Mtskheta & Shio Mghvime

Duration 4.5hours

Mtskheta is an ancient capital of Georgia. It served as the capital from the 4^th BC to the 5^th AD. Legend tells that the town was named after legendary King Mtskhetos, the son of Kartlos who was the father of Georgian nation. Another legend says that the troops of Alexander the Great occupied Mtskheta and the Parnavaz who relieved the town from the invaders became the first King of Eastern Georgia.

In the 4^th century AD St. Nino – Cappadocian maiden started converting Georgia to Christianity from Mtskheta as this was the royal town.

In the 6^th century 13 Asyrian Fathers came to Georgia to preach Christianity and one of them was Father Shio after whom the Shio Mghvime Monastery is named.

Today you’ll be able to learn more about the history of Mtskheta and see UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jvari Monastery (6^th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11^th century). Svetitskhoveli is known as the church where the part of Jesus’ Robe is buried and is the holiest church in Georgia.

You’ll also see Samtavro Nunnery, the church where St. Nino lived in a blackberry bush for 6 years. Take a short walk in the tiny town and drive to cave monastery of Shio Mghvime.

After the tour return to Tbilisi.

• Available daily
• Shio Mghvime part might be unavailable if heavy snow