This Cathedral is so steeped in history and legends that you really need a guide to take you through and explain it all. Jesus' robe, Nino, Sidonia, self-rising columns, graves of kings, copy of the Holy Sepulchre, . . . All this religious background still today attracts lots of pilgrims that show their devotion by prostrating themselves under the ciborium where Jesus Robe is supposedly buried. As usual, the cathedral sits in the middle of a large yard, surrounded by high crenelated walls and fortified towers, clearly for military defense. The current church itself is a magnificent structure, build on top of older places of worship, very early 11th century. Although ravaged by invasions of Arabs, Persians and the Great Timur, a lot of wonderful frescoes have survived later whitewashing by Russians, even earthquakes. It's UNESCO World Heritage listing is well deserved. You can easily spend a few hours here.

Quite an interesting site to visit. Loved the architecture. High ceilings and yellow stones does add something to add when it comes to old buildings. Beautiful place and seems it has a quite a bit of history too.

Beautiful church…From here you can see the Jvari Monastery nestled on top of the mountain. A great place to spend your time looking at the architectural details of this church. Right outside you have a lot of shops selling Georgian made products. The cashmere shawls/scarves are a steal!

Well, I don’t know if I can say something more than what other travelers have written before me however, I would like to take this chance to share my own experience about this trip to this important, magnificent religious spot. It was breathtaking. I was able to take many pictures about the place, which is easy to reach. I think it would be better to go there with the travel guide which I didn’t do and I had to find some information from Google about certain things in this cathedral. Yes I advise everybody to visit.

Beautiful Georgian cathedral, with a stunning solid construction, wonderful icons and a gorgeous abside with the giant image of Christ. Was lucky enough to listen to the celestial voices of a choir. This cathedral is surrounded by a medium size courtyard. Several souvenir shops/stalls located on the way.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is an Orthodox Christian cathedral located in the town of Mtskheta. It was built in the 4th century AD and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The exterior part was built in the 11th century. The cathedral is used for regular prayer on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, when it's closed for public. There is cobbled path with shops leading to the cathedral. Very nice place to visit near Tbilisi.

Built in the 11th Century over a Fourth Century church, medieval monarchs are buried here as well as Christ's robe. Could be true, could be legend, could be a true legend. Who are we to argue? Symbolic carvings on the exterior brick. Very photogenic. In front of the Cathedral is a Tourist Information Center that has free maps in English for several regions in Georgia. If you love a good map, don't miss this.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in the historic town of Mtskheta, Georgia, is a stunning masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral, also known as the "Cathedral of the Living Pillar," is deeply rooted in Georgian history and spirituality. The cathedral's exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings that reflect the artistry of the 11th century. Inside, the atmosphere is serene and reverent, with high ceilings and beautiful frescoes that, despite some being lost over time, still convey a sense of sacredness and history. The cathedral is also known for housing the burial site of several Georgian kings and is believed to be the resting place of Christ's mantle. Visiting Setitskhoveli Cathedral is like stepping back in time. The sense of history is palpable, and the architectural beauty is awe-inspiring. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or someone seeking a spiritual experience, this cathedral offers a profound and enriching visit. The surrounding town of Mtskheta, with its charming streets and historical significance, adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit destination in Georgia.