Motsameta Monastery in K'ut'aisi

Nice, but compared to some other Georgian churches and monasteries, Motsameta is a poor competitor. The building is not extensive, the interior not very interesting (modern paintings, nothing old).

We really liked this monastery. It was so peaceful, beautiful and plenty of instagrammable spots. You feel calm walking around the place.

Beautiful view. Quiet. Cover up. Go in the evening.

Wonderful monastery, 10min away by car from Kutaisi. Parking is 200m away from the complex. There was a ceremony inside the church, so I could not get inside. Outside was just splendid. Views of the river gorge are spectacular.

Very calm place. Small but beautiful church with amazing views

Absolutely stunning view. We took the jeep all the way down, maybe because we went at around 745pm and were tired from the day. We had to pay 5GEL to take the car down but it was totally worth if. This place is a must!

Worth ride from Kutaisi to see it and absolutely worth to visit Gelati monastery on same trip too.

On your way to Gelati? You should stop here also. Just after the parking there is a cemetery. See and ..

Motsameta is the very nice place and importent sightseeing in Georgia

This monastery is so distinct and far from noise.Its so relaxing and the wind blowing is just from another universe

Absolutely lovely place. Stunning views. The secluded location provides amazing experience - its like travelling in time.In my opinion, its worth visiting much more than the Gelati monastery.

Must see place if you are visiting Kutaisi and west Georgia

Maybe because I have been visiting this monastery from childhood, Motsameta monastery is my favorite one in Georgia! Peaceful atmosphere, nice legend behind, and spectacular views - all makes this monastery special. Good to visit on your trip to Gelati monastery

Beautiful monastery, a lovely atmosphere and high level atmosphere. Motsameta also known as Motsameta monastery is a complex of monasteries at the Imereti region, approximately 6 km northeast of the center of Kutaisi, Georgia. The monastery is picturesquely located on the cliff of a promontory in the curve of the Ckalcitela river, a tributary of the Rioni river.

Unforgettable Place

Extremely beautiful place. HIghly recommend to going down to the river to see or maybe walk on the creepy suspension bridge

The walk to the monastery was peaceful with little cow bells leading the way. Amazing history, beautiful location, and cute cat that lives there.I loved the do not litter signs.

Honestly my favorite monastery around Kutaisi, neither the cathedral in the city nor Gelati I liked as much as this tiny castle-like monastery. Interiors are poorer, true, but the whole setting of this isolated fortress above a river curling around it just made a nice impression on me. Free entrance, short walk from the main road or taxi accessible from Kutaisi.

amazing place with fantastic view. Strongly recommended to go down to the river

Amazing Monastery! The paintings are renovated with a beautiful authentic style that would amaze everyone lucky enough to visit this place!

Beautiful location on a hill above the river, a working church. Nice spot to take pictures, I assume it would be that much better seen in a different season rather than winter. Old 11th century church.3btraveler

What a beautiful place! The views are so nice. You can see the mountains on a clear day. You hear the river. Loved it.

One of the prettiest church in Georgia

Beautiful Monastery in a beautiful landscape, there is more to see from the canyon than in the okatze canyon (sorry for the spoiler)But, -1 Star for the most awful Toilet ever. Even tho i got toilet paper from one of in the monastery living monks.

Im amazedgeography is very lucky

Its like an eagles nest in an extraordinary position that commemorates georgian religious martyrs.

Very bad public toilet

Motsameta monastery is located 6 kilometers from Kutaisi, in a small village Motsameta. The monastery is set on a cliff top above the bend of the Tskaltsitela River. It was built in the 8th century. The name of Motsameta derives from Georgian name matryrdom and is connected to two brothers David and Konstantine Mkheidzeebi.

Motsameta Monastery is located near the city of Kutaisi, middle of the dense forest. The second name of the temple is the monastery of St. David and Constantine.There is beautiful Tskaltsitela gorge down to the church.The first mention of the monastery was in the VIII century. The story tells of a cruel Arab ruler Marwan who destroyed everything in his way. A small church on the site of the monastery was also destroyed. Princes Konstantin and David opposed the Shah and were captured by Marwan. For nine days and nights, the Shah demanded to give up beliefs, but the brothers refused to betray. After so much suffering, the brothers were killed and dumped in a river. The bodies were carried to shore. The locals buried them in the place of the burnt church.Later, King Bagrat II ordered the construction of a monastery on the site of a church and named it Motsameta, martyrs. The ark with the relics of the saints is located in the main temple. According to the locals, if you go around the ark three times, you will be healed. Every year, on October 15, Motsametoba the day of memory of the martyrs David and Constantine is celebrated in the monastery.The best time to visit in my opinion is fall because forest is gorgeous, full of different different colors.

