Gelati monastery

Gelati Cathedral

The cathedral is located near the city of Kutaisi. The buildings are built on the mountainside. Upstairs is a picturesque serpentine. Near the cathedral there is a place where you can leave a car. From here there is a beautiful view of the valley below and the mountains of Racha-Lechkhumi in the distance.

The cathedral includes the following buildings:

• The Great Church of the Nativity of the Virgin – built in the XII century, is located in the center of the courtyard,
• The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Church of St. George the Victorious are both dating back to the 13th century,
• The arch of the gate under which King David the “Builder” is buried,
• The belfry was partially destroyed,
• Theological Academy,
• Outbuildings.

A bit of history

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin was built in honor of the annexation of Kakheti by King David. Later the academy was built, and then the outbuildings. In the past, the temple had not only spiritual, but also defensive significance, therefore, earlier the second row of walls was erected around the cathedral. Under Queen Tamara, the Church of St. Nicholas was built in Gelati. It is noteworthy that King David is buried here. This marked the beginning of the tradition of burying the kings of Georgia here.

Leaving the cathedral you can buy various souvenirs.

Very beautiful place, recommended for visiting.