The Georgian city of Mtskheta was founded in the 5th century BC. The area around is picturesque: the city is located at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. Many legends and myths are associated with these regions. There were also events that influenced the course of history.
In addition to the natural beauties, Mtskheta contains architectural and cultural attractions from different eras. Among them are functioning and abandoned churches, the ruins of an ancient city, monasteries and even a fortress, which in former times was of strategic importance.
The hills offer beautiful panoramic views. There are not many roads, but along them you can get to any object of interest to tourists. You won't be able to get lost here, and the locals will willingly show you the right path.
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What to see and where to go in Mtskheta?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Jvari
A functioning temple, founded in the 6th century. It was built on the top of a mountain near the confluence of two rivers: Kura and Aragvi. Small walls around, like the towers, are now in ruins. It is believed that the events of "Mtsyri" by Lermontov took place here. The architecture of the surviving buildings has many interesting details, for example, special arches - tromps. Jvari went through restoration at the end of the 2000s, as it was on the verge of destruction.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Founded in the 11th century, dedicated to 12 apostles. For a long time it was the main temple of Georgia. Served as the place of coronation of the kings of the Bagration dynasty. They were buried here. The original painting of the interior walls has not survived. The most memorable frescoes in existence date from the 17th century. The belfry and the gates are examples of Georgian folk architecture. In 1994, the cathedral will receive the status of a World Heritage Site.
Samtavro monastery
The first church buildings appeared on the site of the present monastery in the 4th century. Now the complex consists of the nunnery of St. Nina and the Samtavro-Transfiguration Church. The temple and the surrounding area often changed their appearance. A major restructuring took place in the 11th century: the expansion of the interior space, the appearance of the southern gate and ornamentation. Special values: the miraculous icon of St. Nina, the relics of the saints, the tombs of the kings.
Fortress Bebristsikhe
Located on the right bank of the Aragvi. The exact time of foundation is unknown. The earliest buildings appeared here in the 1st century BC. e. The original purpose is to defend against the hill tribes. It is the place of death of Demeter I, a king from the Bagration clan. At the moment, the fortress is in ruins. Fragments of the wall and a number of fortifications, as well as part of the citadel, remained in relative safety.
Church of Antioch
Another name is the Church of St. Stephen. Built in the IV-V centuries near the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura. It was erected as a token of gratitude to the Almighty for getting rid of the Persian aggressors. In the VIII century it was destroyed and rebuilt only after almost a thousand years. Its dimensions have become more modest. On the outside, the building looks abandoned, but on the inside there are fresh frescoes. Belongs to the territory of the convent.
Shio-Mgvim monastery
Built after 560, 9 km from the city. There is a road leading to it - the only one in the vicinity. Named after the founder - one of the Assyrian fathers. For three centuries the monastery was patronized by the princes Amilakhvari, who were buried nearby. The monastery was the largest and most famous in Georgia. Its first building is the temple of John the Baptist. There are other buildings as well, as well as a well and a bell tower. There are caves on the cliffs.
Zedazeni monastery
Founded in the VI century by one of the Assyrian fathers - John. It is located on a mountain, so it offers a picturesque view of the panorama of the city of Mtskheta, as well as the Jvari monastery. The monastery was ravaged in the 17th century and since then has not returned to the previous way. At the moment it has the status of an architectural monument. There is a holy spring nearby, the water from it is considered curative.
The ancient city of Armazi
An ancient settlement, the ruins of which can be found opposite Mtskheta. The approximate time of destruction is the 8th century. Archaeological excavations were carried out, foundations of temples, both pagan and Christian, were found. Until 2012, when the area was cleared, the ruins did not attract tourists. An observation deck is equipped. Among other things, some of the columns, the outlines of the halls, the wine storage, the ruins of the baths have been preserved.
Pompey bridge
Located on the outskirts of the city. Built around 65 BC Used to cross the Kura until the middle of the last century. He suffered greatly when a hydroelectric power station was erected on the river. The water level rose, and part of the stone structure was inaccessible. The structure of the bridge is quite complex, which is why it is so well preserved. However, perestroika also happened. The slots are filled with lead, there are concrete inserts.
Kura and Aragvi rivers
They flow in the east of Georgia. The Aragvi, which has a length of 66 km, is a tributary of the Kura, the length of which is 1364 km. The city of Mtskheta stands at the place of their confluence. The legend of the love of two sisters for one young man is associated with the emergence of Aragvi. The death of the heroes of the myth gave birth to a forked river. Kura is navigable by one third. Fishing is carried out here. Large cities, including Tbilisi, were founded along the banks.
