How to Get to Zedazeni Monastery from Tbilisi or Mtskheta
Zedazeni Monastery at a glance
- Where: on the Saguramo ridge above Mtskheta
- From Tbilisi: about 30 km, roughly an hour’s drive
- Road: a paved road leads up the mountain
- Founded: in the 6th century by John of Zedazeni, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers
- Main church: St John the Baptist
- Feast day: Zedaznoba, 20 May
Facts about the monastery come from Wikipedia, Georgia Travel, Georgia.to and Advantour; 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; fixed stops and timetable | You wait for the next service | Depends on the timetable |
| Taxi app | Per trip | Yes | Usually not included | You need a new car on the mountain |
| 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, a taxi app gets you up the mountain but not necessarily back down, and a private car is priced per whole car with free waiting and the same driver for the return.
Why visit Zedazeni?
Zedazeni is one of the oldest monasteries in Georgia. It was founded in the 6th century by John of Zedazeni, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, who came to Georgia to strengthen the Christian faith. According to tradition, the monastery was built where a pagan idol of the god Zaden once stood, and the place still carries his name.
Today the monastery is a quiet, active place of prayer surrounded by forest. The main church is dedicated to St John the Baptist. From the ridge you look out over the valleys around Mtskheta, which makes the drive up worth it even for travellers who are not especially interested in churches.
What to see at the monastery
Start with the main church of St John the Baptist, the heart of the complex. Inside, the light is soft and the atmosphere is calm; take a few minutes before you look at the details. Then walk around the grounds: the old walls, the bell tower and the paths under the trees give a good sense of how the monks have lived here for centuries.
Finish at the edge of the ridge for the view. On a clear day you see the valleys and villages around Mtskheta below you, and it is easy to understand why John of Zedazeni chose this hill. If you have time, walk a little way into the forest along the paved road before the driver picks you up.
Who should take a private transfer
- You want to see Mtskheta too: the driver can stop at Mtskheta on the way up or down; stops are free.
- Families and small groups: the price is per whole car, not per person, and a child seat is available on request.
- You do not want to be stuck on the mountain: the same driver waits for free while you visit and brings you back.
- 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 Zedazeni 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. Keep quiet, as monks live here.
- Feast day: Zedaznoba is celebrated on 20 May, when the monastery is busier.
- Time: allow about an hour at the monastery, plus the drive each way.
Combine with Mtskheta
Zedazeni sits above Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital, so most travellers combine the two. Our Mtskheta travel guide covers Svetitskhoveli and Jvari, and the Tbilisi to Mtskheta day trip guide shows how to plan the day. If you are already in Mtskheta, see the Mtskheta to Zedazeni Monastery route page.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: Mtskheta, viewpoints 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 Zedazeni Monastery from Tbilisi?
About 30 km, roughly an hour's drive, at the end of a paved mountain road above Mtskheta.
Checked on 2 November 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Georgia Travel, Georgia.to and Advantour.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.