is for people who desire to travel through time to explore all main tourist attractions and hidden gems of the old capital of Georgia, known with its outstanding examples of medieval architecture. Total drive 105 km (65 miles).
Stop At: Jvari Church, Mtskheta Georgia
Jvarii Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari is a rare case of the Early Medieval Georgian church that survived to the present day almost unchanged. The church became the founder of its type, the Jvari type of church architecture, prevalent in Georgia and Armenia. Built atop of Jvari Mount (656 m a.s.l.), the monastery is an example of harmonious connection with the natural environment, characteristic to Georgian architecture.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Arsukidze, Mtskheta 3300 Georgia
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (the Cathedral of the Living Pillar) is an Orthodox Christian cathedral located in the historic town of Mtskheta, Georgia, to the northwest of the Georgian capital Tbilisi. A masterpiece of the Early and High Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is currently the second largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Known as the burial site of the claimed Christ’s mantle, Svetitskhoveli has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region.[1] Throughout the centuries, the cathedral served as the burial place for kings. The present cross-in-square structure was completed between 1010 and 1029 by the medieval Georgian architect Arsukisdze, although the site itself dates back to the early fourth century. The exterior archature of the cathedral is a well-preserved example of typical decorations of the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli is considered an endangered cultural landmark;[2] it has survived a variety of adversities, and many of its priceless frescoes have been lost due to being whitewashed by the Russian Imperial authorities.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Samtavro Church, Davit Aghmashenebelis qucha, Mtskheta 383400 Georgia
Samtavro Monastery was founded in the 4th century by the King Mirian III, when a small church was built here by Saint Nino. The main temple is stylistically dated to the first half of the 11th century and was probably built or rebuilt soon after Svetitskhoveli cathedral, by the King George I and Catholicos-Patriarch Melchizedek I. It is protected by UNESCO and combines Transfiguration Church and Nunnery of St. Nino.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shio-Mgvime Monastery, Mtskheta Georgia
Shio-Mgvime Monastery was founded by the 6th century monk Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia as Christian missionaries. St. Shio spent his last years as a hermit in a deep cave. The earliest building the Monastery of St. John the Baptist – a cruciform church, very plain and strict in its design dates to 560s-580s. The church has an octagonal dome covered with a conic floor and once housed stone iconostasis now at the Art Museum of Georgia. The monastery was altered in the 11th and 18th centuries but retained its original architecture.
Duration: 1 hour
