Tbilisi City Guide

Pitareti Monastery, located in the Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia, is an important historical and spiritual site that attracts visitors with its serene atmosphere and impressive architecture. Situated approximately 26 km southwest of the town of Tetritsqaro, southwest of Tbilisi.
The Pitareti monastery consists of the Theotokos church, a belfry, the ruined wall and several smaller accessory buildings. The main church appears to have been built in the reign of George IV early in the 13th century. Its design conforms to the contemporary canon of a Georgian domed church and shares a series of common features – such as a typical cross-in-square plan and a single lateral porch – with the monasteries of Betania, Kvatakhevi, and Timotesubani. The façades are decorated, accentuating the niches and dormers. The entire interior was once frescoed, but only significantly damaged fragments of those murals survive.
The monastery is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, combining elements of early Christian and medieval Georgian design. The main church features a simple yet elegant structure, with beautiful stone carvings and frescoes that date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
The monastery complex includes several other buildings, such as chapels, living quarters for monks, and a bell tower, all of which have been well preserved. The peaceful setting of Pitareti Monastery, surrounded by nature and distant mountains, provides visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual significance of the site while enjoying the tranquility of the area.
Pitareti Monastery is not only a place of historical and religious importance but also a popular destination for those interested in Georgian culture and heritage. Accessible by car from Tbilisi, it is a great spot for a day trip, offering both a spiritual experience and a glimpse into Georgia’s rich monastic tradition.