TOURISTS AND TRAVELERS ALIKE OFTEN flock to big cities when they visit a new country. While there’s certainly a lot to see and do in places like the capital of Tbilisi, sometimes it’s worth venturing off the beaten path to explore some of the smaller towns and villages. One such place is Mtskheta, Georgia’s historical town located just outside of Tbilisi.

Here’s a look at why you should add Mtskheta to your travel itinerary.

Mtskheta was once the capital of Georgia and it remains an important religious center for the Georgian Orthodox Church. The town is home to a number of historic churches and monasteries, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which dates back to the 11th century.

Mtskheta is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history or culture.

In addition to its many historic sites, Mtskheta is also a great place to sample some traditional Georgian cuisine.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture or food Mtskheta has something for everyone. So next time you’re planning a trip to Georgia, be sure to add this little historical town to your itinerary.

You won’t regret it!