Mtskheta (Georgia) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Mtskheta with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City Mtskheta (Georgia)
Mtskheta is a small town in eastern Georgia. Located 20 km from Tbilisi at the confluence of Aragvi and Kura. Mtskheta – the ancient capital of the Georgian kingdom Iberia and one of the most important cities for the whole nation. Here recognition of Christianity was announced. official religion of Georgia. And the historical monuments of Mtskheta included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- How to get there
- Shopping and shopping
- Food and drink
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Mtskheta is located at the confluence of two famous rivers – Aragvi and Chickens. The climate is transitional between subtropical and temperate. Summer hot enough, the winter is cool with some negative temperatures.
Panorama of the city
Practical information
- The population is 8 thousand people.
- The currency is Georgian lari.
- Time – UTC +4.
- Visa – not needed for up to 360 days.
- The language is Georgian.
Story
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 5th century. BC. In the 4th century BC, the capital was moved here kingdom of Kartli. Mtskheta was the capital of the Kartli state until 5 century of our era.
Streets of Mtskheta
In the 1st century BC, the Romans came to the territory of Georgia. Roman troops occupied Mtskheta and built a bridge over Kourou. In the 4th century here a decision was made to baptize the country and important historical events. Despite the transfer of the capital in Tbilisi, Mtskheta continued to play important. In the 8th century the city was destroyed Persians and for a long time lost their status.
Later Mtskheta served as the religious center of Georgia. AT The Middle Ages here were built magnificent religious facilities, which are now included in the list of World UNESCO heritage.
How to get there
Mtskheta is located just 20 km from Tbilisi. To the city from the capital Georgia, regularly go minibuses that depart from the market Didube (დიდუბე). Ticket price – 1 GEL. Taxi to the cathedral Svetitskhoveli will cost from 20-25 GEL.
Shopping and shopping
Souvenirs can be bought in the area of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Panorama cities
Food and drink
Eating in Mtskheta can be cheaper than in Tbilisi. With this Georgian cuisine is no worse here. Enjoys popularity a large restaurant Salobie. Traditional Georgian dishes: khachapuri (tortilla with cheese), chvishtari (corn pastry), jonjoli (pickled flowers of a plant), badridzhani (eggplant rolls), phali, khinkali, dolma, mtsvadi (shish kebab), lobio, chashushuli (stewed veal), chakapuli (meat with spices).
sights
Svetitskhoveli
Svetitskhoveli – Cathedral, built in the 9th century. It is the largest surviving medieval church in Georgia and keeps an important Christian relic – the mantle of Christ. Also the cathedral for a thousand years was the main temple of the country. With Svetitskhoveli Many legends and stories are connected. The most popular one is next – after the construction of the temple, the Georgian king ordered to cut off the right an architect’s hand so that he cannot create something more beautiful. The legendary Georgian ruler Vakhtang Gorgasal rests in the cathedral and many famous historical figures.
Jvari
Jvari is a 6th century Georgian Orthodox monastery not far from Mtskheta, located on the picturesque rock at the confluence of Aragvi and Kura. Widely known through the poem Lermontov “Mtsyri”: “A few years ago, where, merging, rustle, hugging, as if two sisters, jet Aragwy and Kura, was a monastery. Because of the mountain and now sees pedestrian pillars of the collapsed gate … “. The monastery was built in the place where St. Nina erected a wooden cross, which, according to legend, could work wonders. In 545, over the remains of the cross was built a small church. In the late Middle Ages the monastery was Fortified by a stone wall and gate, the remains of which survived until of our days.
Samtavro
Samtavro is a convent founded in the 4th century. Here buried Georgian King Mirian III and his wife. For its long the history of the monastery was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Until our time preserved temple, bell tower of the 15th century, the tower of the 18th century, 15th century old iconostasis and 17th century frescoes. Samtavro stores important Christian relics: ancient icons and relics of saints.
Bebristsikhe
Bebristsikhe – the ruins of an ancient fortress near the monastery Samtavro. Some researchers believe that already in the 1st century before AD in this place was built an outpost. Existing Ruins date back to the 9th century.
Shiomgvime
Shiomgvime – a medieval monastery located not far from Mtskheta in a narrow gorge. It was founded in the 6th century and was for some time the largest in Georgia. The main features of the monastery are numerous preserved ancient buildings and cave cells.
Church of Antioch
The Church of Antioch is an ancient church of the 4th century, located near Svetitskhoveli at the confluence of Aragvi and Kura. This is unique a structure that demonstrates the architecture of the first Georgian the temple. The church was destroyed by the Arabs in the 8th century and rebuilt in 15-17 centuries. Refers to the convent of sv. Stefan.
3-4 km from Mtskheta railway station is the old Chapel of the Virgin Mary, the path from which leads to Armazi – the ruins ancient fortress 2-7 centuries.
Video
Maps and guides
City map
