Shio-Mgvime Monastery

შიომღვიმის მონასტერი

A serene medieval monastic complex tucked in a rocky limestone canyon near Mtskheta. Founded in the 6th century, it offers atmospheric old churches and a scenic drive through the countryside.

Things to do

• Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist — Explore the oldest surviving structure of the complex, a domed 6th-century church built by St. Shio himself.
• Enter the Upper Church of the Theotokos — Admire this 12th-century church commissioned by King David the Builder, sitting above the canyon.
• Descend to St. Shio's cave and tomb — Visit the deep cave where the hermit St. Shio spent his final years and where his relics are venerated.
• Walk the scenic canyon trail — Follow the paths through the dramatic rocky limestone gorge that surrounds the monastery.
• Drive the countryside road from Mtskheta — Enjoy the winding, unpaved scenic route through hills and fields to reach the isolated monastery.
• See the remains of the ancient water canal — Spot the medieval aqueduct built by Bishop Anton to bring water from Skhaltba to the monastery.
• Combine with a visit to Mtskheta's holy sites — Pair the trip with nearby Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery in the ancient capital.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian soup dumplings widely served in Mtskheta's restaurants, eaten by hand with a twist of the top knot.
• Mtsvadi — Georgian pork or veal skewers grilled over grapevine coals, a countryside favorite in the region.
• Shoti bread and sulguni cheese — Fresh clay-oven flatbread paired with the region's salty, elastic sulguni cheese.
• Khachapuri — Cheese-filled bread, often the Imeretian round style, available at eateries in nearby Mtskheta.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold as a sweet snack near Mtskheta's markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for the churches — Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf, as this is an active monastery.
• Bring your own supplies — There are no shops or cafes at the monastery itself, so pack water and snacks before leaving Mtskheta.
• Respect the monastic silence — Keep voices low and photography discreet, as monks still live and pray in the complex.
• Check road conditions — The final access road is rough and can be difficult after rain, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.

Nearby

• Mtskheta — 9 km
• Jvari Monastery — 10 km
• Rustaveli Avenue — 24 km
• Tbilisi — 24 km