In the 4th century, this is the location where Saint Nino converted the King of Iberia to Christianity and 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.

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

Driving to the church:

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

The view from the monastery of the below city of Mtskheta:

Papakha hat time!  Funny story!  After Dachi takes my pictures….a Russian woman with VERY 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!!!

Dachi and I:

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.

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

Next stop……one of the oldest cities of Georgia…..Old Capital Mtskheta!

S, 🙂