Svetitskhoveli

5.0

1588 ratings

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Level 16 Local Expert

Make sure to get a guide to tell you the history. Really nice and calm place.

Level 22 Local Expert

A very beautiful temple with a rich history, where the Bagration family is buried.There is also a 4th century well and there is water there, if you come with a guided tour, they will show you.In general, of course, it is better to be with a guide, he still tells you, but you will pass by and you will not find out where the shrine comes from.The territory is also well maintained, it is not very large, but you can enjoy the views and relax.

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Александра

Level 5 Local Expert

Every time I visit Georgia, I always go to Svetitskhoveli. The ancient place, the architecture, the interior decoration - everything sets you up for deep reflection and prayer. The territory is well maintained, you can just sit on the grass in the shade of the walls, admiring the beauty of the temple and the surrounding mountains.

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Юрий 🌍

Level 16 Local Expert

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Svetitskhoveli means "Life-giving Pillar", which is associated with the ancient legend of its foundation and emphasizes the exceptional role of the cathedral in the history of the country. It is almost a thousand years old and is the second largest cathedral in Georgia after the Holy Trinity Cathedral. 🔸Well-groomed territory, powerful walls - definitely worth a visit. Admission is free, parking near the cathedral is paid.

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Николай Жиляков

Level 30 Local Expert

This is a fantastic Orthodox church that leaves an indelible impression, but only for those who love details and are attentive to them. - The temple itself is excellent. There are hundreds of years-old burial slabs on its territory. Passing by, you just touch the history of Georgia, read the names of kings, generals and priests... I also like the minimalism of the temple - I come here to light a candle for the health of friends and relatives. - The territory is small and very well maintained. Neatly trimmed grass, flowering shrubs and gorgeous red pomegranates. - The walls of the fortress- temple have been restored. But you can find a lot of historical interest. Smoke holes in the walls - where there used to be wooden buildings, basements... all this is available for inspection. It's amazing how tiny this castle was.

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Станислав И.

Level 24 Local Expert

As soon as you get to the territory of this temple, you immediately realize that you are in contact with something unusual. Everything about this temple is unusual - its almost 1,000-year-old history, architecture, a miraculous pillar inside the temple, the graves of kings, frescoes, murals, icons... The visit leaves a deep impression. The territory of the temple is not large and is surrounded by walls. Clean, well maintained.

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Kристина

Level 20 Local Expert

Svetitskhoveli made a very strong impression on me. This is an ancient and beautiful cathedral, which is considered one of the main shrines of Georgia. I liked its majestic architecture and the special atmosphere of tranquility. History, faith and spirituality can be felt inside the cathedral. The area around the temple is very well maintained and beautiful. Visiting Svetitskhoveli left me with warm and unforgettable impressions. ⛪🇬🇪✨❤️

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Галина Пашутова

Level 16 Local Expert

A holy and sacred place. The heart of Georgia. Three shrines of Orthodoxy. The chiton of Jesus Christ. A particle of the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called! It defies description, you just need to come here. The priest always cordially welcomes tourists and pilgrims, blessing them with anointing. 🙏🙏🙏

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Оксана Н.

Level 18 Local Expert

Visiting this place leaves a strong impression. The shrines stored in it are unique. There is an opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Andrew the First-called and a particle of the cross. Pay attention to the wall near Nino's cross. There is a hand with a construction tool at the very top. This image is about the legend of the builder Arsuktdze. I feel very calm after this tour.

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Sofka

Level 6 Local Expert

A holy place with its unique centuries-old history, it is the main cathedral of Georgia. At the place where the church stands, the chiton of Jesus Christ was buried in the ground, from which a cedar tree sprouted. Here you can see the graves of the famous Georgian kings, the founder of Tbilisi, Vakhtang Gorgasali, Irakli II and the Bagrationi rulers.

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Лилия

Level 30 Local Expert

An incredibly holy place with a centuries-old history, it impresses with its grandeur and energy. A shrine that truly feels the power of religion and the history of several nations. It is very difficult to put into words my feelings when the guide told me how everything happened. Everything is very interesting, amazing and delightful. Svetitskhoveli is a place where you want to return more than once.

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Utkelova Marina

Level 30 Local Expert

Majestic. Spiritually. Powerful! Here, history breathes every stone. One of the most powerful impressions from a trip to Georgia. The main Orthodox church of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A huge, majestic and incredibly atmospheric place. Inside, the scale and ancient frescoes are amazing. The entire centuries-old history of the country is felt here. The territory is very well maintained and beautiful, located in the old capital of Mtskheta, a 20—minute drive from Tbilisi. One of the most memorable points in the travel program in Georgia. A strong and must-visit place.

