Samtavro Monastery: the Cradle of Georgian Christianity in Mtskheta

In the sacred city of Mtskheta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Samtavro Monastery holds a special place in the hearts of Georgians: it is the place where Saint Nino, the evangelizer of Georgia, lived and prayed in the 4th century, and where her remains rest today in a shrine that draws thousands of pilgrims each year from throughout the Orthodox Christian world.

Monasterio Samtavro Mtskheta Georgia — iglesia medieval siglo IV Santa Nino
Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, one of Georgia's most sacred religious complexes, founded on the very spot where Saint Nino prayed.

The Story of Saint Nino and the Evangelization of Georgia

In the early 4th century, a young Christian missionary from Cappadocia — Saint Nino — began preaching the Gospel in the kingdom of Kartli (present-day central Georgia). According to tradition, she performed miracles that converted King Mirian III and his court to Christianity, making Georgia one of the first kingdoms in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion (AD 327). Saint Nino used to retreat to pray in a bramble thicket on the outskirts of Mtskheta — the very spot where Samtavro Monastery stands today.

What to See at Samtavro Monastery

The Transfiguration Church

The complex's main church, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus, dates from the 11th century and is a magnificent example of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. Inside it preserves frescoes from different eras and the monastery's most venerated icon.

Saint Nino's Chapel and Her Tomb

The small Chapel of Saint Nino marks the exact spot where the evangelizer lived and prayed. Her tomb, located inside the chapel, is the pilgrims' primary destination: they visit to pray and touch the sacred stone.

monasterio medieval georgiano — arquitectura ortodoxa piedra Mtskheta
The medieval stone architecture of Georgian monasteries is one of the defining features of the Caucasus's cultural heritage.

How to Visit Mtskheta and Samtavro Monastery

Mtskheta is just 20 km from Tbilisi, making it the most popular half-day trip from the capital. You can get there by marshrutka from Didube station (20 min, 1 GEL) or by taxi (15–20 GEL). A visit to Mtskheta combines Samtavro Monastery with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Georgia's most important temple) and Jvari Monastery, in one of the most culturally rich routes in the Caucasus. Also see the Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee at Samtavro Monastery?

Admission to the monastery is free. As it is an active place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly: covered shoulders and long skirts for women (scarves are available at the entrance).

When is the best time to visit Samtavro Monastery?

The monastery can be visited year-round. The most special dates are the feast day of Saint Nino (January 14 and June 1 according to the Orthodox calendar), when the pilgrimage is particularly intense and moving.

Can Samtavro be combined with other sights in Mtskheta?

Absolutely. Mtskheta is small and all its attractions are just a few minutes' walk away: Samtavro Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery (on a hill above the town) form an unrivalled triangle of Georgian heritage.