Kutaisi is the largest settlement in western Georgia. A turbulent history has left numerous traces on his appearance and turned him into one of the most original and beautiful Georgian cities. There are many architectural monuments, interesting museums, ancient temples and monasteries.
Kutaisi is located 220 km away. Nearby, 22 km, has its own airport. Flights here are operated, for example, by the popular low-cost airline - the Hungarian Wizair and other airlines.
The city is located on the banks of the picturesque mountain river Rioni. The first settlements on this site were founded before our era. According to legend, Kutaisi was the capital of the legendary Colchis, where the Argonauts went in search of the Golden Fleece.
The city was part of the Abkhazian kingdom for several centuries, then was captured by the Turks. Russian troops liberated Kutaisi in 1770 and it became part of the Russian Empire. After the collapse of the USSR it became one of the largest and most important Georgian cities. Since 2012, it has been considered the parliamentary capital of Georgia.
The climate of Kutaisi is humid subtropical. January is considered the coldest month, August the hottest. The average annual temperature is 14-15 degrees. Population is about 200 thousand people. To get around Kutaisi you can use minibuses and city buses. Tbilisi and other cities in the country are also easily accessible by bus or car.
Attractions within the city
In the city and its surroundings there are many different attractions that attract travelers here. We have collected in this article the most important places with their descriptions and photos, so that when visiting Kutaisi there will be no question of what you must see.
One of the main attractions of Kutaisi. The cathedral, built in the 11th century, was for a long time the main temple of the Georgian kingdom. He played a huge role in the cultural life of the country.
The temple was badly damaged during the war with the Turks and was in a dilapidated state for a long time. In 2012, it was reopened after reconstruction and some restructuring, the project of which was not approved by UNESCO. After this, the site was removed from the World Heritage List. The cathedral was built on Mount Ukimeroni, from the foot of which a stone staircase leads to the top.
Located on David the Builder Square, decorated with enlarged copies of historical gold finds discovered during excavations near the city. There are figures of deer, horses, aurochs, and the fountain is crowned with statues of the horses of King Eetus. The fountain has several levels; colorful lighting turns on in the evening.
Kutaisi Botanical Garden is located near the city center. This is a great place for a walk on a hot day.
Here you can find flora typical of tropical and subtropical climates. The most interesting object is a chapel built inside the trunk of a huge centuries-old oak tree. Up to three people can go inside at a time.
A visit to the botanical garden costs 1 GEL, opening hours are from 10-22 hours.
Parliament
The building of the Georgian Parliament was erected in 2012. This example of modern Art Nouveau architecture. According to the plan of the Spanish architect Domingo Cabo, a structure was built that resembled half of a large drop of water.
The building has the shape of a huge irregular glass hemisphere with a white transverse belt made of modern structural materials. The building looks very original and unusual. Located on the city outskirts near the bus station. To get inside, you need to register through the website and sign up for one of the tours that take place around the Parliament building.
Initially, before Soviet rule, this building was a Catholic church. After the revolution, the cathedral was closed. In 1989, the building was transferred to the Orthodox Church. The interior decoration still retains the features inherent in the Roman church– a statue of the Virgin Mary, angels, a ceiling painted in Catholic style.
Considered the most beautiful bridge in Kutaisi. Built in 1870 from metal elements painted white. It is a 3-bay structure made of forged metal, which is installed on stone supports.
The bridge is also known by statue of a boy holding two hats. It personifies the hero of Shengelaya’s painting “An Extraordinary Exhibition.” The bridge offers picturesque views of the river itself and its surrounding white cliffs.
Okros Chardakhi is the former residence of the kings of Imereti. This attraction is located on the banks of the Rioni. The first mention of this place dates back to the 15th century. Then, according to the recollections of travelers, on its territory there was a large and small house, as well as a complex of other buildings and a church.
The residence was protected on one side by the river, on the other side it was surrounded by stone walls. Gradually, after several attacks, the complex received significant damage, eventually Only the Small House has survived. Later it was turned into an ordinary residential building with apartments. Now there is a museum exhibition here.
