Jvari Church
Jvari Church
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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  • Dirk W
    Alexandra Headland, Australia10,119 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    6th century !
    Build atop Jvari Mountain, this gem of a 6th century church, overlooks the Kura River. It is in remarkable good condition and absolutely deserves to be UNESCO Heritage Listed. The views from the top are panoramic and it certainly pays to walk around the complex. Inside is a little deflating, as there are no frescoes or carvings of note. It seems to be a very popular site for weddings and their disrespectful attitude (loud disco music, disregard for decorum, pushy camera behavior) takes away from the spiritual place that it should be.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 6, 2023
  • aNGeL0FdEAth
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates602 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning View
    Absolute shame going there after sundown. The place was still very attractive but I missed the chance to see it during day time. The view from up there was breath taking. I love old buildings and this 6th century monastery definitely met the expectations.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written January 5, 2024
  • Leveric N
    Manila, Philippines1,310 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking view!
    Amazing views of the Georgian countryside! From a mountain peak. A place worth visiting for great photos. This ancient church is under renovation when we went but a must see UNESCO heritage site. Marvelous 👌👍
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 21, 2024
  • Soudamini M
    Bengaluru, India1,562 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Church
    Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery on a hilltop near Mtskheta. The main structure of the monastery is intact, but surrounding smaller structures are broken. It's a very unique monument sitting on a hilltop and provides excellent view of Mtskheta city, rivers and mountains. It's visible from Mtskheta city itself. It's one of the must visit places in Georgia.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 3, 2024
  • Voyager07049366067
    Doha, Qatar19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another hilltop must
    The view from the ancient Jvari Church is yet another instagrammable Georgian gem. The story of this early medieval monastery and St Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to the country way back in 300AD, is fascinating. It's good to have a guide (or guidebook) to bring such tales to life. Churches dot Georgia's gorgeous landscape. This is one you should not miss.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 10, 2024
  • beetcanner
    789 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Beginning of Georgia
    Jvari Monastery overlooks the confluence of two rivers. It is considered by Georgians to be where Georgia began in that it overlooks the ancient capital of Mtskheta. The church and monastery were built in the Sixth Century. This is also where Christianity was declared the official religion of Georgia in 319 AD. Locals tell me this patch of ground is the spiritual heart of Georgia.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 25, 2024
  • Bob
    London, United Kingdom100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic hilltop church
    Jvari Church, perched on a hilltop above Mtskheta, is only about half an hour by bolt from Tbilisi. It is usually combined with a trip to the Cathedral and Monastery in Mtskheta itself. The Church is lovely - I’d recommend going early or late to avoid the crowds. It has historic significance as marking the king’s conversion to Christianity in the fourth century.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written August 12, 2024
  • Milind Shah
    Ahmedabad, India2,046 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great place to visit
    Visiting Lari Monastery was an unforgettable experience. Perched atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtvari rivers, the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient town of Mtskheta and the surrounding landscape. The serene and picturesque setting alone makes the trip worthwhile. The monastery itself is a stunning example of early medieval Georgian architecture. Built between 586 and 604 AD, it has remarkably preserved its original form, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The simplicity of the interior, devoid of elaborate frescoes, adds to its charm and peaceful T ambiance. The sense of history and spirituality is palpable as you walk through the ancient stone structure. One of the highlights of my visit was the ease of access. You can drive up close to the monastery, with just a short walk up the hill to reach the entrance. The path is well-maintained, and the effort is rewarded with stunning views and a sense of tranguilty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Ivari Monastery is a must-visit. The combination of its historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural surroundings makes it a truly inspiring destination.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 13, 2024
  • Radhika K
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best 4 hours tour in Tbilisi
    The combined tour of Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta & Chronicles of Georgia is the best 4 hours spent in Tbilisi. The drive is picturesque; all three places are incredible & the views are expansive . I would recommend a private personalised trip late afternoon or early morning with any of the tour groups where you get ample time to soak in the atmosphere. You spend more but it’s worth every Lari .
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia10,119 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Solo
Build atop Jvari Mountain, this gem of a 6th century church, overlooks the Kura River. It is in remarkable good condition and absolutely deserves to be UNESCO Heritage Listed. The views from the top are panoramic and it certainly pays to walk around the complex. Inside is a little deflating, as there are no frescoes or carvings of note.
It seems to be a very popular site for weddings and their disrespectful attitude (loud disco music, disregard for decorum, pushy camera behavior) takes away from the spiritual place that it should be.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TAIN2013
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia2,857 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
The sixth century monastery is located on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and the Aragvi rivers and Mtskheta - the old capital of Georgia. As per the local legend, it is here that Christianity took root in Georgia.

The monastery's name translates to "Monastery of the Cross" and this refers to the original cross erected here by Saint Nino. The octagonal platform holding the original cross still exists now holds a large wooden cross. A smaller building next to the main church marks the spot where the original cross was placed.

The building in a reasonable state although you can observe chipping in some parts. However, the structures around it and the surrounding wall are in ruins.

