We will tell you about the iconic places worth visiting in Kutaisi and its surroundings.
What to See in the City
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 Dormition of the Mother of God, also known as the Bagrati Cathedral (named after King Bagrat III, who issued an order to build the cathedral), is a significant place for the Georgian people. It was here that the future great ruler of Georgia, David the Builder, was crowned and blessed for his reign.
Built at the beginning of the second millennium, the cathedral has only recently become active again. After extensive reconstruction initiated by UNESCO, it rose from 300-year-old ruins and opened its doors to the residents and guests of Kutaisi ten years ago. The cathedral is located on Ukimerioni Hill, visible from any point in the city, and is surrounded by massive fortress walls. The tranquil cows grazing nearby (allowed near this cultural attraction) add to the visual ensemble of the ancient church.
Access to Bagrati Cathedral is available for both vehicles (parking is provided on the observation platform near the church) and pedestrians.
Okros Chardakhi
The Okros Chardakhi Palace, or the Golden Canopy, is now essentially the ruins of an ancient castle of Georgian kings on the banks of the Rioni River. It was once considered a place where justice was administered. Important state decisions were made here, and executions took place. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the Bagrationi dynasty.
Other Ancient Attractions in Kutaisi
The history of Kutaisi spans about a thousand years of struggle and achievements. To get an impression of the city's tumultuous fate as the capital of Imereti, consider visiting the following historical attractions:
Red Bridge: This is the first metal bridge in the Caucasus, which has always been painted red since its construction.
Jewish Fountain: Located in the Jewish quarter of the city, this stone fountain commemorates the Jewish people who settled in western Georgia in the 17th century. Kutaisi is currently home to around 40 Jewish families, and the quarter houses three functioning synagogues.
Colchis Fountain: This fountain depicts the local fauna and features a massive structure with 30 gilded figurines of deer, rams, and horses. It is located in 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, is an arch stone structure typical of that time.
Dozens of local churches, including the Church of the Martyrs David and Constantine, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the Church of St. George, and the complex of three churches at Mtsvane Kvavila.
Botanical Garden: The main feature of the Kutaisi Botanical Garden is a church located within the trunk of a 400-year-old oak tree.
Soviet Heritage
Like any other city familiar with its Soviet past, Kutaisi has preserved typical buildings from that era. Some of these attractions include:
Central Park with a colonnade at the main entrance.
The Meskhishvili Theater and Queen Tamar Street, where it is located. This is one of the most interesting places for walks in the entire Caucasus region.
The Kutaisi Dam, built in the 1930s to supply the city with fresh water.
The David the Builder Avenue and the main railway station in Kutaisi, located on it.
The Historical Museum of Georgia.
The Opera Theater on Shota Rustaveli Avenue.
Modern Kutaisi
Georgian Parliament
One of the newest constructions in Kutaisi, built in 2012, is the Spiral Parliament Building. The parliament is located on the Kutaisi-Martvili highway. The building was constructed to host the country's parliament, but after the completion of the "spiral," the members of parliament decided to remain in Tbilisi. As a result, the Kutaisi residence of the deputies remains vacant.
Newest Squares and Streets of the City
Among the other recently emerged attractions in the city are:
The Central Fountain in the main park of Kutaisi. It serves as a meeting place for youth and hosts mass celebrations during national holidays. Families with children also come here for an evening stroll.
Newport Street, dedicated to the British twin city of Kutaisi. It exudes tranquility and serenity. Thanks to places like this, Kutaisi has earned a reputation as a cozy resort.
The Green Market in Kutaisi
To get acquainted with the national atmosphere and compare the Imereti region's mood with, for example, Adjara's, it is best to visit the main food (green) market. Considering that there are hardly any large supermarkets in the city, you are guaranteed to find fresh food here. At the market, you can buy various food products such as:
Local fruits and vegetables, including the rarest varieties.
Exotic nuts.
Homemade wines and cheese.
Fresh meat.
Famous Georgian sweets (including churchkhela and gozinaki).
Locally produced coffee and tea.
Spices and sauces.
Lavash and other baked goods.
Excursions from Kutaisi
The most popular excursions starting from Kutaisi include the following two routes:
Canyons and Waterfalls: This excursion includes visits to the Kinchkha Waterfall and trips to the Okatse and Martvili Canyons.
Mysterious Imereti: A journey through the monasteries and natural reserves of the Imereti region.
Mysterious Imereti
The route through the cultural and natural attractions of Imereti includes the following stopping points:
The ancient monasteries of Gelati and Motsameta.
The 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.
Visiting the caves: Free admission.
Opening hours:
Visiting the monasteries and Bagrati Cathedral: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Visiting the caves: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.
Gelati Monastery
The Gelati Monastery was built about a thousand years ago, located 10 km from the center of modern Kutaisi. It is listed as a protected UNESCO site in Georgia and is part of the "Golden Age" heritage. To visit the monastery independently without a guided tour, you can take a Kutaisi city bus from the Mari Brosse bus stop.
Motsameta Monastery
The Motsameta Monastery is located next to Gelati, built half a millennium ago on a neighboring hill. The Rioni River separates it from Gelati. Like its older neighbor, Motsameta Monastery is an active monastery. It was built by the prince-martyrs David and Constantine. Besides exploring the religious history of the country, visiting Motsameta Monastery is worth it for its beautiful 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!
