Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta: how to visit
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta (1010-1029): one of Georgia's holiest sites and a UNESCO landmark. Why it matters and how to get there.
Svetitskhoveli is the cathedral church of Mtskheta. The present building was raised in 1010-1029 by the architect Arsukisdze, in the “cross-in-square” style. It is one of Georgia’s holiest sites: by tradition the Robe of Christ is buried here, and the cathedral itself served as the burial place of the Georgian kings. Since 1994 Svetitskhoveli has been part of the UNESCO site “Historical Monuments of Mtskheta”.
Why the cathedral is famous
The present cross-dome building was raised in 1010-1029 under King George I, with the work led by the architect Arsukisdze. The cathedral’s name itself means “the Life-Giving Pillar” and is linked to the legend of a miraculous seventh column that is said to have risen into the air of its own accord and settled into place during the building of the first church on this spot. By tradition it is right beneath the cathedral that the Robe of Christ is buried.
For centuries Svetitskhoveli served as the burial place of the Georgian kings. Among those interred here are Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi, and Erekle II, one of the last significant rulers of a united Georgia. This status as the main church and the royal necropolis makes the cathedral not only an architectural centre of the country but a historical one.
How to get there
The cathedral stands in the centre of Mtskheta, north-west of Tbilisi. Marshrutkas and taxis run to the town, and Svetitskhoveli itself is within walking distance of the centre - just a few minutes on foot from the stop to the cathedral.
Nearby
Above Mtskheta, on a hilltop, stands Jvari Monastery
- the two monuments form a single UNESCO site and are easy to see together. Mtskheta fits well into the Tbilisi → Kazbegi 2-day route. More places are in the things to see section.
Photos
On the map
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Admission and opening hours
- Admission price
- Free entry
A working church - follow the dress code: covered shoulders and knees, a headscarf for women. Donations are welcome but optional.
Details checked: June 14, 2026
Distance
- Tbilisi≈22 km · ~30 minin the centre of Mtskheta
- Kutaisi≈225 km · ~3 happroximate
- Batumi≈365 km · ~5 hvia Kutaisi, approximate
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