The Church of St. George
The Gelati Monastery, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Founded in 1106 AD by King David IV (David the Builder, ruled 1089-1125 AD) and the site of his tomb, a wall surrounds the monastery complex within which are: The 12th century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin; Two 13th century churches, the Church of St. George seen here and the Church of St. Nicholas; A 13th century bell tower; The 12th century Academy of Gelati building, which was a center of science and education; And other structures including monk’s quarters.
UNESCO notes: “The monastery is richly decorated with mural paintings from the 12th to 17th centuries, as well as a 12th century mosaic in the apse of the main church, depicting the Virgin with Child flanked by archangels. Its high architectural quality, outstanding decoration, size and clear spatial quality combine to offer a vivid expression of the artistic idiom of the architecture of the Georgian “Golden Age” and its almost completely intact surroundings allow an understanding of the intended fusion between architecture and landscape.” In addition to the tomb of David IV, other royal graves are found on the grounds including those of Demetrius I (died 1156), George III (died 1184), Vakhtang II (died 1292), George V (died 1346), Bagrat VI (died 1748), and Solomon II (died 1815). Tradition holds that Queen Tamar the Great is buried here, however her tomb has yet to be found.
The Church of St. George
The Gelati Monastery, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Founded in 1106 AD by King David IV (David the Builder, ruled 1089-1125 AD) and the site of his tomb, a wall surrounds the monastery complex within which are: The 12th century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin; Two 13th century churches, the Church of St. George seen here and the Church of St. Nicholas; A 13th century bell tower; The 12th century Academy of Gelati building, which was a center of science and education; And other structures including monk’s quarters.
UNESCO notes: “The monastery is richly decorated with mural paintings from the 12th to 17th centuries, as well as a 12th century mosaic in the apse of the main church, depicting the Virgin with Child flanked by archangels. Its high architectural quality, outstanding decoration, size and clear spatial quality combine to offer a vivid expression of the artistic idiom of the architecture of the Georgian “Golden Age” and its almost completely intact surroundings allow an understanding of the intended fusion between architecture and landscape.” In addition to the tomb of David IV, other royal graves are found on the grounds including those of Demetrius I (died 1156), George III (died 1184), Vakhtang II (died 1292), George V (died 1346), Bagrat VI (died 1748), and Solomon II (died 1815). Tradition holds that Queen Tamar the Great is buried here, however her tomb has yet to be found.