UNESCO: Inappropriate restoration practices to cause problems at Gelati Monastery

15:00, 10.08.2021

Inappropriate restoration practices have led to conservation challenges at the Gelati Monastery, reads the report of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Based on the report, the Georgian government should provide more effective roofing of Assumption Church and St. George Church at Gelati to take protection measures against the risk of moisture penetration.

UNESCO indicates the need to develop a conservation program that includes monitoring, research, and the implementation of the protective works related to wall painting, mosaics, and stone.

All issues should be agreed upon with the UNESCO World Heritage Center, and more international resources should be mobilized to improve the condition of Gelati Monastery.

The government should present a report about the situation at the Gelati Monastery to the World Heritage Committee by February 1, 2022. The Committee will address the issue at the 45th session.

By - Elene Dobordjginidze

Society

Gelati Monastery

UNESCO