Motsameta monastery description and photos - Georgia: Kutaisi (Topic)

Motsameta Monastery description and photos - Georgia: Kutaisi. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

Motsameta Monastery (Monastery of Saints David and Constantine) is one of the striking sights not only in Kutaisi, but throughout Georgia.

The monastery is located above a stormy river Rioni is only 3 km from the city of Kutaisi, so most tourists prefer to walk to it. The more famous Gelati Monastery is also located nearby.

According to legends, the monastery was erected on a mountain where the Georgian princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze, who refused to convert to Islam, were executed by Muslim invaders. In the XI Art. a magnificent temple was built here and a monastery was founded, which received the name "Motsameta", which means "martyrs", in honor of the princes David and Constantine, who were canonized in the Georgian Church. And today, in the small hall of the monastery on the dais, you can see a huge rectangular ark with the relics of pious princes.

Today Motsameta is a beautiful monastery, immersed in greenery, decorated with round turrets, completed with pointed hipped domes. On the territory of the temple there is a small fountain with drinking water, which many consider to be healing.

Ancient paintings in the temple itself have not survived. All that can be seen in it today are the creations of contemporary masters. There is a bell tower not far from the temple; the exact date of its construction is still unknown.

In recent years, the monastery has been gradually reviving. In 2010, a major restoration of buildings was carried out and the entire surrounding area was improved. On the territory of the temple complex, the Motsametoba holiday is celebrated annually on October 15, dedicated to the holy brothers David and Constantine.

Topic: Motsameta monastery description and photos - Georgia: Kutaisi.