Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery

The Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 in western Georgia. It is one of the masterpieces of Georgia's Golden Age, a time when the country enjoyed political power and economic prosperity from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The façade features large, smooth stones, well-balanced proportions and blind arches to decorate the outside. The Gelati Monastery, which was one of the largest Orthodox monasteries of the Middle Ages, was also one of the centers of science and education, with the Academy it housed being one of the most important cultural centers of ancient Georgia. Because of its outstanding architecture and its importance as an educational and scientific center in medieval Georgia, the monastery was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. The monastery is perched on a hill overlooking the Tskaltsitela Gorge, several kilometers northeast of Kutaisi. It is built of solid stone and has a full arched doorway. The main monastery was designed to resemble a cross, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus and Christianity. And with its stone walls built to reflect sunlight, it was designed to be visible from much of the country. Throughout the monastery, including the bell tower, there are several archways. Nowadays, the monastery is still operating and its churches are still frequently used for religious services. Under UNESCO supervision, the site is being continuously restored and protected. All of the monastery's original structures are still intact and in working order.