Temples & religious sites
Jvari
Jvari Monastery
Jvari is a 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery located on the summit of Mount Jvari in Mtskheta. Visitors go here to see early medieval Georgian architecture and the vantage point overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Getting There
The monastery is located outside Tbilisi. From the city centre, the most common way to reach the site is by taxi or private car. The drive typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Duration of Visit
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to explore the monastery grounds and the surrounding plateau.
When to Visit
Morning or late afternoon visits provide softer light for viewing the landscape. The site can get crowded during weekends and peak summer tourist seasons. Because it is situated on a mountain peak, it is more exposed to wind and weather than the city centre.
Nearby Attractions
The monastery is situated close to several other points of interest in and around Mtskheta:
- Aragvi River: 0.6km
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: 1.1km
- Chronicle of Georgia: 9.9km
- Lisi Lake: 10.5km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors