Mtsvane Monastery, Akhaltsikhe Travel Guide

4.9 (870)

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Mtsvane Monastery, a hidden gem in the heart of Georgia's Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

Home
Travel Guides
Georgia
Akhaltsikhe
Mtsvane Monastery

Nestled in the lush Borjomi valley, Mtsvane Monastery, or Green Monastery, is a serene Orthodox Christian hermitage dating back to the 9th-10th centuries. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and the reddish stones in the nearby river, said to bear the blood of martyred monks, it's a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

A brief summary to Mtsvane Monastery

R865+6W8, Chitakhevi, GE

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mtsvane Monastery.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain around the monastery.
Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery (shoulders and knees covered).
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near the monastery.
Combine your visit with a hike in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
Visit during the spring or autumn for mild weather and vibrant foliage.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum

Kvabiskhevi Station ქვაბისხევის საგუშაგო

Borjomi & Kharagauli National Park

Chao viewpoint

ამირანის გორა

Explore Mtsvane Monastery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mtsvane Monastery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Borjomi, take a minibus (marshrutka) towards Chitakhevi. Minibuses to Chitakhevi depart from Borjomi. Check locally for the most up-to-date schedule. The ride to Chitakhevi village takes approximately 20-30 minutes. From Chitakhevi, it's a short walk to the monastery. The bus/minibus fare is approximately 0.8-1.5 GEL.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Borjomi. A taxi from Borjomi to Mtsvane Monastery (Chitakhevi) is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare before you get in. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes. Expect to pay around 15-25 GEL for a one-way trip.

Discover more about Mtsvane Monastery

Mtsvane Monastery, officially the Chitakhevi St. George Monastery, offers a peaceful escape into Georgia's rich religious and natural history. Located approximately 12 km southwest of Borjomi, the monastery is hidden within the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The name 'Green Monastery' comes from the verdant foliage surrounding it and the green-tinged stones used in its construction.Founded by Kristepore and Tevdore, disciples of Grigol Khandzteli, in the 9th and 10th centuries, the monastery has been a sanctuary of Georgian Orthodox Christianity for centuries. The complex includes a three-nave basilica showcasing 9th-10th century architecture and a two-story bell tower erected in the 15th-16th centuries. The church's modest, unadorned style reflects its age, while the bell tower features a chapel on the first floor and intricate carvings, including a relief of St. George slaying the dragon, on the second.The monastery's history is marked by tragedy. In the 16th century, it was attacked by Shah Tahmasp I's troops, who massacred the monks. Legend says the stones in the adjacent Chitakhevi River turned red with their blood, a phenomenon still visible today. For over two centuries, the monastery was abandoned until restoration efforts began in the 1980s, with monastic life revived in 2002. Today, Mtsvane Monastery is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking solace and connection to the past.Visitors can explore the church, bell tower, and the remnants of monastic cells, and several springs are located behind the complex. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.