Kutaisi is the oldest city not only in Georgia, but throughout Europe. It was first mentioned in the works of ancient thinkers dating back to the 6th-3rd centuries. BC. Located in the heart of Colchis, it was for a long time the main city of the Western Georgian lands. In the 15th century - the center of the Imeretian kingdom. In 1810, quiet, inconspicuous provincial Kutaisi became part of the Russian Empire. Soviet times were marked by the rapid development of various industries. Today, most of the positions have been lost, enterprises are closed. All that remains from that era are monotonous buildings.
Modern Kutaisi is being actively restored. Thanks to the renovated Kopitnari International Airport, located 14 km from the city, life in it has become significantly more active. The service of low-cost airlines has made it possible to attract tens of thousands of tourists from Europe to the Caucasus region. True, a direct flight is only possible from Moscow. All other vacationers get to Tbilisi first, from there by plane 30 minutes, by train 5 hours, by taxi 4.
Today Kutaisi is the second capital of the country, framed by snowy mountains. On its calm, cozy streets filled with the spirit of tradition, the styles of different eras are originally intertwined, from the Argonauts and the Middle Ages to the Soviet period and futuristic modern buildings.
About 200,000 people live in Kutaisi, there are several universities, a philharmonic society, a drama and opera theater. The population of the Imereti region is called the most wonderful, friendly variety of Georgians, recognizable by their favorite question: “Where are you from?” The religiosity of the townspeople is evidenced by the places for prayer that are found at every step. They are carefully decorated with candlesticks and unusually shaped Georgian crosses.
A few facts about Kutaisi
- Kutaisi is the capital of Imereti, the largest region of Western Georgia.
- It is believed that Kutaisi is the capital of the legendary Colchis; it was there that Jason and the Argonauts headed on the ship “Argo” for the Golden Fleece.
- The city is located on the banks of the Rioni River, the historical center of Kutaisi - the Old Town is located on the right bank.
- The right and left banks, in addition to picturesque bridges, are connected by a cable car.
- Kutaisi-Kutaisoba City Day has been celebrated annually on May 2 since 1905.
- The international airport named after David the Builder is located in Kutaisi.
- The population of Kutaisi is approximately 135 thousand people.
- The distance from Kutaisi to the Georgian capital Tbilisi is 230 km, to Batumi – 150 km.
Neighborhood
There are no fewer interesting places in the vicinity of Kutaisi than in the city itself.
A little advice for travelers: in order not to be tied to public transport and to move more conveniently from one place to another, you can rent a car during your vacation.
Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi)
Opening hours : November-April: 10:00-17:00, May-August: 10:00-18:00, September-October: 10:00-17:30. Open on all days except Monday. Cost : 20 GEL per adult ticket (children under 5 years old are not allowed into the cave). How to get there :
- By minibus: first from Kutaisi to Tskhaltubo (minibuses run every hour, fare costs 1 GEL), then from Tskhaltubo to the cave (run 4 times a day: at 07.00, 11.00, 14.00 and 15.30, fare costs 1.5 GEL). The journey by public transport takes at least an hour.
- By taxi. If you come from Kutaisi, a taxi will cost about 25 GEL, if from Tskaltubo - 5 GEL.
- By your car. GPS coordinates 42.376997, 42.600796.
This location will appeal to tourists who have never been to caves before or simply love such places. The Prometheus Cave itself is the largest karst cave in the entire territory of Georgia. There is a backlight inside, so the spectacle is very interesting.
In the cave you can see underground lakes and touch stalactites and stalagmites. Scientists claim that Prometheus Cave has healing air, so visiting there will be useful for people with lung diseases.
During high season there are a lot of tourists here.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
Opening hours : May-August: from 10 to 18, September-October: from 10 to 17:30, November-April: from 10 to 17. Closed on Monday. Cost : children under 6 years old free, children over 6 years old - up to 4 GEL, adults - 7 GEL. How to get there : from the central market in Kutaisi by minibus No. 45.
The Sataplia Nature Reserve was founded 75 years ago and has recently been renovated. What's here:
- Karst caves. They are not as impressive as Prometheus Cave. Only one cave is open for visiting (although there are actually 5 of them), but it does not attract a large number of people.
