motsameta monastery

Brilliant spot, the Monastery is all refurbished and beautiful, the grave of the two Georgian princes killed by the Arabs is quite shocking but a must see. Down the cliff, there is a canyon both sides, wonderful scenery!

If you going to visit Gelati, turn to Motsameta as well. Old monastery, painted walls, old history, nice architecture.

I loved this monastery because it was nestled in a forrest on a hillside with splendid natural views and loads of history hidden in it. It takes some walk to get to the monastery from the gates, but it's a lovely walk and you'll definitely enjoy it!

Very nice place close to Kutaisi. The landscape and church are very beautiful. it isn/t far from main road and railway station is close to complex, where twice a day run kutaisi-tkibuli train

It is a small and cousy monastery, which is worth to visiting as Gelati Monastery. The Landscape from the monastery are breathtaking. Definitely it is a place which all must to see in Kutaisi.

Motsameta is a must if you visit Kutaisi. Without judging its historical importance or architectural value, the setting itself makes the trip worth - the panorama over the surrounding mountains and the river flowing around the hill is simply spectacular.

Different from Gelati, but still worth visiting. Views from path leading to monastery are breathtaking. It's definitely a must in Kutaisi.

This is a small monastery close to the Gelati one. If you go to the Gelati Monasyery, on the way back you can visit this (if you took a taxi). it is small, cute and in a good location (even could be a little fortress). You can cover your knees at the entrance of the monastery with some piece of black fabric they provide. Also man can do that (not common in other monasteries in Georgia). Visit this place on your way back, but not really worth it just to visit it alone. Cute but you can live without seing it. #smallfishbigworld

Not so historically interesting as the Gelati Monastery across the valley but in more spectacular setting. See the recovered skulls of the saints David and Constantine Mkheidze, brothers killed by Arabs for refusing to convert to Islam in the 720s, their bodies thrown into the gorge below.

If you are going out of Kutaisi to Gelati or somewhere else around, it is worth making a little detour to Motsameta. We did it on the way home when our driver asked 'would you like to see one more?' and we almost declined the offer through tiredness, but we're really glad we didn't - lovely little place, spectacular scenery from there - it will take you about 20 minutes to see everything, it's not big but we reallt enjoyed seeing it!

Real treasure hidden in the mountains. Definetely worth visiting. Just taka a cab, negotiate the price and go:)

I was there in June 2013. It is a beautiful hostoric place. Breath-taking views all around. Absolutely worth visiting. One of the landmarks of Kutaisi.

We just fell in love with this monastery. Placed above a river, cool views and great, almost mystic atmosphere. We decided to walk from Gelati monastery there. It is quite easy: go down to the village (you can walk the same way as marschutka rides or there is a path: as leaving Gelati monastery, turn to the right (under a cemetery) and just go down - you will reach the main road in the village, nearby river). So, cross a river on a main road, nearby is a small shop and restaurant. Follow the main road toward Kutaisi, after cca 500 m there are a train tracks. Turn left and follow them for about 1,5 m and you get just in front of Motsameta monastery.

We visited this monastery as part of an organised tour and I must say I found it the most charming we saw whilst we were in Georgia. It's small but charming and in a very scenic location with great views over the Red River and the surrounding gorges. Its a small but still active monastic community.The monastery and church itself are very pretty but I was very struck by the story of the martyrdom at the hands I believe of the Persians of the brothers who were canonised and gave their lives here. Their skulls still reside in the church and are the subject of much devotion. They were tied and thrown to their deaths from the clifftop after they refused to convert to islam after many years of struggle against the Persians who attacked this area many times during their reign.I found it the most charming of the monasterys we visited, and left feeling quite at peace. it's a good walk from the road though so wear sturdy shoes.

Very old monastery in a beautiful location. You are supposed to be adequately/properly dressed to enter the monastery or use the extra clothing available there. Its little far away from the city. We took a cab from the opera house it costed us 5 GEL one way. The cab driver was reluctant to wait for us but waited for half an hour at the top. Tipped an extra 3 GEL for the wait time. Either you are religious or want to enjoy the beauty of the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains this should be on your to do list in Kutaisi.