Photogallery of pictures taken during journeys to historical sites of Georgia - Jvari Monastery.
Jvari Monastery is a sixth century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta, eastern Georgia.
Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.
According to traditional accounts, on this location in the early 4th century Saint Nino erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. The cross was reportedly able to work miracles and therefore drew pilgrims from all over the Caucasus. A small church was erected over the remnants of the wooden cross in c.545 named the "Small Church of Jvari". The present building, or "Great Church of Jvari", is generally held to have been built between 590 and 605 by Erismtavari Stepanoz I.
The importance of Jvari complex increased over time and attracted many pilgrims. In the late Middle Ages, the complex was fortified by a stone wall and gate, remnants of which still survive.
Erosion is playing its part to deteriorate the monastery, with its stone blocks being degraded by wind and acidic rain.
If you have any questions to joureys to Jvari Monastery or any comment to a photogallery use the information form attached below.
