Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi - this is one of the main architectural attractions of the city, is a symbol of Georgia's golden age. The temple stands on a hill above the valley of the river Tskali-Tsiteli. He founded and built a monastery near his residence in 1106, King David the Builder. This is one of the few architectural ensembles of Georgia, which has retained its identity, along with information about its founder and builder.

In the XIV century. Gelati Monastery almost completely destroyed by the Mongols, but in the XV century. it was rebuilt by the Georgian king George VI. During the XVII century. monastery lost its former importance. In the XVIII century. King of Imereti Solomon I took up the restoration of the temple complex.

Since the founding of the monastery also served as the necropolis for the Georgian kings. Quite a long time the monastery was a cultural and educational center, had its own academy. It worked great number of scientists, theologians, philosophers, translators and speakers before working in various monasteries abroad. Among employees of the academy including such well-known scientists like I. Petritsi and A. Ikaltoeli. Contemporaries called Gelati Academy, "a new Hellas" and "a second Athos".

From the monastery complex have survived to the present day Church of the Great Martyr George and St. Nicholas (XIII cent.), KATHOLIKON (XII cent.), The refectory, the bell tower and the building of the Academy.

The Gelati Monastery, numerous wall paintings, dating from XII-XVIII Art. Most of the attention of visitors attracted to preserved frescoes and mosaics, which are reminiscent of the creators of the temple complex. Here in the monastery, you can see the iron gates of the city of Ganja, delivered here in 1139 king Demeter.

The enchanting beauty of the monastery attracts a large number of guests. In 1994, the monastery was included in the UNESCO list of world monuments.