Mtskheta, Georgia

Mtskheta is an ancient town of extraordinary importance to the Georgian nation, located about 20km out of Tbilisi. It was the capital of the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Mtskheta was the site of Georgia's adoption of Christianity in 334 and remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Mtskheta is of primary interest to any travelers interested in Georgian history or Orthodox Christianity. I did not prepare to visit the country so I did not know enough about the history. 

• Svetitskhoveli (The Life Giving Pillar) Cathedral. Svetitskhoveli is one of the most sacred places in Georgia and, along with Jvari Monastery, the clear highlight of a trip to Mtskheta. It was founded in 1010, built on the site of Georgia's first church, and contains the graves of the ancient Georgian kings, including Sidonia, who was said to have been buried holding Christ's robe.

• Jvari Monastery. The 6th century monastery of Jvari is situated on a cliff above Mtskheta. It is the culmination of a number of artistic and architectural aspiration in early Christian Georgian architecture. The view from above was great, when there's clear weather. It's a fairly far to walk, so i negotiated a taxi for 12 GEL including wait time. The driver offered me some fruit which are still in my bag and waited to be consume when I reach Tibilisi.

• Samtavro (Place of the Ruler). Samtavro is located to the north up the main road, within easy walking distance from the Svetitskhoveli complex. According to legend, St. Nino actually lived on this site and prayed within the smaller of its two extant churches. This small church dates from the 4th century. The larger church on this site was built in the 11th century and contains the graves of Mirian, the Georgian king who adopted Christianity, and his wife.  

• Bebris Tsikhe (The Elder's Fortress).Located further up the main road from Samtavro. I walked all the way to the ruins of Bebris Tsikhe, but i did not get all the way up because there was mo other tourist and i did not want to risk my safety (I try my very best to avoid robbery like what happened in Turkey). I climbed enough to see views overlooking Mtskheta and the valley formed around the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.