Many travelers arrive in Mtskheta as part of a one-day excursion — its central landmarks are easily combined with the picturesque Georgian Military Highway and a stop at the Ananuri Fortress. Yet seasoned explorers insist that Mtskheta deserves more than a fleeting visit. This ancient town is rich with unique monuments, graceful churches, and charming streets waiting to be explored at a leisurely pace.
The entire Old Town has been lovingly restored, inviting visitors to stroll its lanes, capture timeless photos, and hunt for distinctive souvenirs. Mtskheta is a true haven for shoppers: its bustling heart is filled with artisan stalls and traditional markets showcasing handcrafted Georgian treasures.
Be sure to step inside the sacred Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, ascend to the Jvari Monastery, and behold the breathtaking confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. Don’t miss the powerful remnants of the medieval fortresses of Armaztsikhe and Bebristsikhe. Since 1994, Mtskheta’s historical landmarks have held a proud place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The historical quarters of ancient Mtskheta — the very Old Town recognized by UNESCO — continue to draw curious travelers. Here, narrow cobblestone alleys wind between traditional two-story Georgian homes with wooden balconies and verandas. To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Georgia, consider staying in one of these picturesque estates.
Stroll toward the Samtavro Monastery complex, founded in the 4th century. Both the exterior and interior of the site are awe-inspiring: marvel at the Transfiguration Church, the small Church of Saint Nino, the surviving fortress walls, elegant frescoes, intricate mosaics, and the medieval iconostasis. This revered temple houses numerous sacred relics, and the on-site monastery museum is also well worth a visit.
From there, make your way to Davit Agmashenebeli Street, Mtskheta’s main thoroughfare, which leads to the Archaeological Museum. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts: Bronze Age tools and statues, classical ceramics, gold and glass from antiquity, stone bas-reliefs, and ritual figurines.
Just steps away from the museum stands Mtskheta’s spiritual heart — the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This grand and solemn edifice is one of the most iconic examples of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture and has stood for more than 1,500 years.
Enclosed by fortified walls and towers, the cathedral’s facades are lavishly adorned with stone carvings and sculpture. Inside, visitors can admire ancient frescoes, the legendary Life-Giving Column, and the royal tombstones of Georgian kings embedded in the floor. Many of the cathedral’s sacred artifacts date back to the Middle Ages.
Nearby, you’ll find stalls selling authentic Georgian souvenirs. If you’re still hungry for local flavor, wander along Arsukidze and Mamulashvili Streets, pop into cozy cafés and traditional wine cellars, and follow the path down to the riverside promenade where the Aragvi and Kura rivers embrace.
Finished exploring Mtskheta’s city center? To discover the surrounding sights, a car journey is your best bet. You’ll be surprised how much you can experience in just one day.
Start with the Jvari Monastery — the emblematic crown jewel of Mtskheta. One of Georgia’s oldest and most revered churches, it was built in the 4th century on the very hilltop where Saint Nino once preached Christianity.
The location is as symbolic as the monument itself: perched atop a steep hill overlooking the city. From Jvari’s observation platform, you’ll be rewarded with a quintessential panorama of Mtskheta — its domes and terracotta rooftops, nestled at the dramatic meeting point of two rivers. If you wish, you may also visit the monument to Mikhail Lermontov, the poet who immortalized this scene in his masterpiece Mtsyri.
Continue your drive to the Bebristsikhe Fortress, set dramatically on a hill above the town. In medieval times, it formed part of a strategic network defending Mtskheta. Today, the fortress lies largely in ruins, but its ancient towers and walls offer a glimpse into the past — and stunning views of the Aragvi valley.
Not far from here, you’ll find the Georgian Military Road — widely hailed as Georgia’s most scenic route. This historic artery links Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz and is dotted with charming villages, cultural sites, and unforgettable vistas. Pause to admire the jade waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir, then visit the Ananuri Fortress with its commanding towers and ramparts reflected in the lake below — a scene as romantic as it is monumental.
As you press onward, make time for photo stops and admire the shifting landscapes. If your schedule allows, drop by the village of Pasanauri — the birthplace of Georgia’s beloved khinkali dumplings — and visit Gudauri, the country’s most renowned ski resort.
Not far beyond lies the majestic Cross Pass, soaring 2,379 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest and most breathtaking points along the Georgian Military Road. Don’t miss the famed Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument along the way — a semi-circular structure adorned with a vivid mosaic mural depicting scenes from the shared histories of both nations.
Mtskheta serves as a perfect launchpad for venturing along the Georgian Military Highway. Discover the ruins of churches and citadels, gaze at the waters of Zhinvali, wander through the Ananuri fortress, enjoy the slopes of Gudauri, and visit the mountain village of Stepantsminda — where the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church appears to hover among the clouds at the foot of snow-dusted Mount Kazbek.
Another favorite direction from Mtskheta is the region of Kakheti — a land of towering mountains and endless vineyards, ancient monasteries and the fertile Alazani Valley. Wander through the streets of Telavi, fall in love with the charming town of Sighnaghi, and be sure to visit at least one of the region’s acclaimed wineries.
Adventurers will also find it worthwhile to explore Gori and Uplistsikhe — the latter being the oldest cave city in Georgia. Many travelers also make a point to visit Borjomi, the capital of Georgian wellness tourism, as well as the ancient city of Kutaisi, with its UNESCO-listed cathedrals.