Background

Jvari Monastery: A Symbol of Georgian Christianity

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jvari Monastery offers stunning views and a glimpse into Georgia's rich religious history and architecture.

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Perched atop a mountain overlooking Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery is a 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a symbol of the rise of Christianity in Georgia and offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers.

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

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces around the monastery grounds.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery; women should cover their heads.
  • Bring water, especially during hot weather, as there are limited facilities for purchasing refreshments.
  • Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Mtskheta, taxis are readily available to take you to Jvari Monastery. The ride is approximately 15-20 minutes. A round trip taxi fare should cost around 15-20 GEL. Negotiate the price before starting the journey.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to Jvari Monastery, you can take a shuttle offered by the tourist office opposite the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral for approximately 5 GEL per person. Alternatively, you can walk from Mtskheta, but it is not recommended due to the road conditions.

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Discover more about Jvari Monastery

Jvari Monastery, meaning "Monastery of the Cross," is a remarkable example of early medieval Georgian architecture. Located near Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, the monastery sits on a mountaintop where St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century, erected a wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. The cross was said to be miraculous, attracting pilgrims from across the Caucasus. A small church was built around 545 AD, known as the "Small Church of Jvari". As the number of pilgrims increased, the larger "Great Church of Jvari" was constructed between 590 and 605 AD. This tetraconch-style church became a model for many others in Georgia and Armenia. The monastery's design harmoniously blends with the natural environment, appearing to grow from the mountain. The exterior is decorated with relief sculptures and inscriptions in Georgian Asomtavruli script. Inside, a stone base marks the spot where the original wooden cross stood. Jvari Monastery's importance grew over time, and it was fortified in the Middle Ages. Although it was preserved as a national monument during the Soviet period, access was restricted. After Georgia's independence, the monastery was restored and returned to religious use. Today, Jvari Monastery is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Georgia's rich history and religious heritage.

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