Betania Monastery, Medieval Orthodox monastery in Vere River Valley, Georgia.
Betania Monastery comprises two churches with a central domed structure built from pink-hued sandstone. The complex lies in the Vere River Valley southwest of Tbilisi and preserves wall paintings spanning from the 12th to 13th century.
Construction began in the early 12th century, establishing the site as a religious center in medieval Georgia. It remained an active place of worship through periods when many other churches were closed or repurposed.
The northern wall displays rare frescoes from the 13th century showing Georgian rulers such as Queen Tamar and King George III. These images reveal how the monastery served as a place where religious and royal authority came together.
The site sits about 16 kilometers southwest of Tbilisi and is accessible from the city. Visitors should expect uneven paths around the complex and check local opening hours before planning a visit.
The monastery stands out for continuing worship, weddings, and baptisms during Soviet times when most other religious sites were restricted. This continuity of faith practices made it an exceptional witness to religious life during a period of state restrictions.
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