When you think of Georgia, the country in the Caucasus Region, Tbilisi is the first thing that pops in your head. While Tbilisi is worth visiting and there are plenty of Tbilisi tour packages to choose from, the country is not just about its capital. Georgia is filled with many more interesting cities, towns, and villages, and Mtskheta is one such city. Known as the capital of ancient Georgia, Mtskheta is considered the holiest city in the country. Christianity was declared as the religion of Georgia in Mtskheta. No wonder, it is considered the official headquarters of Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. This is also the reason why the city is filled with historical buildings, monasteries, and churches. What makes it even more exciting is that Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage Center. Here, you will get to know about the best things to do in Mtskheta.
How to Get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi
The distance between Tbilisi and Mtskheta is around 20 km, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach from one place to another. Due to its proximity to the capital, most people go on day trips to Mtskheta. Here are the different ways to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi.
Marshrutka/Minibus: If you are looking for a budget-friendly way of traveling to Mtskheta, the minibus is your best bet. Named Marshrutak, these minibuses can accommodate 16-20 people at a time. These buses start from the Dudube Bus Station and take you to the Mtskheta town center. A minibus is available every 20-30 minutes, making it one of the easiest ways to reach Mtskheta. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Mtskheta in a minibus.
Taxi: If you are looking for convenience, taxis are what you should choose to travel to Mtskheta. You can take a taxi from the city center or book one through the cab booking apps like Yandex Go and Bolt. Taxis will allow you to travel from Tbilisi to Mtskheta quickly. You will reach Mtskheta within 30 minutes in a taxi.
Private Car: If money is not a concern and comfort is your priority, you can also hire a private car to travel from Tbilisi to Mtskheta. These are quite expensive but extremely comfortable. If you are a part of a group, you can easily split the bill and enjoy this exclusive service. It is also possible to book a private car for your entire tour in Mtskheta.
Day Tour Package: Several tour companies offer Mtskheta day tour packages that take you around the city and Mtskheta attractions. If you choose one of these tours, you do not have to worry about transportation, as the tour company would take care of it.
Train: Trains are also available that will take you from Tbilisi to Mtskheta and back. There are two trains available from Tbilisi that stop in Mtskheta. It takes around 36 minutes for the train to reach Mtskheta from Tbilisi. The main problem of trains is that the railway station is located 2 km away from Mtskheta city center. So, you will have to make arrangements to travel from the station to the city as well.
Top Things to do in Mtskheta
As Mtskheta is considered the spiritual capital of Georgia, Mtskheta is teeming with places of worship, some of them centuries old. Visiting these places will be the highlight of your trip. Here are some of the top Mtskheta things to do.
Hike up the Jvari Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jvari Monastery was built in the 6th century. Jvari meaning “cross” in Georgia, represents the cross that was perched on the land when Georgia accepted Christianity as its official religion in the 4th century. Visiting this monastery will give you the chance to admire the beauty of Medieval architecture. Apart from this, this monastery is located over a cliff from where you can admire the panoramic view of the place, including the spot where the Rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi meet.
Explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is one of the oldest and the most important places of worship for the Georgian orthodox Christians. Built in the 11th century, the cathedral complex is home to a church, a bell tower, castles, a gate, and several residential buildings. Several legends are associated with this cathedral, one of them being that the robe of Christ is buried here. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is also the burial ground for several kings of Georgia. The cathedral is another fine example of Medieval architecture and also another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climb up the Bebris Tsikhe Fortress
A stone fortress built somewhere between the 6th and 8th centuries, Bebris Tshikhe Fortress is a reminder of the importance of Mtskheta’s strategic position. Today, the grand fortress remains in ruins but a visit to the place is a must to enjoy the sweeping views of the city from the top. The hike up to the fortress may be a bit challenging, thanks to the loose rocks and steep drops. But the view from the top is really worth it. Located on the banks of the Aragvi River, this is also the best viewpoint to see this flowing river.
Visit the Mtskheta Archeological Museum
If you want to delve deep into the history and culture of Mtskheta, a visit to the Mtskheta Archeological Museum is a must. The museum holds exhibits that date back to the 4th millennium BC till the 12th century. You will find agricultural tools, glass objects, gold items, broken ceramics, early coins, weapons, jewelry, toys, etc., right from the prehistoric times to the medieval ages. To emphasize Mtskheta’s identity as a spiritual city, the museum also has a large collection of religious artifacts like crosses, manuscripts, icons, and more.
A few other interesting places to visit in Mtskheta include Samtovro Convent, Samtovro Necropolis, Zedazeni Monastery, Tree of Life Mosaic, Mtskheta Antioch, and more.
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Featured Cultural Experiences in Mtskheta
While the churches and monasteries are some of the most important attractions in Mtskheta Georgia, visiting them is not the only thing to do here. In fact, the place is filled with numerous cultural experiences awaiting you.
Wander Around the Old Town of Mtskheta
Walking around the cobbled streets of Mtskheta’s Old Town would give you a glimpse of the ancient history of the city while giving you the chance to know about the current daily life of the locals. It is a delight to walk around traditional Georgian houses with flowering courtyards and beautiful wooden balconies. Apart from this, the Old Town is teeming with artisan shops with colorful wares, vibrant cafes, and interesting wine bars.
