The monastery of Gelati is located two kilometers from the glorious Georgian city of Kutaisi, which historically is the second capital of the country. From the high hill on which the monastery stands, a picturesque view of the district and the majestic Racha-Lechkhum mountains opens.

In 1994, the monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

History of Gelati

The founder of the monastery - King David Agmashenebeli, erection dates from 1106 year. Throughout its existence, the monastery was repeatedly attacked. Thus, in the 14th century it was destroyed by the Mongols, but to its second birth was owed to the Georgian Tsar George VI. Later the monastery lost its former purpose, but in the 18th century the temple complex was completely restored by Imereti King I. Solomon I.

Gelatsky monastery for a long time was the cultural and educational center of Georgia, with it was its own academy. Among the teachers and graduates of the Academy are many well-known philosophers, academic theologians, speakers and translators. One of the most famous are such outstanding scientists as Arsen Ikaltoili and John Petrici.

How to get

It is most convenient to get to the monastery from Kutaisi on the minibuses, which go daily with an interval of two hours. Another option may be a trip by car, Gelati is on the road Kutaisi - Tkibuli, the turn to the monastery is indicated by a signpost. The path from the road to the monastery is a winding road, the length of which is almost three kilometers. You can reach the gates either by car or by foot.

Parking is located at the entrance to the monastery, and there are also several shops with various souvenirs.

The territory of the complex is surrounded by a wall, the entrance for tourists is free.

If you plan to stay here for a few days, you can stay at one of the Kutaisi hotels, for example, in comfortable Aeetes Palace or Hotel Kolkha.

Georgia with Oleg Panfilov: Gelati

Gelati today is

From the former grandeur of the monastery complex, we have reached the 12th century catholicon (the main monastic church), the church of St. Nicholas and St. George the Great, as well as the bell tower, the refectory and the Academy building.

Throughout its existence, Gelati served as a necropolis for the kings of Georgia. The walls of this monastery are the remains of the greatest Georgian ruler of King David.

Numerous wall paintings dating from the 12th and 18th centuries are also preserved. The main property of Gelati, of course, are its original frescoes and mosaics that preserve the spirit of those ancient times. The most famous is the 12th century mosaic depicting the Virgin and Child between the two Archangels. The mosaics and frescoes of the Georgian monasteries are different from the Byzantine ones familiar to the European man, those who come are struck by their huge size. Photo of Gelati (15)