Jvari Monastery with magnificent views of Mtskheta, Georgia

A mere 20 kilometres north of the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi – is the country’s previous capital – Mtskheta. Mtskheta is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, commencing settlement around 1000 BC, with some reports saying maybe 3000-2000 BC. It was also the former capital of Georgia from the 3^rd century BC until the 5^th century AD when it was the Kingdom of Iberia. At the beginning of the 6^th century AD King Dachi I Ujarmeli moved the capital to Tbilisi in accordance with his father’s will.

Mtskheta lies on the confluence of two rivers: Aragvi River and Mtkvari River (that runs through Tbilisi). With its ancient significance and medieval architecture, UNESCO named the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta a World Heritage Site in 1994.

On a hill, overlooking the city, is the Jvari Monastery (Mtskhetis Jvari), built around the mid-6^th century, which has several buildings. The plaque at the site indicates that the Mtskheta Church of the Holy Cross was built between 586/7 to 604/5. It was built on the site where St. Nino and the first Christian Georgian King Mirian erected a large wooden cross. The octagonal base of the cross is still preserved in the centre of the church.

It is a tetro-conch type of church structure with annexes that were built in the 6^th and 7^th centuries. There is a smaller church north of the main building, and a partial defensive wall and hermit cell south-west of the church.

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