Attend a Service at a Georgian Orthodox Church
Religion is at the heart of Mtskheta, and what better way to know the pulse of the people other than attending a church service at a Georgian Orthodox Church. You can choose either the Samtavro Monastery or the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Complete with the smell of incense, traditional polyphonic chants, and ancient rituals, the service will leave you in awe.
Shop at the Local Stores for Handcrafted Souvenirs
Traditional handicrafts of Georgia are several centuries old. One of the best things to do on your trip to Mtskheta is buy some of these as souvenirs to take back home. The markets are filled with stalls and stores that sell handmade jewelry, wood carvings, pottery, Georgian embroidery items, scarves, hand-painted icons, felt hats, and more.
Taste Local Wine from Traditional Qveri
Georgia is one of the oldest wine making countries in the world. A visit to Mtskheta is your chance to taste the local wine made using the Qveri method, which is an 8000-year-old technique. You can visit local cellars and family-run wineries to learn this traditional method where the grapes are fermented and aged in clay vessels which are buried inside the ground. Most of these places also offer wine tasting.
Join a Workshop to Learn Churchkhela
A place is not just associated with its buildings and landmarks. Rather, the food of the place is also deeply ingrained in its culture. While the Georgian cuisine includes a variety of foods, the Churchkhela is one of the most important ones. Churchkhela, a string of walnuts dipped in a mixture of flour, sugar, and grape juice, is a delicious sweet. You can join a fun family-run workshop to learn the art of making Churchkhela.
Where to Eat in Mtskheta
Exploring Mtskheta involves a lot of walking, which can leave you famished. To replenish your lost energy and give a break to your tired legs, Mtskheta has some amazing cafes and restaurants. Complete with great ambience and beautiful views, Mtskheta’s restaurants and cafes are where you can enjoy delicious food that is a combination of traditional and modern dishes.
Salobie: If you want to taste the traditional Georgian cuisine, Salobie is the one you must try. Cornbread, lobio or beans in a clay pot, grilled meats, and phkali are some of the best dishes here.
Check-In Garden Terrace: A more modern take of the Georgian cuisine is what you will get at the Check-In Garden Terrace, which will give you fantastic views of the garden along with the food. Chicken in garlic sauce, eggplant with walnut paste and Georgian salad served with local wine are the specialties here.
Old Capital Restaurant: Near the Old Town of Mtskheta is the Old Capital Restaurant, where you can enjoy some of the best traditional delicacies like kharcho soup and mtsvadi. You will also get to taste the famous churckhela here. The Old Capital Restaurant is an apt place to dine for families and large groups.
Guga Cafe: A cafe with a rustic decor, Guga Cafe is where you can try all the Georgian delicacies while exploring the place. Some of the best local dishes to try here are khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (Georgian dumplings). The cafe also serves aromatic coffee, tea, and other beverages.
Best Time to Visit Mtskheta
April to October is the best time to visit Mtskheta. April to June is spring season in Mtskheta, while September and October are autumn months. The peak season is between July and August, when it is summer in the city. The average temperature during these months is between 15-degree C and 30-degree C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. For budget travelers, the winter months would be perfect. Mtskheta becomes extremely cold in the winters, with the temperatures ranging from 0-degree C to 10-degree C. The possibility of snowfall is also high during this time. While the snow-covered winter landscapes of Mtskheta are gorgeous, you may not be able to enjoy all the outdoor adventures and activities during this time of the year.
What to Wear in Mtskheta
What to wear in Mtskheta will depend on the weather you are visiting. Here are some tips that will be helpful.
- If you are visiting in summer, opt for clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
- For spring and autumn, it is best to dress up in layers. The weather is unpredictable in the evenings, and it would be best to carry a light jacket.
- If you are visiting in winter, you will need thick winter jackets, thermal wear, beanies, gloves, and thick boots to protect yourself from the extreme cold and snow.
- It is important to wear a good pair of walking shoes, as a visit to Mtskheta involves a lot of walking.
- Churches demand modest clothing from both men and women. Women will need to cover their head and shoulders with a scarf or shawl before entering the church.
- Do not forget to take your sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat.
Useful Travel Tips
- Mtskheta is perfect for a day trip from Tbilisi. Make sure to plan your itinerary beforehand, so that you can see all the places you find interesting.
- Always check the timings of the places you want to visit, so that you can plan your trip well.
- Some popular attractions like Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral can get really crowded during the day. Arriving early would do the trick. These places are relatively less crowded before 10 in the morning.
- If you are visiting a church, it is important that you dress modestly. Women should ensure that their shoulders and head are covered. Men should avoid wearing caps. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts above their knees.
- Carry some cash in the local currency, as small shops and restaurants may not accept cards.
Conclusion
Mtskheta offers you the chance to dwell deeper into the culture and traditions of Georgia. So, do make it a point to include this wonderful Georgian city in your holiday plans.