- Dinosaur pavilion. There you can see preserved dinosaur tracks. Dinosaur sculptures are displayed outdoors.
- Glass observation deck-balcony. This place offers a stunning view of the Georgian mountains.
- An extinct volcano crater and many hiking trails.
It will take no more than a couple of hours to get around the reserve.
Tskhaltubo Park
You can get to this place on the way back from Prometheus Cave. Previously, members of the Soviet elite often went here on vacation.
Now there is a lot of greenery, silence and tranquility in Tskaltubo. By the way, there are famous low-radon springs here, the water from which is considered healing.
Okatse Canyon
Opening hours : in winter until 17, in other seasons from 10 to 18. Monday is a day off. Cost : adult ticket - 15 GEL (you may have to pay 0.5 GEL for parking).
This location will appeal to fans of extreme walking. There is an 800-meter-long trail along the mountain, suspended at the height of a 70-story building. And below is an abyss. There are several viewing platforms along the trail.
Kinchkha Waterfall
Cost : 1 GEL for parking How to get there : by taxi from Otsake Canyon (if you bargain, you can leave for less than 25 GEL) or on foot.
You can look at the waterfall if you go to Okatse Canyon. Here you can not only admire the views, but also swim in the cool water.
In spring and autumn, 3 waterfalls are visible, while in summer only one is clearly visible.
Borjomi
How to get there : by public transport from the Kutaisi bus station (Chavchavadze Avenue) by minibus to Akhaltsikhe (with a stop in Borjomi). Ticket price : approximately 10 GEL.
If you have the desire and opportunity to travel a little, then be sure to set aside time to visit the city of Borjomi. The road to Borjomi, if you leave from Kutaisi, takes about two hours.
Borjomi is a low-mountain town, surrounded on all sides by mountains and forests. Despite the fact that the village itself is quite small, the list of Borjomi attractions includes over 200 interesting objects. This place is also the birthplace of world-famous medicinal mineral water.
Borjomi does not have a highly developed infrastructure, but it has clean air, a mild (compared to many other locations) climate, pure nature and many sanatoriums. If you want to arrange a quiet, cozy and healthy holiday for yourself, this is definitely the place for you.
What interesting things can you see in Borjomi? If you have a couple of days at your disposal, you should definitely visit:
- Central Park . Entry before 9 or after 19 is free; at other times, visitors over 8 years old will have to pay 8 GEL (the entrance ticket is valid all day). There are mineral springs in the central park where you can drink for free. You can also get a 3-liter bottle of water (costs 3 GEL), but it is worth considering that the beneficial properties of water last only 1 day.
- Palace of the Romanovs . A huge villa that was built for Prince Nikolai Mikhailovich. Now the palace is a working museum.
- Fortresses of Gogia and Petre.
- Cable car . The price for one way travel is 4 GEL. By the way, if you take the cable car up and then walk down, you can get to the central park for free.
- Green Monastery.
- House of Firuz . This is a very beautiful building that the Persian consul built for his beloved.
- Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- Street 9 April . There is a mini-market here where you can buy delicious souvenirs (including pine cone jam).
If a tourist in Borjomi has only a couple of hours of free time, then the most important things are the cable car, the central park and just the streets of Borjomi (if you’re really short on time, you can drive around the city by car).
Old city
The historical center of the city, where the sights of Kutaisi are concentrated, is located on the right bank of the Rioni River. Here are the Royal Quarter, David the Builder Square, the Opera House, museums, and Okros Chardahi. The center of the Old Town is the Royal Quarter - a compact, picturesque area with 38 buildings on 6 streets, built during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Its narrow streets with majestic buildings are paved with cobblestones. At the symbolic entrance to the Royal Quarter there is an arch with the inscription "Mon Plaisir". Inside you can admire historical buildings, interesting statues, monuments, see numerous original graffiti, and have a pleasant time in cozy cafes and restaurants.
