Jvari Monastery stands as one of Georgia’s most ancient and revered Christian sanctuaries. In 1994, it became the very first Georgian monument to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a recognition of its profound historical and spiritual significance. Perched atop a hill, the monastery commands a breathtaking view that stretches over the old capital of Mtskheta, the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the dramatic confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers.
Those visiting Jvari with a local guide or a Georgian host are sure to hear of the monastery’s poetic legacy—it is immortalized in Mikhail Lermontov’s legendary poem Mtsyri. At the foot of the hill stands a statue of the great Russian poet, commemorating his connection to this mystical place.
The name Jvari translates as “cross,” and the monastery is also known as the Monastery of the Holy Cross. According to Georgian tradition, it was on this very hill in the 4th century that Saint Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia, erected a wooden cross to symbolize the triumph of Christianity over paganism. This cross, believed to have miraculous healing powers, became a beacon of the new faith.
Two centuries later, a small church was constructed on the site of the sacred cross, followed by the building of the Jvari Monastery nearby. While historians continue to debate the exact date of its construction, the most accepted timeframe is between 604 and 642 AD. The identity of the architect who created this architectural gem has been lost to time.
From 2004 to 2007, the monastery was listed among the “100 Most Endangered Sites” worldwide, a stark reminder of its vulnerability. Thanks to extensive restoration efforts, it was removed from this list, preserving its place in both history and devotion. Today, Jvari Monastery is not only a destination for pilgrims—it has become a symbol of Mtskheta, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe each year.
Jvari’s architectural elegance lies in its remarkable harmony with the surrounding landscape. The church, modest in size, is constructed in the form of a cross inscribed within a square and is crowned with a graceful dome. The structure rises to a height of 25 meters, occupying a footprint of approximately 22 by 19 meters.
Sculptural reliefs and ornamental motifs adorn the eastern and southern facades. These ancient carvings portray the noble patrons who oversaw the monastery’s construction. Yet, time has not been entirely kind—graffiti in various languages, including Russian, scars the outer walls, remnants of careless tourism.
The interior of the monastery is austere and contemplative, reflecting the spirit of Georgian ecclesiastical design. At its heart stands a pedestal that once bore the cross of Saint Nino. A handful of icons and crosses quietly grace the walls, their solemn beauty contrasting the opulence of Byzantine interiors, where elaborate decoration often takes center stage.
Jvari Monastery is located in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, situated just 25 kilometers from Tbilisi. The most common way to reach Mtskheta is by marshrutka (shared minibus), which departs from the Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi. Located within a bustling market, the station can seem chaotic, but finding the correct minibus is easy—just ask the drivers or passersby where the Mtskheta-bound marshrutkas are. Tickets can be purchased at the cashier’s booth, or directly from the driver.
In Mtskheta, the minibus stops in the town center. While it’s technically possible to walk to the monastery from there, this route is only recommended for physically fit travelers. Jvari sits atop a high hill, and the only path is a long serpentine road with no sidewalks or shoulders, making it challenging and potentially unsafe on foot.
The most practical option is to arrange for a taxi to take you up the hill. Local drivers are familiar with the route, and the fare typically ranges from 15 to 20 Georgian lari. If you’re traveling in a group, the cost becomes even more reasonable—a small price to pay for a journey into Georgia’s sacred past.