The name Motsameta (Martyrsis related to the brothers of a noble family of Argveti - David and Constantine, who organized a rebellion against the occupying Arabs in the 8th century. Rebellion failed, they were captured and after refusing convertion to Islam in exchange of forgiveness, they were tortured and killed. The Orthodox Church of Georgia recognized them as Saints, and in the 11th century, the king Bagrat IV of Georgia founded a temple there.

Nice hike and lovely nature & monastery...

Nice location, but very unclear what is being "restored" as theres no information about the monastery on-site Dec. 2019.

Very nice little monastery settled in a picturesque canyon. Perfectly renovated. Very popular for weddings, so it could get crowded. Women should wear long sleeves and no tight or short pants. But the priest will give you a kind of black apron if you forget. Scarfs are also available for the head.

Beautiful but small. Weddings during the weekend, so it’s impossible to get in.

Beautiful place, and we were there on the weekend so we got to see tons of wedding parties heading down for pictures and the like. We didnt get inside the chapel since there were ongoing ceremonies. The history of this place is interested though!

Nice place to visit, the church is small but very pretty. If you go make sure you dont wear shorts and strappy tops etc. Ladies will need to take a head scarf if they want to go into the church

One of the best places it whole Georgia! Dont forget to visit the other monastery near this place, it is about an hour walk but try to share a ride with other tourists to get here, and be aware of time and dont miss the last bus to Kutaisi!

A beautiful little monastery with great views and relaxing environment which is well taken care of. Also, there are not many people as marshrutkas dont go here directly (you need to take a taxi or walk from the main road - 30 mins walk). We enjoyed it much more than the tourist-oriented Gelati monastery, which is easier to get to but lacks the good feeling.

This sweet little monastery is perched nicely up on the moment and is only a couple of kilometres off the road that leads to Gelati. Like most of the monasteries we visited, it is undergoing some renovation, but the church is well worth a stop in just for the location and to visit the skulls of the two brothers inside the altar. Many locals carried out the tradition of making a wish and crawling under the altar three times with their candle, which apparently brings good luck.

Scaffolding sadly views great photos of the monastery itself. But the hike from Gelati to here, although grueling in the heat, was worth it. Sarongs available if you’re wearing shorts like me. The exterior and views are impressive whilst the church interior is modern. The pathway down to the river was closed. Was here no more than 15 minutes.

Small dreamlike Convent in beutyfull surroundings. Easy to fall in love. Bit difficult to find but easy to park. Well worth a visit

Its good nature and the best place for relax!!!!

Beautiful! River to cool your feet after a long walk...

It’s one of the great place near our Agati Hotel and you must see this monastery!!!!

Probably the most beatiful place we have seen in Georgia. A lot nicer than the Gelati monastery. You can take a ride from Kutaisi to Gelati for 1 lari (zoom on the pohoto from mashrutka for timetable- it runs cca 6 times a day. And then take marshrutka back to Motsameta for 1 lari and walk around 30 minutes to Motsameta. Then you can take a taxi to Kutaisi for 10 lari. But it would be really nice if cars wouldnt park just in front of the monastery.

an excellent vantage point and a sip of history. Near Kutaisi, unfortunately the access is difficult. Marshrootka rarely rides. It is best to go by marshrootka to the Gelati Monastery, and from there take a taxi to Kutaisi via Motsameta. Marshrootka Kutaisi - Gelati costs 2 lari, taxi Gelati - Motsameta - Kutaisi - 12 lari. Do not forget to bargain ;)

Medieval Monastery of western Georgia. One of the most scenic views in Georgia

Nice small monastery above the river...

Motsameta Monastery is smaller and quieter than the one in Gelati, although its cliff-edge setting is more spectacular by far. It is located 6km out of Kutaisi, off the Gelati road. Take the turning marked by a photo of the church and follow this track for a couple of kilometres. This little monastery has a spectacular setting on a cliff-top promontory above a bend of the Tskhaltsitela River. Situated dizzily high above the ravine of the Tskhaltsitela River, the monastery offers awe-inspiring views of the river and the surrounding countryside from any number of buildings and points on the grounds. Extremely isolated and seldom visited by tourists, this place will give you an unadulterated taste of the monastic life.

They know how to pick a location here. Its beautifully located on the hilltop which great views over the surrounding mountains and river. The inside is not too spectacular but its still worth checking out if you visit Gelati. Id walked from Gelati and its about a 45 minute stroll so you can combine both for a good daytrip.