Between the Royal Quarter and David the Builder Square there is a city square. Both locals and city guests love to take walks here. It’s nice to visit the park, admiring the beautiful fountains, monuments to famous creative people: composer Zakhary Pavliashvili, poet Akaki Tsereteli, talented performers of urban romances, the Ishkhneli sisters.
Queen Tamara Street
This short but very important kilometer-long street on the left bank of the city is worth paying attention to, due to the fact that most of the hotels in the city are located in the areas adjacent to it. It lasts from the railway station to the Meskhishvili Theater described above. Moving from the train arrival point, along Tamara Street you can go to the very center of the city. The street is famous and is depicted in photographs and souvenirs with Kutaisi sights.
Annunciation Church
The Annunciation Church in Kutaisi was built in 1823 as a Catholic church. In the 1920s, the temple was closed and transferred to the Orthodox Church in 1989. It preserves Catholic sculptures of angels and the Virgin Mary, and Vatican paintings on the ceiling. Now the Annunciation Cathedral houses Orthodox icons in Catholic interiors.
Square of David the Builder (Agmashenebeli)
David the Builder Square or Agmashenebeli is the central square, included in the significant sights of Kutaisi. Here is the round Colchis fountain, considered one of the new symbols of the city.
In the northern part of the square there is a Drama Theater named after the Georgian actor and director Lado Meskhishvili. The oval building with columns and arched windows was built in 1955. It is a significant architectural monument and decoration of Kutaisi.
David the Builder Square has changed its appearance many times. In 1871, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built on it, which was destroyed in the 1920s. Then a monument to Lenin was erected here, and later it was replaced by a monument to Stalin. In 1956, the figure of Stalin was removed and a large flower bed was laid out in its place. In 1996, a monument to David the Builder was erected on the central square, but it did not stay long in the central square. In 2011, it was moved to the station building, and the vacated space was taken by the Colchis Fountain.
Kopitnari Airport
This is another symbol of modern, modernizing Kutaisi, just like the central square, bears the name of David the Builder. It is located 14 km from the city and can be reached by minibus going in this direction.
The terminal building is modern, glazed, a bit oddly shaped, but everything here is organized conscientiously. Very comfortable sofas with window sills will allow you to lie down and relax, this is much better than ordinary waiting rooms. A couple of shops, a tourist center, information desk, Wi-Fi - what else does a vacationer or tourist need? There is a car park and a car rental office next to the terminal. The length of the runway is approximately 2.5 km.
All these transformations made it possible to assign the airport category A and international status; it is the third most important in Georgia. It is planned to open new directions in the near future.
Colchis fountain
The largest and most expensive fountain in Georgia, “Colchis”, was built in Kutaisi in 2011, architect David Gogichaishvili. Mikheil Saakashvili was present at the grand opening of the fountain. Misha, as the former president is called in Georgia, loved to attend the opening of all the grandiose buildings in the country built at his initiative.
The fountain has 5 tiers, on the upper tier there are two large horses, on the lower tiers there are smaller figures: toastmaster, deer, goats, rams and aurochs. All 30 figures are made of bronze and covered with gilding, which gradually wears off. They are enlarged copies of figures and jewelry discovered by archaeologists during excavations of Colchis. Ancient Colchis was located on the territory of Western Georgia, where the Argonauts, led by Jason, went for the Golden Fleece.
The fountain is located at a roundabout that is difficult to cross. To approach the fountain you will have to cross the road. At night the fountain is illuminated.
Modern objects interesting to visit
The modern attractions that adorn Kutaisi include the Parliament building (Irakli Abashidze St.). This is a 40-meter dome made of glass and concrete. The building is associated with a giant turtle, snail or flying saucer.
According to the architect's plan, the building should symbolize the transparency of government for the residents of Georgia. Anyone can get inside the parliament as part of a tour group. You need to arrange an excursion in the adjacent Official Pass Office building.
Another modern object that is worth seeing is the Rioni Hydroelectric Power Station. It was built to protect the city from spring floods. You can get to the dam from any bank of the Rioni - both from the south and from the north.
Historical Museum named after Niko Berdzenishvili
Address: Kutaisi, st. Pushkina, house 18.
