Gelati Monastery

The monastery complex sits on a slope surrounded by deciduous forest. Behind the stone walls: three churches, a bell tower, the Academy building, and service structures. All buildings are stone with domed roofs. From the entrance, views open onto the green Imereti hills and the river gorge.

The main church – Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin (1106–1130) – holds a 12th-century mosaic of the Virgin and Child with Archangels Michael and Gabriel in the apse. It is the only fully preserved mosaic from medieval Georgia. Frescoes from the 12th–18th centuries cover the walls: the north side features a row of six figures including David the Builder (holding a model of the church) and Bagrat III. David the Builder's tomb lies at the south gate: the king requested that everyone entering should step on his gravestone – a gesture of humility.

The Church of St. George (13th century) served as a prayer chapel and burial place for Georgian queens. The Church of St. Nicholas (13th century) has an unusual two-storey design with an arched gallery instead of a ground floor. The bell tower – one of Georgia's oldest surviving – stands directly over a spring. The 14th-century Academy building was restored in 2014; it was once the educational hub of all Western Georgia.

12th-century mosaic – Virgin and Child in the main church apse, the only fully preserved medieval mosaic in Georgia

David the Builder's tomb – at the south gate, beneath the Iron Gates of Ganja (a 1138 war trophy)

Gelati Academy – medieval centre of learning that chroniclers called 'a second Jerusalem' and 'a new Athens'

UNESCO status – World Heritage Site since 1994 (retained after Bagrati Cathedral was delisted in 2017)

Frescoes – wall paintings from the 12th–18th centuries depicting Georgian kings and saints

Three churches – Cathedral of the Nativity (12th c.), Church of St. George (13th c.), Church of St. Nicholas (13th c.)

Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 by King David IV the Builder when Kutaisi served as Georgia's capital. The main Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin was completed in 1130 under Demetrius I. David IV made the monastery both a religious and educational institution: the Gelati Academy attracted scholars, philosophers, and theologians from across Georgia and abroad. Its notable alumni included philosopher Ioane Petritsi and theologian Arsen Ikaltoeli. David the Builder was buried at the south gate in 1125, starting a tradition: Gelati became the burial site for Georgian and Imeretian kings.

In 1510, Ottoman Turks set fire to the monastery, but Bagrat III of Imereti restored the complex. In 1922, the Bolsheviks expelled the monks. The churches were reconsecrated in 1988. In 1994, the monastery and Bagrati Cathedral received joint UNESCO World Heritage status. A major roof repair began in 2014 but led to water damage to the frescoes due to a faulty roof. Restoration continues with international specialists under UNESCO oversight.

From Kutaisi (11 km, 15–20 min):

– Marshrutka #33 from Dinmart supermarket (behind the Drama Theatre) – 1 GEL, departures: 7:30, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00. Last return from Gelati – 4:30 PM

– Taxi – 12–15 GEL (~$4–5) one way; 25 GEL (~$9) round trip; 30 GEL (~$11) including Motsameta

From Tbilisi (230 km):

– First to Kutaisi (marshrutka 20 GEL / train 9 GEL), then local transport

– Car rental – free parking at the monastery

Walking from Gelati to Motsameta:

– About 1 hour, mostly downhill along the road or through the forest (following the railway tracks). Signposted.

Season: April–October for comfortable weather and green landscapes. Accessible in winter, but may be damp.

Time of day: Morning (before 11:00 AM) – fewest visitors. Sunday services from ~10:00 AM offer Georgian choral singing.

Duration: 45–60 minutes for the complex. With a walk to Motsameta – 2.5–3 hours.

Avoid: Summer weekends – tour buses arrive in numbers. Saturday afternoon is peak time.