Tbilisi-Mtskheta: two ancient legends

What to expect

Tbilisi

Sulfur baths — to the origins of Tbilisi
We will start our acquaintance with the city in the area of the sulfur baths, the very place where the history of the Georgian capital began. I will tell you about the legend associated with King Vakhtang and the founding of the city, as well as about the baths themselves, which have always been popular among the Tbilisians. Here, people discussed the latest news, held feasts, and local matchmakers even arranged bride-viewings. Moreover, many famous people visited the hot springs here — Pushkin, Dumas-father, and among recent guests — Sting.

From the waterfall — to the oldest square of the city
Then we will walk along the Legvtakhevi gorge, which became the favorite place of all city guests after being cleared in 2012. Here, you will see a rare phenomenon — a waterfall in the center of the city. We will cross to the other side of the gorge, climb a spiral staircase, and walk along beautiful streets to the oldest city square — Meidan. It was here that the famous Armenian poet Sayat-Nova read his poems, and nearby, the famous artist Niko Pirosmani traded milk.

Former craft rows and caravanserai
Next, we will move to the quarter of Sharden Street, where there used to be rows of craftsmen, and each street has its own name: Cotton Rows, Iron Rows, and Dark Rows (now Jean Sharden Street). On the way, you will see a caravanserai where the heir to the Russian throne, Alexander II, was greeted. And on Sioni Street, you will be greeted by the statue of "Tamada," an enlarged copy of the ancient figurine found in the Vani archaeological site.

History of Sioni Cathedral
We will approach the Sioni Cathedral, near which I will tell you about its turbulent history, the multiple destructions during invasions and restoration works, as well as about the main shrine of the cathedral — the cross of Saint Nino. Additionally, we will talk about Alexander Griboyedov, who got married in this church to Princess Nino Chavchavadze. Opposite Sioni, you will see the bell tower of 1812, presented to the city by Emperor Alexander II.

Market rows, ancient churches, and the Bridge of Peace
During the walk, you will also see the buildings of former caravanserais, where there used to be trading points, hotel rooms, and warehouses. Peeking into a carpet shop, you will feel like you've traveled back a couple of centuries and imagine what the trading stalls used to be like. You will stroll along the modern symbol of the city — the Bridge of Peace, see the oldest shrine of Tbilisi — Anchiskhati Church from the 6th century, and take a photo near the most unusual clock tower at the Puppet Theater.

Mtskheta

Sanctuaries of the first capital of Georgia
Then we will head to Mtskheta — the first capital and one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Here, you will find many sanctuaries, one of which is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the main cathedral of Georgia. It is under this cathedral that the chiton of Jesus Christ rests. Inside, you will see other relics of the cathedral: the life-giving column cross, the relics of Saint Andrew the First-Called, the wooden cross containing a piece of the true cross on which Jesus was crucified. You will also see the tombstones of the kings and much more.

Jvari Monastery and local cuisine
After strolling through beautiful narrow streets, tasting local sweets and wine, you will head to the Jvari Monastery. This abode was located at the site of the first cross set by Saint Nino, thanks to whom Georgia adopted Orthodoxy in the 4th century. This monastery was mentioned by M. Yu. Lermontov in the poem "Mtsyri." From here, you will have a wonderful view of the confluence of the two rivers, Kura and Aragvi, which has long been one of Georgia's traditional postcards.