Temples & religious sites
Motsameta monastery
Motsameta Monastery
Motsameta is a Georgian Orthodox monastery situated on a cliff overlooking a bend in the Tskaltsitela River. Visitors go here to see the religious architecture and the surrounding river valley landscape.
Getting There
The monastery is located approximately 6 km northeast of central Kutaisi. It is accessible by car or taxi, typically taking about 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Be aware that the final approach involves a walk to reach the cliffside complex.
Duration of Visit
Allow roughly 1 to 2 hours to explore the monastery grounds and view the river from the cliff edge.
When to Visit
Visiting during the morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat. Spring and autumn are suitable seasons for the walk to the site. While it is a popular site, it generally does not reach the crowd levels of the city center.
Nearby Attractions
Due to its location, this site can be combined with other nearby landmarks in a single trip:
- Sakajia Cave Natural Monument: 0.3 km
- Gelati Monastery: 1.6 km
- Iazoni Cave Natural Monument: 2.9 km
- Uqimerioni Fortress: 4.5 km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors