The main sights of Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the second-largest city in western Georgia, the second (parliamentary) capital of the country, and the center of the Imereti administrative region. It is home to approximately 200,000 people. Today, Kutaisi is the third most popular Georgian resort, located 230 km from the capital city of Tbilisi and 150 km from the second-place city of Batumi.

When planning a trip to Georgia, be sure to allocate a couple of days to explore the attractions of Kutaisi. The city is particularly enjoyable to visit in May when the annual City Day is celebrated, also known as the "Rose Festival." This tradition dates back to 1905 when the wife of the governor, Sasha Chikovani, personally sold flowers on the main square of the city to raise funds for local hospitals.

What to See in the City

Kutaisi received its name from the word "kuato," which means "rocky" in translation. The city is almost entirely located on cliffs. The first construction began here in the 6th century AD. Since then, the city has undergone several transformations, embracing both Soviet and modern architecture. Therefore, all the cultural attractions of Kutaisi can be divided into three groups: those built before the beginning of the 20th century, during the Soviet era, and after Georgia gained independence.

Main Architectural and Religious Heritage of the City

White Bridge

The wooden bridge across the Rioni River, which is 150 years old, is the hallmark of Kutaisi. It is here that professional city tours usually start. On the railings of the bridge, there is a statue of a boy with two hats, dedicated to the ideal of art.

The bridge is surrounded by a small park where you can find a cozy cafe with a view of the river. Not far from the White Bridge is the Royal District of Kutaisi, built in the 13th century. The entrance to it is crowned by the Mon Plaisir arch.

Cable Car

The Kutaisi cable car connects two parks: the one where the White Bridge is located and the one named after Gabashvili. Several attractions have been built in the latter park. Music plays from the lively cafes and restaurants almost around the clock.

If you thoroughly explore the Gabashvili Culture and Recreation Park, you can find a road at its end that leads along Kazbegi Street to another city attraction, the Bagrati Cathedral.

Bagrati Cathedral

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is better known as Bagrati Cathedral (named after King Bagrat III, who ordered its construction). It is a landmark for the Georgian people. It was here that the future great ruler of Georgia, David the Builder, was crowned and blessed.

Built at the dawn of the second millennium, the cathedral has only recently been restored to its original function. After a long reconstruction initiated by UNESCO, it rose from 300-year-old ruins and has been open to locals and visitors of Kutaisi for the past ten years. The cathedral is located on the Ukemeri Hill, which is visible from any point in the city. It is surrounded by a massive fortress wall. The visual ensemble of the ancient temple is complemented by peaceful cows grazing nearby (which is allowed close to this cultural landmark).

Bagrati Cathedral is accessible both by car (there is a parking lot near the viewing platform by the church) and on foot.

Okros Chardakhi

The Okros Chardakhi Palace or Golden Tent is now essentially ruins of the ancient Georgian royal castle on the banks of the Rioni River. It is believed that it once served as a seat of justice. Important state decisions were made here, and executions were carried out. Today, it houses a house-museum dedicated to the Bagrationi dynasty.

Other Ancient Landmarks of Kutaisi

Kutaisi’s history spans nearly a thousand years of struggle and achievement. You can get a sense of the city's complex past by visiting the following historical landmarks:

Red Bridge. This is the first metal bridge in the Caucasus, traditionally painted red since its construction.

Jewish Fountain in the Jewish quarter. This stone monument honors the Jewish community that actively settled in western Georgia in the 17th century. Today, around 40 Jewish families live in Kutaisi, and there are three active synagogues in the area.

Colchian Fountain featuring animal figures. This grand structure includes 30 gold-plated figurines of deer, rams, and horses. It is located on David the Builder Square near his equestrian statue and is considered the most expensive fountain in Georgia.

Chain Bridge, the oldest bridge in the area. Built in the Middle Ages, it is a traditional arched stone structure typical for its time.

A dozen local churches, including the Church of Martyrs David and Constantine, the Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Saint George, and the Mtsvane Kvavila complex with three churches.

Botanical Garden. The main feature of Kutaisi's Botanical Garden is a church located inside the trunk of a 400-year-old oak tree.

20th Century Architectural Heritage

As in any other city shaped by the 20th century, Kutaisi has preserved distinctive buildings from that era. These landmarks include:

Central Park with its colonnade at the main entrance;

Meskhishvili Theatre and Queen Tamar Street, where it is located. One of the most charming places for a walk in the Caucasus region;

Kutaisi Dam, built in the 1930s to supply the city with fresh water;

David the Builder Avenue and the city's main railway station located on it;

Georgia's History Museum;

And also the Opera House on Shota Rustaveli Avenue.

Modern Kutaisi

Georgian Parliament

This is one of the newest buildings in Kutaisi, constructed in 2012 in the shape of a snail. The Parliament is located on the Kutaisi–Martvili highway. It was meant to house the country's deputies, but after construction was completed, members of Parliament declined to leave Tbilisi. As a result, the Kutaisi residence remains vacant.

New Squares and Streets of the City

Other sights that have appeared in the city more recently include:

The Central Fountain in the main city park. A popular gathering place for youth and venue for celebrations during national holidays. Families with children often stroll here in the evenings.

