Travel Guide Mtskheta

Only 20km from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is unique. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city rises at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. From the 3rd to the 5th century, it was the first capital of Western Georgia, known as the Kingdom of Kartli. Although the capital was transferred to Tbilisi in the 6th century, Mtskheta is still the most important spiritual and cultural centre of Georgia, for an excellent reason: it was here that Christianity was established in Georgia. It preserves monuments of exceptional beauty and value, and the site has a dimension that goes far beyond the aesthetics of its buildings. They are therefore the first witnesses to the emergence of Christianity in Georgia. In 337, King Mirian and his court embraced the Christian faith, making Christianity official as the state religion. Mtskheta became the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Apostolic Church. Due to political reasons, it was later moved to Tbilisi. The Monastery of Djvari, the holiest place in Georgia, the Cathedral of Svetiskhoveli, where the shroud that wrapped the body of Christ would be kept, and the Monastery of Samtavro bear witness to the refinement of religious architecture and art in medieval times. In the course of history, Mtskheta has enjoyed an ideal strategic location. Located at the crossroads of trade routes, it had close links with Persia, Syria, the Eastern Roman Empire and Palestine. It integrated all these cultures into its own traditions. The historic monuments of Mtskheta bear witness to the very high level of development of the kingdom, in terms of religious, social, economic and political evolution. The art of construction and the techniques used in pottery, masonry and metallurgy are remarkable. A small town, but not to be missed under any circumstances.