Motsameta Monastery (მოწამეთა) is a historic Georgian monastic complex steeped in legend and spiritual reverence. Nestled on the outskirts of Kutaisi, this sacred site belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church and is revered as a symbol of unwavering faith and national heritage.
The monastery stands upon hallowed ground, where, according to tradition, the noble princes Constantine and David met a martyr’s death. The name “Motsameta” itself is derived from the Georgian word “motsami,” meaning “martyr.” The monastery is also known more formally as the Monastery of the Holy Martyrs David and Constantine.
The monastery complex includes the Church of the Martyrs David and Constantine, a belfry, a stone wall with a tower, a gracefully arched stone bridge, utility buildings, monastic cells, a small inner courtyard, and a freshwater spring. Just outside the entrance, visitors will find a modest parking area and a scenic observation deck that opens onto a lush forested gorge—an awe-inspiring vista that perfectly frames the monastery’s serene isolation.
Please note: Visitors are not permitted to enter the monastery wearing shorts or skirts. As a gesture of respect, the monastery provides black garments to be tied around the waist to ensure proper attire.
The architectural design of Motsameta is emblematic of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical structures. The monastery is a single-story stone edifice featuring tall arched windows, delicate bas-reliefs, rounded towers, and conical domes topped with traditional tiled roofs.
After decades of neglect during the Soviet era and beyond, the monastery was gradually revived in the 2010s. Restoration efforts breathed new life into its walls: structural reinforcements were implemented, the interiors were meticulously refurbished, and the surrounding area was landscaped and enhanced with a stone-paved road. Since no historical frescoes survived, contemporary Georgian artists adorned the walls and vaulted ceilings with vibrant new paintings, preserving the spirit of devotion while reflecting the monastery’s rejuvenation.
The spiritual heart of Motsameta is the revered relics of the Aragvi princes, David and Constantine, enshrined in a crypt elevated within the church. Beneath the reliquary lies a narrow passageway. According to an ancient local belief, if one walks through this passage three times—holding a pure wish that causes no harm to others—that wish is destined to come true.
Each year, on October 15th, the monastery becomes the focal point of Motsametoba, a significant feast day in the Georgian Orthodox calendar. On this day, the faithful gather to honor the memory of the holy brothers who chose martyrdom over renouncing their Christian faith.
Motsameta is embraced by the wild beauty of the Georgian landscape—verdant cliffs, rocky crags, and the deep, winding canyon of the Tskaltsitela River, whose rushing waters echo through the valley. While the natural scenery is easily captured in photographs, obtaining a panoramic shot of the monastery itself is more elusive. It can only be approached from one side—through the main gate—making full views of the complex a rare visual treasure.
Just a few kilometers from Motsameta lies another of Georgia’s spiritual gems—the Gelati Monastery. Separated by hills and forest, these two monastic sites form a deeply spiritual corridor through the natural wilderness.
Before Motsameta Monastery was established, a church stood on this very ground. That church endured until the 8th century, when it was destroyed during the Arab invasions. At the time, the region—then called Argveti—was under the rule of the noble brothers David and Constantine, whose lands lay along the present-day Likhi Range.
According to legend, after a long struggle, the Arab forces captured the brothers and brought them before the infamous commander Marwan II, known for his ruthless persecution of Christians. In a failed effort to force their conversion to Islam, Marwan subjected them to brutal torture. Yet, the princes remained steadfast in their Orthodox faith. Enraged, Marwan ordered them drowned in the river.
Later, locals discovered the martyrs’ bodies and, guided by divine inspiration, carried them eastward. At dawn, they reached the ruins of the old church, where they buried the princes in secrecy. The location of their graves remained hidden for centuries, until the late 11th century, when King Bagrat the Great noticed a mysterious glow emanating from a cave within Mount Tskhaltsitela. Upon entering, he discovered the incorrupt relics of the saints. In their honor, the king built a church and monastery nearby, bestowing the name “Motsameta”—”place of the martyrs”—and canonizing David and Constantine as saints of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The Monastery of the Martyrs David and Constantine lies just a few kilometers northeast of Kutaisi and is accessible through several modes of transport:
By Minibus (Marshrutka): On weekends, marshrutkas run directly to Motsameta. On weekdays, you may need to take a different minibus to the upper part of Gelati Street, near the turnoff to the monastery. From there, a 20–25 minute walk leads to the site.
By Train: Roughly 400 meters from the monastery is the Motsameta railway station, which receives trains from Kutaisi. Train schedules should be confirmed at the local station.
From Gelati Monastery: Motsameta lies in close proximity to the Gelati Monastery. The shortest route between the two winds through the canyon and across the mountain—a path both scenic and perilous. For a safer and more comfortable journey, the longer route through the village of Motsameta is recommended. This road leads across a bridge spanning the Tskaltsitela River, followed by the signposted route to the Gelati Monastery. The entire route covers nearly 6 kilometers and takes over an hour to walk.