Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery is a medieval monastic complex near Kutaisi in the Imereti region of western Georgia. One of the first monasteries in Georgia, it was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia as a center of monasticism and education.

The monastery is an epitome of Georgia's Golden Age and the gold aesthetic used in the paintings and buildings. It was built to celebrate the Orthodox Christian faith in Georgia. Some of the murals found inside the Gelati Monastery church date back to the 12th century. The monastery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its striking architecture and importance of the site. It was a center of education and science in medieval Georgia.

The entire structure is based on "Golden Ratio" mathematics, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing aesthetic that is enhanced by triptychs and mosaics throughout the church. The Byzantine elements in the church's architecture and decor recall a golden phase of Georgian architecture when Christianity reigned supreme. Make a point of visiting this Medieval scientific and educational center while in Georgia.

Location: Imereti region, western Georgia.