Mtskheta: a travel guide
Mtskheta: the old capital half an hour from Tbilisi, when to go and what it costs.
Mtskheta is Georgia's old capital, where the Aragvi meets the Mtkvari, about half an hour from Tbilisi. Svetitskhoveli cathedral and Jvari monastery are on the UNESCO World Heritage list and among the most important churches in the country. Most people come out from Tbilisi for half a day; the ones who stay the night are those who want a quiet evening after the tour buses have gone.
When to go
- ·April to June and September to October are the best for walking about: warm, but not hot.
- ·July and August are as hot as Tbilisi. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- ·14 October is Svetitskhovloba, also called Mtskhetoba, the town's feast day. Big crowds and heavy traffic.
- ·Winter is cold, but the churches are open and there is almost nobody about.
Getting there
- ·By marshrutka from Didube station in Tbilisi. Frequent, about half an hour, one or two GEL.
- ·By taxi from central Tbilisi, roughly 20 to 40 GEL depending on traffic.
- ·Jvari is on the hill across the river. From town it is about ten minutes by taxi; you can walk up, but it is steep.
What it costs
A night in a guesthouse60 to 130 GEL
A night in a hotel120 to 300 GEL
A meal out25 to 50 GEL
A taxi up to Jvari and back10 to 20 GEL
Rough figures. They move with the season and the place.
Worth doing
- ·Svetitskhoveli cathedral, eleventh century, in the middle of town.
- ·Jvari monastery, sixth century, looking down on the meeting of the two rivers.
- ·Samtavro convent, a few minutes' walk from the centre.
- ·Shiomgvime monastery in a rocky gorge, about twenty minutes away by car.
One thing worth knowing
In the churches women are expected to cover their heads and wear a skirt, and men long trousers. There are usually scarves and wraps by the door, but it is easier to bring your own.