Georgia's third-largest city has a rich past, with the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery nearby. Explore ancient caves, taste Imeretian cuisine, and discover local wines in this historic region.
Kutaisi, Georgia's third largest city, is rich in ancient history and surrounded by natural wonders. Located in the Imereti region, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery and the restored Bagrati Cathedral. Visit nearby caves like Prometheus Cave or take a boat ride through Martvili Canyon. In the city, you'll find opportunities to taste Imeretian specialties and local wines, experiencing the region's culinary traditions.
Exploring Kutaisi's Historic Center
Kutaisi's compact city center is easy to walk around. Begin at the Colchis Fountain in the main square, where you'll see replicas of ancient golden artifacts. Walk along Rustaveli Avenue to see some of the city's most impressive 19th century buildings. Visit the Kutaisi State Historical Museum to learn about the region's past through its collection of artifacts.
Ancient Wonders: Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery
You can climb to the 11th century Bagrati Cathedral on a hill overlooking the city, where you'll get a wide view of Kutaisi. Although extensively reconstructed, it remains an important example of Georgian architecture. A short drive from the city, you'll find the Gelati Monastery complex with its medieval frescoes and mosaics. King David the Builder founded it in 1106, and it became a major center of culture and learning in medieval Georgia.
Natural Marvels Around Kutaisi
The area around Kutaisi has many natural sites to visit. In Prometheus Cave, you can see formations of stalactites and stalagmites lit up with colorful lights. For a more adventurous experience, go to Okatse Canyon and walk along its cliff-hanging walkway. At nearby Martvili Canyon, you can take boat rides through turquoise waters and see waterfalls up close.
Savoring Imeretian Cuisine
Kutaisi is a great place to try Imeretian cuisine. Order khachapuri Imeruli, a cheese-filled bread that's a local specialty. You might also like chicken in bazhe (walnut sauce) and shkmeruli (garlic chicken). Try these with local Imeretian wine - the region is known for its white Tsolikouri and Tsitska varieties.
Getting Around and Day Trips
While you can walk around Kutaisi's center, taxis and marshrutkas (minibuses) are available for longer distances. You can use Kutaisi as a base to explore western Georgia. Consider visiting the spa town of Tskaltubo, where you can see abandoned Soviet sanatoriums, or travel to the Racha region to see its mountain landscapes and vineyards.
