Motsameta Monastery

Motsameta Monastery tickets: which one to buy

Motsameta Monastery stands on a cliff above a bend of the Tskaltsitela river, about six kilometres east of Kutaisi, in western Georgia, and entry is free. It is one of the most picturesque monasteries in Georgia, surrounded by forest and the river gorge. Most visitors combine Motsameta with Gelati Monastery, about four kilometres away, and with Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, on a half-day tour. A taxi from Kutaisi is the easiest way to reach it.

From the parking area, a path and steps lead down to the monastery on the cliff. The monastery is active, with monks, and visitors should dress modestly, with women covering their heads. The views over the river and the forested gorge are beautiful. Kutaisi is served by an international airport with budget flights. A taxi from Kutaisi can combine Motsameta, Gelati and Bagrati in about three hours.

Visiting Motsameta Monastery: what to see

The monastery is dedicated to two brothers, Davit and Constantine Mkheidze, princes of Argveti, who were martyred in the eighth century by Arab invaders led by Marwan the Deaf, after refusing to convert to Islam. According to legend, their bodies were thrown into the river, but lions brought them back to the cliff, where they were buried. The name Motsameta means place of martyrs. The monastery was built in the eleventh century by King Bagrat III and later restored. The church, simple and small, holds the relics of the two saints in a silver casket. According to tradition, pilgrims who crawl three times under the casket while making a wish will have their wish granted. The church's interior is decorated with icons and frescoes.

The bell tower stands beside the church, and the monastery's buildings sit on the edge of the cliff. The monastery's walls rise from the cliff edge, and a small balcony looks down on the river. The relics of the martyrs are kept on a raised platform, with the casket supported on the backs of stone lions. The church's icons include images of the two brothers dressed as princes. The courtyard has a well and flowers. The monastery's bell tower rings for services. A spring below the cliff is said to have healing water. The site's forest is home to birds and wildlife. The monks welcome visitors and pilgrims. Candles lit by pilgrims fill the church with a warm glow. The stone steps down from the road are lined with trees.

Motsameta Monastery opening hours and the best time to go

The monastery is open daily. Western Georgia is humid, and spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, when the forest is green or colourful. Summer can be hot, but the gorge is cooler. The feast of the martyrs Davit and Constantine in October brings pilgrims. Weekends bring Georgian families. The path down to the monastery can be slippery after rain. Allow about half an hour at Motsameta, and continue to Gelati Monastery. Kutaisi's White Bridge and the Colchis fountain in the city centre are good places to finish a day of monastery visits.