Motsameta Monastery: the small sanctuary above the Rioni River gorge

On top of a cliff above the green waters of the Rioni River, just 6 km from Kutaisi, Motsameta Monastery seems to float above the void. Its name means "place of the martyrs" in Georgian, and it holds the relics of two princely brothers who chose death over renouncing Christianity before the Arabs in the 8th century.

Monasterio Motsameta Kutaisi Georgia — risco sobre río Rioni mártires
Motsameta Monastery, perched on a cliff above the Rioni River

The legend of the martyrs: David and Konstantin

According to tradition, princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze were captured by the Arab governor of Tbilisi in the 8th century. Upon refusing to convert to Islam, they were executed and their bodies thrown into the Rioni River. The legend tells that lions rescued the bodies from the water and carried them to the top of the cliff where the monastery stands today. There they were buried and declared holy martyrs.

Architecture: a small church with a great story

The monastery is modest in size but extraordinary in location. The small 11th-century church features:

  • A dome covered with grey slate tiles
  • Medieval frescoes inside, partially preserved
  • The silver reliquary containing the remains of the holy martyrs
  • An open cloister with views over the Rioni River 100 metres below
río Rioni Kutaisi Georgia — paisaje verde valle bosque Imereti
The Rioni River flows 100 metres below the cliff on which the monastery stands

How to visit Motsameta combined with Gelati

Motsameta is just 2 km from Gelati Monastery, making combining both visits a must. By taxi from Kutaisi: around 20–25 GEL for the route Kutaisi → Motsameta → Gelati → Kutaisi. Travellers who visit Gelati and miss Motsameta are missing one of the most atmospheric corners of Imereti. Free entry.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Motsameta?

Motsameta means "place of the martyrs" in Georgian (mtsame = martyr). The name commemorates princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze, martyred in the 8th century for refusing to abjure Christianity. They are the patron saints of the monastery.

Can you walk down to the Rioni River from the monastery?

There is a path descending from the monastery to the riverbank, though it is quite steep. Most visitors are content to view the river from the cloister, which offers a vertiginous perspective over the green waters.

Can Motsameta be combined with Prometheus Cave?

Yes, though they are 30 km apart. A taxi from Kutaisi can cover the route Motsameta → Gelati → Prometheus Cave in a full day. It is the most complete excursion that Kutaisi and its surroundings have to offer.