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Алексей Савельев

Level 28 Local Expert

Svetitskhoveli is the main Orthodox church in Georgia, built in the 11th century on the site of the first Georgian church of the 4th century. According to legend, one of the greatest Christian shrines is kept here — the Chiton of the Lord. It is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also the resting place of the Georgian kings, a symbol of national history and the spiritual center of the country.

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Дмитрий О.

Level 18 Local Expert

One of the most memorable places when traveling in Georgia. We arrived by car in the late afternoon, when the tourists had left. What lovely streets around, what an atmosphere. The temple itself is saturated with energy, incredibly majestic.

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Тамарика

Level 18 Local Expert

Svetitskhoveli is the cathedral of the beautiful town of Mtsekhta and the temple, at the base of which, according to legend, is the chiton of the Lord. A chiton made by the hands of the Most Holy Theotokos and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. According to legend, the chiton was bought from the Roman legionaries by the Jewish rabbi Eloise and brought by him as a gift to his pious sister Sidonia, who, upon learning of the savior's death, died clutching the chiton to her chest. They buried her with her chiton - they couldn't take it out of her hands. A cedar of Lebanon grew on the burial site, which became a place of worship and healing. It was called Svetitskhoveli, the life-giving pillar. It was at this place that the first Christian king of Georgia, Mirian, was baptized, by whose order the first wooden temple was erected, which has not been preserved. Now it is a majestic, large cathedral. And a small chapel has been erected over the place in the temple where the chiton is located in the ground. There is a strip of uncovered earth along its outer perimeter. And another shrine is the cloak of the Old Testament prophet Elijah, which he dropped during his ascension in a fiery chariot. There are a lot of guides in the temple, if you are going to use their services, be prepared to hear about the fact that Georgia has been turned into a COLONY-PROVINCE, etc. in accordance with the modern agenda. When asked about Georgia's request to take it under the protection of the Russian Empire from the Ottomans and Persians who had ravaged it for centuries, he immediately avoided the topic: "Well, it's all politics."..And the temple is beautiful!!!

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Елена Михеева

Level 20 Local Expert

It's a very pleasant place. There are many mysteries. There is a female guide. My husband was anointed by my father. Recommend. In general, Mtskheta is a very colorful and peaceful place. Parking is 4 GEL per day. There's a store nearby. Not expensive churchkhels.

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TigerB

Level 16 Local Expert

## Review of the Svetitskhoveli Temple Complex I visited this magnificent temple in Mtskheta, and the impressions are simply amazing! Svetitskhoveli is not just a temple, but a real spiritual center of Georgia, its first cathedral, built in 1010. The territory of the complex impresses with its size and well-groomed appearance. Surrounded by an 18th-century fortress wall, the temple creates a sense of security and tranquility. There is a special atmosphere of peace and awe inside. The architectural splendor of the cathedral is amazing. Majestic domes, elegant frescoes and a unique iconostasis create a unique atmosphere. Especially impressive is the "Life—Giving Pillar" - the main shrine of the temple, associated with the history of the chiton of Jesus Christ. There are many historical monuments on the territory, including the tombs of Georgian kings. Irakli II, Vakhtang Gorgasal, George XII — their graves are located here, which gives the place a special historical value. The temple is located in the center of Mtskheta, you can get from Tbilisi by minibus (about 40 minutes). Admission is free, but women are advised to cover their heads, and men are advised not to wear shorts. It is allowed to take photos inside, which is very nice. The surrounding area is well maintained and clean, flowers and lavender grow everywhere. There are many souvenir shops and cafes around the temple where you can relax after sightseeing. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, architecture and spiritual culture. This place leaves a deep mark on the soul and memory.

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Оксана Валерьевна

Level 17 Local Expert

Magnificent architecture. There is a bas-relief of the Holy Trinity on the wall behind the cathedral, but not in the usual image. The cathedral preserves some of the most important Orthodox relics of Georgia: the chiton of the Lord, the font of King Mirian, a particle of the relics of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the robe of the prophet Elijah, the relics of the holy Georgian kings. Go inside and leave the room from the altar. Shrines are kept there. Since 1994, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Marusya

Level 11 Local Expert

A place with an incredible atmosphere and energy. You can walk for hours and come back again.... I'm very glad that I managed to visit there!!! It's hard to describe - you need to see and feel it. Be sure to take a guide and listen to the story!

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Alfia Shaykhalislamova

Level 16 Local Expert

A holy place! We arrived by taxi - 20 GEL from the center. The tour was taken on the spot - a delight. We learned that there are 4 Christian shrines here, including: part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the shroud of Christ… The frescoes have been restored. On the floor are the graves of the Bagrationi family, an ancient royal dynasty in Georgia, from which many prominent statesmen and military figures of Georgia and Russia descended.