The cable car in Kutaisi is a separate city attraction. The funicular connects two parts of the city located on different banks of the river. The lower station is located near the former residence of the Imeretian kings Okros Chardakhi, the upper one is in the Park of Culture. The route passes over the Rioni, offering memorable views of the river and surrounding area.
A one-way ride on the cable car costs 0.5 GEL.
The historical museum of the city of Kutaisi is one of the largest and most famous in Georgia. The total number of exhibits exceeds 150 thousand. The basis for its creation was ethnographic collections and collections made at the beginning of the 20th century.
Many objects date back to the Early Paleolithic. They were discovered during archaeological expeditions near Kutaisi and in other regions of Georgia, southern Russia and Turkey.
The entrance ticket costs 3 GEL, opening hours are from 10-18, closed on Sundays.
Theater named after Lado Meskhishvili is located next to the Colchis Fountain. This is one of the oldest and most honored theaters in the country. The round building is decorated with a colonnade at the entrance, large arched windows, bas-reliefs and stucco decorations.
The lower temple of St. George is interesting because it previously belonged to the Armenian Church. The construction dates back to the 18th century. Located next to the Jewish Quarter, near the Rioni River.
Market
The Green Market is a great place to get acquainted with local traditions and flavor. Traditional Georgian products for sale– local cheeses, nuts, churchkhela and other delicacies.
This is part of the urban area where the Jewish community previously lived. Three synagogues and many ancient houses have been preserved here. The synagogues were built in the 19th century. The quarter is located on the left bank of the Rioni, opposite Bagrata Hill. It is bounded by Gelani Street and the river bank.
Mtsvane Kvavila - which means “Green Flower”, a complex that consists of a defensive tower, three churches, a pantheon where famous people of the city are buried. The tower has two floors and is quadrangular in cross-section. One of the churches was almost completely destroyed, leaving only ruins. On the territory of the complex there is an ancient chapel, around which are the tombs of the pantheon.
Attractions in the surrounding area
Gelati Monastery is the most famous attraction located in the Kutaisi region. The date of its foundation is considered to be the 12th century, and its creator is the legendary King David the Builder. The Gelati monastery was built on a hill that rises above the valley of Tskal-Tsitela, a stormy mountain river. The complex includes the Church of St. George, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. This is where the tomb of King David is located.
The ticket costs 3 lari, you can get there from the city by minibus.
The Sataplia Nature Reserve is located 8 km from the city. The easiest way to get there is by minibus No. 45. The reserve is located on Mount Sataplia. The territory is covered with forests, there is practically no grass, since the dense crown of trees allows very little light to pass through.
An interesting place is the unique karst caves of Sataplia. You can also see fossilized dinosaur footprints. The limestone slab where they were discovered is now protected and kept in a special room. A park with sculptures depicting these animals was built nearby.
A ticket to visit the park costs 6 GEL.
Motsameta Monastery is located near the Gelati Monastery, on the other side of the canyon. It is a little closer to Kutaisi. It's easy to get there on foot across the dam on the river. On the territory of the monastery there is the Cathedral of the Martyrs David and Constantine, the remains of a stone wall, and a bell tower. The relics of saints are kept in the temple.
The church is dedicated to two brothers - princes Constantine and David, killed by Arabs after refusing to accept someone else's faith. Near the monastery there is a picturesque canyon with excellent views of the surrounding area.
Prometheus Cave, formerly known as Kumistavi, is located in the vicinity of Tskhaltubo. Its size is huge. Although only a small part is accessible to visit, the tour lasts almost an hour.
According to legend, it was here that the Olympian gods chained Prometheus. There are many stalactites and stalagmites here, equipped with colorful lighting. The cave has an underground river along which you can take a boat ride. You cannot move here alone, only as part of a group.
A ticket to the cave itself costs 7 GEL. A boat ride costs 7 GEL separately.
To get to the place on your own, you first need to get to Tskhaltubo. This can be done on the 30th minibus. It is taken to the Tskhaltubo market, not far from it there is a bus station from where minibuses go to the cave. You can get there by taxi or walk.
