Samtavro necropolis Archaeological Site
Ancient burial complex near Mtskheta with historic graves
Near Mtskheta's historic core, the Samtavro necropolis contains medieval tombs adjacent to important churches; visitors come for archaeological remains, early Georgian architecture and pilgrimage routes.
Samtavro necropolis at a Glance#
Address: Samtavro area, Mtskheta, Georgia
Hours: Site usually accessible daylight hours
How to Get to Samtavro necropolis#
The necropolis is a short walk from the centre of Mtskheta (roughly 5-10 minutes from Svetitskhoveli Cathedral). Mtskheta is about 20 km north of Tbilisi and is served by marshrutkas and taxis from Tbilisi’s Didube or Avlabari stations; drive time is roughly 30-40 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Samtavro necropolis#
- Combine a visit to the Samtavro Monastery and the necropolis for context - the two sites sit within a short walk of each other
- Go early morning to catch soft light on the carved tombstones and avoid tour groups visiting nearby Jvari and Svetitskhoveli
- Bring a guidebook or guide: many medieval epitaphs are only interpretable with basic knowledge of Georgian epigraphy
Best Time to Visit Samtavro necropolis#
Visit in spring or autumn to avoid midsummer heat and the busiest tour windows in nearby Mtskheta.
Weather & Climate near Samtavro necropolis#
Samtavro necropolis's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (547 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
