Monastery complex in Gelati Georgia, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, Gelati Academy

Gelat monastery complex in the Middle Ages was the greatest spiritual and cultural center of Georgia, with which Georgian and foreign educators conducted their activities. The chroniclers called it "the second Jerusalem" and "Athens".

Gelati is located 12 kilometers north-east of Kutaisi, in the valley of the Tskalcitela Rock River. The complex includes: the main Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (XII century), the building of the Gelat Academy, the Church of St.St. George (XIII century), the two-tiered Church of St.St. Nicholas (XIII century), the belfry (XII century), the old gate and other monastic buildings. The territory of the monastery is surrounded by a fence.

The construction of the main Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary began by decree of David Agmashenebeli in 1106. The cathedral stands in the center of the monastery territory and is the dominant element of the entire architectural ensemble. The almost square hall of the cathedral is crowned by a dome with 16 windows, which is supported by two wide powerful columns. The cathedral is decorated with hewn Eclair stone. The wall painting of the interior begins with the XII century, has many chronological layers. On the altar vault there is the only mosaic in Georgia - the XII century - the image of the Virgin and Child, the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. In addition to religious subjects, historical figures are depicted on the walls: David Agmashenebeli, King David Narin, family members of the Imeretian tsar of the XVI century.

For centuries, Gelati had full autonomy and recognized only the authority of the king. Even the Catholicos -Patriarch of Georgia could not interfere in Gelati's affairs. The senior nuns and the rector of the academy were considered members of the State Council. Since the second half of the XV century, Gelati has been subordinated to the kings of Western Georgia.

Currently it is a men's monastery. In 1994, it was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.