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Маргарита Иванова

Level 8 Local Expert

Mtskheta is the first capital of Georgia, 20 km from Tbilisi. Svetitskhoveli is equivalent in importance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Orthodox believers. The chiton of the Lord and the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called also rest here. An ancient, majestic, stunning temple

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Наталья

Level 15 Local Expert

A very beautiful ancient temple filled with history. Here we met an elegant lady guide, who told us everything and showed us. Of course, without her, we would not have known and seen what is stored in the walls of this temple, what history it hides. Of course, this place is a must-visit if you are going to Georgia. It doesn't matter what kind of faith you have or if you're an atheist.

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Артём Константинович

Level 30 Local Expert

The resting place of the Georgian kings. The cathedral was built on the site of the first Georgian church. The cathedral also houses the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called and part of the cross of Jesus.

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KatrinaD

Level 18 Local Expert

An architectural masterpiece, one of the oldest Christian churches in Georgia. There is a church museum nearby - take the time to visit to see the Orthodox relics with your own eyes.

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Ирина Квашнина

Level 14 Local Expert

I was here early on an August morning. There were no people at all, except for a beggar. By the way, there are a lot of them in Georgia. A beautiful, historical place. A must-visit. I walked, watched, and enjoyed. If you forgot to bring your water, there is a drinking water tap on site.

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Александр Соловьёв

Level 9 Local Expert

It's a great place to come back to. The nature is incredibly beautiful, a very unusual place, where there are all the necessary shops, cafes and other delights of tourism nearby. I also want to add that we lived in a guest house with a view of this temple and got up with the sound of the bell!

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Анастасия

Level 23 Local Expert

I don't know what happened to this world. We came specifically to touch the place where the chiton of Christ is buried, to the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called. We got to the time of the service, the bells were ringing, and we were glad that we would participate in the divine service. And suddenly, in front of the nose, the entrance is blocked with velvet ropes. My daughter and I walked past the fence, some 8-year-old kid jumps out, he only knows Russian "you can't, you can't, turisto." He's trying to squeeze me out of the fence. He does not answer the question "why". It feels like in a mosque, women are not allowed in the temple. He behaved like a gypsy, rolling his eyes. The employees came up to him, said something, and he left. But I didn't want to enter this "closed " space for Christians. That's how they would have written "mine, do not enter" at the entrance.

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Саша Некрасов

Level 17 Local Expert

Every inch of this place is steeped in the history of Georgia, Christianity, and the Russian Empire. A place amazing in its power and beauty. It's worth coming to Georgia just for this place. If possible, be sure to take a guide.

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Шель Юрий

Level 30 Local Expert

This Orthodox church was built in 1010-1029 by Tsar Vakhtang on the site of another ancient temple built in the IV century (at that time Christianity was adopted in Georgia). The last changes to the cathedral's architectural appearance were made in the 15th century. Since that time, it has remained unchanged. According to local legend, after the execution of Jesus Christ, the shroud was brought to the cathedral from Jerusalem. It was laid in the foundation of the building, and then a cedar tree grew in its place. The tree was cut down and seven columns were made from it, which became the foundation of the future cathedral. This explains the origin of the temple's name, which translates as "life-giving pillar."

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Artur Tamrazov

Level 30 Local Expert

We were at the service on Sunday. The magnificent temple is an old building. You can go everywhere and take photos and videos. The machine that gave the commemorative coins did not work. I've had two transactions and the coins haven't been returned. The place is very beautiful, I highly recommend visiting. There are few such things in the world.

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Александр

Level 13 Local Expert

An amazing place, one of the best temples I've been to, I definitely recommend everyone to visit and see this splendor. The temple is beautiful!

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Таиса Яско

Level 12 Local Expert

A place of power, you have to believe and go to the temple. Thoughts are cleared, the soul feels better and warmer.

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Ирина Донскова

Level 10 Local Expert

The oldest temple in which services are held. Be sure to visit during the holidays. The most beautiful frescoes and icons. The history of the kings of Georgia will open before you

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Svetlana Ustinova

Level 30 Local Expert

A large monastery complex. It's a beautiful place. A large and beautiful temple. The walls of these buildings hold a lot of history.

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Леся У.

Level 23 Local Expert

Such a place is significant and has great historical and Orthodox value. I've read a lot about him and listened to tours. I really wanted to see these churches inside, the shrines. I was with a child earlier, but now I wanted to take a closer look. They were not allowed inside, they said the service was for the local from 9 to 13. It was a shame to the point of tears. We only had a couple of hours. I wandered around and tried to understand.

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Машинист

Level 27 Local Expert

Another very beautiful temple in Georgia. It is located in Mtskheta, near all the infrastructure, shops, cafes, parking for 3 lari, the temple itself is large, beautiful, many ancient icons, including very amazing ones. The priests walk around the temple, they can come up, ask if you are Orthodox or not, if so, they will give you a piece of paper and a pen to write notes for their loved ones, they will take the notes away, they will ask you to donate. It is a very interesting place, there is a large area around.

