Gelati Cathedral’s condition is stable following joint conservation efforts, says Culture Minister Maia Bitadze

Georgian Culture Minister Maia Bitadze conducted an on-site inspection of restoration work at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gelati Monastery, where Father Kirion, Vice-Chairman of the Temporary Committee for Gelati Rehabilitation, briefed her.

“First and foremost, I wish to extend my gratitude to the Temporary Committee for Gelati Rehabilitation and to Father Kirion personally for taking on this immense undertaking and responsibility. The committee is directing the restoration of a monument that is of vital importance to our past, our present, and our future,” Bitadze stated during her visit.

The Minister confirmed that close coordination between the Patriarchate, the Georgian state, international experts, and local specialists has successfully stabilised the main cathedral’s condition.

Gelati’s main cathedral had suffered years of severe water ingress and damp. The Ministry of Culture confirmed that a comprehensive temporary roof and drainage system now shield the monument, while critical areas of medieval frescoes and historic mosaics have been stabilised. With emergency conservation work complete, engineers and restorers are continuously monitoring structural conditions using advanced diagnostic tools.

“We are now proceeding with the phased restoration of the entire Gelati monastic complex. The project is state-funded and carried out under permits from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Works follow a holistic conservation strategy designed by leading international experts aligned with recommendations from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and its advisory bodies. International specialists and highly qualified experts from numerous countries are actively engaged across all primary conservation tracks,” Bitadze said.

“Our overriding objective is to guarantee a multi-century future for Gelati Monastery as a symbol of our nation’s unity, faith, and identity,” Bitadze added.

The Minister was accompanied on her visit by Imereti State Governor Levan Zalkaliani, Kutaisi MP Zaza Lominadze, Kutaisi Mayor Davit Eremeishvili, Director of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation Zaza Kvitsiani, First Deputy Director Tea Oniani, and Giorgi Tikurishvili, Head of the Ministry’s Infrastructure Development and Logistics Department.