The historic Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Georgia, has been closed to visitors for nearly three months as the construction of a temporary roof progresses to protect the medieval frescoes from water damage. However, critical delays in the construction and disagreements over the proper roofing method have raised concerns over the preservation of the site.
With the construction process being delayed by at least a year and unique frescoes being exposed to moisture, the responsibility for the damage and ongoing risks falls under debate between UNESCO, the Georgian authorities, and the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The Urgency of Temporary Roofing
The need for the roofing project was first identified in winter 2020, when tiles on the main cathedral’s roof cracked, allowing water to leak in and damage the centuries-old frescoes. To prevent further damage, the Ministry of Culture initially covered the cathedral with tarps and a temporary metal roof.
However, for four years, attempts to protect the structure from water infiltration were insufficient. Water continued to seep in, posing a persistent threat to the frescoes, mosaics, and the structure itself.
UNESCO and local experts consistently urged the Georgian government to install an umbrella-like temporary roof over the cathedral to allow for the removal of the damaged tiles and to facilitate drying and conservation efforts. This temporary covering was designed to protect the monument before constructing a permanent new roof.
Although a project for this temporary structure was prepared by the Italian restoration team, “Restruere,” in 2023 and approved by UNESCO, the Georgian Patriarchate took over the responsibility for the restoration and chose an alternative approach, resulting in significant delays.
A Clash of Recommendations and Delays
The Patriarchate and UNESCO held divergent views on how to proceed with the temporary roofing, contributing to the delays. By July 2023, the “Restruere” team had completed a comprehensive plan for the roofing, receiving a “green light” from UNESCO to proceed.
However, when the project was handed over to the Georgian Orthodox Church’s Patriarchate in April 2023, they doubted the design and opted to develop their own version, leaving out the dome of the cathedral from the temporary covering. They argued that scaffolding for the dome would hinder worship services and claimed the dome was not leaking.
Contrary to this view, UNESCO, alongside the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), insisted that the temporary roof needed to include full coverage over the dome to prevent any possibility of moisture infiltration. The Patriarchate’s stance resulted in an extended period of debate and inaction. The lost time worsened the state of the frescoes and led to further damage, as the existing roof continued to deteriorate.
Lack of Transparency and Ongoing Concerns
By September 2024, the arms of Gelati’s main cathedral were finally covered with temporary roofing, and work began on the dome in October. However, the work was seen as severely delayed, with significant concerns remaining.
Art historians, architects, and conservators have voiced their criticism over the project’s lack of transparency, insufficient peer review, and the potential shortcomings in the Patriarchate’s chosen approach.
Experts argue that the project documents released by the Gelati Rehabilitation Committee are incomplete and lack critical details about the roofing’s reliability, water drainage, aeration, and climate control — essential aspects needed to safeguard the frescoes and mosaics.
The absence of a comprehensive peer review has heightened concerns about the project’s adequacy in preserving Gelati’s precious cultural heritage. Additionally, there is uncertainty about whether the project aligns with the original recommendations by “Restaurare” or whether their expertise was properly considered in the final stages.
Impacts on the Frescoes and Mosaic
Beyond the temporary roofing challenges, the removal of a temporary tin roof over the apse in July 2024 left the historic mosaic of the Virgin and Child exposed to water damage. For three weeks, during heavy rains, the mosaic was unprotected. While it was later covered with fabric, experts deemed this material unreliable, emphasizing the continued risk to the mosaic from wind-driven rain.
Reports suggest that 89% of the mosaic is at risk of detaching from the wall due to rapid degradation and inadequate environmental control. Roberto Nardi, an Italian conservation specialist, conducted assessments in 2023 and 2024, advising immediate protective measures to stabilize the mosaic, yet implementation of these measures remains uncertain.
Unresolved Issues of the Church of St. George
The Church of St. George, part of the Gelati monastic complex, has also suffered neglect. Its frescoes, dated to the 16th century, have been affected by roof damage and water infiltration. UNESCO recommended urgent repairs, including addressing the gaps in the roof and facade, yet no significant action has been taken. The ongoing moisture issues, along with a lack of thorough documentation and protective measures, raise concerns over the potential irreversible damage to this site as well.
Conclusion: A World Heritage Site at Risk
The lack of decisive action and coherent strategy for Gelati’s restoration has exposed the monastery’s priceless frescoes and mosaics to continued harm. Delays and disagreements between the Georgian authorities, the Patriarchate, and UNESCO over how best to preserve this cultural landmark have left Gelati’s future hanging in the balance.
As work progresses, albeit slowly, the coming months will be crucial to determine if the temporary measures taken will be enough to protect this irreplaceable heritage from further degradation. The international community, including UNESCO, will continue to watch closely, with hopes that Gelati’s historical and cultural significance will be preserved for generations to come.
