JVARI MONASTERY
This monastery, perched on a slope of a mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the holiest site in the whole of Georgia.
The spectacle is grandiose. Eagle's nest hung on a section of mountain, the monastery stands out against the sky and the ochre rock. Built at the end of the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, controlling the whole valley, this "Monastery of the Holy Cross" (Jvari) occupies a strategic position. It overlooks Mtskheta and the confluence of the rivers Koura and Aragvi. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is the holiest site in the whole of Georgia. Indeed, according to the chronicles, after having converted King Mirian, Saint Nino would have planted his vine cross there. She thus put an end to the paganism practiced in the country until then. Christianity then became the state religion. This cross is said to have performed miracles, attracting pilgrims from all over the Caucasus. The monument thus marks the birth of Christianity in Georgia. It is an excellent reflection of the skill of the builders in the Middle Ages. Its architectural style influenced the majority of churches built later. Indeed, this monastery has served as a prototype for successive generations of architects, not only in Georgia but also in the rest of the Transcaucasus. The same style can be found in Armenia. This one has a cruciform plan for the first time. A branch of the cross became the apse. The church is organized in a space bounded by corner chapels. A first church was built in 545 by Prince (Eristavi) Gouram (known as the "small church of the Cross"); just next to it, the large church was erected by his son Stépanoz between 586 and 605. When Georgia became part of the Soviet bloc, as the site was on a military zone, access was forbidden. Since then, the monastery has had a political symbol: that of regained independence.
The site attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Great religious ceremonies still take place there.
A great harmony emanates from the ensemble, between the building and its natural setting. The monastery is not large, but its symbolism goes far beyond the simplicity of its appearance. At its door, the view opening on the mountains, the valley below, and finally Mtskheta in the distance is spectacular. The superb lintels overlooking the entrance are said to be of Greek influence. Inside, nothing catches the eye except a large wooden cross standing out against the bare stone.
The most convenient way is to rent a half-day round trip taxi from Tbilisi to visit Mtskheta and Jvari. Otherwise, machrukas leave every day from Didube station in Tbilisi to the main street of Mtskheta.
A visiter un jour de mariage pour observer les coutumes vestimentaires et religieuses des habitants