Best Monasteries to Visit in Georgia and Nearby Attractions

A Guide to Georgia’s Most Beautiful Monasteries and Orthodox Churches and What to See Nearby

Often described as a nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the country of Georgia lies in the heart of the Caucasus region. The many reasons why Georgia is such a beguiling place to visit include the warmth and friendliness of its people, the delectable food and wine, and the breathtaking landscapes and mountain views. It may be the ultimate travel writer’s cliché, but with Georgia, it fits the mould. How many other countries hand out bottles of wine to tourists at passport control? (Although potential visitors will be disappointed to learn that this practice has now ceased). Georgia is also home to some of the world’s oldest and most captivating Christian Orthodox monasteries.

For many, the highlight of a holiday to Georgia is discovering the innumerable Orthodox churches and cave monasteries found in every corner of this Eurasian land. However, although its Orthodox monasteries are an integral part of any Georgia holiday, they are just one reason to visit Georgia. In some cases, it is more about the spectacular location rather than the monastery itself that makes a visit special. Georgia highlights include exploring the eclectic melting pot of Tbilisi, discovering the birthplace of wine, savouring mouthwatering Georgian cuisine, and seeing jaw-dropping scenery from canyon ravines to the mountains of the High Caucasus.

If your itinerary isn’t well-balanced, you might experience ‘church burnout’. To help you avoid this and introduce some variety, our guide to the best monasteries to visit in Georgia includes recommendations for nearby attractions that shouldn’t be missed and can be easily incorporated into a tailor-made itinerary.

AN INTRODUCTION TO GEORGIAN MONASTERIES

Georgia was an early adopter of Christianity, thanks to St. Nino, who introduced the religion to the region in the early 4th century. The church flourished, leading to the construction of hundreds of churches and monasteries. Many of these buildings feature the iconic architectural style easily recognisable today, characterised by blocky stone structures topped with conical domes.

Religion wasn’t quashed altogether during Soviet times (from 1921 to 1991), but it was heavily discouraged. These days, however, in a new and independent Georgia, the church is thriving once more, and over 80% of the population are members of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Time spent discovering these archetypal structures is a tremendous way to begin to understand this country and its people.

THE BEST MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES IN AND AROUND TBILISI

Although there is much more to see in Tbilisi than its churches and monasteries, the Georgian capital is a good place to dip your toe into the country’s ecclesiastical offerings. One popular activity in Tbilisi is to take the cablecar from Rike Park, over the Mktvari River, across the Old Town and up to the Narikala Fortress. The short ride provides an alternative perspective of Tbilisi with a bird’s-eye view of some of the city’s distinctive churches. These include St. Virgin Mary Church of Norashen (which is actually an Armenian church) and Betlemi Lower Church.

The impossible-to-miss Metekhi Church is perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mtkvari River and has become a symbol of the city. Metekhi, officially known as The Virgin Mary Assumption Church of Metekhi, is not only one of the must-see churches in Tbilisi but also one of the oldest churches in Georgia. It is worth visiting to take in the superb vistas of the old town of Tbilisi from beneath the equally distinctive statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, traditionally considered to be Tbilisi’s founding father.

In contrast, the immense modern Holy Trinity Cathedral (often called Sameba) was constructed in 1995, took nine years to build, and is one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.

A short drive from Tbilisi will bring you to the ancient Georgian city of Mtskheta. Mtskheta’s historic churches, including the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the lovely Jvari Monastery, are listed by UNESCO as outstanding examples of medieval architecture in the Caucasus. Mtskheta is an attractive town and a very pleasant place to stroll through the quiet streets; it is the perfect respite from busy Tbilisi.

Luxury tailor-made holidays to Georgia that feature Tbilisi: As an essential part of any holiday to the Caucasus, all of our Georgia suggested itineraries include Tbilisi. If you want to enjoy some of the best hotels Georgia has to offer, take a look at our Luxury Georgia holiday. Alternatively, our Classic Georgia holiday includes time at leisure in Tbilisi, allowing you to make the most of this spirited city.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN TBILISI?

Beyond its stunning churches and monasteries, Tbilisi is packed with culture, historical attractions, and quirky hidden gems. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, where colourful wooden balconies and hidden courtyards add to its charm. The city’s rich history unfolds from the 5th-century Abanotubani Baths through Soviet-era relics to its vibrant, modern, Europe-facing identity. For breathtaking sunset views, hike or take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress and follow the hillside trails to the Mother of Georgia statue. Shoppers can explore bustling flea markets or luxury stores. At the same time, food lovers will delight in Tbilisi’s superb restaurants and wine bars, where they can feast on delicious Georgian dishes paired with both traditional and contemporary Georgian wines. Furthermore, Georgia’s most luxurious hotels are found in Tbilisi, making the city an excellent base for exploration.

