Jvari Monastery

Crowning a hilltop above Mtskheta, the 6th-century Jvari Monastery is one of Georgia's defining UNESCO World Heritage sites, built to commemorate the country's conversion to Christianity. Its name means "Cross," and the austere stone church has drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries as a cornerstone of Georgian Orthodoxy. From the terrace you look out over the meeting of two rivers and the cathedral of Svetitskhoveli below, all just a short drive from Tbilisi.

A symbol of Georgian Orthodoxy, Jvari's austere beauty inspires pilgrims and visitors. Its setting near Mtskheta ties it to the nation's religious and cultural roots.

Currency: GEL; cash for small fees. Language: Georgian; some English at site. Safety: Very safe; watch footing on cliffs. Transport: Car or bus from Tbilisi, 20 minutes.