Kutaisi

Kutaisi is located in the Imereti region on the banks of the river Rioni. Kutaisi is the administrative center of Imereti Region. It is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and fifth among the oldest cities in Europe. The city has been inhabited since ancient times. The existence of colchian culture is confirmed here from the XV-XIII centuries BC. Documentary history of Kutaisi dates back to the III century BC, though ancient authors considered it the capital of the kingdom of Colchis (VIII BC). The old names of the city are: Aia, Kutaia, Kutatisiumi. On the right bank of the river Rioni, there are traces of extensive settlement. In the V century, Kutaisi was the capital of Egrisi. By the end of the VIII century it was already the capital of Egrisi and United Kingdom of Abkhazia. In the X century, Kutaisi became the capital of the newly united Georgia. Here David the Builder was blessed. David the Builder built the Gelati Cathedral near Kutaisi, which became one of the most important educational centers of Georgia. Kutaisi has maintained the status of a united Georgian capital for 124 years. In 1122 David the Builder moved the royal throne in Tbilisi, however, Kutaisi remained an important city in the cultural and historical significance. Nowadays, Kutaisi is the second city of Georgia with its developed infrastructure and culture. There are higher and professional colleges, museums, theaters, galleries, etc. There are also restaurants, cafes, hotels, cinemas and other important places in the city where you can enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable time. Kutaisi attracts many tourists with its abundance of historical and cultural monuments. The castle of Ukimerioni, Gelati, Bagrati Cathedral, as well as many other cultural and natural monuments and the beauty of the city itself will surely make you fell in love with Kutaisi.

What to see

Kutaisi and its surrounding areas are distinguished by the beautiful nature and abundance of cultural monuments. If you visit Kutaisi you should definitely visit Sataplia and Prometheus Caves near Kutaisi, Tskaltubo Municipality. There are many beautiful karst caves in Imereti. In addition to the magic halls adorned with stalactites and stalagmites in Sataplia, you will also be able to see dinosaur footprints and travel through the prehistoric world. Okatse canyon in the municipality of Khoni is also beautiful with a hanging path, waterfalls and amazing views. There is also a Gabzaruli Lake(Cracked Lake) and Mukhura Waterfall deep in the rocks near Kutaisi. One of the sights of the city is the Kutaisi Botanical Garden, were about 700 species of plants are cultivated. The history of Kutaisi dates back to ancient times, and therefore there are many monuments of historical and cultural significance, both pre-Christian and medieval. The grand and impressive Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, which was the crypt of the Georgian kings and where the greatest king of Georgia - David the Builder is buried, Motsameta, the Geguti Palace and many other temples or castle-fortresses can give us a vivid picture of Georgia's history and cultural development. There is a historical-ethnographic museum in Kutaisi, which presents unique materials from the IX-VII centuries BC to the late medieval period. Close to the city there is a resort of healing waters and beautiful nature, Tskaltubo, where you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

Nature

● Sataplia Cave

● Prometheus Cave

● Navenakhevi Cave

● Gabzaruli Lake (Cracked Lake)

● Okatse Canyon

Cultural Monuments

● Bagrati Cathedral

● Gelati Monastery

● Motsameta

● Geguti Palace

● Ukimerioni Fortress