Georgia has much more to offer than its vibrant capital, Tbilisi. Some of the Caucasus’s most impressive monasteries, many set in magnificent surroundings, are found away from the city.

THE BEST MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES IN WESTERN GEORGIA

From the Mountains of Adjara to the Black Sea Coast, Western Georgia is both culturally and geographically diverse, with plenty of attractions to include in your Georgia itinerary. Georgia’s second city, Kutaisi, is a good base from which to explore the highlights of Western Georgia’s regions of Imereti, Ajara and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, as well as some of Georgia’s remarkable monasteries.

BAGRATI CATHEDRAL

An invigorating stroll from Kutaisi, the 11th-century historic Bagrati Cathedral offers impressive views across the city. The medieval house of worship was at serious risk of being lost forever until it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Bagrati was subsequently reconstructed with funding UNESCO status afforded, only to be removed from the list after extensive renovations proved too controversial. Despite the modern-day fall from grace, Bagrati is still an imposing sight and well worth seeing while in Kutaisi.

GELATI MONASTERY

A little further away, although still a very easy half-day excursion from Kutaisi, Gelati Monastery was founded in 1106 and is one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries in the country. For centuries, Gelati was an important centre of culture in ancient Georgia. Unlike Bagrati, Gelati has retained its UNESCO status and is cited as a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia.

MOTSAMETA MONASTERY

Close to Gelati and nestled in the hills above the Rioni River, Motsameta is a small but beautiful monastery built in the classic Caucasus style of round turrets and conical domes. Motsameta completes the trio of the best monasteries to visit in Kutaisi.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SEE NEAR KUTAISI AND IN WESTERN GEORGIA?

Some of Georgia’s standout natural wonders can be visited as day trips from Kutaisi: Prometheus Cave is a vast underground world with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river, while Martvili and Okatse Canyons offer the opportunity to explore dramatic gorges by boat and on foot. Urban explorers will relish discovering the vast abandoned Soviet-era sanatoriums in Tskaltubo, a short distance from Kutaisi, and culinary voyagers will enjoy a gastronomic journey through the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.

Further afield but still in Western Georgia, Batumi is a lively seaside city on the Black Sea with beaches, mountains, and a mix of modern and traditional influences.

The Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti northwestern region of Georgia can also be built into an itinerary. Here, towering mountains, medieval stone villages, waterfalls, and deep cultural traditions are highlights. Must-see sights include Svaneti’s medieval stone towers, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, and Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe.

Luxury tailor-made holidays to Georgia featuring the monasteries near Kutaisi: Georgia & The High Caucasus and Grand Tour of Georgia.

THE BEST MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES IN KAKHETI AND EASTERN GEORGIA

The small, mountainous province of Kakheti is a definite must-visit on any holiday to Georgia. Although the region is home to some of the country’s most appealing monasteries, it is perhaps best known as Georgia’s wine region. Some of the nation’s finest vintages are produced in the region’s wineries, with some using time-honoured methods that date back to Georgia’s discovery of wine-making 8,000 years ago. Matured in large terracotta pots called qvevri, these ancient methods are also responsible for producing some of today’s innovative and award-winning wines.

Including Kakheti on your Georgia itinerary will enable you to visit some of the country’s beautiful monasteries, sample the produce of some of Georgia’s finest wineries, and admire some spectacular scenery.

ALAVERDI MONASTERY

Two of Kakheti’s much-admired monasteries are Alaverdi and Ikalto. Surrounded by an impressive fortified wall, the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery is set against a backdrop of vineyards and rolling hills. The monks at Alaverdi have been making wine here for centuries using qvevri buried in the ground, and it’s possible to arrange a wine-tasting session during your visit.

IKALTO MONASTERY

A short 11km drive from Telavi, the once capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, lies Ikalto monastery, founded in the 6th century by an Assyrian father. The medieval complex is famed for its ancient philosophical academy, where Georgia’s national poet, Shota Rustaveli, is believed to have studied. The grounds are scattered with ancient qvevri, demonstrating the important link between monastery life and wine production in Georgia.

