On the Monasteries tour we will check out the most historical, unique religious sites of Western Georgia, all situated in and around Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Motsameta Complex and Khareba (former Catholic church). All of these sites are uniquely designed and have their specific histories.

 

Bagrati cathedral is an 11th century cathedral built by the Georgian King – Bagrat the Third, Hence the name. It was attacked and destroyed two times, first by ottoman troops in 1692 and later Russians. Today, we can see the modern reconstruction of the old design.

 

Gelati monastery was built by David Fourth of Georgia – Also known as David The builder, to celebrate Orthodox Christianity and resembles Georgian Golden age. On this site there are 2 churches, a bell tower, medieval science academy, region viewpoint and in Good weather one can see Kutaisi, along with Bagrati Cathedral.

 

Motsameta carries a very deep, sad history. This church was built and named after the 2 brothers – Davit and Constantine, who were tortured and killed for organizing a rebellion against invading Muslims and refusing to accept Islam. Khareba church was first and last Catholic church in Kutaisi. In the 15th-16th centuries there was the Catholic church of saint Sophia here, which belonged to the royal family at the time. In the early 19th century, this church was demolished and construction began of an orthodox church which would be dedicated to Virgin Mary.

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The Monasteries Tour takes around 3-4 hours and is done with a car, with a driver and a guide.