Mtskheta Municipality
Mtskheta: ancient capital of Iberia, UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli, Jvari and Samtavro, Shio-Mgvime and Zedazeni. History and routes.
Mtskheta Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Mtskheta Municipality lies just north of Tbilisi in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, with the historic town of Mtskheta as its administrative centre, about 20 km from the capital at roughly 460 m above sea level. The town stands at the confluence of the Mtkvari (Kura) and Aragvi rivers, framed by wooded hills. The municipality covers about 668 km² and borders Dusheti and Tianeti to the north, Sagarejo to the east, Kaspi to the west, and Tbilisi, Gardabani and Tetritskaro to the south.
Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the spiritual heart of the country. In antiquity it was the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia), and the ruins of the royal fortress of Armazi (Armaztsikhe) survive nearby. According to UNESCO, Christianity was proclaimed the state religion here in 337, under King Mirian III, after the preaching of St Nino. In the early 6th century the royal capital moved to Tbilisi, but Mtskheta remained the seat of the Georgian Church.
The Historical Monuments of Mtskheta were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. They include Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, whose present building was erected in 1010–1029 by the architect Arsukisdze on the site of 4th- and 5th-century churches; Jvari Monastery, whose Great Church (590–605) stands on a mountain above the confluence and became a model for Georgian domed architecture; and Samtavro Monastery, with its 11th-century main church and the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana.
Beyond the town, the municipality is rich in early monasticism: Shio-Mgvime, founded in the 6th century by St Shio in a limestone canyon above the Mtkvari, and Zedazeni, founded on the Saguramo ridge by St John of Zedazeni, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. Large parts of the forested hills are protected by Tbilisi National Park, established in 2007.
For travellers, Mtskheta is the classic half-day or day trip from Tbilisi. Walk the old streets around Svetitskhoveli, visit Samtavro, take in the view from Jvari over the meeting of two rivers, and continue to Shio-Mgvime or Zedazeni. Mtskheta also lies at the start of the Georgian Military Road towards Ananuri and Kazbegi.
FAQ
1) Where is Mtskheta Municipality located?
Just north of Tbilisi, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Mtskheta, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
3) Why is Mtskheta important?
It was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia) and is the spiritual centre of Georgia.
4) When did Georgia adopt Christianity?
According to UNESCO, Christianity was proclaimed the state religion in Mtskheta in 337.
5) Which UNESCO monuments are in Mtskheta?
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery and Samtavro Monastery, inscribed in 1994.
6) When was Svetitskhoveli built?
The present cathedral was built in 1010–1029 by the architect Arsukisdze.
7) When was Jvari built?
The Great Church of Jvari dates to 590–605.
8) What is Shio-Mgvime?
A 6th-century monastery founded by St Shio in a limestone canyon near Mtskheta.
9) Is there a national park nearby?
Yes, Tbilisi National Park, established in 2007.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.