The ruins of Geguti Palace are approximately 7 km from the city center. The former royal palace was preserved rather poorly. The approximate date of construction is the 11th century. For some time the kings of Georgia lived here. There is a possibility that Shota Rustaveli was here.
The size of the remains of the structure is impressive. Fragments of walls, part of a stone staircase, and remains of a stone vault have been preserved. Unfortunately, no restoration work has yet been carried out and the place is in disrepair. You can get there by taxi or minibus going to Geguti.
Watch the video about this wonderful city:
In ancient times, most of Kutaisi, located on the Colchis lowland, was covered with picturesque forests. And now the famous Georgian tea and delicious tropical fruits are grown in this fertile area. We are no longer talking about the landscapes of the surrounding area - they simply fascinate with their wonderful decoration! Greenery is present here wherever possible; not only boulevards and parks, but also squares and even small streets are decorated with bright plantings. All this beauty is located against the backdrop of the mountains, which looks simply magical.
The weather in the city is dictated by the subtropical climate, characterized by high humidity. Heavy downpours usually occur in spring and autumn, and very often. Streams of water saturate the Rioni so much that it is forced to leave its banks. Heavy rains often cause flooding, with entire streets under water. Strong winds often blow in March-May and September-November. Hurricanes also happen in winter. So, in February 1979, the wind blew with terrible force - 49 meters per second.
But the temperature in Kutaisi is quite comfortable: the annual average for the city is +14.5 degrees Celsius. August is the warmest, the temperature in the last summer month rises to 24.6 degrees with a plus sign. It happens that the thermometer shows +35 °C and above, but this is observed only for 10-12 days throughout the summer.
The temperature record was set on July 30, 2000, when a reading of +43.1 °C was recorded. But the coldest day in Kutaisi in the entire history of meteorological observations turned out to be January 14, 1950: the thermometer stopped at 17 degrees with a minus sign. January is generally considered the coldest month of the year here, although the temperature in this month is usually above zero, the average temperature is +5.2 °C.
History and modernity
The history of the main city of Western Georgia began approximately three and a half thousand years ago, that is, Kutaisi is 2000 years older than Tbilisi. Not every settlement in the country can boast of such a respectable age, except for the ancient Kaspi and Mtskheta.
Kutaisi, according to archaeologists, was founded approximately in the 6th-5th centuries BC. However, the chronicle of the city began to be documented only from the 3rd century BC. The first written source in which he is mentioned is Argonautica. Apollonius of Rhodes, the author of this work, writes that “you can see the city of Citaea Eetus” by directing the “ship Argo” to the mouth of the “turbulent Phasis,” which “carries wide waters into the sea.”
In ancient times, there was a large hill on the site of the city of Kutaisi. This is the picture that the representatives of the first Kartvelian-speaking tribes – the Megrelo-Chans or Svans – found when they came to these lands. This area was swampy, there were many malarial mosquitoes here, so it seemed practically unsuitable for life. The Svans decided to develop the foothills, setting a goal for themselves: to get to the sea coast by water. The events described took place between the 20th and 15th centuries BC. According to some reports, the tribes founded their first settlement where one of the main attractions of the city and its tourist attraction – the Bagrati Temple – is now located.
Kutaisi, in those days it was called Kutaia, went down in history as one of the first cities in Colchis, adjacent to the settlements of Vani, Nokalakevi and Rhodopolis. There is every reason to believe that in 720 BC the city also survived the invasion of the Cimmerians. During the era of the Byzantine Empire, no significant events worthy of a chronicler’s pen occurred here. After the Byzantines, the kingdom of Egrisi was formed in this area. Then came the time of Arab rule, but the Abkhazians withstood the invasion of foreigners and were subsequently able to conquer all of Western Georgia from them. As a result of these events, Kutaisi became part of the Abkhazian kingdom.
