Only 20km north of Tbilisi, lies one of Georgia’s oldest cities, Mtskheta (pronounced M-ts-khe-ta). Due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments, the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. As the birthplace and one of the most vibrant centers of Christianity in Georgia, Mtskheta was declared a "Holy City" by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014. Well worth a visit, even if just to see the many churches and historical sites – as well as to sample the local cuisine and, of course, wine.

Mskheta is especially popular with tourist’s due to its ancient churches and pretty landscape. Check out the Where.ge team's list of must-see monasteries and churches there, below:

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – This iconic 11th-century Eastern Orthodox cathedral features a 4th-century baptismal font.

Samtavro Monastery – This monastery was built in the 4th century by King Mirian III of Iberia. The church was reconstructed in the 11th century by King George I and Catholicos-Patriarch Melkisedek.

Jvari – The iconic clifftop orthodox monastery dating to circa 590 CE, featuring bas-relief carvings on the façade and listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Shio-Mgvime monastery – The Shio-Mgvime monastery is a medieval monastic complex, just outside Mtskheta in a narrow limestone canyon on the northern bank of the Kura River.

Mtskheta is accessible by minibus from Didube bus station in Tbilisi. Services run every hour.