travelguidetogeorgia — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:24:08 +0000

Last Monday it was snowing in Tbilisi for the first time this year. That same day I had another splendid opportunity to observe Jvari Monastery, located just off from Tbilisi in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and overlooking the confluence of Aragvi and Kura (Mtkvari) rivers as well as the Georgian Military Highway. The monastery’s name derives from the Georgian word “jvari”, which literally means “cross”. It was built in the VI century at the site, where the very first cross has been elevated by King Mirian back in the IV century upon recognizing Christianity as state religion of Iberia (Eastern Georgian Kingdom). Besides that Jvari Monastery belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and is one of the most visited attractions for both locals and visitors from overseas. It can be regarded as a “must see” in Georgia.

The view of the Jvari Church

On that last day of January that I’m describing, the major building of the church itself happened to be closed. Frankly to say – it was the first time in my experience, when there was nobody to open it for us. I dare say it might have been due to heavy weather and road conditions, as our car has had some hard time climbing up the hill and we haven’t stayed there for too long either: it is always windy on Jvari, and that wind is especially freezing during snowy winter days…

View over the confluence of Kura (Mtkvari) and Aragvi rivers

Travel Guide to Georgia