Kutaisi State Historical Museum named after Niko Berdzenishvili is the largest museum in Georgia, founded in 1922. In terms of the number of exhibits, it is second only to the capital's State Museum of Georgia. Its holdings include more than 190,000 storage units.
Visitors can see unique exhibits presented in archaeological, ethnographic, and numismatic collections. Visitors are especially attracted by military armor, collections of bladed weapons and firearms, coins, embossed works, including icons of the 11th-12th centuries from ancient Georgian monasteries, and ancient handwritten books.
Sataplia
Sataplia, from the traces of prehistoric times (120 million years ago) to the traces of dinosaurs, ends with karst caves, every guest will have to be an amazing sight. Its greatness always arouses great interest among visitors and occupies a leading position in the world.
Here you can see a cave, a dinosaur conservation building, a museum, exhibition halls, a glass panoramic view of the Imereti region and a beautiful view of the Imereti region. Sataplia is the best place for visitors.
Jewish Quarter
Great Synagogue
Some of the sights of Kutaisi are closely connected with the life of other nations. One of them is the Jewish Quarter, located on the left bank of the Rioni River, almost opposite the Bagrati Cathedral. It is a street with small branches. Now it bears the name of Boris Gaponov, a writer who masterfully translated Shota Rustaveli’s poem “The Knight in the Skin of a Tiger” into Hebrew.
There was a time when the Jewish population of Kutaisi reached 15,000 people. In the difficult 1990s, most Jews left Georgia for their historical homeland. However, authentic old houses that preserve the history of the once vibrant Jewish Quarter continue to attract the attention of tourists. Here on Gaponov Street there are three synagogues built in the 19th century, the most notable of which is the Great Synagogue.
Bridges over Rioni
Red Bridge
Pedestrian and transport arteries connecting the banks of the Rioni River in the central part of the city are called the Red, White, Chain and Rustaveli bridges. They are also excellent viewing platforms. People who come here admire the turbulent river waters, white coastal stones, the Bagrati Cathedral, one- and two-story buildings in colorful residential areas, steeply located, like swallows' nests, mountain landscapes in the distance.
White Bridge
The White Bridge over the mountainous, seething Rioni River is one of the popular attractions of Kutaisi, considered a unique symbol of the city and a popular place for romantic dates and beautiful photo shoots. The pedestrian bridge was built in 1872 according to the design of engineers Sesemann and Peper. Since the opening of the bridge, its railings have always been painted white, and its name is associated with this fact.
The hallmark of the White Bridge is a bronze boy with hats sitting on the railing - the hero of the film “An Extraordinary Exhibition” by Georgian director Eldar Shengelaya. After the recent reconstruction of the bridge, the wooden deck was replaced with a metal covering, which has glass inserts through which the waters of the river underfoot are visible.
Housing
More than 100 accommodation options have been prepared for tourists, including family-type mini-hotels, hotels, etc. The top three are complexes with their own parking lots and green areas:
- Continental Hotel
- Edemi
- Old
The average daily price is from 2200 to 7000 rubles. In hostels, beds are, of course, much cheaper.
To be fair, it must be said that the main attraction of Kutaisi is its residents, hospitable and open, ready to treat a stranger, help with friendly advice, or simply support. The atmosphere of the city is filled with the heady aroma of fresh bread, painted with a wide palette of colors and luxurious green herbs, mountains of fruits and vegetables. It attracts so much that it is difficult not to return here.
Okros Chardakhi
Address: Kutaisi, Rustaveli Avenue Sh., 9B.
Okros Chardakhi (translated as “Golden Alley”) was the name of the luxurious residence of the Imeretian kings, built during the period of the Imeretian kingdom, the original appearance of which can only be judged from the records left by travelers of those distant times. They noted that Okros Chardahi had Big and Small houses, the Church of St. George, a dining room, and a luxurious garden. All this was surrounded by stone walls and watchtowers.
Time has not been kind to the estate. Now all that remains of it is the Small House, which is a building under a hipped tiled roof with masonry. The first floor is built in the form of a series of high and powerful stone arches, into which strong walls are built. The second is relatively low, surrounded by a wooden balcony around the perimeter of the house. This excursion site, which has preserved the spirit of an ancient Georgian estate, is loved by tourists.
