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. For many years, the city was the residence of Georgian Catholicoi – the heads of the country’s church. In the Middle Ages, Mtskheta turned into an important center of trade, religion, and manufacturing. In 736, the Arabians and their leader Mervan attacked Mtskheta, causing much damage to the settlement. After that, the city lost its
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