Gelati Monastery

The Gelati Monastery is a UNESCO World Heirtage site and complex, perched on a hillside overlooking the Rioni River and the city of Kutaisi. Established in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, it has structures like the Churches of St. George and St. Nicholas, a bell tower, and an academy where subjects such as geometry, arithmetic, music, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, and astronomy were once taught. The main cathedral, the Church of the Virgin, is the focal point of Gelati Monastery.

The interior features of the Church of the Virgin has remarkable frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints, and angels. In the monastery and its churches, great numbers of medieval mosaics, murals, and manuscripts have been preserved. There are two gates to the complex. The passageway of the south gate is preserved as the slab over the grave of King Davit IV. Another gate is on the east side of the monastery. It is better to have a guided tour so that you can get in-depth insights into all the buildings in the complex. Due to being an important center of learning and education, The monastery was referred to as the “second Jeruselum” and “second Athens”. The structure is built up by large blocks and the use of blind arches. The complex was also one of the country’s main cultural and educational centers. It still stands as an outstanding example of Georgian monumental art and mosaics.