The turning point in the history of ancient Kutaia was the year 808, when the Abkhazian king Leon “built the fortress and city of Kutaisi” and proclaimed it “the throne city, second after Anakopia.” It remained the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom until the 13th century. A major role in the fate of the city was played by King David VI Narini, who, although subordinate to the Mongols, showed some independence. For example, in 1260 he refused to participate in the campaign against Egypt, simply fleeing from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. Western Georgia, which had separated into a state not controlled by the Mongols, recognized him as king. And Kutaisi, accordingly, became the capital of this state. In 1293, this prominent historical figure died and found his final rest in the Gelati monastery.
In 1760, Kutaisi was captured by the Ottoman Empire. It was liberated from Turkish rule by Russian troops in 1770, and in 1810 it became part of the Russian Empire. And by no means on provincial rights: in 1811 the city became the center of the Imereti region, and in 1846 - the center of the Kutaisi province. It existed in this status until the October Revolution of 1917. After joining Russia, the territory of the settlement began to increase, it was built up with stone houses, and many temples were erected. So, in 1823, the Annunciation Cathedral appeared - it was built for the Catholic community. In 1835, construction of the “upper synagogue” began.
Kutaisi even had its own prison, where political celebrities such as Joseph Stalin and Lavrentiy Beria were held as prisoners. But in the Kutaisi gymnasium, the building of which has survived to this day, it stands on Tsereteli Street, where young Vladimir Mayakovsky studied in the early 1900s.
The 20s of the last century were very difficult for the city, when a series of executions of “unreliable” people affected many families. The Soviet government did not spare the “architectural remnants” of the pre-revolutionary era. In 1924, the Kutaisi Cathedral on the main square fell under the hot hand of the builders of communism - it was demolished.
In the era of “developed socialism,” Kutaisi became the second most important industrial center of the Georgian SSR. Industry developed at a very fast pace; many factories were built in the city: automobile, electromechanical, tractor, lithopone and many others. The automobile plant, put into operation in 1951, until 1968 produced the famous Colchis truck throughout the Soviet Union. In the USSR, people even joked about this: “A car from Kutaisi is worse than a wolf or even a lynx.”
The young years of the former first secretary of the Central Committee of the Republican Communist Party, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR during perestroika and the second president of independent Georgia, E. A. Shevardnadze, are also connected with the city. In 1956-1957, Eduard Amvrosievich was one of the Komsomol leaders of Kutaisi. He even studied at the Kutaisi Pedagogical Institute, from which he graduated in 1959.
With Georgia gaining independence, Kutaisi was chosen by the leaders of the criminal world. The group, known as the “Kutaisi”, brought fear to the entire Transcaucasus. It was so powerful that it could compete with the Sukhumi ones. Most of the thieves in law lived in the Chomi quarter, on the right bank. Some of the authorities settled at the western end of Agmashenebeli Avenue, or at the Outpost. The mansion of Gaioz Zviadadze serves as a unique reminder of that odious era. In 2006, this criminal den was confiscated by the state. At the same time, almost all Kutaisi thieves in law were destroyed. This means that the main city of Western Georgia has since become a safe place.
From 2009 to 2013, Kutaisi underwent reconstruction. The Bagrati Temple was restored, several streets were repaired, and the Sataplia National Park opened - albeit outside the city. Well, in 2012, as we noted above, it became the parliamentary capital of Georgia. In 2015, another important and long-awaited event happened: a bypass road was opened here.
Sights of Kutaisi
The main local temple, Bagrati Cathedral, is located on the mountain, offering a magnificent panorama of Kutaisi. This ancient building is interesting not only from a religious, but also from a historical and architectural point of view. There is only one thing that upsets us: at one time the cathedral was damaged by the Seljuk Turks, so it has not survived to this day in its original form. However, the rapid passage of time still preserved for posterity ancient mosaics, paintings, frescoes and magnificent stained glass windows adorning the window panes. Not long ago, restoration work was completed in the Bagrati Temple. Architects were inclined to enrich its appearance with solutions in the Art Nouveau style. Modernity was wonderfully combined with ancient walls and the result is worthy of attention.
