From Tbilisi: Mtskheta and Surroundings — From Paganism to the “Golden Age” of Georgian Architecture

Through the churches and architectural ensemble of Mtskheta, we can trace the entire evolution of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. Landmarks like Jvari Monastery, the Church of St. John the Baptist, and Svetitskhoveli were not only revered for their sacred relics but also set the architectural tone for the entire region for centuries.

At the same time, Mtskheta was a significant cultural center long before the adoption of Christianity, and its surroundings still preserve many fortresses and sacred sites from the pre-Christian era.

Let’s explore Mtskheta from a non-touristic perspective and understand how the city evolved from paganism to Orthodoxy — and how its architecture changed from ancient times through the Soviet era and the 2000s renovation wave.