Pitareti Monastery (Region of Kvemo Kartli)
Pitareti Monastery (Georgian: ფიტარეთის მონასტერი). One of the best examples of Georgian cult domed architecture. Based on the stylistic analysis of the temple, it has been proven that the Monastery belongs to the type of Georgian domed churches of the 12th-13th centuries. The Fitareti Cathedral is known for its varied, abundant ornamentation, distinguished by high craftsmanship and distinguishing the temple from other monuments of its era. The monastery is located in the deep valley of the Ktsia River (Georgian: ქცია) and is surrounded by high mountains. On the terrain to the southwest of the temple there was a village scattered where the remains of old small settlements have been preserved. The monastery was a powerful center of education. The monastery’s collection of church hymns contains neumatic signs that are of great importance for the study of the ancient Georgian musical notation system.
The monastery complex also includes: the Bell Tower, the Marani (wine cellar), the Crypt and more or less damaged structures of various outbuildings. The monastery is surrounded by two walls from different periods, indicating that the complex had some kind of defensive purpose. The main one, the Church of the Mother of God, has been preserved in excellent condition, considering its age and remote location. It is decorated with a great number of masterfully curved stone ornaments, has a richly carved stone cross at the main entrance to the cathedral, decorative decorations around all the windows and unique stone vaults under the central dome in the interior of the cathedral. Frescoes from various periods have been preserved in the interior and are currently in a restored and protected condition.
Pitareti village (Georgian: სოფელი ფიტარეთი), Municipality of Tetritskaro (Georgian: თეთრიწყაროს მუნიციპალიტეტი)
