Georgia · Region
Mtskheta
Mtskheta was the first capital of the kingdom of Kartli and remains Georgia's spiritual heart, home to the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the hilltop Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Its churches, built between the 6th and 11th centuries, anchor the country's Orthodox Christian identity and draw pilgrims alongside history travellers.
Top attractions
attraction Jvari Monastery: Mtskheta Travel Guide (4.8★)
Jvari Monastery stands on a rocky hilltop above Mtskheta, about 20 km north of Tbilisi, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. 4.8★ (12,035 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Shiomgvime Monastery: Mtskheta Travel Guide (4.9★)
Shiomgvime Monastery sits in a limestone gorge above the Mtkvari River near Dzegvi, roughly a half-hour drive from Mtskheta. 4.9★ (1,537 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Mtskheta Travel Guide (4.8★)
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands in the old centre of Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital, about 20 km north of Tbilisi. 4.8★ (15,704 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Mtskheta
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Where to stay in Mtskheta
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Frequently asked questions about Mtskheta
How do I get to Mtskheta?
Most travellers reach Mtskheta by marshrutka (shared minibus) from Tbilisi's Didube bus terminal, a ride of roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic; the nearest international gateway is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), about 17 km from the capital. A limited rail service also connects Tbilisi to Mtskheta, but departures are infrequent, so the marshrutka or a taxi remains the more reliable option.
How many days should I spend in Mtskheta?
Mtskheta is typically visited as a half-day to full-day trip from Tbilisi, with ~3 to 4 hours enough for the cathedral and town centre, and a half day if Jvari Monastery is added.
What is Mtskheta known for?
Mtskheta was the first capital of the kingdom of Kartli and remains Georgia's spiritual heart, home to the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the hilltop Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Its churches, built between the 6th and 11th centuries, anchor the country's Orthodox Christian identity and draw pilgrims alongside history travellers.