Mtskheta-Mtianeti

Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia and lies at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. The town is dominated by the vast 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, lined with frescoes and icons and the burial place of Georgian kings. Georgia was the second country in the world (after Armenia) to adopt Christianity as the state religion. In the 4th century, St. Nino, a nun fleeing persecution in Capaddocia, came to the Royal court and converted Queen Nana to Christ’s teachings. The story goes that the King, Mirian III, a staunch pagan, was hunting in the forests around Mtshketa when darkness fell and he became lost. It was only when he prayed to ‘Nino’s God’ that he was able to find his way home.