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Temples & religious sites

Gelati Monastery

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Gelati Monastery

About the Site

Gelati Monastery is a medieval religious complex situated outside Kutaisi. The site centers on the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, originally founded by a Georgian king, with several smaller churches and structures clustered around it. Its 13th-century buildings provide clear insight into the architectural traditions and history of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Getting There

The complex is located northeast of central Kutaisi. By car or taxi, the trip from the city center takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Local minibuses also provide transit between central Kutaisi and the monastery area.

Time to Spend

Allow between 1 and 1.5 hours for a visit. This provides enough time to walk through the central cathedral, observe the surrounding churches, and explore the enclosed grounds.

When to Visit

Arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday tour group crowds and warmer temperatures. As with most active Georgian Orthodox religious sites, visitors are expected to wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.

Nearby Attractions

A visit can be combined with several other destinations in the immediate area:

  • Motsameta monastery (1.6 km)
  • Sakajia Cave Natural Monument (1.9 km)
  • Iazoni Cave Natural Monument (4.4 km)
  • Uqimerioni Fortress (5.5 km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Gelati Monastery

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Gelati Monastery Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Kutaisi 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Kutaisi grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Kutaisi 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kutaisi grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Motsameta monastery

Temples & religious sites

Motsameta monastery

A monastery located 6 km northeast of central Kutaisi, perched on a cliff above a bend in the Tskaltsitela River with beautiful views. It's a place where you can experience both Georgia's natural scenery and its religious heritage.

1.6 km away
Sakajia Cave Natural Monument

Nature

Sakajia Cave Natural Monument

This karst cave in a gorge in the Imereti region is where significant archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Motsameta Monastery.

1.9 km away
Iazoni Cave Natural Monument

Nature

Iazoni Cave Natural Monument

A karst cave along the Tskaltsitela River near Kutaisi. It's a great spot to follow the river and explore the cave in its natural state.

4.4 km away
Uqimerioni Fortress

Castles & palaces

Uqimerioni Fortress

An old fortress remaining at a gorge along the Tskhenistsqali River in the mountains of western Georgia. Its history dates back to 6th-century records, and you can see traces of its past as an important defensive stronghold of the kingdom.

5.5 km away
Lado Meskhishvili State Drama Theatre

Culture & venues

Lado Meskhishvili State Drama Theatre

Located in the center of Kutaisi, this theatre has been one of Georgia's leading performance venues since 1861, still hosting a variety of plays today. As a landmark of the city, it's also worth a stroll-by just to admire the exterior.

5.7 km away
Kutaisi State Historical Museum

Museums & galleries

Kutaisi State Historical Museum

One of Georgia's leading history museums, located in Kutaisi. With its extensive collections and research base, it's a great place to explore Georgian history in depth.

6.0 km away