Location: Mtskheta
Top Things to do in Mtskheta
9 Things to Do in Mtskheta That You Shouldn't Miss
Mtskheta (Georgian: მცხეთა [mtsʰxɛtʰɑ]) is a city in Mtskheta-Mtianeti province of Georgia. One of the oldest cities of Georgia, it is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi river.
Restaurants in Mtskheta
1. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
If you've visited first the uphill Jvari Church (see that review of mine), the most striking edifice you see from its view point is this Cathedral. The Svetitskhoveli is the second largest Georgian Church, after the Sameba Holy Trinity in Tbilisi which was built only ten years ago, meaning that Svetitskhoveli was the largest one for 1000 years, as it was built in 11th cent in classic medieval Georgian style.
The Cathedral is built on a site of a 4th cent wooden Church, which remnants are still preserved and visible inside the Cathedral today.
Adding the beauty of its interior is the replica of the Jerusalem's Holy Sepulcher chapel, which was built inside the Cathedral in 15 cent. The Cathedral served in the middle ages as the main Georgian Orthodox one, so many Georgian kings were crowned and buried here.
2. Jvari Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
Reviewed By Alfred O - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It stands stately on a hill prominent enough to be seen by the whole city of Mtskheta. The interior's painting hasn't stood the ravages of time but its exterior is majestic when illuminated at night.
The cold was biting on December 28 but the view of Mtskheta from the top is picture perfect.
3. Samtavro Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By eilonglen - Ashkelon, Israel
It was raining when we visited the third church of the day, but were mollified by the information that Georgia's first Christian king, David, 'the Builder' was interred in a garden tomb adjacent to the main church; the original bronze doors are still identifiable.
Dedicated to Saint Nina, the church, while still in daily use by the locals, is not especially imposing, despite some very ancient iconic murals adorning the high walls. As there was scaffolding erected against the exterior of the church, one may gather that some much-desired maintenance and repairs are in progress. Added value is the great views from the extensive grounds of the church.
4. Shio-Mgvime Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
5. Chateau Mukhrani Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
We invite you to the wonderful world of Château Mukhrani an essential experience for any wine enthusiast. Our wine tour will guide you to discover the Georgian royal family history and breath-taking legends, a flavor of antiquity and enchanting wines. Lots of visitors are fascinated by Château Mukhrani wine tours and events. Join them; Château Mukhrani is a 25 minute drive from Tbilisi.
Reviewed By Trisha K - Bromborough, United Kingdom
First things first; we were mid-way through a private wine-tasting tour through Georgia, just for fun, loving it but determinedly not buying because we had no way to get it home. But one taste of Chateau Mukhrani's 2012 Shavkapito (dry red from endemic Shavkapito grape, matured in Caucasian oak barrels) and we knew we had to make room in a suitcase somehow. It was the standout of our tour not, as it happens, Chateau Mukhrani's most prestigious wine but very much to our taste.
To be quite clear, this was a visit to the Chateau Mukhrani estate and winery near Mtskheta, not to Chateau Mukhrani's wine studio/ shop/ cafe in central Tbilisi which has a separate Tripadvisor entry but as it features photos of the estate some visitors to the estate seem to be posting their reviews there - some confusion, clearly.
Our tour began with a stroll from the winery over to the restored palace (a confection all in white) then underground through the spacious tunnel where the wine is matured, past some traditional-type kvevris in the process of being cleaned (hard work, I imagine) and back into the modern winery, then on to the shop for tasting. Our guide (fluent English speaker) was excellent. Photography was permitted.
Production is entirely a 'chateau' concept i.e. grapes from the estate's own vineyards, not sourced from elsewhere. And while harvest was in full swing at wineries we visited in the Kakheti region, here north of Mtskheta it was not yet ready when we visited in late September so the winery was not in production, but being cleaned in preparation. The previous reviewer visiting slightly later seems to suggest tourists pick and trample grapes but this was not the experience of our visit.
It goes without saying it is cheaper to buy wine (and chacha) direct from the producers and not at the airport.
6. Bebris Tsikhe Fortress
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Mariam K - Tbilisi, Dushet'is Raioni, Georgia
This fortress is a bit further from other popular sights in Mtskheta, but you can walk there.
Since it's not a popular tourist destination, it was rather neglected when I visited it. But the fortress itself is well-preserved and quite large. The view from the top is great too.
7. Antioquia Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By marekp59 - Gdansk, Poland
Not far from the monumental and usually crowded Svetitskhoveli Cathedral you will find a little beautifull place. This small, old church is very well taken care of by the nuns. Surrounded by a garden with vineyards, roses, pomegranate bushes and other flowers. Frescoes are being renovated. There are not many people visiting, so you can enjoy the eye and contemplate this peaceful oasis.
8. Tours in Georgia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Tour in Kazbegi. on the way we'll see beautiful nature and interesting places.
Reviewed By iridixie2288 - Batumi, Georgia
We are a family with one child, eight years old. We spent 6 days with Kote traveling around Georgia. He was not only a safe driver and a non-smoker, but he was also extremely pleasant and an excellent tour guide. He charged us a fair price and we would recommend him very highly.
9. Wine and Souvenirs
The wines of Family Company Mildiani are produced from selected grapes, combining Georgian best wine making traditions and up-to-date technologies. The best wines of the company are presented by brand name "Mildiani" in different glass and gift vessels. The art ceramics presented in the shop is made according to the Georgian traditions. The best art figures cooperate with us.