Gabashvili Park
Besik Gabashvili Culture and Recreation Park, named after the Georgian poet, is the main park of Kutaisi, located on the top of a hill. The park has the best observation deck of the city center, a Ferris wheel and standard attractions. You can get to the park from the Old Town by cable car across the Rioni River.
Walk from Gelati to Motsameta Monastery
The easiest option for walking from Gelati Monastery to Motsameta Monastery is to return to the main road and walk to the turnoff for Motsameta (about 3 km).
But we chose the scenic route, which went as follows: as soon as you leave the monastery grounds, immediately pass by the cemetery. There is a sign (in English) for some other churches, feel free to go and visit them, I will be waiting right here.
We didn't go, but if you could let us know if it's worth it! Either way, turn right down the hill. The path is pretty obvious the whole way, but if you're ever in doubt, make sure you head down. At the first major split, take the left path shown to you here by Max.
Once you reach the houses, simply follow the road downwards, passing a row of animals, until you meet the main road. Turn left and cross the river, continue walking until you reach a supermarket on your left.
They have a large selection of ice creams dating back about 20 years. Follow the path past the supermarket with the sign leading to the hostel.
Follow this path uphill until you reach the railway tracks and turn left. We read that the railroad tracks were "abandoned," but the facts say otherwise.
You won't see much train traffic, however, and they give you (or most likely the neighbor's cows) fair warning with some loud whistles. There are areas to walk on the sides of the tracks, but we found the "straight in the middle" method to be the most effective.
To the left of the paths you will see a monastery. And, if you happen to be there on the weekend, you'll be alerted to your route by a constant stream of wedding parties heading to the monastery, drones at the ready.
If the Gelati Monastery is all about beauty on the inside, then Motsameta is all about the outer features. There are no forests in sight on this baby, and it has the surrounding views of a nature documentary. We were even treated to swordplay and singing as one of the many wedding parties entered the monastery.
The walk from Gelati to Motsameta takes about 45 minutes.
Balanchivadze Opera and Ballet Theater
Address: Kutaisi, st. Tsminda Nino, 17.
The Meliton Balanchivadze Opera and Ballet Theater is located in a beautiful building from the early 20th century. In 2010, the building underwent a large-scale reconstruction, as a result of which 13 statues of Roman soldiers and sitting lions by local sculptor Georgiy Kikvidze appeared on the roof. Now completely reconstructed and actively working, the theater is a real decoration of the city.
Tskhaltubo
Tskaltubo is one of the oldest resorts in the world. It is famous for its underground hot water, which cures various diseases. Healing waters are used for prevention and general health and are called “water for life.”
Source Park
— Therapeutic water park, where the bathrooms are located. There is a children's entertainment center, a pine forest and a pleasant environment where you can heal, relax and recover.
Museum of Local Heritage named after Georgiy Akhvlediani
— The museum is located in the Tskaltubo region with rich archaeological finds from the Paleolithic period, including the feudal period. The museum is located near the Water Park.
Botanical Garden
In the Kutaisi Botanical Garden you can see an interesting chapel - in the trunk of a 400-year-old oak tree. In 2015, icons were placed from the natural cavity of the tree, now anyone can come here to pray. The oak chapel has become the botanical garden's main attraction and can accommodate three people.
The Botanical Garden is located on the left bank, next to the Bagrati Cathedral. It appeared in Kutaisi in the middle of the 19th century. Now about 700 species of plants from different parts of the world grow here.
Temple of Bagrat
It is impossible to imagine a city tour without one more object included in the main attractions of Kutaisi - the Bagrati Temple. It rises on the left bank of the Rioni River, attracting attention with its monumental appearance. Decorated with mosaics and carvings, the temple was built in 1003 as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Named in memory of the king who united Georgia - Bagrat III. It was here that the Georgian king David the Builder was crowned in 1089.
