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Shiomgvime Monastery: A Sanctuary in the Caves

Discover Shiomgvime Monastery, a serene 6th-century monastic complex near Mtskheta, Georgia, offering a glimpse into the country's rich spiritual heritage.

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Nestled in a narrow limestone gorge near Mtskheta, Georgia, Shiomgvime Monastery is a medieval monastic complex founded in the 6th century by St. Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. This serene sanctuary, also known as "the Cave of Shio," offers a glimpse into Georgia's rich spiritual heritage and architectural beauty.

A brief summary to Shiomgvime Monastery

  • VJ6R+W3W, Mtkheta-Shiomgvime Monastery, Dzegvi, GE
  • Monday 11 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the monastery, as it is an active place of worship.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Explore the surrounding grounds for breathtaking views of the gorge and the Kura River.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to Mtskheta, a nearby historical city with UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Mtskheta city center, a taxi is the quickest way to reach Shiomgvime Monastery. Taxis are readily available and the ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around 4-6 USD for the trip. You can use apps like Bolt, TaxiOnn, or Taxi Maxim.

  • Public Transport

    From Tbilisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) from Didube bus station to Mtskheta for approximately 2 GEL. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. From Mtskheta, transfer to another marshrutka heading towards Shiomgvime Monastery or Dzegvi. Ask the driver to drop you off near the monastery, from where it's a short walk. The marshrutka from Mtskheta to the Monastery should cost around 1-2 GEL. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Mtskheta to the monastery for 4-6 USD.

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Discover more about Shiomgvime Monastery

Perched on the steep slopes of a scenic gorge along the Kura River, approximately 30 kilometers from Tbilisi, lies the Shio-Mgvime Monastic Complex. The monastery's name, translating to “Cave of Shio,” pays homage to St. Shio, who established the first monastic community here in the 6th century. He was one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who were Christian missionaries. St. Shio spent his final years as a hermit in a deep cave near Mtskheta, which is now part of the complex. Founded between 560 and 580 AD, the Monastery of St. John the Baptist is the earliest structure, characterized by a cruciform church with a simple design. Caves carved by monks are visible around the monastery. The Upper Church (Zemo Eklesia), dedicated to the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), was constructed in the 12th century by King David IV of Georgia. It was later destroyed and rebuilt as a basilica in 1678. The complex also features a refectory, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, and a small chapel adorned with medieval murals on a nearby hill. Throughout its history, Shio-Mgvime served as a vibrant spiritual, cultural, and literary center. King David IV declared it a royal domain in 1123 and established monastic rules. The monastery faced numerous invasions and periods of decline, including destruction by Persian and Ottoman armies. Despite these challenges, restoration efforts have revived much of its original splendor. Today, Shio-Mgvime is an active monastery, attracting pilgrims and tourists with its serene atmosphere and historical significance.

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