Churches and monasteries

In 1106 David the Builder established a theological academy, which is also known as Gelati Academy. Among its scholars were Ioane Petritsi and Arsen Ikaltoeli (Arsen of Iqalto). There are three prominent Georgian architectural monuments in Kutaisi - Bagrati, Gelati, and Motsameta. Bagrati Cathedral was built in 1003 and it's a landmark of ecclesiastical architecture. Gelati was a main core of Georgia in the Medieval era. Motsameta monastery is a renowned cultural monument. It was built in the 8th century on a rocky area surrounded by the forest.