Background

Jvari Monastery: A Symbol of Georgian Christianity

A historic Georgian Orthodox monastery overlooking Mtskheta, showcasing early medieval architecture and stunning views.

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Perched atop a mountain overlooking Mtskheta, Georgia, Jvari Monastery is a 6th-century Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a testament to early Georgian architecture and the nation's conversion to Christianity.

A brief summary to Jvari Monastery

  • Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may want to bring a headscarf.
  • Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
  • Take time to enjoy the panoramic views of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Mtskheta city center, taxis are readily available to take you to Jvari Monastery. The ride is approximately 15 minutes, offering scenic views along the way. A typical fare costs around 20 GEL.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Jvari Monastery via public transport, take a marshrutka (minibus) from Tbilisi's Didube bus station to Mtskheta. The fare is approximately 1-4 GEL, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Upon arrival in Mtskheta, hire a taxi to Jvari Monastery for around 20 GEL.

  • Driving

    If driving from Tbilisi, follow the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway and exit towards Mtskheta. Continue towards Jvari Monastery. Paid parking is available near the monastery. Parking costs may vary, but expect to pay around 5 GEL per hour.

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Discover more about Jvari Monastery

Jvari Monastery, meaning "Monastery of the Cross," is a revered religious complex near Mtskheta, Georgia, dating back to the 6th century. Its location is strategic, sitting on a high, rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a monument of architectural significance but also a symbol of Georgia's adoption of Christianity in the early 4th century. According to historical accounts, St. Nino, who converted King Mirian III to Christianity, erected a wooden cross on this site, which had previously been a pagan temple. The cross was said to be miraculous, attracting pilgrims from across the Caucasus. A small church, known as the "Small Church of Jvari," was built around 545 by Guaram I. Later, between 590 and 605, his successors constructed the larger "Great Church of Jvari" over the original cross. The base of this original cross is still visible inside the church. The architecture of Jvari is significant as an early example of a tetraconch church, featuring a cross shape with four apses. Its design influenced the development of church architecture throughout Georgia and Armenia. The monastery complex was fortified in the late Middle Ages, and remnants of the stone wall and gate remain. During the Soviet era, it was preserved as a national monument, later returning to religious use after Georgia's independence. The facades of the church are decorated with relief sculptures and inscriptions in Georgian script, providing valuable examples of early Georgian writing. The interior, while simple, holds a stone base where St. Nino's cross once stood. Today, Jvari Monastery attracts visitors with its historical importance, architectural beauty, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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