Newport Street, dedicated to Kutaisi's twin city in the UK. It is a peaceful and quiet place. Thanks to locations like this, Kutaisi has earned a reputation as a cozy resort town.

Green Market in Kutaisi

To experience national flavor and compare the Imeretian mood with, say, that of Adjara, it's best to visit the main food (green) market. Since the city has very few large supermarkets, this is the only place to find truly fresh food. You can buy the following food products at the market:

local fruits and vegetables, including rare varieties;

exotic nuts;

homemade wines and cheeses;

fresh meat;

famous traditional Georgian sweets (including churchkhela and gozinaki);

locally produced coffee and tea sold by weight;

spices and sauces;

lavash and other baked goods.

Excursions from Kutaisi

The two most popular excursion routes starting from Kutaisi are:

Canyons and waterfalls. The tour includes a visit to the Kinchkha Waterfall and trips to the Okatse and Martvili Canyons;

Mysterious Imereti — a journey through the monasteries and protected natural parks of the Imereti region.

Mysterious Imereti

The route through Imereti’s cultural and natural landmarks includes the following stops:

the ancient monasteries of Gelati and Motsameta;

Bagrati Cathedral;

the Sataplia and Prometheus caves with dinosaur footprints.

Prices:

visiting the monasteries and Bagrati Cathedral: 15–25 GEL depending on the tour program;

cave visits – free of charge.

Opening hours:

monasteries and Bagrati Cathedral: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

caves: daily from 10:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery was built about a thousand years ago, 10 km from the center of modern Kutaisi. It is included in the list of Georgian UNESCO-protected sites and belongs to the heritage of the Golden Age. You can reach the monastery independently via a Kutaisi city bus from the Mari Brosse stop.

Motsameta Monastery

Motsameta Monastery is Gelati’s neighbor, built half a millennium ago on the adjacent hill. It is separated from Gelati by the Rioni River. Like its older neighbor, Motsameta is an active monastery. It was founded by the martyred princes (Motsameta means “martyrs”) David and Constantine. This site is worth visiting not only for its religious significance, but also for the stunning views of the river and valley.

Prometheus Cave

Visiting the largest karst cave in the country, the Prometheus Cave, is one of the few excursions not recommended for children under five years old. One of its entrances was specially developed for tourists. Today, the guest section of Prometheus Cave is illuminated with special miniature projectors to create a more atmospheric experience. The excursion will be of particular interest to those who have never seen karst formations before.

To get to Prometheus Cave from the center of Kutaisi, it takes about 30 minutes by car or one and a half hours by public transport (stop: Tsqaltubo town).

The cost of a taxi ride to the cave from Kutaisi center is approximately 60 GEL, while taking a minibus would cost around 25 GEL.

Sataplia Cave and Park

Located 10 km from the center of Kutaisi, the Sataplia Nature Reserve (also known as Sataplio or Sataplie) is considered a living memory of the oldest animals on the planet - dinosaurs. The preserved footprints of dinosaurs found during excavations are cemented throughout the reserve. The park is adorned with statues of extinct reptiles to enhance the atmosphere.

Visiting Sataplia will be particularly interesting for children. The park has a total of five caves, with the main one being developed for tourists. Next to the cave is a crater of an extinct volcano. The reserve also features several observation platforms offering views of the coniferous forest and the Caucasus Mountains.

It is possible to independently reach Sataplia Park by taking a minibus from the central market in Kutaisi.

Tsqaltubo Town

Most tourists visit Tsqaltubo for its mineral radon water. In the past, numerous closed-type sanatoriums were built here for the Soviet elite. Some of the Soviet-era structures have turned into ruins, while others have survived, been reconstructed, and given a chance for a second life.

There is a daily direct bus from Kutaisi to Tsqaltubo, covering the distance in about 30 minutes.

Okatse Canyon

On the road from Kutaisi to Okatse Canyon, which can be reached in about an hour by car or a couple of hours by public transport, there is an excursion that is not recommended for children under 12 years old and those shorter than 120 cm in height.

Okatse Canyon is an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts who enjoy thrilling experiences. The main trail in the canyon is approximately 800 meters long and is located at a height equivalent to a 70-story building.

Kinchka Waterfall

The easiest way to reach Kinchka Waterfall is by walking or driving from Okatse Canyon, covering a distance of 7 km. It is actually a series of cascading waterfalls, which are most vividly visible during spring. During the summer, most of the waterfalls temporarily dry up, leaving only one visible.

Martvili Canyons

An excursion to Martvili Canyons involves a riverboat tour with stops at the lower and upper Martvili Canyons. Swimming from the shore is prohibited, but there is a designated beach area nearby for tourists.

The full version of the Martvili excursion, including boat rides, is not allowed for children. Children under 1 meter in height are only allowed to enjoy the view from the observation platforms with their parents.

Chkondidi Monastery

Chkondidi Monastery is located near the Martvili Canyons and is one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Georgia. It can be reached by car or an old cable car.

Kutaisi is a wonderful city to visit not only because it is the second capital of Georgia. It is also home to an airport that receives the most low-cost carriers. This resort is affordable, interesting, welcoming, and convenient for traveling throughout the country. Kutaisi is exactly what a tourist needs!