Monastery tour with guide

Meet us at your accommodation or we’ll pick you up.

Transfer to Jvary monastery

The present monument, or “Great Church of Djvari”, was built between 586 and 605 by the prince-primate Stephanos ^I of Iberia. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
This site is one of the most important Christian sites in Georgia. It was here that Saint Nino is said to have converted King Mirian III to Christianity, making Georgia the 2nd most Christianized country in the world.

From this monastery, you’ll have a magnificent view of 3 arms of the river that join together. Take time to take photos.

Svetitskhoveli is a historic architectural complex in Georgia, located in Mtskheta, an ancient and religious town in the country. It was built in the 11th century and is considered one of the most important architectural monuments of medieval Georgia. It was also inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994 for its historical and cultural importance. Visitors can explore the complex’s churches and chapels, as well as the impressive murals and sculptures on the interior walls. Peaceful gardens and stone fortifications complete the experience of visiting Svetitskhoveli, offering a unique insight into Georgian history and culture. One of the few cathedrals in Georgia. It is also the coronation and burial place of many Georgian kings.

The second largest monument in Mtskheta after Svetiskhoveli, Samtavro was built a century later (1130).

This monastic settlement was founded in the 11th century and is considered one of Georgia’s most important historical and religious sites. It is home to famous tombs, churches and historic structures that bear witness to Georgian art and culture.

Visitors can explore the remains of the former monastery, including the churches of the Trinity and the Virgin, the ruins of the church of St. Peter and the church of St. Paul. Nino and the royal garden. They can also admire the frescoes and murals that adorn the interior walls of the churches, as well as the precious wood, bronze and gold objets d’art preserved there.

Samtavro Monastery is a major site for pilgrims and tourists, who come from all over the country to pay homage to Georgia’s spiritual life and explore its rich historical heritage. Visitors can also take part in the religious ceremonies and traditional festivals that regularly take place on the site.

We invite you to discover this historical and religious wonder by visiting the Samtavro Monastery with us. You’ll be amazed by the beauty and significance of this site, and its influence on Georgia’s history and culture.

Nearby is a small church dedicated to Saint Nino and a 3-storey bell tower.

Restaurant Gujari (optional according to schedule, catering not included) -Taste Georgian cuisine.

Georgia is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, which reflects its rich cultural and culinary heritage. Georgian gastronomy is a blend of flavors and ingredients that combine perfectly to create delicious, healthy dishes.

Georgian dishes are often prepared with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, meats, seafood, nuts and spices. Georgian cuisine is also known for its use of terracotta cooking, which gives dishes a distinctive flavor and texture.

Visitors can discover Georgian dishes in the city’s many traditional restaurants. Popular dishes include khinkali, meatballs and dough, khachapuri, a bread topped with melted cheese and eggs, and shashlik, grilled meat skewers. Visitors can also sample top-quality local wines, often made from grapes grown in the surrounding areas.

When visiting Georgia, visitors can discover the unique flavors of Georgian gastronomy and taste delicious dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. It’s a unique culinary experience not to be missed for those seeking to discover new cultures and flavors. We invite you to explore Georgian gastronomy with us and discover the delicious dishes this country has to offer.

According to legend, the site’s first monastic community was founded in the 6th century by Brother Shio, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers who came to Georgia as Christian missionaries.
Shio-Mghvime quickly became Georgia’s largest monastic community, numbering 2,000 monks by the end of the 6th century. It became a dynamic center of cultural and religious activities and continued to receive the personal patronage of Georgian Catholics.

It was devastated by invading Persian forces between 1614 and 1616. It was rebuilt in 1678, but devastated again during the Ottoman occupation of Georgia in the 1720s. It was restored in 1733, but less than two years later, the monastery was plundered by the Persians and the monks massacred. The Shio Mghvime was subsequently restored in the 19th century. During the Soviet empire, the monastery was closed. But today it’s working again, and the beauty of the site attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

Return to your accommodation in Tbilisi