Gelati monastery in Kutaisi is one of the main architectural attractions of the city, a symbol of the Georgian Golden age. The temple stands on a hill above the valley of the river Ckal-CITEL. Founded and built a monastery not far from his residence in 1106 by king David the Builder. This is one of the few architectural ensembles in Georgia, which has retained its identity along with information about its founder and the builders.

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

Since the founding of the monastery also served as a necropolis for the Georgian kings. Quite a long time the monastery was a cultural and educational center, had its own Academy. Worked here a huge number of scientists, theologians, philosophers, translators and speakers, before working in various monasteries abroad. Among the Academy staff included such famous scientists as I. Petritsi and A. Ikaltoeli. Contemporaries called the Gelati Academy "new Hellascom" or "second Athos".

The monastery complex up to the present day remained the Church of St. George and St. Nicholas (XIII century), the katholikon (XII century), the refectory, bell tower and the building of the Academy.

In the Gelati monastery has preserved a great number of wall paintings, Dating from the XII-XVIII centuries most attract the visitors attention-preserved frescoes and mosaics that remind one 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 by king Demetre.

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