The oldest city of Georgia - Mtskheta

The walls of the stronghold against the background of mountain massifs, the lush green of the hills wrapped in ribbons of rivers - this is Georgia, a welcoming and beautiful country, although a bit austere. Tourists can enjoy delicious cuisine and an exciting journey into the past.

For many people, Georgia is still too exotic and distant to go there for a short break or a longer vacation. On the other hand, more and more people are interested in its attractions and give up Spanish or Italian beaches in favor of impressive hills resembling the backs of giants. They are not even put off by the fact that Georgian weather can be really capricious and treat tourists with a lashing cold wind. Not to mention the restrictions when planning the route - we will not designate it through the Caucasus due to the closed border crossings with Russia and not very safe breakaway regions that you would have to cross.

Tourists wishing to get to know Georgia reach it by their own means of transport via the Black Sea to Ukraine or via northern Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. The second option is to travel by plane. Importantly, Poles do not need visas - it is enough to have a valid passport with you.

A day trip to Mtskheta

If Georgia, then probably Tbilisi. But this story is not about her, but about her neighbor, the museum-city called Mtskheta . It is located approx. 20 km from the capital city, at the fork of two rivers, in a picturesque valley. It owes its unique location to both magnificent landscapes and defensive conditions. On the south side it is protected by the waters of the largest Georgian river, Mtkwari, and just behind it stretches the range of the Lesser Caucasus. In turn, from the east and north they are surrounded by the Saguram Mountains, reaching a height of almost 1500 m above sea level

In the past, Mtskheta was an important point on the map of the country - it is here that Georgians were baptized . Today, the tombs of rulers, monasteries, strongholds and monumental temples remind us of those memorable times. Its monuments were entered on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 1994.

In addition, the number of approx. 7.5 thousand the inhabitants of the Georgian city-museum are very easy to reach. From Tbilisi, you can get to it with a marshrutka or a slightly more expensive taxi. Tourists visiting the capital often make a day trip to Mtskheta to see the most important religious monuments of the country.

The cultural capital of Georgia - Mtskheta

While visiting the city, be sure to see the Cathedral of St. Tskhoveli . It is Mtskheta's most valuable monument and its name means "living pillar". According to the legend, the architect who worked on the reconstruction of the temple was ordered to cut off his hand so that he could never create such a magnificent work again.

Sweti Tskhoveli is distinguished by rich bas-reliefs and a thoughtful, harmonious structure. Its characteristic feature are high triangular niches decorated with five arcades. Georgian rulers, including Wachtang Gorgasali, are buried in the stone crypts of the temple.

Another priceless monument of Mtskheta is the Samtavro Monastery , in the crypt of which the first Christian king of Georgia, Mirian II, and his wife are buried. Apparently, Jesus' garments are kept in the temple. Those who tell about the relics are not disturbed by the fact that stones with the heads of pagan idols have been embedded in the wall of the monastery.

Also noteworthy is the medieval fortress Bebris Ciche , standing on the main road to the north. Willing people can climb its walls and see the wonderful panorama of the Aragvi River valley, the Jvari hill and Mtskheta itself.

Overnight in the heart of Georgia

After visiting the capital of the region, you can return to Tbilisi and spend the night, for example, in Solo-Lucky Hostel or in Waltzing Matilda City Hostel (both are located in the center). Of course, you can also spend the night in Mtskheta itself - many private accommodation offers accommodation.

On the web you can find many positive comments about this beautiful, though somewhat wild country, poetically described as the Balcony of Europe. We will read, for example, "Georgia is cheap and incredibly friendly" or "Georgia is beautiful ... simply". It's best to see for yourself that the people who speak are writing the truth.