Another popular attraction of Kutaisi is the Colchis Fountain, located right on the central square named after David Agmashenebeli. The fountain is multi-level and unique in that it is decorated with 30 copies of figurines dating back to the Bronze Age. The figurines are duplicates of figurines belonging to the Colchis culture. They are enlarged, that is, they are made in natural size, and are also gilded. The originals were found during archaeological excavations. In addition to the fountain, the square also deserves attention: the drama theater, the city library, the Museum of Georgian Sports and many other beautiful buildings.
Special mention should be made about the Georgian Kutaisi Theater named after Lado Meskhishvili. Founded in 1861, two decades later it acquired its own troupe of professional actors, led by A. Lordkipanidze. The theater building is built of gray stone and is one of the brightest examples of the Renaissance style. And all thanks to the arched windows located at the entrance, high columns and the facade decorated with bas-reliefs.
Kopitnari Airport, named after David Agmashenebeli, can also be considered a separate attraction. In August 2008, during the Georgian-South Ossetian armed conflict, the air harbor was shelled by aircraft. As a result, the runway received some damage. In 2012, it was renovated and renovated, and the then President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili attended the ceremony. The airport was equipped with modern weather and navigation systems. The length of the runway is 2600 meters, and the first flight was to Kyiv - it was operated by one of the Ukrainian airlines.
Very close to Kutaisi is the Gelati Monastery, which is considered one of the main ones in the country. The son of David the Builder, who was buried here, at one time took the iron gates from the city of Ganja - they are now stored in Gelati. This monastery can be proud of having an ancient observatory and even an entire academy. There is an assumption, not yet confirmed by anything, that the legendary Queen Tamara is buried in this monastery.
At the top of the mountain, sandwiched between two gorges, there is another amazing monastery - Motsameta, which offers simply magical views of the surrounding area. As legend has it, the monastery was built in the place where the Georgian princes Constantine and David were executed, who flatly refused to forcibly convert to Islam, which the invaders forced them to do. Both rulers were subsequently canonized. In the very center of the monastery, in the ark, the relics of David and Constantine are kept.
Recreation and entertainment
Residents of Kutaisi are looking forward to the coming of May, the month in which the main city holiday “Katuisoba” falls. It is celebrated for only one day, the second day, but it charges you with positive emotions for the year ahead. The heart of the holiday becomes the central park, where people from all over the city gather. Guests come from other localities in Georgia. Foreign tourists also enjoy watching the enchanting performance - national dances performed by talented local artists. Of course, at the festival you can also enjoy delightful, soul-touching folk music. So if you find yourself in the capital of Imereti on May 2, be sure to take part in “Katuisoba” - you are guaranteed a good mood!
A simple walk around the 3,000-year-old city is a great way to relax. To feel the unique atmosphere of Kutaisi, take a promenade in the area of the ancient quarter of Mtsvane Kvavila or visit the Jewish district, the main attraction of which is the old synagogue.
One of the favorite places for walking is the White Bridge over the Rioni River, completely pedestrian and the most beautiful of all city bridges. It is also famous for the bronze statue of a boy holding two hats, a symbol of art. Tourists, and the residents of Kutaisi themselves, are happy to take pictures against its background.
Once at the end of Gorky Street (this section is in the center of Kutaisi), the road will lead you to picturesque hills from which beautiful views of the city, two monasteries - Motzameta and Gelati, and the Sataplia nature reserve. This route is perfect not only for walking, but also for cycling and hiking. The place is also suitable for organizing picnics with family and friends, evening gatherings around the fire, or for camping right under the open night sky.
At the top of the hill, at 1 Vazha Pshavela Street, there is a park named after Vissarion Gabashvili, from which a magnificent panorama of Kutaisi opens. Inside the park there is another park - an entertainment park, with attractions that children especially love to frolic on. You can get to this place by funicular; its route stretches from the city center and runs directly above the riverbed. If you get hungry, be sure to visit the Imereti restaurant serving traditional Georgian cuisine - it is also located on the territory of the park.
