Mtskheta
Georgia's ancient capital and religious center, 30 minutes from Tbilisi
Mtskheta. Overview
About the city
Mtskheta is a town of about 8,000 people at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. The former capital of the Kartli Kingdom (3rd c. BC – 6th c. AD), it remains the spiritual center of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Two UNESCO sites: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery perched on a hill above town. The third key site is Samtavro Monastery. The center is a pedestrian zone with souvenir shops and a few cafés. Prices are slightly inflated compared to Tbilisi.
Mtskheta is a half-day visit, a full day at most. Marshrutka from Didube metro – 1 GEL, 25–30 min, departing every 20–30 min from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Train – 2–8 GEL, 24 min, but runs infrequently and the station is 3 km from the center. Bolt taxi from Tbilisi – 25–40 GEL. Getting to Jvari from town is ~12 km – taxi only (25 GEL round trip) or a summer minibus at 12:00, 3:00, and 5:00 PM for 5 GEL. Mtskheta combines well with the road to Kazbegi: ask the marshrutka driver to drop you at the Jvari turnoff.
Weather now · Mtskheta
18°
CloudyWed30°/14°
Thu28°/17°
Fri30°/18°
RegionTbilisi & Surroundings
When to goApril – October
AirportTbilisi (TBS)28 kmLocal time—Georgia
Mtskheta. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Jvari Monastery
6th-century church above the Aragvi–Kura confluence – Georgia's first cross-dome cathedral
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Georgia's principal 11th-century cathedral – burial site of Christ's Robe and Georgian kings
Samtavro Monastery
4th-century nunnery – burial site of King Mirian III who adopted Christianity for Georgia
Mtskheta. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Mtskheta. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Mtskheta. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
Can I visit without spending the night?+
Yes. 3–4 hours is enough for Mtskheta. Take a morning marshrutka from Tbilisi, lunch at a café near Svetitskhoveli, and be back by 2:00 PM. Add Jvari and it's a half-day trip.
How do I get to Jvari Monastery?+
A taxi from the Mtskheta tourist information center costs 25 GEL round trip with waiting time. In summer (June–September), a minibus runs from Svetitskhoveli at 12:00, 3:00, and 5:00 PM – 5 GEL. Walking is about 5 km uphill on the highway with no sidewalk.
Are there ATMs? Do they accept cards?+
ATMs are available on the main street. Cards are accepted at larger cafés, but souvenir shops operate on cash. Bring small bills.
Should I book a tour?+
If you want to combine Mtskheta, Jvari, and places like Gori or Uplistsikhe – it's easier to book a car with driver. Mtskheta alone (without Jvari) is easily done independently by marshrutka.
What about food options?+
There are 5–6 restaurants serving Georgian food on the pedestrian street near Svetitskhoveli. Prices are 15–20% higher than Tbilisi. Khinkali cost 1–1.5 GEL each, khachapuri 8–12 GEL. For better selection and prices, head back to Tbilisi.
Is insurance required to visit Mtskheta?+
If you're a tourist in Georgia – yes. Since 2026, travel insurance is mandatory for entry into the country. No separate insurance is needed for Mtskheta specifically.
Can I combine Mtskheta with the road to Kazbegi?+
What's the dress code for churches?+
Women need a headscarf and skirt below the knee (provided free at entrance). Men need long pants. Shorts and bare shoulders will not be allowed in.
Mtskheta. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
