Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Mtskheta – Mtianeti (Georgian: მცხეთა – მთიანეთი) – The modern administrative-territorial division in Eastern Georgia. One of the most picturesque and diverse regions of the country. The snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus at 3,500 and 5,000 m, mountain passes, beautiful gorges, secluded lakes and alpine valleys make this land of fabulous beauty even more attractive. The majestic Caucasus Mountains descend steeply into the Aragvi River Valley, creating a unique landscape of unrivaled beauty. The uniquely beautiful Georgian Military Road passes through the region, which historically connected Georgia and the entire South Caucasus with the North Caucasus. The Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, which has always steadfastly defended the country’s northern borders, remains the protector of good-neighborly relations that have developed over the centuries.
Region Occupies the territories of several historical regions of Georgia: Ertso-Tianeti, Mtiuleti, Khevi, Khevsureti, Pshavi and the eastern part of Inner Kartli. The separate word Mtianeti comes from the Georgian “Mta” (Georgian mountain) and means mountainous part. Thus, the remaining regions are included in the mountainous part, which begins from Dusheti and continues in the far north, in the Caucasus Mountains. Historically, there was no such regional division. Mtskheta was a separate capital, and Mtianeti was an independent unit, like other mountainous regions. But due to their close location, they had close political and strategic relations. In addition to these relations, the route from the north was controlled by the efforts of these two regions since the time of the Iberian Kingdom.
Mtskheta
Mtskheta City (Georgian: მცხეთა) – The administrative center of the region. The ancient capital of the country and the cradle of Georgian civilization. The oldest settlements in Mtskheta date back to the early and middle Bronze Age (III-II millennia BC). Its advantageous location at the hub of international trade routes on the banks of the Aragvi and Mtkvari (Kura) rivers contributed to the overall development of the city. Mtskheta was not only the political center of the country, but also a place that can be considered the cradle of Georgian Christianity and the religious hearth of Georgia.
Top attractions in Mtskheta – Mtianeti :
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვრის მონასტერი) – On the top of the mountain above the ancient capital of Iberia, Mtskheta, where the Kura and Aragvi rivers merge, stands the Jvari Monastery (cross) – where, according to historical sources, Saint Nino, Equal to the Apostles, erected the cross. Jvari is one of the masterpieces of architecture for the perfection of its architectural forms. Erected on the top of a rocky massif, the church serves as its organic completion and the center of the entire surrounding landscape. Jvari is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Georgian: სვეტიცხოველი) – In the sacred valley where the Kura and Aragvi rivers merge, in the historical capital of the Kingdom of Iberia – Mtskheta, is the ancient Orthodox Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which for a thousand years has been the main cathedral and spiritual symbol of Georgia, where coronations and burials of kings took place. Among the surviving historical buildings, Svetitskhoveli is the largest in Georgia. For centuries, it has been the center of Christian Georgia. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zedazeni Monastery
Zedazeni Monastery (Georgian: ზედაზნის მონასტერი) – The monastery complex became a symbol of the transition from ancient pagan beliefs to Christianity, and its history is a testimony to the transformation of spiritual havens in Georgia. The monastery is located in a picturesque natural setting, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Climbing to an altitude of 1170 meters above sea level brings incredible scenery and opportunities for hiking and photography.
Samtavro Monastery
Samtavro Monastery (Georgian: სამთავროს მონასტერი) – The monastery is associated with the life and work of St. Nino and is considered a miraculous place. Translated means “royal territory”. It is an important religious center and the burial place of the first Christian rulers of Georgia – King Mirian and Queen Nana. The main temple – the Transfiguration Cathedral, is a cross-domed structure with a unique ornament, which has no analogues in Georgian architecture.
Shiomgvime Monastery
Shiomgvime Monastery (Georgian: შიო–მღვიმის მონასტერი) – The history of the monastery spans over 14 centuries, beginning in the second half of the 6th century, when Saint Shio, one of the Assyrian Fathers, founded this holy place. Its walls hold thousand-year-old secrets that convey to us the wisdom and faith of our ancestors. The majestic architecture of the monastery reflects the skill and talent of ancient masters, and its surroundings, imbued with mysticism and silence, call for meditation and inner contemplation.
Armaztsikhe (Bagineti)
Armaztsikhe (Bagineti) (Georgian: არმაზციხე (ბაგინეთი)) – On the way to the city, on a mountain cape, from which a panoramic view of Mtskheta opens, the Armaztsikhe acropolis was built, now called Bagineti – the residence of the rulers of the Kartli Kingdom (1st century BC – 8th century AD). The walls of the acropolis, which had quadrangular towers and buttresses, following the relief, outlined an irregular figure in plan, were erected directly on the rock in a hollowed-out furrow.
