How to Get from Tbilisi to Martkopi Monastery
Martkopi Monastery at a glance
- Where: about 25 km east of Tbilisi, on the southern slopes of the Ialno range
- Drive: roughly an hour from Tbilisi
- Founded: 6th century, linked with St Anton, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers
- Name: from St Anton’s life in solitude as a hermit
- Highlights: the main domed church, the bell tower, the remains of the defensive wall and St Anton’s pillar
- Today: an active monastery; monastic life was restored in 1989
Facts about the monastery come from Wikipedia, Georgia Travel and Georgian Holidays; checked on 2 November 2026.
Ways to get there compared
| Option | Price basis | Door to door | Waiting at the monastery | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared minibus | Per seat | No; to the village, not up the forest road | You wait for the next service | Depends on the timetable |
| Taxi app | Per trip | Yes | Usually not included | Hard to find a car back on the hill |
| Private car with driver | Per whole car | Yes, from your hotel | Free | Same driver brings you back |
In short: shared transport is priced per seat but runs to a timetable and stops below the monastery, a taxi app gets you there but not necessarily back, and a private car is priced per whole car with free waiting and the same driver for the return.
Why visit Martkopi?
Martkopi is one of the most atmospheric monasteries near Tbilisi, yet few visitors find it. Its history goes back to the 6th century and to St Anton, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia to spread Christianity. He lived in solitude as a hermit, and the name Martkopi comes from that life alone.
The monastery stands on the wooded southern slopes of the Ialno range, and the forest road up to it already feels like a retreat from the city. The main church was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. The monastery was closed in Soviet times, and monastic life was restored in 1989, so today it is an active and peaceful place.
What to see
The complex includes the main domed church, a bell tower and the remains of a defensive wall. Take time inside the church, then walk around the grounds and enjoy the views over the hills.
The most special place is St Anton’s pillar on a hilltop near the monastery. According to tradition, the saint spent the last 15 years of his life there in prayer. A path leads up through the trees; wear good shoes, as it is steep in places, and allow extra time if you want to climb.
Who should take a private transfer
- Half-day trip from Tbilisi: the driver waits for free while you visit the monastery and the pillar, then brings you back.
- Forest road: the driver takes you up the road to the monastery instead of leaving you in the village.
- Families and small groups: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
- Combining sights: add Zedazeni or other monasteries around Tbilisi on the same day; stops are free.
- 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 Martkopi Monastery 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.
- Time: allow one to two hours at the monastery, more if you climb to the pillar.
More monasteries near Tbilisi
If you enjoy quiet monasteries in the hills, see our Zedazeni Monastery guide, founded by another of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. For a longer day out, the David Gareja day trip guide covers the cave monasteries in the semi-desert, and our Kakheti in one day guide covers the wine region further east.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: viewpoints, villages 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.
How far is Martkopi Monastery from Tbilisi?
About 25 km east of the city, roughly an hour's drive, on the southern slopes of the Ialno range.
Checked on 2 November 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Georgia Travel and Georgian Holidays.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.