On December 30, 2025, a heated debate flared up in Georgia regarding the restoration of the Gelati Monastery, one of the country’s most significant Orthodox and cultural landmarks, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The controversy stems from the installation of a temporary heating system during the ongoing restoration work.

Last week, the Imereti region, where the monastery is located, was severely impacted by heavy snowfalls, leaving tens of thousands of homes without electricity and isolating remote villages. To protect the 10th-century cathedral from the harsh weather, a temporary protective dome was erected around the structure, and a heating system was installed inside the dome.

However, public figure and founder of the "Europe — Our Home" movement, Tornike Baratashvili, criticized the decision in the press. He argued that the installation of heaters on the temporary roof was not a scientifically justified preservation measure but a reactive solution to problems that had already arisen. The restoration work reportedly began at the end of December.

The controversy centers around the temporary roofing placed over the Gelati Cathedral to shield its frescoes and stone masonry from the elements. Critics argue that the use of a PVC material for the covering disrupts natural ventilation, creating the risk of "thermal pockets" and an unstable microclimate, particularly in the dome area. They claim that this could lead to condensation, micro-cracks, fading of fresco pigments, and the gradual decay of the stone.

Baratashvili also expressed concerns over the snow accumulation on the temporary roof, which he said had reached more than 20 centimeters, while the heaters, which were supposed to function according to instructions, had allegedly been switched off. He questioned the heaters' performance, their capacity, and the overall management of the temperature balance inside the cathedral.

In response, the Gelati Temporary Rehabilitation Committee issued an official statement. They assured the public that special heating units had been operating during the night at required intervals to effectively prevent excess snow accumulation. The committee also stressed that the situation was personally monitored by the deputy chairman, Archimandrite Kirion (Oniani).

The Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder, is regarded as one of Georgia’s spiritual and intellectual centers. Its frescoes and architecture are of exceptional historical value, and any work carried out on the site is closely scrutinized by experts, the Church, the government, and international organizations.