Visiting Mtscheta in Georgia - a Unesco World Heritage Site

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One thing you won't want to miss doing in Georgia is visiting the historic small town of Mtscheta, which is a short drive from the capital Tbilisi. This is one of the very oldest cities in all of Georgia and the city's historical monuments are today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Mtscheta in Georgia

Mtscheta is only a small town today, with just over 7,000 inhabitants, but it has been very important throughout history. Once the capital of the historic Kingdom of Kartli, Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of the country as early as the 3rd century.

When the capital moved to Tbilisi in the 6th century, Mtscheta continued to retain its religious and cultural importance, and today this small town remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church.

Mtscheta is located about 25 kilometres north of the capital Tbilisi, in Georgia, at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Visiting Mtscheta in Georgia

Mtscheta is a popular place to visit, which is not surprising. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's also within easy travelling distance of the capital, Tbilisi. You can easily get here during the day from the capital, by marshrutka minivan, rental car or booked excursion.

Mtscheta - a Unesco World Heritage Site

There are currently four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Georgia, one natural and three cultural:

• Colchis Rainforests and Wetlands (nature)
• Upper Svaneti (culture)
• Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (culture)
• Gelati Monastery (culture)

The historic buildings of Mtscheta are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as they represent an outstanding example of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. The most important monuments are the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Jvari Monastery and the Samtavro Monastery.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

When we arrived in Mtscheta, we started by visiting the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in the centre of the small town. This large complex includes a church, but also large walls and gates. Just outside is a tourist office where you can get brochures and ask for information.

The cathedral, built in the 11th century, is enormously grand.

You are welcome to enter, free of charge, but as a woman you must cover your hair with a scarf. If you don't bring your own, there are scarves to borrow. The atmosphere in the cathedral is strikingly religious, and it almost feels like travelling back in time to the Middle Ages.

Jvari Monastery

If there is only one more place to visit in Mtscheta, it is most likely the Jvari Monastery. The church is located on a high hill, with stunning views, and is still considered the holiest place in Georgia.

There are many tourist buses that stop here, and there are many stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. We bought a plastic cup of pomegranate juice to share, and only after it was poured did we realise that one glass cost us the equivalent of 80 Swedish kronor. A considerable sum anyway. Good thing we shared!

The church was fascinating to see of course.

But most fascinating of all was the view. From the monastery you can look out over the city, and over the meeting of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Incredibly beautiful!

Tree of Life mosaics

Want to see something completely different from monasteries and churches? Then you can check out the mosaic Tree of Life. This powerful mosaic is seen on the facade of the Archaeological Museum.

Shops and restaurants in Mtscheta

As many tourists come to visit Mtscheta, there are of course plenty of shops and restaurants here. The day we were here, at the end of October, it was really cold and nobody wanted to sit outside.

Nor was anyone in the mood for "wine glasses", which are otherwise popular. Instead, the sale of rugs, shawls, tote bags and fluffy hats perhaps went better.

It is also always popular to buy the local candy churchkhela, which consists of nuts dipped in a mixture of flour and grape juice.

More to see and do in Georgia

More to see and do in Georgia, beyond visiting Mtscheta? Well, first of all you'll want to visit the capital Tbilisi understood and sulphur baths in Tbilisi. We can also recommend tours of the country to visit the wine region Kakhetia, mountain area Kazbegi, the cave city Uplistsikhe, health resorts Bordzjomi and the Black Sea destination Batumi. Please also read about Georgian food!

Have you visited Mtscheta in Georgia?

Have you visited Mtscheta in Georgia? Or have you visited any other interesting UNESCO destinations in Europe? Please tell us!

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Travelling around Georgia - questions and answers Driving in Georgia - high mountains and beautiful views Visiting Kazbegi in Georgia - our top tips Things to do in Batumi, Georgia - 16 tips for a Black Sea gem Wine in Georgia - a visit to the Kakheti wine region Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia - our top 20 tips