Shio-Mgvime Monastery

Shio-Mgvime was founded in the sixth century by Shio, one of the Assyrian fathers who established monasticism in Georgia, who is said to have lived in a cave here, and the monastery that grew around him became one of the largest in the country during the medieval period. It occupies a narrow limestone gorge west of Mtskheta, with the Church of Saint John the Baptist, the oldest building, standing above cells and chambers cut into the rock, and a domed church of the twelfth century beside it. Shio's own cave and grave are below the church. The road in follows the gorge through bare hills, which makes the arrival at the green cluster of buildings abrupt.

What you actually see

• Cells cut into the rock - the cave dwellings of the early community.
• The Church of Saint John the Baptist - the sixth-century core.
• Shio's cave and grave - the shrine below the church.
• The bare limestone gorge - the approach from Mtskheta.

When to go

April to October. Two hours from Mtskheta. The road is narrow and rough in places. Modest dress is expected and coverings are available at the entrance.

Honest expectations

The road in is narrow with passing difficulties and taxis charge accordingly. It is a working monastery with photography restrictions. Interiors are dark. There are no facilities on site.

Nearby

Mtskheta is east; Tbilisi lies beyond it.