Mtskheta Tour: Chronicles of Georgia – Jvari & Svetitskhoveli Review

Mtskheta, a place with stories going way, way back – like, it used to be the capital of Georgia, old! Today, Mtskheta isn’t as hectic as Tbilisi, but, you know, it’s still very much the spiritual heart of the country. I made a visit recently, so, it’s almost as if I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, particularly Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. These places, alright, they’re not just pretty buildings; they hold layers and layers of Georgian history and spirit. If you are into ancient stuff and awesome views, then, alright, tag along! I’ll tell you what’s up with these sites and give you some hints to make your own trip pretty smooth.

First Stop: Jvari Monastery – A View with a History

So, Jvari Monastery – it’s perched on a cliff, is that right? It’s staring right at the spot where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers join forces. Pretty dramatic, honestly. Legend has it, you know, back in the day, St. Nino, the lady who introduced Christianity to Georgia, put up a big ol’ wooden cross right here in the 4th century. Later, they decided that it deserves something better than just wood, right? So, they put up this church in the 6th century. It’s, like, one of the first that were on the list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

Arriving there is more or less half the excitement. I rode, that, is true, from Tbilisi – it’s a short drive, really; it’s roughly 20-30 minutes if traffic isn’t acting up. You can catch a taxi, is that right? or hop on a marshrutka (that’s a local minibus, alright) from Didube station. I went with a taxi for the convenience, seeing as how I was on a schedule. When you approach, that, is true, the monastery, brace yourself; the sight is pretty spectacular. The monastery itself, seeing as how it’s stone and all, might appear simple, but, honestly, its strength is how it blends, alright, with the environment. From there, it’s almost as if you could look out over the valleys, alright? and it gives a total perspective about why they picked this location to construct a sacred place. A total show-stopper, really.

Walking inside Jvari, anyway, it’s kind of like taking a few steps backwards in time. The inside area is surprisingly bare, you know? yet the ancient stone walls kind of whisper things about the history. Try, you know, picturing monks that prayed here way back when; honestly, it brings you a bit of perspective, it really does. Oh, so, here’s a hint: hit the spot early to skip some tourist crowds. Sunrise there, seeing as how the valley begins to wake, right, it gives the monastery and location all in all a different sort of atmosphere entirely.

Next Up: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – Where History Breathes

Okay, next, so, there’s Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, that’s located at the heart of Mtskheta. Arguably, its title is ‘the main church of Georgia’. Its background story, honestly, it goes deep – they state it, alright, holds a piece of Christ’s robe. Yes, truly! So, the story continues, anyway, saying that when Christianity started to roll through, this church turned into a spot that was absolutely essential to do with services of baptizing and coronations for all Georgian leaders. It has been raised up, torn down, rebuilt over the centuries, is that right? and it’s almost as if it has persisted. What you see at present dates all the way back to the 11th century, seeing as how, well, that was quite a makeover from what was before.

Getting to Svetitskhoveli from Jvari, so, it’s pretty easy. A quick taxi ride is fine. Once there, anyway, the size of the cathedral hits pretty hard. The elaborate stone carvings on the exterior – there is always something different that captures someone’s eye. When you walk inside, well, that’s something that deserves reverence, you see? The fresco paintings are on the walls, still retaining bits, bits that survived centuries, basically, so, illustrating stories from the Bible and Georgian record. If you are lucky, too, its almost like, seeing as how the sun does a particular thing by reflecting in, right, and lighting everything up to have a divine feeling.

Keep an eye, now, on the Stone Canopy; anyway, according to belief, that, is a location which protects Christ’s robe. Lots of people tend to pause here to pray. Very near, by the way, you’ll see remnants from the original church; too, these findings give more hints, anyway, about just how long this place was thought important. It seems worth mentioning, in some respects, that to go here takes approximately 2 hours, giving an abundant amount of time needed for just simply seeing and taking in all that location has. This way is optimal for taking everything to heart.

Mtskheta Beyond the Big Two

Okay, so, whilst Jvari and Svetitskhoveli might very well grab much focus, Mtskheta has more charm than that, of course. Allow yourself, actually, to wander the smaller back streets. Honestly, it’s almost as if every house has been freshly painted; everything, too, has wooden balconies that can definitely be described as pretty; finally, those places can make some interesting images.

A lot of shops will, honestly, get those souvenirs, such, as for instance, little bits done by hand, you see? or church related products. Seeing as how that hunger comes; pause within local locations and take some dishes; basically, get a taste for local cooking! Georgians are actually known to have very much charm and hospitality, I tell you! Taking time out for interaction would almost certainly assist in just making for more real trip overall.

Some Pointers and Tips for Your Trip

• Getting Around: It is often a smart option to engage your driver, actually, when departing from Tbilisi in order for him/her, like, be with you, really, through your trip for the two spots. So, you can possibly flag a taxi locally as a plan; this also works.

• Proper clothing: Be smart in terms of church appropriate garments if ever anticipating an inside walk through. Shawls that have big portions actually work too; that way if you came in shorts and/or sleeveless type outfit that issue sorts. This is not just showing consideration also showing respect.

• Cash Money: A tiny store around Mtskheta and Jvari aren’t able to actually process credit types of card. Keep that thought always, especially when thinking of some bits of souvenir getting or, that, a small amount as bite from someplace.

• Time of Year: Okay, so, basically, the spring month and autumn, arguably, show more weather friendly attributes compared to those months in summertime’s main heat also main cold weather winter causes.

Respect and Cultural Awareness

Georgia is really proud of their historic events, so, showing good acts of respect will often allow people give warmth. Especially always at church territory always tend a bit in silent also respectful side too.

When photographing citizens you can always give courtesies prior to snaps occurring! You would gain warmth much more often that way! Consider how you engage while out to have much rewarding contact of cultural means possible!

The Mtskheta Tour: Was It Worth It?

Was it deserving, by the way, to do Mtskheta, that, Jvari including along with Svetitskhoveli? Definite positive outcome of trip. Not being simply about viewing landmarks old it gave an immersion on where Georgias deep histories are; which still go with peoples faith nowadays too.

Therefore if a seeker exists wishing to know, actually, Georgias essence much deeper then spending one full rotation throughout Mtskheta truly is beyond being skipped completely from one trip, okay, altogether! From viewing horizons old by high sides, looking at walls old also standing, really; a little day would stay etched into heart shortly upon happening!!

Basically, here’s a little summary in list form of essential things, just in case:

• Visiting of ancient Jvari Church; offers wide angled sight above joint-point made out by rivers doing split away off high sided spots.
• Svetitskhoveli’s viewing of great significance since holding piece of Christ from cross and for Georgias services involving high ranks old and coronations throughout the church itself.
• Taking exploration throughout roads not major parts of, throughout location Mtskheta will have nice cultural bits from town and citizen too.
• Take appropriate items needed when anticipating joining of prayer or walk at inside side of church for respect needs too.
• For tiny vendor in small town, expect payments to use just currency/cash, okay not credit version from cards to give over!