Photos of the Betania Medieval Monastery Buildings Georgia

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Photos of the picturesque Betania Medieval Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Georgia (country). Photos by photographer Paul E Williams.  (TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the picturesque Betania Medieval Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Georgia (country)

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Photos of Betania (Bethania ) Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Georgian Orthodox complex, Georgia.

Betania (Bethania) Monastery

Betania (Bethania ) Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God is located on the steep isolated wooded slopes of the Vere River Valley. Although only 16KM (9.9m) southwest of Tbilisi, Betania Monastery is approached along a barely passable steep rough track that plunges into the Vere River Valley.

Betania Golden Age Georgian Architecture

Betania Monastery is built in the classic “Golden Age” Georgian architectural style of the 11th and 12th centuries.

it is believed that two Orbeli brothers form the feudal Orbeli family paid for the monastery to be built in the 12th century.

Betania Monastery is built with a cruciform ground plan with a central straight sided cylindrical cupola which has 12 windows at its centre. It is built from red and green tuff with geometric sculpted stonework around its windows and doors.

The high dome is supported on 2 pillars and ledges of the altar wall. It is thought that some of the existing building may have been part of an earlier basilica style church. Surrounding the monastery was a high curtain fortification wall with a fortified gate as an entrance.

Betania Fresco Paintings

The interior of Betania Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God still has many frescoes including a notable fresco of King George III and his daughter – Queen Tamar. Many of the frescoes have been damaged and need restoration.

The frescoes are in a poor state is due to the monastery being abandoned after invasions in the 13th century. Its isolated position in deep woodland led to Betania Monastery being forgotten all together . It was re-discovered by an architect and artist Gagarin in 1850.

The ruined church was restored but the interior frescoes had been badly damaged by the weather. Photos of the interior frescoes is not permitted.