Mtskheta one of the oldest cities of Georgia  is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. The historical churches of Mtskheta former capital of Georgia are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. The show the high artistic and cultural level attained by this ancient kingdom.  Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" became a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1994.

Monuments in Mtkheta

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century, see photo) andIvariMonastry(6th century) in Mtskheta are amongst the most significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture.  Of special significance are early inscriptions, which form a valuable reference in the study of the origins of the early  Georgian alphabet.

In the outskirts of Mtskheta are the ruins of Armaztsikhe fortress (3rd century BC), the Armaztsikhe acropolis   (dating to the late 1st millennium BC), remains of a "Pompey's bridge" (according to legends built by Roman legionnaires of Pompey the Great  in 1st century BC), the fragmentary remains of a royal palace (1st–3rd century AD), a nearby tomb of the 1st century AD, a small church of the 4th century, the Samtavro Monastery (11th century), and the fortress of Bebris Tsikhe(14th century).