Founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important medieval monuments in Georgia, celebrated for its magnificent mosaics and frescoes. Once a renowned centre of learning, its churches contain some of the finest medieval art in the country. Ticketed visits and guided tours allow travellers to explore the domed cathedral, academy and tombs in a beautiful hillside setting above the city.