Religious site
Jvari Monastery
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Jvari Monastery, meaning 'Monastery of the Cross,' is a pioneering example of early Georgian church architecture. Built on the spot where Saint Nino erected a wooden cross in the 4th century, the small cruciform structure features intricate stone carvings and a central dome. Visitors climb the steep hill to reach the monastery, rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Mtskheta and the river valleys below. Inside, the dim light filters through narrow windows, illuminating fragments of ancient frescoes. The site's isolation enhances its spiritual atmosphere, making it a favorite for photographers and history enthusiasts.
Don't miss
- Stand at the exact location where Saint Nino's cross was first erected.
- Photograph the iconic view of Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers.
- Examine the 6th-century stone reliefs depicting saints and crosses.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Jvari Monastery
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inTbilisi - Mtskheta Tour: History, Views, Wine & Boat Ride5★ · 12 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →
Best full dayDay Trip to Mtskheta Gori and Uplistsikhe4.9★ · 2,030 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMtskheta-Jvari-Uplistsike-Chronicle of Georgia, PRIVATE Trip4.9★ · 117 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$68 per personSee dates →More attractions in Mtskheta