# Mtskheta

> city in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia

**Wikidata**: [Q180810](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180810)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mtskheta)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mtskheta

## Summary
Mtskheta is a historic city in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient monuments dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, it remains a cultural and religious hub, situated at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. The city is home to key architectural landmarks like the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Coordinates 41.8431° N, 44.7194° E, elevation 460 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: 7,606 (2021), with historical data showing 7,940 (2014), 7,584 (2020), and 7,559 (2023).
- **Country**: Georgia, serving as the administrative center of Mtskheta Municipality.
- **UNESCO Status**: Part of the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" World Heritage Site.
- **Official Name**: მცხეთა (Mtskheta) in Georgian.
- **Aliases**: Mtshoeta, Mzcheta, Mcxeta, Meschetien, 므츠케타.
- **Website**: https://mtskheta.gov.ge (in Georgian).
- **Timezone**: UTC+04:00.
- **Memberships**: League of Historical Cities.
- **Twin Cities**: Leuville-sur-Orge (France), Trakai (Lithuania), Skrunda (Latvia), Irpin (Ukraine).
- **Rivers**: Confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers.
- **Postal Code**: 3300.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF 158291030, GeoNames 612890, GND 4299082-8.

## FAQs
- **What is Mtskheta's historical significance?**  
  It was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia (3rd century BCE) and a center of early Christian activity in Georgia, with monuments reflecting Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences.

- **Which rivers define its geography?**  
  The city is situated at the confluence of the Kura (Mtkvari) and Aragvi rivers, contributing to its strategic and cultural importance.

- **What organizations is Mtskheta affiliated with?**  
  It is a member of the League of Historical Cities and maintains twinning agreements with cities like Trakai (Lithuania) and Leuville-sur-Orge (France).

- **How has its population changed?**  
  The population has gradually declined from 7,940 (2014) to 7,559 (2023), reflecting broader demographic trends in Georgia.

## Why It Matters
Mtskheta is a living testament to Georgia’s rich cultural and religious heritage, showcasing architectural achievements that blend pagan, Christian, and medieval traditions. As a crossroads of ancient trade routes, it facilitated cultural exchange between Europe and Asia, leaving a legacy visible in its UNESCO-listed monuments. Its role as a former capital and cradle of Georgian Orthodox Christianity underscores its enduring national and international significance.

## Notable For
- **UNESCO Recognition**: Home to the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta," a World Heritage Site since 1994.
- **Ancient Capital**: Served as the political and religious center of the Kingdom of Iberia.
- **Architectural Landmarks**: Includes Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), pivotal to Georgian Orthodox tradition.
- **Geographic Significance**: Strategically located at the confluence of two major rivers.
- **International Ties**: Maintains twinning relationships with cities across Europe and Ukraine.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Mtskheta lies at the confluence of the **Kura River** (Mtkvari) and **Aragvi River**, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi. Its coordinates are **41.8431° N, 44.7194° E**, with an elevation of **460 meters** above sea level. The city is part of the **Mtskheta Municipality** and serves as the administrative center of the **Mtskheta-Mtianeti** region.

### History
Founded in the **3rd century BCE**, Mtskheta was the capital of the **Kingdom of Iberia** (Kartli) from the 3rd century BCE to the 5th century CE. It adopted Christianity in 337 CE under King Mirian III, becoming a major religious center. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of the **Silk Road** and other trade routes fostered cultural and economic exchanges.

### Demographics
As of **2021**, the population was **7,606**, down from **7,940** in 2014. Historical data shows gradual decline: **7,584** (2020) and **7,559** (2023). These figures reflect broader demographic shifts in Georgia, influenced by urbanization and migration patterns.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Mtskheta’s **Historical Monuments**—including **Jvari Monastery** (586–605 CE), **Svetitskhoveli Cathedral** (1010–1029 CE), and **Samtavro Monastery**—were designated a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** in 1994. These sites exemplify Georgian medieval architecture and the synthesis of Christian and pre-Christian traditions. The city is also linked to **Saint Nino**, credited with converting Georgia to Christianity.

### Administrative Status
Mtskheta is the capital of **Mtskheta Municipality** and part of the **Mtskheta-Mtianeti** region. It has been governed through various municipal frameworks, with its current status reflected in its **website** (https://mtskheta.gov.ge) and **postal code 3300**.

### Twin Cities and International Relations
The city maintains twinning agreements with:
- **Leuville-sur-Orge** (France)
- **Trakai** (Lithuania, since 2014)
- **Skrunda** (Latvia, since 2007)
- **Irpin** (Ukraine)

These partnerships emphasize cultural and historical collaboration.

### Infrastructure and Identifiers
Key identifiers include:
- **VIAF**: 158291030
- **GeoNames**: 612890
- **GND**: 4299082-8
- **UN/LOCODE**: GEZAA
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 8374155

### Religious and Literary References
Mtskheta is mentioned in the **11th edition of Encyclopædia Britannica** (1911) and featured in works like the **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary**. It is categorized under **Category:People from Mtskheta** for notable individuals born or buried there.

### Elevation and Environment
At **460 meters** above sea level, the city’s terrain is shaped by its riverine location, contributing to its historical role as a trade and settlement hub.

### Digital and Academic Resources
Mtskheta is documented in the **Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire** (ID 21800) and the **Grove Art Online** (ID T060120), reflecting its archaeological and artistic importance.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.trakai.lt/index.php?813797980)
2. [Source](https://www.trakai.lt/gyventojams/tarptautinis-bendradarbiavimas/miestai-partneriai/631)
3. [Source](https://www.lhc-s.org/member_cities/index.php)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://www.geostat.ge/cms/site_images/_files/yearbook/Yearbook_2014.pdf)
6. [Source](http://pop-stat.mashke.org/georgia-cities.htm)
7. [Source](https://www.geostat.ge/en/modules/categories/41/population)
8. GeoNames
9. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ge.htm)