The sixth century Georgian Orthodox Jvari Monastery near Mtskheta, eastern Georgia, which is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, has been re-opened to tourists today.

The monastery was closed on the decision of the Church Head on January 14 due to the presence of street traders near the site.
Mtskheta Mayor Giorgi Kapanadze told media that he talked to the patriarchate and they reached an agreement to re-open the temple.

The Patriarchate of Georgia called on the government and the Ministry of Culture to take effective steps to “civilize the activities of street traders in the areas adjacent to the Church,” saying the presence of vendors creates “disorder and insanitary” conditions near the historic site.

“We understand that people live in poverty and use various ways to earn living, but when there are so many tourists and pilgrims in the country, it is awkward for Georgia of the 21st century to be represented by such disorder near the old temples,” the Patriarchate stated on Tuesday.

The vendors claim street trading is the only means of earning money for the local population.

By Thea Morrison

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