Monastery tour with guide

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

Transfer to Djvari monastery

The present monument, or “Great Church of Jvari,” was built between 586 and 605 by Prince-Primat Stephanos ¹ of Iberia. It belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage.
This site is a major center of Christianity in Georgia. Indeed, it is here that Saint Nino is said to have converted King Mirian III to Christianity, making Georgia the second Christianized country in the world.

From this monastery, you will have a magnificent view of three river branches converging. You will take the time to take photos.

Svetitskhoveli is a historic architectural complex in Georgia, located in Mtskheta, an ancient and religious city of 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 the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994 due to its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the churches and chapels within the complex, as well as the mural frescoes and sculptures on the interior walls that will impress them. The peaceful gardens and stone fortifications complete the visiting experience of Svetitskhoveli, offering a unique insight into Georgian history and culture. It is one of the few cathedrals in Georgia. It is also a place of coronation and burial for many Georgian kings.

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

This monastic establishment was founded in the 11th century and is considered one of the most important historical and religious sites in Georgia. It houses famous tombs, churches, and historical structures that are testimonies to Georgian art and culture.

Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient monastery, including the churches of the Trinity and the Virgin, the ruins of the Church of St. 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 artworks preserved there.

The 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 participate in religious ceremonies and traditional festivals that regularly take place on the site.

We invite you to discover this historical and religious marvel by visiting the Samtavro Monastery with us. You will be amazed by the beauty and significance of this site, as well as its influence on the history and culture of Georgia.

Right next to it, there is a small church dedicated to Saint Nino and a three-story bell tower.

Restaurant “Gujari” (option according to schedule, meals not included) • You will taste Georgian cuisine.

Georgia is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, which reflects the richness of its cultural and culinary heritage. Georgian gastronomy is a blend of flavors and ingredients that combine perfectly to create delicious and 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 clay pot cooking, which gives the dishes a distinct flavor and unique texture.

Visitors can discover Georgian dishes in the many traditional restaurants in the city. Popular dishes include khinkali, meat and dough dumplings; khachapuri, bread topped with melted cheese and eggs; and shashlik, grilled meat skewers. Visitors can also taste high-quality local wines, often produced from grapes grown in the surrounding regions.

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

According to legend, the first monastic community on the site 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 the largest monastic community in Georgia, with 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 the invasion of Persian forces between 1614 and 1616. It was rebuilt in 1678, but was 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 were massacred. Shio Mghvime was later restored in the 19th century. During the Soviet era, the monastery was closed. But today it is functioning again and the beauty of the site attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

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