Jvari Monastery

Jvari is one of the most famous, popular, and important sights in Georgia, and it is equally popular with tourists as well as locals. The popularity of Jvari monastery comes from its history and location. It is located on a beautiful spot, on top of the mountain, right in front of the old capital, Mtskheta, and on top of the conjoining place of two rivers, Mtkvari and Aragvi. Except for this area being simply captivating throughout the year, it has also become an iconic spot. A place of inspiration for many poets and writers.

Jvari is a monastery complex of immense religious and spiritual importance because it was the place where Christianity was born in Georgia. The monastery literally stands on a place where the very first wooden cross was erected, which signified the Christianization of the country and thus was a main place of worship. The name of the monastery, Jvari, in translation means “cross”, so even the name speaks about its historical importance.

Jvari is the first specimen of dome architecture in Georgia. It was built 15 centuries ago by the sovereign of Kartli, Stepanoz I.  Jvari, showing the artistic and cultural level attained by the ancient Georgian kingdom, and as an outstanding example of religious architecture in the Caucasus, has been inscribed in the list of UNESCO since 1994. 

You can reach Jvari very easily. It is just 20 kilometers away from the capital, Tbilisi. You can take any “Marshutka” that goes to the west (Mtskheta, Natakhtari, Gori, etc.) and ask for a stop, then walk for about 40 minutes or hire a taxi. Normally, public transportation in Georgia is easy and affordable. Or else you can find a tour taking you to Jvari monastery right here.