UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the 4th century, this is the location where Saint Nino converted the King of Iberia to Christianity, then erected a large wooden cross on the sight of a pagan temple.  The cross worked miracles and started drawing pilgrims from the area.

The Jvari Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Again, I had to cover my hair, wear a wrap around my pants (women are not to wear pants) and was not allowed to take pictures inside the church. I’ve uploaded a photo from the internet for viewing.

Inside the church is a large wooden cross, on a pedestal – where people touch and pray.

Driving to the Church

Parking Lot

Walking from the parking lot, filled with local’s booths selling souvenirs and one local offering donkey rides.

Interior

Photo Credit – wikimediacommons

View of Mtskheta

Jvari Monastery offers a fantastic view of Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia and our next stop on our tour.

Papakha Hat Time

Dachi and I.

Give!

Funny story!  

After Dachi takes my pictures, a Russian woman with little English tapped me on the shoulder, pointed to my papakha hat and said just one word to me, “Give!”.

This woman and her friend had fun posing with my hat! I loved this moment!

Rear of Church

Walking around to the back of the church.  Dachi mentioned that a couple from Czech Republic he took here on a tour, told him that this tree next to the church is the national tree of the Czech Republic. It is a small leaved linden tree.

Bell Tower

The bell tower was destroyed and the wooden frame tower was made in tradition of the Georgian Orthodox church – with three bells.

S, 🇬🇪