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Опанасюк Алексей Юрьевич

Level 21 Local Expert

Mtskheta is rich in history, of course it is mandatory to visit at least once, and of course it is better to take a guided tour. Although to be honest, a good guide is a rarity. Already inside, I overheard the stories of different guides and none of them caught on. There is no spark, no empathy with history, bare figures, facts and a time limit for visits.

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Anton Amelto

Level 27 Local Expert

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture of the XI century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Анна Кулаева

Level 9 Local Expert

A place of power. Very interesting. We arrived on our own, and a woman came up to us at the temple and offered us the services of a tour guide. We didn't regret agreeing. She told us a lot of interesting things about the current history teacher. It was very pleasant to hear a beautiful gramophone speech.

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Имхо 6105

Level 18 Local Expert

The cathedral, built in the 11th century, is one of the main Orthodox shrines of Georgia, translated from Georgian its name means the Life-giving Pillar. The miraculous pillar has been preserved to this day, now surrounded by a stone tent. The cathedral preserves part of the "True Cross" According to legend, it was on it that Jesus Christ was crucified, it is believed that the cape of the prophet Elijah is also kept within these walls. Also in the right side chapel there is a particle of the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called, to the right of the entrance is the baptistery, in which, according to legend, King Mirian himself was baptized, if you go a little further from the baptistery, you can find yourself near the chapel-this is a symbolic copy of the Kuvuklia of the Holy Sepulchre. It is also one of the four Destinies of the Mother of God on Earth.

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Юлия Д

Level 16 Local Expert

An incredibly beautiful temple with many shrines! Definitely worth a visit and take more time to get around everything in peace. I was also touched by the priest's kindness. I have never met priests so kind and open to strangers anywhere else, and meeting such a wonderful person in a foreign country was just a gift from God! Father David, may God grant you good health and long summers.

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Олег Внуков

Level 16 Local Expert

A place with amazing history and energy. Be sure to take a guide. This can be done right inside the walls of the temple. The most interesting tour cost us 30 GEL per family.

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Катерина

Level 20 Local Expert

The main Orthodox Church in Georgia. Very beautiful, neat, there is no pretentiousness and pomposity. Well-maintained territory. It was as easy and comfortable as possible for me to be there. We were passing through as part of an excursion, but a priest came up to us and invited us to the anointing ceremony. I was surprised by the guide's story about various secret passages and hidden rooms. It turns out that the cathedral has served as a shelter for a long time. There are many frescoes in the cathedral, even the astrological circle (wheel) is depicted. Many shrines are located in the temple, as well as many Georgian kings were buried here. I couldn't resist buying the child a cross in such a sacred, majestic place. 🙏🏼

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Tatiana Ivanovna

Level 30 Local Expert

We stayed in Mtskheta for one night. Of course, they couldn't help but visit this temple. The greatness of the ages. Everything breathes antiquity. They were able to build for centuries and with high quality.

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Slava Melihov

Level 12 Local Expert

The old cathedral, surrounded by red tiled roofs, not far from the river, makes an impression, it is worth visiting here.

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Семён Орлов

Level 30 Local Expert

The most beautiful place. Lots of energy and scale. This is not just a temple, but a whole story. Many historical people from the Russian Empire were here and saw this place in the same video. I just want to stop and slow down

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шон хилл

Level 9 Local Expert

It's a wonderful place, very atmospheric, and the temple has the holy Chiton of Jesus Christ.

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Ольга

Level 10 Local Expert

Strong stuff, I recommend it. I recommend the Georgian historian's guide, I left my business card in the photo. Very strong energy. There are four ancient relics. Two of them are visible, two of them are not visible. The first relic: a large part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The second is the relics of St. Andrew the First-called. This is something that can see with your eyes. Don't pass the energy. Also stored underground are the chiton of Christ and the mantle of the great saint. This temple is called the second Jerusalem. I recommend a guide (photo), Zivzivadze Tsitsino, she often goes to the temple (small Georgian, historian, dark hair, about 65 years old).

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Марина Брагина

Level 10 Local Expert

A real paradise on earth - the temple is in excellent condition, the landscape design is admirable - the plants are perfectly formed and grouped, I did not want to leave. I recommend it to everyone to visit. Pay attention to Tsitsino, a charismatic tour guide, effectively, with a soul giving the material. The real symbol of the temple.

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Татьяна С.

Level 14 Local Expert

A very bright place! We happened to be in Mtskheta for two days, I didn't even know that there was such an old cathedral here. There are always a lot of people, and the pilgrims go numb in droves. There are guided tours inside, if you wish. Admission is free. Look at the walls, there are many murals from different times. Of different faiths. You can watch the pictures as time passes and everything changes. The light and faith in the heart remain.

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Svetitskhoveli

456 reviews