Motsameta Monastery
A small monastery on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela gorge, holding the relics of two martyred dukes.
- Time needed
- 1 h
- From Tbilisi
- 235 km · 3:25
- Road
- Mostly paved
- Car needed
- Economy class
- Season
- All year
- Entry
- free
Motsameta stands six kilometres from Kutaisi on a narrow rock spur above the gorge of the Tskaltsitela river. In scale it cannot compete with Gelati, but its setting is far more dramatic: from the edge of the courtyard the gorge drops away almost vertically.
The name means the martyrs. During the Arab invasions of the 8th century the brothers David and Constantine Mkheidze were tortured to death here for refusing to renounce their faith. Tradition says their bodies were thrown into the river and the water ran red, which is where the river's name — Tskaltsitela, red water — is said to come from.
Today the brothers' relics rest in a wooden casket inside the church. An old custom survives here: pilgrims pass under the casket three times and make a wish. The ritual is still very much alive, and it is what most visitors stop for.
The visit is short, around forty minutes. The church is small and the courtyard modest, but the view and the quiet make it a natural continuation after Gelati. Both sit on the same road out of Kutaisi, so one outing covers them.
Gallery
Practical advice
This is a working monastery: women need a headscarf and long skirt, men long trousers, and wraps are usually available at the gate. The courtyard edge is unfenced above a steep gorge, so keep children close. Come after Gelati, in the second half of the day, once the coaches have moved on. Park at the small area before the final bend. Toilets are basic; the nearest cafe and ATM are back in Kutaisi.
How to get there from Tbilisi
Take the E60 from Tbilisi to Kutaisi — 230 km and about three hours twenty. From the city follow the same road as for Gelati, then after roughly five kilometres turn right for Motsameta. The final two kilometres are narrow, steep and winding asphalt where two cars barely pass and coaches cause real congestion. An economy car manages it, but take care in the wet. Fill up and draw cash in Kutaisi, as there is nothing along the way.
Click a marker for details. Coloured lines are ready-made road trips.
Nearby places
MonasteryGelati Monastery
The monastery and academy founded by David the Builder, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
TownBagrati Cathedral and central Kutaisi
The cathedral on Ukimerioni hill and the old streets of Kutaisi spread out below it.
NatureSataplia Nature Reserve
Dinosaur footprints, a karst cave and a glass viewing platform, nine kilometres from Kutaisi.