Description of the attraction
Motsameta Monastery (Monastery of Saints David and Constantine) is one of the brightest sights not only in Kutaisi, but throughout Georgia.
The monastery is located above the turbulent Rioni River, just 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 legend, the monastery was erected on the mountain, where the Muslim invaders executed the Georgian princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze, who refused to convert to Islam. 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.
Nowadays, Motsameta is a beautiful monastery immersed in greenery, decorated with round turrets topped 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 refurbished. On the territory of the temple complex, the holiday of Motsametoba is celebrated annually on October 15, dedicated to the holy brothers David and Constantine.
