GELATI

Gelati temple was built in 12th century by Georgian king David Agmashenebeli (Builder). There are four churches in Gelati complex. The main church is named in honour to Virgin. During the centuries Gelati used to be one of the centres of Georgian science and culture. David Agamshenebeli has established there an Academy where philosophy, mathematics, ritoryc, vinemaking, medicine and other sciences were tought. In the 14th century Gelati was destroyed by Mongols, but in the 15th century king of Georgia George VI rebuilt it. During 17th century Gelati lost the previous function. In the 18th century king of Imeretia (part of western Georgia) Solomon I restored temple. Since its establishment Gelati used to be a necropolis of Georgian kings. Gelati is the greatest example of Georgian culture.