We also advise you to pay attention to the fast food establishment, which is called the “Kutaisi McDonald’s” - this is the kebab shop “Bikentia”, opened back in 1956. They serve only kebab (kababi in Georgian) and nothing else, and this has been the case for sixty years! There are no chairs provided (this is not a restaurant), but none of the visitors feel any discomfort about this. Delicious sausages, floating in gravy and flavored with aromatic local spices, can be eaten while standing, leaning on the wooden “window sills”. A serving of juicy kababi with a slice of fresh bread costs only 5 lari - a ridiculous price even for Georgia. The dish is prepared quickly and is usually served on porcelain plates.
A great time out for the whole family would be a trip to one of the five museums in Kutaisi, each of which is unique in its own way. Young representatives of the stronger sex are especially interested in two of them, the Sports Museum and the Museum of Military Glory. The first one has free entry. Another wonderful museum, the state historical museum, is dedicated to the history of Kutaisi and ancient Georgia in general. It stores more than 150 thousand exhibits.
The exhibition at the Vanya Archaeological Museum will help you look into the distant past. The exhibits there cover the period from the 8th to the 1st centuries BC, among them you will see examples of household utensils of those times and a numismatic collection. But the Museum of Fine Arts, which bears the name of David Kakabadze, contains unique paintings and sculptures, the authors of which are the best masters of Georgia.
It is very interesting to visit the Kutaisi Botanical Garden, which arose in the middle of the 19th century. The samples of dendroflora presented here are 700 species of various plants, shrubs and trees, covering 80 botanical families and all floristic regions of the world.
Sports fans should definitely visit the city's rugby stadium. This sports complex, located on 8 hectares, has four fields for this popular team game with an oval ball. The Kutaisi city team in this sport is one of the best in the country. She often plays here at the stadium, so you have a unique chance to watch her play, as they say, live. Entry to the stadium is free.
Shopping in Kutaisi
The second capital of Georgia can hardly be classified as a city where tourists purposefully go shopping, that is, such a concept as a shopping tour does not apply to Kutaisi. However, not a single visitor has ever left here empty-handed. Given the local specifics, most likely your travel bags will be filled with churchkhela, suluguni cheese and other exclusive dishes.
And, of course, foreigners, including Russians, bring excellent Georgian wine from Kutaisi. True or not, they say that it is very capricious and does not like road shaking. First of all, this applies to semi-sweet varieties, which supposedly lose their unique taste qualities on the road. Be that as it may, remember one thing: only 2 liters of wine are allowed to be exported abroad without duty. If you want to take more home, you will have to pay.
The main places for shopping in Kutaisi are, of course, local markets. There are two of them in the city. The first is located near the Colchis fountain, that is, in the very heart of the city. But the second one, it is called “Chavchavadze”, is located at some distance from the center. Local residents really like to shop at the markets. Tourists are not far behind them. The thing is that the assortment in these retail outlets is very wide. In addition to the food line, industrial products are also presented here.
At local bazaars you can also buy cute gifts to remember your trip. One of the most popular souvenirs are shaggy national headdresses. You can choose from black ones, like those of the highlanders, as well as Svan or Tushino ones - the latter are sewn from felt. Men must buy a real Georgian horn for wine. Women often pay attention to cute refrigerator magnets, which they buy for themselves and as gifts for friends.
There are also shopping centers in Kutaisi: “Karvasla” and “Grand Mall”. The main items here are clothing and textiles produced in neighboring Turkey. If you are very lucky and get here during the sales season, which usually falls in September, you will certainly find very high quality and, most importantly, inexpensive items.
Hotels and accommodation
When you arrive in Kutaisi, you will definitely not be left without a roof over your head. Accommodation for tourists here is presented for every taste and budget. Of course, there are no luxury hotels like those on exotic islands in this Georgian city. However, there are good, cozy European-style hotels.
The Edemi Hotel is very popular among visitors. It is located in the very center of the Old Town and attracts with relatively inexpensive prices. For example, one night in this hotel will cost $40 or more. A room at the Aeetes Palace Hotel costs slightly more, $70 per night. It is located in a new urban microdistrict on the left bank of the Rioni. The center of Kutaisi is very close from here.
