The ancient city Mtskheta, during III century BC – V century AD was the capital of the early Georgian kingdom of Iberia, now it is the city of Mtskheta-MtianeTi administrative center. Mtskheta with its unique cultural sites is on UNESCO World Heritage List and is very important for Georgian culture. As time goes by, Mtskheta with its cultural sites such as Svetitsxoveli, Jvari, SamTavro and many others, is getting more gorgeous and attracts more tourists. Here tourists can get sightseeing services and visit:
- Svetitskhoveli Temple, it was named after 12 Apostles, and is the head of Georgian Temples. Svetitskhoveli used to be patriarch’s residence since there is The Holy Robe of Christ’s buried there. Svetitskhoveli is dome cathedral with beautiful ornaments and paintings. At the surrounding area tourists can shop and buy locally made souvenirs, go to restaurants and try Georgian cousins, and simply enjoy the views.
- Jvari (Cross) Church, it is located east of Mtskheta, on top of rocky hill. On 20s of IV century a wooden cross was erected on this place as a symbol of Christianity, where later the church of Jvari was built.
- Armazi Castle, its name was derived from a pagan idol named Armaz. The castle was announced as a supreme divine of the kingdom during king Pharnavaz III, he put Armazi Idol on top of the mountain.
- Samtavro Monastery Complex, here you will find domed cathedral built in XI C. where St. Nino, evangelist of Georgia resided.
- Zedazeni Monastery Complex, it is located North-West of Mtskheta, on the left shore of river Aragvi, on the ridge of Saguramo. There was a monument of pagan idol Zaden erected. On 40s of VI century Assyrian Priest Father John (Ioane) built the monastery here.
- Shiomgvime Monastery Complex, it is located 9-10km. from central area of Mtskheta. It was established by Assyrian priest Shio in VI C. Father Shio himself was buried in the bottom floor of the church, in 12m deep cave, where a church was built by the monastery priest Michael in XI C.
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