The church is worth a visit for its historical importance as well as the great views it offers.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Radhika K
nrw delhi16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
The combined tour of Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta & Chronicles of Georgia is the best 4 hours spent in Tbilisi. The drive is picturesque; all three places are incredible & the views are expansive . I would recommend a private personalised trip late afternoon or early morning with any of the tour groups where you get ample time to soak in the atmosphere. You spend more but it’s worth every Lari .
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Siddharth Sanka... D
Dubai, United Arab Emirates190 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Family
This sixth century monastery is the oldest orthodox church on top of jvary Mountain. From top of the mountain gives a good view of Mtkvari Town and the confluence of two rivers Aragvi and Mtkvari. You can take nice pictures all around the monastery .the interior of monastery ,there is a large wooden cross with small praying space. A must visit while in Tblisi.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GirinM
Moscow, Russia341 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
You can get there from Tbilisi simply by taxi, about 30 minutes. But don't let go of the car. Let it wait 15-20 minutes while you inspect it and then ride it down to the city. It was interesting to see the confluence of rivers of two colors; a good perspective of the mountains opens up. The temple is certainly powerful due to its antiquity
Google
Written April 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Milind Shah
Ahmedabad, India2,046 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
Visiting Lari Monastery was an unforgettable experience. Perched atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtvari rivers, the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient town of Mtskheta and the surrounding landscape. The serene and picturesque setting alone makes the trip worthwhile.
The monastery itself is a stunning example of early medieval Georgian architecture. Built between 586 and 604 AD, it has remarkably preserved its original form, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The simplicity of the interior, devoid of elaborate frescoes, adds to its charm and peaceful T ambiance. The sense of history and spirituality is palpable as you walk through the ancient stone structure.
One of the highlights of my visit was the ease of access. You can drive up close to the monastery, with just a short walk up the hill to reach the entrance. The path is well-maintained, and the effort is rewarded with stunning views and a sense of tranguilty.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Ivari Monastery is a must-visit. The combination of its historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural surroundings makes it a truly inspiring destination.
Written August 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Игорь К
Riga, Latvia3,496 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Jwari can be called the most popular
place in Georgia – the temple stands on a high
grief right at the confluence of two rivers, the Araghvi and the Kura. Roads have long passed here
in Tbilisi — from the north along the Araghvi valley (sei-
It is the Georgian-Military Road) and from the west along the Kura Valley (now the railway and the Tbilisi-Batumi highway).
Jvari means “cross” in translation, and this is not accidental, since here St. Nino in the 4th century ordered the erection of one of the four crosses of Georgia. The church was built in 590–604 and became the architectural model of the "tetraconkhs" (in plan, a cross with rounded ends), according to which many more churches were built in medieval Georgia. In 1994, the Jwari Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The interior of the church is very ascetic - there are no frescoes or paintings, but there are two places of worship. It is, firstly, an icon depicting Saint Nino, in front of which stand lamps and a small cross of vines, and secondly, a high cross that soars almost under the dome – it stands exactly where one of the four crosses of Saint Nino even stood before the temple came into existence. Next to the temple you will also see the ruins of the towers left-
from the Jwari Monastery. It is still officially operational, but in fact consists of one single temple. The facades of the temple are rich in bas-reliefs (mainly representing the rulers under whom the temple was built). According to the established opinion, this church and monastery was meant by the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov when describing the life of the monk in the poem "Mtsyri". The monument to Lermontov stands just at the foot of the hill, almost on the bank of the Araghvi, on the side of the Georgian Military Road.
From here you can see in the palm of your hand the whole of Mtskheta, the confluence of the two rivers, as well as the mountain on the right bank of the Kura, which is tunneled by the Tbilisi-Batumi railway. And right at the foot of the hill on which Jvari stands, begins the Georgian-Military Road, which from here will follow the Aragvi valley north to the Russian border. On the Kure River, from the side, within 800 meters of the confluence with Araghvi, one can also observe the dam of the Zemo-Avchal hydroelectric power station (ZAGD), built in 1923–1938.
Automatically translated
Written September 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Soudamini M
Bengaluru, India1,562 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century Georgian Orthodox monastery on a hilltop near Mtskheta. The main structure of the monastery is intact, but surrounding smaller structures are broken. It's a very unique monument sitting on a hilltop and provides excellent view of Mtskheta city, rivers and mountains. It's visible from Mtskheta city itself. It's one of the must visit places in Georgia.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CKF
CT2,162 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
You'll see Jvari Monastery from the road, perched high on a high. It is easy to see why it was built there: hard to reach, and therefore hard for enemies to plunder the treasures. This was our first monastery on our drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi--and what a pleasure! Lonesome atop the hill, but with a commanding view.

Be sure to stop here while in Georgia!
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bob
London, UK100 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Solo
Jvari Church, perched on a hilltop above Mtskheta, is only about half an hour by bolt from Tbilisi. It is usually combined with a trip to the Cathedral and Monastery in Mtskheta itself.

The Church is lovely - I’d recommend going early or late to avoid the crowds. It has historic significance as marking the king’s conversion to Christianity in the fourth century.
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Jvari Church, Mtskheta

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