Close to the Bagrati Temple, on Debi Ishkhnelebi Street, there are several guesthouses and small hotels. Cost of living - you won't find it cheaper! The average cost of stay varies from 10 to 20 dollars per person per night. Judging by the reviews of tourists, one of the most popular among visitors is the Beka guesthouse. The rooms are comfortable, equipped with shower and toilet. In addition, the food here is also delicious. Guests also speak well of the Darejani guest house, located on Chanchibadze Street, 4.
If you come to Kutaisi not alone, but with your family and children, it is best to stay in the Central Apartments Kutaisi. In this hotel complex, located in the city center, you can even rent a separate apartment for yourself. Accommodation will cost $40 per night. Another convenience is that many attractions are nearby, for example, the Bagrati Temple, as well as the market.
Traveling youth prefer to stay in hostels, of which there are several in Kutaisi. In the city center there is the Kutaisi Hostel Center, where a double room costs at least $13. You can get by with a bed in a shared room, paying $7 per bed. A double room at the Kiev Kutaisi Hostel will cost guests more than twice as much – $30. Here you can also order a bed, but only in a shared room for four people, the cost is $8. In terms of comfort, city hostels are almost as good as good hotels.
How to get there
From Russia there are direct flights Moscow - Kutaisi, operated by Ural Airlines twice a week - on Tuesday and Saturday. A round trip ticket costs between 12-13 thousand rubles. In the high season, that is, in summer, the cost of travel traditionally increases.
If you are in Tbilisi, then the easiest way to get from the capital of Georgia to Kutaisi is by rail. Train number 18 departs at 9:00 am, arriving at 2:15 pm; number 878 departs at 15:25 (it arrives at 19:25); and finally at 21:10 the last train leaves, arriving at 02:50. The average cost of tickets is from 9 to 15 Georgian lari. You can purchase them not only at the box office, but also online, on the website of the Georgian Railways (information on the resource is published in three languages - Georgian, Russian and English).
The Tbilisi – Kutaisi route is operated by Metro Georgia and Georgian Bus. The departure times of Georgian Bus buses do not vary from time to time, since this company is the official carrier of Kutaisi Airport, and its schedule is adjusted to the arrival and departure of aircraft. But mostly flights operate in the morning at 05:00, 06:00 or 08:00 and in the evening at 20:00 and 23:00. But the Metro Georgia bus schedule is not flexible: flights from Tbilisi operate at noon, 4 pm and midnight. The fare is 15 GEL. The buses of this carrier are comfortable, they are equipped with a TV and access to wireless Internet.
Kutaisi is connected to the capital of the country and by air. Every week on Wednesdays and Sundays, Georgian Airways planes fly here from Tbilisi. A one-way ticket costs about 100 GEL, and the journey will take you only half an hour.
It is comfortable to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi by rented car. The distance between the cities is small by Russian standards, 230 km, which can be covered in less than three hours. The route runs along the E60/ს1 highways. However, if you are under 21 years old, you will not be given a rental car to avoid problems with the traffic police. Standard conditions for renting a car also include having an international driver's license and paying a cash deposit at small local rental shops. In international offices, you will need a bank card for this.
In addition, minibuses depart every hour from the Tbilisi Didube station to Kutaisi. The fare for them is 10 GEL; the journey will take you about four hours.
The city of Kutaisi is located in Imereti. It has an ancient history dating back more than 2,500 years. In antiquity, the city was the capital of the legendary Colchis kingdom; it was here that the Argonauts sailed for the Golden Fleece. Kutaisi has played an important role in the political life of Georgia throughout its history, and in 2012 it became the parliamentary capital of the country.
The river on which Kutaisi stands was called Phasis in ancient times, now it is Rioni - one of the deepest rivers in Transcaucasia and a natural landmark of the region.
And here you can see truly holy places, feel the atmosphere of the ancient streets of the city and appreciate the warm Georgian hospitality. In this article we will tell you in detail what you can see in Kutaisi in 1-2 days.