DAVIT GAREJA MONASTERY COMPLEX

No holiday to Georgia is complete without a visit to its unique rock-hewn cave monasteries, particularly the Davit Gareja monastery complex in Kakheti’s southern reaches. This series of Orthodox churches and monasteries was cut into the rock by the Syrian fathers in the 6th century, and the complex enjoys an extraordinary semi-desert landscape close to the Azeri border. Davit Gareja was founded in the first part of the 6th century, and highlights include the Lavra and Udabno monasteries with their superbly executed frescoes.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SEE IN EASTERN GEORGIA?

Other interesting places to discover in the Kakheti region include the charming town of Telavi with its traditional architecture and local atmosphere, the vineyard-dotted scenery of the Alazani Valley, and several other significant monasteries including Nekresi monastery, the site of an early Georgian church, and the fortified citadel at Gremi which served as the region’s capital from the mid-15th century to the mid-17th century.

Also not to be missed in Kakheti is the ‘Tuscan’ hill town of Sighnaghi, considered by many to be Georgia’s prettiest town. The restored medieval settlement has a fabulous location on a ridge overlooking the wineries of the Alazani Valley, framed by the snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

For wine lovers, Kakheti is a destination in its own right. The luxurious Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby wineries, visiting the region’s notable cultural attractions, and enjoying spectacular views over the eastern Caucasus mountains.

Luxury tailor-made holidays to Georgia that feature the monasteries in and around Kakheti: Classic Georgia, Grand Tour of Georgia, and Taste of Georgia, a food and wine-themed tour that combines Georgia’s finest gastronomical and degustation experiences with the country’s best sights.

THE BEST MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA

VARDZIA CAVE MONASTERY

Rivalling Davit Gareja, the rock-hewn cave monastery of Vardzia is equally formidable. Situated in the south of the country, close to the border with Armenia, a visit to Vardzia is the perfect addition to an off-the-beaten-path itinerary to Georgia. The multi-level cave complex is fascinating to explore, and typical of monastic structures, the ancient frescos that decorate some of the walls are fascinating.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SEE IN SOUTHERN GEORGIA?

The Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia is a land of castles and canyons. Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe is a restored medieval fortress with a mix of Georgian, Ottoman, and Armenian influences. Khertvisi Fortress, strategically positioned on a hill on the way to Vardzia, is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia.

Visit the spa town of Borjomi for fresh mountain air and pure water. This town is famous for its natural springs, particularly the iconic Borjomi mineral water. The national park of the same name features hiking trails that wind through lush forests and offer stunning viewpoints.

Luxury tailor-made holidays to Georgia that feature the monasteries in southern Georgia: Grand Tour of Georgia.

THE BEST MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES IN GEORGIA’S HIGH CAUCASUS

Gergeti Trinity Church is unquestionably one of the most dramatically located of all Georgia’s monasteries. Towering above Stepantsminda (a village that many still refer to as Kazbegi) at over 5,000 metres is Mount Kazbek. Known locally as Mqinvartsveri, or ‘glacier peak’, Mt. Kazbek’s coned peak is instantly recognisable.

Once in Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church, also known as Tsminda Sameba, sits on a ridge high above the village and looks remarkably small in the shadow of Mt. Kazbek. Situated at an altitude of just over 2000 metres and one of Georgia’s great landmarks, the church sits in splendid isolation and definitely steals the show.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SEE IN GEORGIA’S HIGH CAUCASUS?

A visit to the High Caucasus region of Georgia is all about the scenery. It is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those craving breathtaking mountain landscapes. Kazbegi National Park offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and horse riding in its dramatic valleys.

Many visitors catch their first glimpse of Mount Kazbek when travelling from Tbilisi along the scenic Georgian Military Road. The highway has some dramatic scenery, and it’s worth making a photo stop at the spectacularly located Ananuri Fortress. The large Church of the Mother of God is situated within the walls of this medieval fortress, strategically located on the Aragvi River.

Luxury tailor-made holidays to Georgia that feature monasteries in Georgia’s High Caucasus: Luxury Georgia Holiday, Taste of Georgia, Walking in Georgia, and Classic Georgia.

Georgia’s beautiful monasteries provide a unique insight into the country’s rich history and culture. But beyond these sacred sites, Georgia offers a wealth of experiences and places to discover—from charming towns to breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether exploring ancient cave cities, savouring mouthwatering cuisine, or hiking through dramatic gorges, a trip to Georgia promises an unforgettable adventure, and a tailor-made holiday in Georgia is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Still uncertain about how to start planning your luxury holiday to Georgia? Our destination experts have in-depth knowledge of the Caucasus region. They can help create a personalised holiday tailored to your interests.

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