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Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is the religious center of Georgia and a masterpiece of medieval Caucasian architecture. The current building was constructed between 1010 and 1029 by the architect Arsukidze under the patronage of Catholicos Melchizedek I. It stands on the site of Georgia's first Christian church from the 4th century. The cathedral is renowned as the burial place of Christ's robe, giving it immense spiritual significance. For centuries, it served as the coronation and burial site of the Georgian Bagrationi kings. The facade is richly decorated with stonework and reliefs depicting Christian symbols and peacocks. The entire complex is surrounded by a defensive wall, reinforced in 1787 by King Erekle II to provide protection against invasions. Since 1994, the cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Location: Georgia
Top sights: Wine-cellar of Thadeoz Guramishvili · Ilia Chavchavadze House Museum · Shuaguli
Nearby: Marneuli (30 km)

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is a masterpiece of early medieval Georgian architecture and open to visitors. Its interior impresses with frescoes and the famous iconostasis.

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Typical hours

The cathedral is typically open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, on Sundays until late afternoon. Access may be limited during services.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed without flash to protect the frescoes. Outdoor shots are permitted at any time.

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Time needed

Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour for visiting the cathedral. Those interested in history should also visit the nearby museum.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with nearby Jvari Monastery on the hill above Mtskheta. The old town of Mtskheta with its ancient houses and souvenir shops also invites a stroll.

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Getting there

Mtskheta is about 20 km north of Tbilisi and easily reachable by marshrutka (minibus) or car. The cathedral is centrally located, a short walk from the bus station.

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Insider tip

Visit the cathedral early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds. A walk to the nearby confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers gives a beautiful view.

Geography

Coordinates

41.84220, 44.72310

Facts

The cathedral is the second largest church in Georgia after the Sameba Cathedral.
The name translates to 'The Living Pillar'.
King Vakhtang I Gorgasali was buried here in the 5th century.
The interior walls show fragments of frescoes from the 13th to 17th centuries.
The total length of the cathedral is 50.25 meters with a width of 38.5 meters.
The building survived several invasions and the earthquake of 1283.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Mtskheta<1 km · SExplore →

Jvari Monastery1 km · NExplore →

Aragvi River3 km · SExplore →

Chronicle of Georgia9 km · NWExplore →

Vake Park11 km · WExplore →

Mushtaidi Park12 km · NWExplore →

Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower13 km · NWExplore →

Gabriadze Theater15 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (10)

Wine-cellar of Thadeoz Guramishvili 🏺 historical

A historic 18th-century wine cellar that belonged to the noble Guramishvili family.

Ilia Chavchavadze House Museum 🏛 museum

The former estate of Ilia Chavchavadze, the father of the Georgian nation, which now serves as a museum.

🌐 georgianmuseums.ge🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00

Shuaguli 🎡 recreation

A recreational complex with gardens and pools in the scenic surroundings of Saguramo.

Queen's Bath 🏺 historical

Ancient ruins of a luxurious bathhouse reserved for the queens of ancient Iberia.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ⛪ religious

A UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece from 1010, where numerous Georgian kings are buried.

🕒 08:00-22:00♿

Mikheil Mamulashvili Garden 📍 landmark

An artistically designed private garden in Mtskheta, known for its rich variety of Caucasian flowers.

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Bebristsikhe Fortress 📍 landmark

A medieval hilltop fortress strategically located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers.

Antiochia Church ⛪ religious

A historic stone church standing near the scenic confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers in Mtskheta.

cm.giorgis eklesia📍 landmark

A traditional Georgian Orthodox chapel dedicated to Saint George in the historic town of Mtskheta.

Open Air Market 🎭 culture

A bustling outdoor market in Mtskheta selling traditional Georgian crafts, spices, and churchkhela.

🕒 Sa 08:00+

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral important?

It is considered one of Georgia's holiest sites, as Christ's robe is believed to be buried there.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, women should wear a headscarf and cover their knees; men should wear long pants.

Is photography allowed inside?

Photography without flash is often allowed, but it should be avoided during services.

Where is the cathedral located?

It is located in the center of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, about 20 km from Tbilisi.

How much time should you plan for the visit?

About 45 to 60 minutes for the cathedral and the surrounding grounds.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: where is it located?

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located in Georgia.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: what is there to see?

Highlights include Wine-cellar of Thadeoz Guramishvili, Ilia Chavchavadze House Museum, Shuaguli.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is the religious center of Georgia and a masterpiece of medieval Caucasian architecture.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral