Jvari Cathedral

Jvari (St. Cross Monastery) stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the village 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, a female evangelist credited with converting King Mirian III of Iberia to Christianity, 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 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”, was built between 586 and 605 by Ersimtavari 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.
Jvari Cathedral
Jvari, or St. Cross Monastery, was built between 586 and 605.
Jvari Cathedral
Looking down towards the village of Mtskheta. The Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers join up here.
Jvari Cathedral
Clearly, a lot of repair work has been done over the ages.
Jvari Cathedral
Jvari.
Jvari Cathedral
The village of Mtskheta with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the center.
Jvari Cathedral
This is all that remains of the original church.
Jvari Cathedral
Looking across the river and up to the Jvari Moanstaryl from Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta.
Jvari Cathedral
Jvari.
Jvari Cathedral
Entrance to Jvari church. This is the location where King Mirian III of Iberia converted to Christianity.
Jvari Cathedral
Jvari.
Jvari Cathedral
A man was being baptised the day of the visit to the church.
Jvari Cathedral
Icon.
Jvari Cathedral
Icon. The woodwork is quite impressive.