Gelati Monastery — Attraction in Imereti

Gelati (Georgian: გელათის მონასტერი) is a medieval monastic complex near Kutaisi, in the Imereti region of western Georgia. A masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age, Gelati was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.The Gelati Monastery is in Kutaisi, Imereti Province, Georgia. It signifies the value of the Georgian christian orthodox religion. Inside the monastery is full of murals and an abundance amount imagery surrounding the interior of the church. It was one of the first monastery in Georgia and adds great value to the Georgian culture and beauty.

The nickname of The Gelati Monastery is the “Golden Age of Georgia”. The monastery was built during the byzantine empire which is known for the use of gold aesthetic in their paintings and buildings. It was built to show how christianity encompassed all of this land and that Georgia was filled with christian gospel all around even high up in the mountains. As the monastery is covered in arches that stretch over mountains show how encompassing the monastery is over the mountains and over the hills.The Gelati Monastery was built in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia. It was constructed during the Byzantine empire, during which christianity was the ruling religion throughout the empire. The Monastery is known as Church of Virgin the Blessed, meaning that the church is dedicated to the virgin mary and her spiritual powers. Mary has a motherly component to her that shows the important factors to the virgin mary, mother to jesus christ. Overall, the church was not just used for religious purposes, it was also used to teach science. It became the academy of math and sciences in...

Gelati Monastery, eulogized as the " New Athens" and " the Second Jerusalem". was one of the greatest spiritual and cultural centers of Georgia in the Middle Age. The monastery was founded by King davit Agmashenebeli (1089-1125) in 1106. At the monastery there functioned an academy, where there lived and worked outstanding Georgian scientists, philosophers and theologians. Since 14th century Gelati has been an Episcopal Cathedral. central building of the Monastery is a central cupola church of the Virgin. Its interior is covered with paintings of different times. After apse is decorated with a brilliant mosaic composition of a standing Virgin holding the Child with archangels on her sides dated to 1125-1130. In the western narthex there are mural paintings of 12th century depicting seven ecumenical councils. Most of the murals in the Gelati were executed in the second half of 16th century. Other architectural monuments of Gelati Monastery are of 12th and 14th centuries. These are:the Academy, Church of St. George, interior of which was painted in XVI century, a two storied building of the Church of St. Nicholas and bell tower, one of the oldest in Georgia. Gelati Monastery was also a burial vault of Georgian Kings. At the Southern gates of the wall of monastery was a grave of King David. Since 1994 Gelati Monastery has been inscribed upon the world heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and...

Nestled near Kutaisi in western Georgia, Gelati Monastery (Gelati Monastery and Academy) stands as a testament to the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in the 11th century by King David the Builder, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a stunning architectural complex, but also a former educational center that played a pivotal role in the Georgian Golden Age.

Gelati Monastery exemplifies the architectural style of the Golden Age, characterized by balanced proportions, smooth stonework, and decorative blind arches. The complex comprises several buildings, each contributing to its visual grandeur. The imposing Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, with its central dome and elaborate facade, is a masterpiece in itself.

Gelati Monastery is open to the public with an entrance fee. Dress modestly, particularly if visiting during a religious service. The monastery is easily accessible from Kutaisi by car, taxi, or public transportation.

A visit to Gelati Monastery is a rewarding experience for any traveler. It's a place to appreciate architectural beauty, delve into Georgia's rich history, and marvel at the artistic legacy of...