Ananuri Architectural Ensemble
Ananuri architectural ensemble (Georgian: ანანურის არქიტექტორული ანსამბლი) – The architectural ensemble is one of the best monuments of late feudal Georgia. Ananuri buildings, unlike other similar buildings, are perfectly preserved, and it is this feature that arouses the interest of both tourists and historians in the fortress. The Ananuri Fortress was erected on the picturesque shore of the Zhinvali Reservoir, at the place where the Aragvi River flows into it. On the other side is the Georgian Military Road. The architectural ensemble stands out beautifully against the green background of the surrounding forests.
Gudauri Ski Resort
Gudauri Ski Resort (Georgian: კურორტი გუდაური) – The ski resort is located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, in the alpine zone, which impresses with the beauty and power of huge mountains. The unique geological relief and climatic conditions make it possible to enjoy the sun throughout the day. The resort offers unlimited opportunities for skiers and high quality skis. The ski season lasts from the second half of December to May, during which time comfortable skiing is possible on all slopes.
Sno Valley
Sno Valley (Georgian: სნოს ხეობა) – One of the popular areas for lovers of hiking and horseback riding through pristine nature and occasional old villages. The Sno Valley, stretching in a south-eastern direction, lies between the Caucasus ranges and ends with the very beautiful Chaukhi massif. The Snostskali River, the first large right tributary of the Tergi (Terek), flows along the bottom of the valley. Using a narrow path, you can find yourself in another part of the Caucasus – in the Khevsureti region.
Sno Fortress
Sno Fortress (Georgian: სნოს ციხე) – The fortress occupies a special place among Georgian fortresses. It has all the elements characteristic of fortified buildings. The fortress is built on the right bank of the Sno River, on a separate rocky hill right in the middle of the village. The fortress is surrounded by an almost circular stone wall, and in the middle there is a pyramid-shaped tower. The fortress closed this gorge, from where one could cross to Khevsureti, Pshavi, and Mtiuleti by complex but short routes.
Truso Valley
Truso Valley (Georgian: თრუსოს ხეობა) – The valley amazes visitors with its magnificent nature. The purest mountain air and the absence of extraneous sounds make the surrounding reality at first seem like an illusion. Steep cliffs go up to an immense height, against their background green hills silver, descending to the plain, cut by the shining sleeve of the stormy Tegi. This area is rich in mineral springs, which flow along the rocks and change their color.
Juta Village
Juta village (Georgian: სოფელი ჯუთა) – It is the second largest permanently inhabited place in Europe (2100 m above sea level), surrounded by magnificent peaks. Due to snow 6 months a year the village is cut off from the rest of the world. This is one of the most striking places in Georgia for trekking enthusiasts. Here begins the ascent to the rocky slopes of the Chaukhi Range (2580 m), which is visible along the entire route. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Gergeti Tsminda Sameba
Gergeti Tsminda Sameba (Georgian: გერგეთის სამება) – The church is located at an altitude of 2200 meters, not far from Mount Kazbegi, in the village of Gergeti. This is a very amazing place. And the unusual combination of greenery, snow and stone antiquity is simply a fabulous sight, which is really worth seeing for everyone. It is not so easy to see the temple from the ground – it is almost always hidden by the clouds hanging over it. From the observation deck of the majestic temple, a magnificent view of the Kazbegi peak and glaciers opens up.
Mount Kazbegi
Mount Kazbegi (Georgian: მყინვარწვერი) – Called in Georgia “Mkinvartsveri” (ice peak), it is one of the highest peaks of the Caucasus Range (5047 m above sea level). The Greek myth of Prometheus is associated with this peak. He was chained here for giving people fire, which he stole from the gods. According to one of the Christian legends, the manger of Christ was kept on the mountain. Popular belief says that they are still hidden somewhere here to this day.
Dariali Gorge
Dariali Gorge (Georgian: დარიალის ხეობა) – Located between Kazbegi and the Georgian-Russian border, one of the most impressive gorges along the Tergi River. A rocky paradise and another wonder of nature with amazing landscapes of mountain rivers and waterfalls. The Dariali Gorge was called the “Gate of the Caucasus” by ancient geographers, which had a great military-geographical purpose. It connected the North and South Caucasus, although for many centuries the gorge was quite difficult to move.
Gveleti Waterfall
Gveleti Waterfall (Georgian: გველეთის ჩანჩქერი) – The waterfall amazes with its beauty and grandeur. A real natural treasure of Georgia, which will leave unforgettable memories. The sound of falling water, fresh air and the surrounding nature create an incredibly calming atmosphere. This is an ideal place to forget about everyday worries and immerse yourself in natural splendor. Beautiful untouched nature, lush meadows and crystal clear air, certainly make a special place worth visiting.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions
