Mtskheta

Where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet, surrounded by emerald hills, lies Mtskheta — Georgia’s ancient capital and the cradle of its faith. Once the seat of Iberian kings and the place where Christianity was first declared the state religion in the 4th century, Mtskheta remains the country’s spiritual heart — a city where every stone, dome, and river carries centuries of prayer and devotion.

A short journey from Tbilisi leads to a landscape steeped in holiness and legend. Rising high above the confluence of the two rivers stands Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century masterpiece of early Christian architecture. From its hilltop, one can see all of Mtskheta spread below — red rooftops, ancient walls, and the golden dome of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, shimmering under the sun. According to tradition, Christ’s robe lies buried beneath this sacred site, making it one of the holiest places in the Christian world.

Wandering through Mtskheta’s cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time. Pilgrims and travelers alike pause before the cathedral walls, lit by candles and filled with the scent of incense and rose oil. Nearby stands Samtavro Monastery, where St. Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, once lived and prayed. Her legacy is alive in every blessing whispered by the monks and nuns who continue her work today.

At sunset, when the rivers turn gold and the bells of Svetitskhoveli echo through the valley, Mtskheta takes on an almost timeless stillness. It is a place not only to see, but to feel — where faith, history, and beauty intertwine into one luminous whole.

Join our journey and explore Mtskheta — the spiritual soul of Georgia. Stand on the heights of Jvari, walk the ancient lanes of the holy city, and let the silence of centuries speak to you through the sound of the wind and the ringing of church bells.