Bagrati Temple before restoration
In 1691, the Bagrati Temple was blown up by the Turks due to which the dome was damaged, and in 1770, during the liberation of Kutaisi from the Ottomans, the Russians, led by General Totleben, added to the damage. The beautiful ruins of the cathedral have stood for several centuries. During the Soviet years, the temple was reconstructed: in the 1930s to the 1950s. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In 2009, on the initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili, it was decided to restore the temple. A glass modern elevator was added to the back of the cathedral. A dome was erected and a bronze cross weighing 300 kg was placed on it. The cathedral with light green tiles and an elevator is very different from the Georgian churches familiar to the eye.
Attached elevator to the Bagrati Temple
In 2010, UNESCO included the cathedral on its list of endangered monuments. Despite the scandal that broke out with the restoration of the temple, work was not stopped and was completed only in 2012. Instead of the authentic ruins of a beautiful ancient cathedral from the early 11th century, a semi-modern building was born. In 2017, UNESCO removed the temple from the World Heritage List.
But not only the Bagrati Cathedral attracts tourists; people come here to admire the picturesque views of the city and the Rioni River, the Rachinsky mountain range. The remains of the fortress wall of the temple, stretching to Rioni, and the foundations of the palace of the Abkhazian king Leon have been preserved.
FAQ
What attractions are there near Kutaisi? St. George's Church, Lake Shaori, Geguti Palace, Motsameta, Sataplia Cave and Nature Reserve, Gelati, Okatse Canyon, Prometheus Cave.
What sights of Kutaisi can you see on your own? Chain Bridge, Green Market, Okros Chardakhi Palace, Jewish Quarter in Kutaisi, Bagrati Temple on the hill.
Where can you go with children in Kutaisi? Central Park, Red Bridge, Ropeway in Kutaisi.
Georgian Parliament building
Address: Kutaisi, Irakli Abashidze street.
On the western outskirts of Kutaisi there is a futuristic building of the Georgian parliament in the form of a hemisphere, made of metal and resembling a glass turtle. It was built on the initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili in 2012 by the Spanish architect Alberto Domingo Cabo, who built the Alphabet Tower in Batumi.
For the sake of the construction of the parliament building in 2009, despite protests, the huge Memorial of Military Glory was blown up - a monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War, installed on this site in 1981. As a result of the explosion, a woman and child were killed and several other people were injured.
The Georgian parliament was moved to Kutaisi for the development of the city and decentralization of power, the president and government remained in Tbilisi. Nothing good came of this idea; already at the beginning of 2019, the seat of parliament was returned to Tbilisi. The building, on which a huge sum was spent (according to official data, 350 million lari) turned out to be unnecessary. It was announced that structures of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs would be located here, then they planned to sell it, now it is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy.
Sometimes excursions are held in the building of the former Georgian parliament; to get on it, you need to pre-register by sending your passport details to the press center.
Where to eat deliciously
- El Paso is an establishment that is universally recommended by locals. It's delicious, inexpensive and fast service. El Paso is located in the very center of Kutaisi, opposite the Colchis Fountain. The only downside I can note is that the cafe menu is not very diverse: there are several types of khinkali, shish kebab, a couple of meat dishes, cheeses, sauces and that’s it! But since I am a fan of khinkali, I don’t need anything else to be happy. We've been here five times and always left full and happy. The average bill is 40 - 45 lari.
- Palaty is an establishment that ranks first in reviews on TripAdvisor. I can’t say what’s really the best, but it’s not bad, yes. True, there are not many Georgian dishes on the menu, mainly: pizza, pasta, steaks, etc. There are also Georgian dishes, but the emphasis is not on them.
We ordered sliced cheeses, eggplants with nuts, bazhe nut sauce, ojakhuri, elarji (corn porridge with cheese) and mineral water. The bill came out to 73 lari. Address: Pushkini Street II
- Baraqa is the most delicious place in Kutaisi (IHMO). Every dish is a culinary masterpiece! But the prices in Baraqa are higher than average. We paid 80 GEL for eggplant, cheese, khinkali (5 pieces), shish kebab and lemonade. The establishment is located in the center, near the Colchis fountain.
