Useful information about Batumi and Georgia
Mtskheta
In the center of Georgia is a small city, but with a very large historical biography. In ancient times, Mtskheta was the capital of Georgia. In the fourth century, the founder of Christianity St. Nino lived in the ancient capital. It was here that many events took place that influenced the Baptism of Georgia. And only in the sixth century the capital was moved to Tbilisi.
However, Mtskheta remained the most important city. Through it transit all trade routes heading to the mountains. But soon the Arabs destroyed the city, and Mtskheta turned into a village, having long lost the status of a city. However, over time, the glory of the city returned. Mtskheta began to be considered the main center of Orthodoxy in Georgia, attracting pilgrims to this sacred place.
Mtskheta is located only twenty kilometers from Tbilisi. It is surrounded by a semi-arid lowland, on which wide hills and slopes rise, surrounded by mountain ranges. The city is located on the banks of two rivers - the Kura and Aragvi. In the center of Mtskheta, these two rivers merge beautifully, forming a trinity. Due to the merger, the formed river has a rich shade of orange.
In ancient times, the foundation of the city began with the construction of the fortress. The fortress was built on top of a mountain, from where merging rivers could be contemplated. And at the very foot of the hill, the city began to grow.
Today, Mtskheta is dotted with cottages and expensive villas. It has become one of the most elite suburbs of the current capital. Locals are fascinated by the beauty of Mtskheta and are delighted with the mild climate that they enjoy the whole year.
A few surviving temples remind of the great past deeds of Mtskheta. The most important temple is Svetitskhoveli. The cathedral personifies the center of Orthodox Georgia. This is a very huge building, which can be seen almost everywhere, wherever you are in Mtskheta.
When Georgia adopted Christianity, Nino of Cappadocia erected the Holy Cross. With this act, she marked the arrival of Orthodoxy in Georgian land. Later, the Jvavri monastery was built on the site of the cross. The temple is located on the edge of a cliff, at the foot of which two legendary rivers merge.