Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the spiritual capital of Tbilisi. Christianity was declared the state religion of Georgia here in 337. The town served as the capital of the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Iberia, and at times served as the capital of Eastern Georgia when Tbilisi was under threat. The town now serves as the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, or the Living Pillar Cathedral, was built in the 11th century, and is still the second biggest church in Georgia. Christ's mantle is supposedly buried here.

We saw a baptism and a wedding while we were in the cathedral.

I'm not sure why there is a zodiac in the church.

There is a miniature version of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the cathedral.

Jvari Monastery, or Monastery of the Cross, was built in the 6th century.

The view of Mtskheta from Jvari Monastery was something to behold.

Now here's a door I wouldn't want to open.

Tbilisi Tangent Time: What were the citizens of Tbilisi protesting on March 9, 1956? Georgians idolized Stalin, and they were horrified when Khrushchev denounced Stalin and began de-Stalinization. This plaque commemorates the violent dispersal of a peaceful pro-Stalin rally. Wrap your head around the ethics of that.