Plizio Visual Lab
Gelati Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi is an outstanding monument of Georgia's 'Golden Age' and was for centuries the spiritual center of the country. The complex was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, who also established the famous Gelati Academy there. This institution attracted eminent scientists and philosophers and was known as a 'new Hellas' or 'second Athos.' The main Church of the Virgin Mary houses some of the most beautiful mosaics and frescoes of Christian art from the 12th to the 18th centuries, including the monumental mosaic of the Virgin Mary in the apse. David the Builder chose the monastery as his final resting place and is buried under the main gate of the complex. Despite numerous lootings by Ottoman troops and Soviet suppression, the monastery survived as a symbol of national identity. Since 1994, Gelati has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Location: Georgia
- Top sights: Gelati Monastery Complex · kursebis "gogolashvilebis" koshki (nangrevebi) · berekashvilebis koshki kursebshi
- Nearby: Kutaisi (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 58 | 85 | 69 | 80 | 78 | 63 | 56 | 79 | 87 | 84 | 74 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Gelati Monastery is an active monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can see the main church hall with its mosaics, the monastery grounds are open.
Typical hours
Opening hours follow daylight hours, typically 9 am to 6 pm from May to October. In winter often closes earlier; inquire locally.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the church without flash to protect the valuable mosaics and frescoes. Outside, photos are unrestricted.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for visiting the monastery and church. For a walk around the grounds and gardens, add 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine Gelati with the nearby Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, just 15 minutes away. Both sites are part of Kutaisi's UNESCO heritage.
Getting there
The monastery is about 10 km northeast of Kutaisi. Best reached by car or taxi; buses run irregularly from the center.
Insider tip
Visit the monastery in the morning when the light through the windows highlights the mosaics beautifully. During services, stay quietly in the background.
Geography
Facts
- The mosaic in the apse consists of over 2.5 million pieces.
- King David the Builder ordered to be buried under the entrance area.
- The academy taught geometry, arithmetic, music, rhetoric, and astronomy.
- The site includes three churches: St. Mary, St. George, and St. Nicholas.
- It once housed the famous Khakhuli triptych enamel.
- UNESCO removed the monument from the 'List of World Heritage in Danger' in 2017.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gelati Monastery (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Gelati on the UNESCO list?
It is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and was a major cultural and intellectual center.
Who founded Gelati Monastery?
King David IV the Builder founded the monastery in 1106.
What can be seen inside the main church?
Famous mosaics and frescoes from the 12th to 18th centuries, including a mosaic of the Virgin Mary.
How far is it from Kutaisi?
It is located about 11 km northeast of Kutaisi and reachable by taxi or minibus.
Is entry free?
Entry to the monastery grounds is currently free.
Gelati Monastery: where is it located?
Gelati Monastery is located in Georgia.
Gelati Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gelati Monastery Complex, kursebis "gogolashvilebis" koshki (nangrevebi), berekashvilebis koshki kursebshi.
Gelati Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gelati Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi is an outstanding monument of Georgia's 'Golden Age' and was for centuries the spiritual center of the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Georgia →
Nearby cities
Kutaisi
Kutaisi is the third-largest city in Georgia and the center of the Imereti region.
Samtredia
Samtredia is a bustling city in the Imereti plain, known for its importance as a railway hub.
Zestafoni
Zestafoni is an industrial city in Imereti, whose economy is closely linked to the processing of manganese ore.
Chiatura
Chiatura is a unique mountain town famous for its extensive network of Soviet cable cars.
Tkibuli
Tkibuli is a mining town in western Georgia, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountains.
Khoni
Khoni is a small town in the western Georgian lowlands, distinguished by its traditional silk production and agricultural products.
Tskhaltubo
Tskhaltubo is a formerly world-famous spa town, valued for its radon-infused mineral springs.
Ambrolauri
Ambrolauri is the charming center of the Racha region, known for its fine wines and spectacular scenery.
Lentekhi
Lentekhi is a peaceful town serving as the gateway to Lower Svaneti.
Sairme
Sairme is a renowned balneological resort in the forested mountains of Imereti, famous for its mineral springs and wellness retreats.
Ushguli
One of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe, decorated with ancient stone defensive towers.
Shovi
A picturesque high-altitude resort in the Racha region, known for its mineral springs and coniferous forests.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Bagrati Cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi majestically crowns the Ukimerioni Hill.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
The Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its well-preserved dinosaur footprints and a beautiful karst cave.
Imereti Tea Plantations
The rolling hills of Imereti and Guria were once the center of Soviet tea production.
Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone
This industrial zone in Kutaisi promotes local and foreign investments in technology, textiles, and household appliances.
Prometheus Cave
The Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi is one of Georgia's most fascinating natural wonders.
Tkibuli Coal Mine
Tkibuli is the center of Georgian coal mining, extracting hard coal primarily for domestic needs.
Okatse Canyon
The Okatse Canyon offers an unforgettable experience thanks to a spectacular suspended walkway attached to the cliff wall high above the …
Zestafoni Ferroalloy Plant
The Zestafoni plant processes manganese ore from Chiatura and is one of the world's largest producers of silicomanganese.