Shio-Mgvime Monastery
6th-century cave monastery in a limestone canyon west of Mtskheta, founded by St Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers.
Shio-Mgvime MonasteryPhoto: George Melashvili, CC BY-SA 3.0Shio-Mgvime, 'the cave of Shio', is a monastery complex in a narrow limestone canyon on the north bank of the Mtkvari, about 10 km west of Mtskheta by road and 30 km from Tbilisi. It was founded in the 6th century by the monk Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who spread monastic life across Georgia. Monks' caves are cut into the cliffs around the site and along the approach road, and Shio's own cave, where he spent his last years as a hermit, is still part of the monastery.
The lower Church of St John the Baptist dates from the 560s to 580s, and the larger Upper Church of the Virgin from the early 12th century. The monastery is active, with a small community of monks, and sees far fewer visitors than Mtskheta. Bare cliffs, the quiet of the gorge and the cave cells are the main appeal. It pairs well with a morning in Mtskheta.
History
St Shio founded a community here in the 6th century, and it grew into one of the most important monasteries in Georgia. The cruciform Church of St John the Baptist was built between about 560 and 580. The Upper Church of the Virgin was added around 1100 under King David IV the Builder and rebuilt as a basilica in 1678. The refectory, connected to Shio's cave, was built in stages between the 12th and 17th centuries, and in 1937 archaeologists uncovered a 2 km aqueduct from the village of Skhaltba.
What to see and do
- Church of St John the Baptist from the 6th century
- Upper Church of the Virgin, rebuilt in 1678
- St Shio's cave beside the refectory
- Monks' caves cut into the canyon walls
- Quiet walks in the limestone gorge
How to visit
Getting there
Shio-Mgvime is about 30 km from Tbilisi, roughly 40 minutes by car, and about 20 minutes from Mtskheta. There is no regular public transport to the monastery, so go by taxi or car.
When to go
Spring and autumn; mornings. Plan 1–1.5 hours here.
- Dress modestly; women may be asked to wear a skirt and headscarf.
- Wear shoes with grip if you plan to climb to the caves and upper church.
- Combine with Mtskheta in the same half day by taxi.
- Bring water; there are few facilities in the gorge.
Shio-Mgvime Monastery: FAQ
How far is Shio-Mgvime from Tbilisi?
About 30 km, or roughly 40 minutes by car. Most people visit it together with Mtskheta, about 10 km away.
What does Shio-Mgvime mean?
It means 'the cave of Shio', after St Shio, the 6th-century founder, who lived his last years as a hermit in a deep cave here.
Tours that include Shio-Mgvime Monastery
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Shio-Mgvime Monastery.
