Mtskheta-Jvari – the heart of Georgia

Jvari Monastery (6th Century) — a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the ancient capital. This is where you get that legendary panoramic view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, famously immortalized in literature by Mikhail Lermontov.

Mtskheta and Saint Nino — The Origins of Georgian Christianity

Mtskheta -  is not just an ancient capital; it is the spiritual cradle of Georgia, where in the 4th century the Equal-to-the-Apostles Virgin Nino began the enlightenment of the Georgian people. It was here, near the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, that the holy virgin brought a cross from Cappadocia, whose mission is connected with Georgia's historical choice and the Robe of the Lord. In Mtskheta, every step reminds pilgrims and travelers of the era of Saint Nino and King Mirian.

Svetitskhoveli  is the main cathedral patriarchal church. For centuries it has been the center of Christian Georgia. Back in the 4th century, King Mirian III, who converted to Christianity, on the advice of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, built the first wooden church in Georgia on the site of the modern temple. In the 11th century, on the site of the basilica, Catholicos of Georgia Melkizedek I erected temple. The current church in the name of the Twelve Apostles was built from 1010 to 1029.

Светицховели — главный кафедральный патриарший храм.На протяжении веков является центром христианской Грузии.Ещё в IV веке принявший христианство царь Мириан III по совету равноапостольной Нины выстроил на месте современного храма первую в Грузии деревянную церковь,В XI веке на месте базилики католикос Грузии Мелкиседек I воздвиг храм. Ныне существующая церковь во имя Двенадцати Апостолов строилась с 1010 по 1029 .

Samtavro — The Sanctuary of Saint Nino, King Mirian, and Father Gabriel

The Samtavro -  Convent in Mtskheta is another greatest and unique shrine. According to tradition, when Saint Nino arrived in Mtskheta, she initially lived and prayed right here, beneath a blackberry bush ("Makvlovani"). Inside the main church of the monastery lie the first Christian monarchs of Georgia — King Mirian and Queen Nana.

Samtavro -  is filled with special grace also because the courtyard of the monastery is the resting place of a great 20th-century Georgian saint, Archimandrite Gabriel (Urgebadze). This is a place where centuries-old sanctity, the history of ancient kings, and the immense spiritual warmth of Father Gabriel intertwine.

End of tour Tbilisi