Mtskheta is one of oldest cities in Georgia as it was founded in the 5th century BC and it was the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC until the 5th century AD when Tbilisi took over the role. The city is just 12 miles north of Tbilisi, but so different from size (population: 19,500) to surroundings. It is most popular for two of its main monuments, Jvari Monastery on the mountain top and Svetitshkoveli Cathedral below. All of the Georgian kings were buried in Mtskheta until the end of the19th century at the end of the kingdom. Mtskheta was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
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| Jvari Monastery (6th century) |
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| View of Mtskheta |
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| Wedding at Jvari Monastery |
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| Jvari Monastery |
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| Gorgeous views |
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| Sheep grazing! |
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| What a beautiful spot for a wedding! |
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| Jvari Monastery |
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| Mountain views from Mtskheta's Jvari Monastery. Wonder how different it was in the 6th century... |
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| Persimmon trees. YUM! |
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| Jvari Monastery from city center |
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| Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) |
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| My mom is the best. |
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| Svetitskhoveli Cathedral |
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| Svetitskhoveli Cathedral |
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| Svetitskhoveli Cathedral |
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| Mothers |
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| Persimmon obsession. |
Stark contrast to the more modern Tbilisi! The monastery looks like it grew out of the mountain peak.
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