Kolagiri Cave Monastery (David Gareja Desert)
Kolagiri Monastery (Georgian: გარეჯის ქოლაგირის მონასტერი ) – Situated in the eastern part of the David Gareja monastery complexes, in the Iori River valley. Dated to the 11th-12th centuries. It is unknown what the monastery was originally called, and there is some uncertainty about its current name. The monastery is carved into a rock composed of sedimentary rocks, which easily collapses, threatening the monastery with destruction. The monastery consists of a main temple and cave rooms. Of the seven surviving cauldrons, only four are easily accessible. Unfortunately, only the rear walls of these boilers have survived, while the front ones, about 4-5 meters long, have collapsed.
It is not known why these cauldrons were carved in such soft rocks and what methods and means were used to harden the stones. The caves of the small complex, located in one tier, were created in a short period of time. There are no defensive structures, warehouses or utility caves. The complex attracts special attention with its highly artistic, skillfully executed painting. The refectory is decorated with wall paintings, which probably date back to the 13th century. The paintings of the temple depict scenes of religious holidays. Along with religious scenes in Kolagiri, you can find images of noble people with inscriptions. The current state of the complex is quite serious. Soft rocks continue to deteriorate, damaging the unique frescoes.
David Gareji Desert (Georgian: დავით გარეჯის უდაბნო), Sagarejo Municipality (Georgian: საგარეჯოს მუნიციპალიტეტი)
