Ubisa Monastery
Quiet monastery near Kharagauli with a rare cycle of late 14th-century frescoes by the painter Damiane and a defensive tower of 1141.
Ubisa MonasteryPhoto: Jaba1977, Public domainUbisa Monastery stands in the village of Ubisa in Kharagauli municipality, in the Dzirula valley just off the old highway between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Founded in the 9th century, the small complex includes the Church of St George, a four-storey defensive tower dated 1141 and fragments of a 12th-century wall. Its fame rests on the late 14th-century frescoes inside the church, painted by an artist known as Damiane. They cover the walls with scenes such as the Nativity and the Last Supper and a striking image of the Ancient of Days.
Ubisa is rarely crowded, which makes it a rewarding stop on the drive between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The church is dim, so give your eyes a minute to adjust before you study the paintings. Outside, the old stone tower is the most striking structure in the complex. The resident monks keep bees, and the monastery is known for its honey.
History
Ubisa was founded in the 9th century by St Gregory of Khandzta, the monastic leader best known for founding monasteries in Tao-Klarjeti. The four-storey tower was built in 1141, and a defensive wall followed in the same century. In the late 14th century the painter Damiane decorated the church with a full cycle of murals, which survive in good condition and are among the finest Georgian church paintings of that period.
What to see and do
- Late 14th-century frescoes by Damiane
- The four-storey tower of 1141
- The Ancient of Days and Last Supper scenes
- A peaceful setting in the Dzirula valley
How to visit
Getting there
In Ubisa village, Kharagauli municipality, next to the old Tbilisi to Kutaisi road through the Dzirula valley. Allow about 2.5 hours from Tbilisi and 1 hour from Kutaisi by car.
When to go
Year-round. Plan 30–45 minutes here.
- Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees; women should cover their hair and wear a skirt (wraps are usually available at the door)
- Do not use flash on the frescoes
- Easy to fit in on the drive between Tbilisi and Kutaisi
Ubisa Monastery: FAQ
Who painted the Ubisa frescoes?
The murals were painted in the late 14th century by a painter known only as Damiane. They are among the best-preserved Georgian church paintings of that era.
Is Ubisa on the way from Tbilisi to Kutaisi?
Nearly. It lies in the Dzirula valley next to the old Tbilisi to Kutaisi road, a short detour from the main highway, about 2.5 hours from Tbilisi.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Ubisa Monastery.
