Among the architectural relics of  material and spiritual culture of Medieval  Georgia, the Davidgareja monastery complex occupies a particular place for its historical an artistic value.

The Davidgareja monastery complex situated in Gare Kakheti, on the half-desert slopes of mount Gareja impresses visitors with the right artistic skill of frescoes and architecture. The monument was founded in the 6^th century by thirteen Syrian monks. One of Them, by the name David, settled in a natural cave of monument Gareja. Afterwards is became the precise sport, where the first monastery, Lavra was built. Later David’s disciples Dodo and Lukiane founded two monasteries Dodo’s Rka and Natlismtsemeli.

Ilarion Kartveli, one of the prominent  public figures of the 9^th century greatly contributed to the development of this monastery complex. Later, it was supported by the son of David the Builder, Demetre, the author of the famous religious hymn “Shen Khar Venakfi: (thou art a Vineyard). It reached our days unchanged and is still considered to be one of the masterpieces of Georgian art.

In the 11^th century the monastery was invaded by Seljukians. As a result of this invasion its development was interrupted for a while.

In the 11-13^th centuries the economic and cultural development of Davidgareja reached its rights phase. New monasteries Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri were built, the old ones were enlarged was arranged: new cells, a refectory and a chapel were built and water-gatherer ditches and reservoirs cut in the rocks. David’s tears – the only spring, where the first hermits quenched thirst, became a holy relic.

The renaissance of monumental fresco painting chronologically coincides with the general development of the life in Davidgareja monasteries. A foundation is laid to the school of painting in the monastery of Udabno. The highest degree of development of this school is revealed in the creative achievements of the centre of  painting in Bertubani. The peculiarity of Davidgareja frescoes shows itself in a new interpretation of religious themes, in breaking with the canonic schemes of the Byzantine art school. At the same time Gareja mural painting is in original connection with the medieval Georgian monumental painting.

The high artistic skill of Davidgareja frescoes made them an indispensable part of world treasure. The fact that these frescoes are the important. They are scattered all over the different monasteries; David the Builder’s image in Natlismtsemeli; the frescoes of Queen Tamar and King Lasha Giorgi in Bertubani; there are also the portraits of Dimitri the self-sacrificed and the pictures of the builders of the monasteries in Udabno.

In the 12^th century, when Onopre Garejeli was the Father Superior of Gareja monastery in becomes the important cultural and education centre of east Georgia.

Monolog’s invasion in the 13^th century turned out to be fatal for Georgia. The monasteries were destroyed and robbed, the manuscripts were burnt. The life in Davidgareja nearly  died away.

Davidgareja monasteries revived only a later. But the restoration of Davidgareja proceeded slowly, because Georgia was disintegrated into numerous feudal states and principalities.

In the 14-15^th centuries the hords led by Temurleng invaded the country and brought great devastation to it. This invasion greatly influenced the life of Gareja. It is exactly the period, when the existence of the Georgian painting school must have come to an and.

In 1615 numerous hords of Persians led by Shah-Abas anniliated all the monks, set fire to all the unique manuscript and   works of art.

At the and of the 17^th century King Teimuraz and the King Archil tried to revive the monastery life in Gareja. It was put to practice only with the help of Onopre Machutadze, he was appointed father Superior in 1690.

Frequent attacks of the invaders and the foundation of religious and secular schools in many Georgian cities in the 19^th century greatly hampered the development of Davidgareja monastery complex. From the second half of the 19^th century Davidgareja became nearly uninhabited, only a few monks lived there up to the 20-ies of the 20^th century.

Over the past centuries Davidgaeja tolerated many severe  blows, but it always rose from the ashes. Everything that has reached our days still captures ad admires a visitor.

Local directing bodies organized the People’s University in Davidgareja.

The Peoples festival “Garejoba” gained great popularity, which is organized by the republic’s government every year. This theatrical performance enlivenes the romantical spirit of the Georgian peoples heroic past.

      Nowadays the Monastery is active.

Here is formed the association St. father David Garejeli, whose aim to rebuild Folk churches and all kinds of charity all over Georgia. For it we heed financial support.

we do ask you for your help.

God Bless You!