Shio-Mgvime Monastery
შიომღვიმის მონასტერი
A cave monastery in a limestone gorge, founded in the 6th century by the Syrian Father Shio. Ancient churches and monks’ caves are set into the cliffs, and it is often visited together with Mtskheta.
Shio-Mgvime Monastery was founded by Saint Shio, one of the thirteen Syrian Fathers who arrived in the 6th century. It lies in a limestone gorge about 10 kilometers northwest of Mtskheta. The monastery is built into the cliffs and includes the 6th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, the 12th-century Church of the Virgin Mary (expanded under King David IV), and a bell tower. Monks’ caves dot the cliff face, including the cave where St. Shio once lived. Monks still live here, and the setting is peaceful, with far fewer visitors than Jvari or Mtskheta. Admission is free. Wear clothing that covers the knees, and women should wear a headscarf. It is about 40 minutes by car from Tbilisi. There is no direct bus, so hiring a car or joining a day tour that includes Mtskheta is recommended.
Opening hours
Open daytime (approx. 09:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Mtskheta
- Jvari Monastery
- Lisi Lake
- Open Air Museum of Ethnography
- Chronicle of Georgia
- Turtle Lake
- Dezerter Bazaar
- Mtatsminda Park & Funicular