The Gelati Academy and Monastery were founded by King David Agmashenebeli, in 1106 and you can see his grave at the southern end of the cathedral at the main entrance. The popular and revered King David wanted to be buried in a place where everyone coming to the monastery would step on his grave and according to legend the gravestone is the same height as the King himself. During the 12-13th centuries Gelati was one of the biggest religious, educational, scientific and philosophical center of Georgia. The complex includes the main cathedral of the Virgin, the church of Saint George, a belfry and the academy building. In 1510 the Monastery was set on fire by Turkish invades, but it was quickly repaired and re-built. To commemorate the re-opening, a group portrait of rulers was painted which includes an image of David Agmashenebeli himself.