Gelati Monastery

The Gelati Monastery of the Mother of God (Georgian: გელათის მონასტერი) is one of the most important historical sites in Georgia, located near the city of Kutaisi. It was the center of religious and cultural life, as well as the seat of the Catholicos from the 16th century until 1814. In 1994, the monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The monastery was founded by King David IV the Builder in 1106 and became his burial place. The cathedral church was built before 1125 and is adorned with stunning mosaics, considered the finest in the entire Caucasus. At that time, the monastery was also home to the Gelati Academy, headed by Saint Arsenius of Ikalto, whose members were passionate about ancient Greek philosophy.