Background

Betania Church: A Testament to Georgia's Golden Age

Discover medieval Georgian architecture and royal frescoes at Betania Church, a hidden monastic treasure near Tbilisi.

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Nestled in a secluded, wooded valley near Tbilisi, Betania Church is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery showcasing remarkable architecture and stunning frescoes, including portraits of Georgian monarchs, from the Kingdom's Golden Age.

A brief summary to Betania Church

  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is an active place of worship.
  • The monastery is located in a somewhat isolated area, so plan your transportation in advance.
  • Take your time to appreciate the well-preserved frescoes inside the main church.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Tbilisi, the most straightforward way to reach Betania Church is by taxi. A taxi ride from Tbilisi to Betania typically takes around 25 minutes and costs approximately $7-9. Several taxi services operate in Tbilisi, and rides can be booked through apps or hailed on the street. Be sure to negotiate the fare or confirm that the meter is running before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Betania Church via public transport, take the subway from Station Square 2 to State University #2. From there, take a taxi to Betania. The taxi from State University to Betania will cost approximately $6-8. The total travel time is around 34 minutes.

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Discover more about Betania Church

The Betania Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, often called Betania Church, is a Georgian Orthodox monastery located roughly 16 km southwest of Tbilisi, in the valley of the Vere River. The name 'Betania' is derived from the biblical village of Bethany. Founded as a familial abbey of the House of Orbeli, the monastery's history is not well-documented. The main church, dating back to the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, features a cross-in-square design with a dome. Architectural scholars suggest the current church may be an expanded version of an earlier 10th-century basilica. Betania is particularly renowned for its murals, which include a group portrait of contemporary Georgian monarchs, offering a glimpse into the art and culture of the Georgian Golden Age. Despite enduring conflicts and foreign invasions that left it depopulated and partially ruined, the monastery was restored in the 19th century. During the Soviet era, it remained one of the few operating monasteries in Georgia. Visitors can explore the principal domed church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, the smaller church of St. George (dating to 1196), and the ruins of a tower. The surrounding area, once enclosed by a massive wall, now features scattered stones in the adjacent forest. The southern entrance portal boasts a gate roofed with a star-shaped vault.

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