The Ancient City of Mtskheta

　　The Ancient City of Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kartli, situated on the right bank of the Kura River, just a 20-minute journey from Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia. In 1994, the Ancient City of Mtskheta was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under cultural heritage criteria C (iii) and (iv).

　　Historically, this ancient city served as the seat of the Mtskheta Church and marked the prototype of Georgia’s capital. It stands as an outstanding example of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus and offers compelling evidence of the cultural and artistic achievements of this ancient kingdom. Founded during the Bronze Age of the Georgian dynasty, Mtskheta lies at the crossroads of ancient trade routes and at the confluence of two rivers. As a religious center, it follows the architectural style of 11th-century churches with domed roofs and cruciform layouts. The Ancient City of Mtskheta is a classic example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture and a testament to the refined art and culture of the Georgian dynasty, playing a pivotal role in the cultural and artistic evolution of the Georgian monarchy.