Jvari, Orthodox monastery on Mount Jvari, Mtskheta, Georgia
Jvari is a stone structure built in a cross shape that stands where two rivers meet below a hilltop. The building has four curved corners and cylindrical recesses along its walls.
A holy woman placed a wooden cross at this location in the 4th century, and the stone building was later built there between 590 and 605. This monastery became linked to the spread of faith across the region.
The walls carry old Georgian inscriptions that show how people wrote in this region during early times.
The site is open daily and does not charge admission for your visit. You should plan for about two hours to explore the grounds thoroughly.
The building displays a blend of artistic influences from distant cultures that come together in its design. This connection makes it a rare example of cultural exchange during that period.
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