In the past, the Georgian city of Mtskheta was the capital of the country. Nowadays, this settlement occupies a special place in the heart of every Georgian. Mtskheta is famous for its numerous sacred places and cultural attractions. Perhaps, no other city in Georgia has as many memorial places and shrines. Pilgrims and tourist groups from all over the world visit this city every year to see the “second Jerusalem” with their own eyes. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery are the most precious attractions that the city can offer to its guests.
The oldest city in Georgia was founded in the 5th century BC. According to a legend, Mtskhetos was the founder of the settlement, and this is how the city got its name. One hundred years later, Mtskheta became the capital of the early Georgian kingdom of Iberia. This was the period of development and prosperity for the region. However, the golden age for the settlement ended at the end of the 5th century when it was decided to move the capital to Tbilisi. Despite this drastic change, Mtskheta continued developing and remained one of the major centers of religion in Georgia.
Would you like to see the main Georgian shrine? In Mtskheta, tourists can visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral that belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church. This church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also the second-largest in the country. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was built in the 11th century. Since that time, this majestic building with beautiful facades, decorative carved arcs, and giant cupolas has been the symbol of worship and respect for the twelve Christian apostles. Initially, there was one of the oldest churches in Georgia on the site of the cathedral.
Local legends say that Saint Sidonia was buried on the site of the cathedral, and the first church was built in her name. However, that church was destroyed. All attempts to rebuild the church weren’t successful, as if some mysterious power was continuously ruining the restoration plans. Soon, the city’s authorities stopped all attempts to rebuild the church and decided to construct a new cathedral instead. It took several decades to construct Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Nowadays, the sacred Orthodox Christian cathedral is active and hosts the divine service.
The oldest monastery – Jvari – is built on a mountain top at the confluence of two rivers – the Mtkvari and Aragvi. This ancient monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If we translate the name of this monastery from Georgian, Jvari means “Cross”. In the 4th century, Saint Nino erected a wooden cross on the mountain. This cross was the symbol of Christianity that defeated paganism. According to local legends, the wooden cross could cure different diseases, including serious ones. The news about the healing abilities of the cross spread, attracting numerous pilgrims to Mtskheta.
Several centuries later, a small church was built here. The church had a tetraconch shape, and its construction resembled a long cross with semi-circular apses on the ends. The former symbol of Christianity remained untouched – the church was built in a way so that the Nino’s cross would appear in the center of the shrine. Several centuries later, a monastery was built near the church. This monastery became an important religious center in Georgia. Nowadays, the famous monastery is open for visitors and foreign guests, many of which come to tie a ribbon to the tree of wishes.
Mtskheta is located twenty kilometers from Tbilisi – the capital city has an international airport with multiple flights from Europe and Asia. It is not hard to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi. Fixed route minibusses depart to the historical city from the capital’s central bus station. The time in transit is only twenty-five minutes. It is also possible to reach Mtskheta by trains that go to Batumi, Poti, and Zugdidi. Almost each of them makes a stop in Mtskheta. Tourists can reach the city center from the station on foot or in a taxi.
Sightseeing in Georgia: things to see
Travellers, who like hiking, cycling and walking, are recommended to visit Pankisi Gorge. This is a northern region of Georgia located in the central part of the High Caucasus. During a walk there, you will see the remains of old fortifications, ancient churches and other ruins. Don’t leave Georgia without visiting its capital and largest city – Tbilisi. Here you can make a tour in the Old Town, enjoy the beauty of Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, visit Freedom Square and Metheki Church, observe old Narikala Fortress and see panoramic views of the city near Mother Georgia statue.
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