Is Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital, worth visiting and what should you expect?

The city dates back to before Christ, with archaeological digs and Roman baths still visible. An old Roman bridge appears underwater when the hydroelectric dam releases water. There are historic temples and monasteries, but some travelers were unpleasantly surprised by dirt and bad smells around town.

The area right by the main square and cathedral is clean and fully cobblestoned — it's also a convenient place to book accommodation, though cars struggle on the narrow historic streets. Nearby you can see the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers.

The main cathedral impresses with its architecture, stunning hilltop views, a notable bell, and a small church gift shop. However, the overall dirtiness of the town shocked some visitors — one traveler suggested it's worth returning only after a year or two, once the negative impression fades.

Opinions differ sharply: some visitors only know Mtskheta for its temples and river confluence and find the center clean, while others encounter clear dirt and bad odors elsewhere in town and consider it a real drawback that beautiful views don't fully offset.