Kutaisi

Enlisted as one of Europe’s oldest cities, Kutaisi holds remarkable cultural values not only for Georgian history, but also for UNESCO World Heritage.

The ancient written source about Kutaisi could be considered Argonautica, a Greek epic poem about Jason and the Argonauts and their journey to Colchis Kingdom. According to this legend, Jason sealed a wooden ship Argo from Black Sea upwards to Rioni River and visited the city Aia ruled by King Aeëtes, or Aeeta. The city name Aia after the centuries changed to Kut-aia. Georgian word "Kuat" means "stony". Archaeological evidences indicate on well-developed settlements here in 6-5th cc.

Kutaisi used to serve at various periods as the capital of successive kingdoms: Iberia, Lazika, Imereti, Abkhazia and Ancient Colchis, the latter was famous for its gold mining culture. From 1008 to 1122 Kutaisi became the capital of United Georgia Kingdom and a seat of Bagrationi Dynasty. Russian-Turkish war and the annexation of Imereti Kingdom in 1810 turned the city into a provincial settlement of Russian Empire.

Today Kutaisi represents an administrative center of Imereti Region, the third largest city of Georgia, with 135 201 inhabitants (2020). In October 2012 Kutaisi became the parliamentary legislative seat, until it was moved back to Tbilisi.

The city lends cosmopolitan vibrancy to its small-town charm by serving as a transportation hub for domestic and trans-European air travel, via low-cost carriers Wizz Air, Flydubai, Ryanair and SkyUp Airlines. Batumi, Zugdidi, Svaneti, Tbilisi are within reach of Kutaisi Airport by bus and taxi. In future a train station is expected to open at the airport, which will ensure fast and seamless travel.

Good location, mining, producing machinery, trucks, pumps, textiles and other consumer goods shaped modern Kutaisi into an important industrial center. There is also a Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kutaisi which operates on Rioni river.

Kutaisi attracts the visitors with its beautiful natural scenery and impressive architectural monuments, such as mediaeval cathedrals, futuristic parliament building, quaint cafes, widely esteemed delicious Imeretian cuisine and trendy wine houses, where you can shop famous Imeretian wines: Tsolikouri, Tsitska and Krakhuna. White, Red and Iron bridges across the river Rioni connect both sides of the town. Green Bazaar is right there, on a walking distance from these famous bridges. One of the must visit places in the town is the Bazaar - with multiple stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, sweets, meat, walnuts, variety of spices, massive wheels of cheese and Imeretian organic products.

Here is a guide to the best attractions you should visit while being in Kutaisi:

Bagrati Cathedral (975-1014)-possessing architectural and artistic merit, the cathedral is one of the most iconic examples of medieval architecture considered a symbol of united Georgia.

Uqimerioni Fortress - behind Bagrati Cathedral there is an archaeological site with unearthed ruins of third century settlement, 6th c church and King Bagrat Third’s royal residence.

Kutaisi Opera House (founded in 1969), Lado Meskhisvili Drama Theater (has a 100 year-old history) and Puppet Theater are close to the main round-about square of Kutaisi.

There are several parks in Kutaisi:

Kutaisi Botanical Garden – charming place on Rioni River bank, this oldest garden is distinguished for its unique chapel inside a tree.

Central City Park also known as the Boulevard (1840) - a beautiful and relaxing green space located next to Colchis Fountain. There are some statues and monuments in the park with plaques, written in both Georgian and English.

Besik Gabashvili Park on Vazha Pashavela Street, Kharazov Park on Solomon Pirveli Street, Youth Park (Pionerta Park) on Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze road and Kikvidze Park on Zviad Gamsakhurdia St.

Kutaisi Museums:

Kutaisi State Historical Museum (1912)- officially known as Niko Berdzenishvili Kutaisi State History Museum is considered one of the major scientific-research centers in Georgia with its advanced research laboratory and library.

David Kakabadze Fine Art Gallery on #8 Shota Rustaveli street houses collections of the 19th and 20th century artists. There are other museums on a walking distance from each other: National Museum of Military Glory, Kutaisi Museum of Sport, Kutaisi Museum of Martial Art, Zakaria Paliashvili Museum

Several Orthodox Christian churches are located in the old districts of Kutaisi: St. Thekla church on Daniel Chonkadze Street; St Elijah the prophet church at Chekhovi Street; St. Cyprian and Justina church on David Agmashenebeli Ave,.

Kutaisi Synagogue (1885) - the largest Synagogue in Kutaisi can seat 500 worshipers. It is located in once historic Jewish Quarter and operates for Shabbat and Feasts.

The sites to visit near Kutaisi:

Gelati Monastery and Academy(1106) – 9 km from Kutaisi - a masterpiece of Georgia's medieval renaissance and treasured educational, religious and cultural landmark. One of the largest medieval Orthodox monastics is preserved in the cathedral (UNESCO world heritage site).

Tskaltubo Spa Resort - The town with healing natural springs -17 km North-West from Kutaisi.

Prometheus Cave also known as Kumistavi Cave (1984)-one of the largest (47 ha) karst massifs in Georgia is located 22 km from Kutaisi, nearby Tskaltubo and comprises millennia-old stalagmites, cave pearls, stalactites, underground lakes and petrified waterfalls.

Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve (1935) - the complex is located in Tskaltubo municipality, 21 km northwest of Kutaisi. The reserve area encorporates a beautiful cave complex featuring numerous stalactites and stalagmites, preserved dinosaur footprints nearby, a museum, glass walkway overlooking breathtaking Colchic Forest and wild bee habitat area.

Motsameta Monastery (8th century)-known as "Place of the Martyrs" this majestic complex was built to honor fallen heroes David and Konstantine Mkheidze - Princes of Argveti. According to ancient superstition associated with Motsameta, if one crawls three times under the tomb of the saints and makes a wish without touching it, then their wish will come true.

Okatse Canyon - one of the most famous natural attractions is located in the village Zeda Gordi, Imereti region. 2 km long and 50 m wide canyon is divided into two parts: “First Canyon” and the “Bottom”.

The 2300 m long stone paved path leads through Dadiani historical forest-park, 780 m long hanging cliff trail and ends with a 20m long panoramic view at the incredible scenery, where you can take photos.

Book private tours with us listed below or contact our travel expert here:

Kutaisi Walking Tour

Day Trip to Tskaltubo

Imereti Wine Tour including Otias Ezo, Chateau Chikovani, and a wine gallery in Kutaisi.

Wine Tour to Vartsikhe, Baia`s Wine Cellar and wine bar Sapere

Day trip to Nikortsminda

Day trip to Vani

2-Day Western Heritage

2-Day Racha Wine Tour

2-day Lechkhumi tour from Kutaisi

3-Day Canyons and Caves

4-Day Samegrelo - Zemo Svaneti Rural Tour

5-Day Golden Fleece

6-Day Exploration Of Georgia

6-Day Trekking In Racha

8-Day Charm of Western Georgia