# Mtskheta Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/mtskheta-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Mtskheta-Mtianeti
- Official website: https://mtskheta.gov.ge

## History

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.

## Sources

- [Mtskheta Municipality — official website](https://mtskheta.gov.ge)
- [Historical Monuments of Mtskheta — UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/708/)
- [Mtskheta Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mtskheta_Municipality)
- [Mtskheta (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mtskheta)
- [Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svetitskhoveli_Cathedral)
- [Jvari Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jvari_Monastery)
- [Shio-Mgvime monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shio-Mgvime_monastery)

## Settlements

- [Aghdgomelaantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/aghdgomelaantkari): Discover Aghdgomelaantkari, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhaldaba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/akhaldaba): Discover Akhaldaba, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhali Nichbisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/akhali-nichbisi): Discover Akhali Nichbisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/akhalubani): Discover Akhalubani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Arashenda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/arashenda): Discover Arashenda, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bevreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/bevreti): Discover Bevreti, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bitsmendi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/bitsmendi): Discover Bitsmendi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Buriani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/buriani): Discover Buriani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chardakhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/chardakhi): Discover Chardakhi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chilaantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/chilaantkari): Discover Chilaantkari, a abandoned village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor...
- [Dzalantkhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/dzalantkhevi): Discover Dzalantkhevi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzalisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/dzalisi): Discover Dzalisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzegvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/dzegvi): Discover Dzegvi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzveli Kanda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/dzveli-kanda): Discover Dzveli Kanda, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ereda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/ereda): Discover Ereda, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Galavani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/galavani): Discover Galavani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gorovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/gorovani): Discover Gorovani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jighaura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/jighaura): Discover Jighaura, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Karsani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/karsani): Discover Karsani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kevliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/kevliani): Discover Kevliani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khekordzi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/khekordzi): Discover Khekordzi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kotoraantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/kotoraantkari): Discover Kotoraantkari, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ksani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/ksani): Discover Ksani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ksovrisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/ksovrisi): Discover Ksovrisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvemo Lisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/kvemo-lisi): Discover Kvemo Lisi, a abandoned village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi...
- [Kvemo Nichbisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/kvemo-nichbisi): Discover Kvemo Nichbisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/lami): Discover Lami, a abandoned village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lelobi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/lelobi): Discover Lelobi, a abandoned village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lelubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/lelubani): Discover Lelubani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/lisi): Discover Lisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mamkoda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mamkoda): Discover Mamkoda, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Misaktsieli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/misaktsieli): Discover Misaktsieli, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mshralkhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mshralkhevi): Discover Mshralkhevi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mskhaldidi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mskhaldidi): Discover Mskhaldidi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhatgverdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mukhatgverdi): Discover Mukhatgverdi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhattsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mukhattsqaro): Discover Mukhattsqaro, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhrani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/mukhrani): Discover Mukhrani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nakhshirgora](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/nakhshirgora): Discover Nakhshirgora, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Napetvrebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/napetvrebi): Discover Napetvrebi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Natakhtari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/natakhtari): Discover Natakhtari, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Navazi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/navazi): Discover Navazi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Navdaraantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/navdaraantkari): Discover Navdaraantkari, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Patara Kanda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/patara-kanda): Discover Patara Kanda, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Prezeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/prezeti): Discover Prezeti, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Saguramo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/saguramo): Discover Saguramo, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Saskhori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/saskhori): Discover Saskhori, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Satovle](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/satovle): Discover Satovle, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shankevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/shankevani): Discover Shankevani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Skhaltba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/skhaltba): Discover Skhaltba, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tabaruki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/tabaruki): Discover Tabaruki, a abandoned village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tezami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/tezami): Discover Tezami, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tserovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/tserovani): Discover Tserovani, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsikhisdziri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/tsikhisdziri): Discover Tsikhisdziri, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
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- [Zahesi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/zahesi): Discover Zahesi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
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- [Zemo Nichbisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta-municipality/zemo-nichbisi): Discover Zemo Nichbisi, a village in Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/mtskheta-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/mtskheta-municipality)