There are many good reasons why you must stop at Jvari Monastery before entering the city of Mtskheta. Here are three. First, Jvari is where the female evangelist, St. Nino, planted a wooden cross on top of a pagan temple and started her mission to spread Christianity across Georgia. The rest is history. Secondly, you can’t get a better view of Mtskheta than from one of the balconies at Jvari. Lastly, you can see the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, two bodies of water that have shaped the lives of the people in this region. Let’s go. Jvari Monastery is a sixth century monastery. It is also known as the Holy Cross Monastery after the cross St. Nino planted on this site. Jvari holds remnants of that cross which is revered by pilgrims to this day. Together with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Monastery, it is a World Heritage site. Wooden cross, Jvari Monastery Beaneath this wooden cross are remnants of the original cross St. Nino planted on this site. St. Ni...
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James Michener