How to Visit Ninotsminda Cathedral in Kakheti from Tbilisi

Short answer (2026/27): Ninotsminda Monastery stands in the village of Ninotsminda near Sagarejo in Kakheti — not to be confused with the town of Ninotsminda in Javakheti. Its cathedral, named after Saint Nino, is one of the earliest monuments of Georgian church architecture; it collapsed in 19th-century earthquakes, but a 16th-century brick bell tower and fortified walls still stand, and the complex is a nunnery today. The easiest way to visit is a private car with driver from Tbilisi, priced per whole car, with free waiting. See drivers and live prices on OrbiTrip’s Tbilisi–Ninotsminda (Kakheti) transfer page.

Ninotsminda at a glance

Where: the village of Ninotsminda near Sagarejo, Kakheti
Named after: Saint Nino
Importance: one of the earliest monuments of Georgian church architecture
Cathedral: collapsed in earthquakes in the 19th century
Still standing: a large 16th-century brick bell tower and a fortification wall with corner towers
Style: the bell tower and walls show Safavid Persian influence
Today: a nunnery

Facts come from Wikipedia, Georgia Travel, Georgia.to, Castles.nl and Georgian Holidays; checked on 3 November 2026.

Ways to get there compared

Option	Price basis	Door to door	Waiting at the monastery	Continue in Kakheti
Shared minibus	Per seat	No; to Sagarejo, then on foot or by taxi	You wait for the next service	Another minibus
Taxi app	Per trip	Yes, if a car accepts a long trip	Usually not included	Hard to find a car in the village
Private car with driver	Per whole car	Yes, from your hotel	Free	Yes, same driver, free stops

In short: shared transport is priced per seat but runs to a timetable and stops in Sagarejo, a taxi app is unreliable for the way back from the village, and a private car is priced per whole car with free waiting and free stops elsewhere in Kakheti.

Why visit Ninotsminda?

Ninotsminda is one of the most rewarding stops on the way from Tbilisi into Kakheti. The cathedral, named after Saint Nino, the saint who brought Christianity to Georgia, is one of the earliest monuments of Georgian church architecture and played an important part in its development.

The building has had a hard history. The cathedral collapsed in earthquakes in the 19th century, and today you see its surviving parts among the ruins. What gives the complex its unique look is the later work: a large brick bell tower from the 16th century and a fortification wall with corner towers, both showing the influence of Safavid Persia. The complex is now a nunnery, so it is quiet and well kept.

What to see

Walk through the gate in the fortification wall and look first at the brick bell tower, one of the most striking buildings of its kind in Georgia, with patterns in the brickwork. Then explore the remains of the cathedral and imagine the early church that once stood here.

Finish with a walk along the walls and corner towers. Remember that the nuns live here: dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before taking photos of people.

Who should take a private transfer

On the way to Kakheti: stop at Ninotsminda and continue to Sighnaghi, Telavi or Ujarma with the same driver; stops are free.
History lovers: the driver waits for free while you visit.
Families and small groups: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
Early or late plans: the price is the same day and night.
Plans not fixed yet: booking is free, there is no prepayment, cancellation is free, and you pay the driver in cash (GEL, USD or EUR) after the ride.

Compare drivers and live prices on the Tbilisi to Ninotsminda (Kakheti) route page.

Practical details

Pickup: from your hotel or any address in Tbilisi; give the exact address when you book.
Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
After you book: the driver confirms the request and sends you his contact, so you know who is coming and can message him.
Meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
Dress code: covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair.
Right place: when you book, make sure you choose Ninotsminda in Kakheti, not the town in Javakheti.
Time: allow about an hour at the monastery, plus the drive.

More in Kakheti

Ninotsminda combines well with other stops on the way east. See our Tbilisi to Ujarma Fortress guide, the Bodbe Monastery guide near Sighnaghi, and the Tbilisi to Sighnaghi transfer guide. Our Kakheti in one day guide helps you plan the rest of the day.

Why travel with OrbiTrip

Free stops on the way: viewpoints, wineries or lunch.
Free waiting: take your time at the monastery.
Free cancellation: change plans without penalty.
Same price day and night: early or late, the price is the same.
Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
Reliability: For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price per person or per car?

Per whole car, not per person.

Do I pay in advance?

No. There is no prepayment; you pay the driver in cash in GEL, USD or EUR after the ride.

Can I cancel?

Yes, cancellation is free.

Is this the same Ninotsminda as the town in Javakheti?

No. Ninotsminda Monastery is in the village of Ninotsminda near Sagarejo in Kakheti, east of Tbilisi.

Checked on 3 November 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Georgia Travel, Georgia.to, Castles.nl and Georgian Holidays.

OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.