What to see in Kutaisi
The center of Kutaisi is, of course, the cobblestone-paved David the Builder Square. The bus “Bus station – Railway station” runs here. And the first thing that attracts attention in the square is the Colchis fountain, built recently, in 2011-12. In the words of ex-President Saakashvili, “the most expensive fountain in Georgia.”
It is round in shape and consists of 5 tiers (cascades). On each of them there are figures of animals, as well as a man with a horn filled with wine. These are enlarged exact copies of figurines from the era of the Colchis kingdom found during excavations. The upper tier is the smallest, there are two gilded horses in armor - the horses of the legendary king Aeta. All levels are lined with polished stone, the pedestals are lined with blue tiles.
In the evening, the fountain is very beautifully illuminated, as is the Lado Meskhishvili Theater located opposite.
The theater building is a classic in the best sense of the word. Four pairs of columns with posters at the entrance seem to invite you to attend the performance. On both sides of the entrance there are beautiful rows of arched windows. Inside there is an oval-shaped auditorium with a capacity of 700 seats. The theater was built back in 1860, and since then performances have been regularly held here. Standing in front of the theater building and the fountain, you can see a little higher the famous Bagrati Cathedral, to which the street of the same name leads.
In general, central Kutaisi has streets paved with stone and the atmosphere of a real old European town. Everything is clean and well maintained. The low buildings have been restored and have a very respectable appearance. Sometimes it seems that you are somewhere in Slovakia. But this is Kutaisi, Georgia.
On the other side of the square, along Shota Rustaveli Avenue, there is the Kutaisi City Square, where you can calmly stroll in the evening and admire the well-groomed flower beds. There is a complex of fountains and sculptural compositions, for example, a monument to the sister musicians. Two girls sing sweetly in expressive poses, and to the right and left of them their sisters (or friends) play guitars.
If you walk along the street. Tsereteli and turn onto the street. Pushkin, then you can go straight to the White Bridge.
It was built in 1872. The bridge has 3 spans, it is metal and stands on stone supports. Structural elements were custom-made in France. The bridge got its name because of the color of the paint with which it is covered. Don’t rush to leave here, stand at the railing and admire the running Rioni and the magnificent view of the city. The sculpture of a boy with two hats in his hands, preparing to jump from a bridge in Rioni, immediately attracts attention. This is one of the moments in the film “An Extraordinary Exhibition” (1968), which was filmed here. The boy is an episodic character. In the film, he jumps into the Rioni, abruptly taking off the hats of the main character and his actor friend. Then he floats up and theatrically shouts to them: “Ampreduso-meduso!”
Sights of Kutaisi
Historical Museum
Located a little further from the central square, you need to walk a little along the street. Tsereteli to the intersection with the street. Pushkin. The Tsereteli bus stop is located nearby. The museum is located in an old two-story building right on the corner. It is elegantly decorated inside. An adult ticket costs 3 lari ($1.1). Opening hours: from 10 to 18-00, closed on Monday.
The museum's exposition includes ethnographic, numismatic and archaeological collections. The museum also houses more than 900 ancient manuscripts and documents - they are of interest to historians.
In the ethnographic department you can see traditional clothing, weapons of different periods (from the Middle Ages to the present day), armor, and household items. The numismatics fund includes more than 10 thousand coins, ranging from antique ones. The archaeological department makes it possible to see artifacts of the Colchis kingdom, mentioned in historical works and ancient Greek myths, found during excavations.
In general, this place is worth visiting for anyone interested in Georgian history.
Cable car
There is a cable car landing station next to the White Bridge. For 50 tetri ($0.2) you can ride through the Rioni to the other side, to the Visarion Gabashvili Park. The equipment is still from the Soviet period, however, everything works properly. The river in Kutaisi flows rapidly and it is interesting to watch it from the cabin and from the observation deck located above. In this position you will see the full landscape of Kutaisi: a cozy Georgian town on both sides of the river against the backdrop of mountains towering in the distance.
Tamara: mega positive, bright and filled with optimism. Not only does she know her city very well, but she is also a certified wine guide and an excellent cook. If you want to get a couple of free tips on choosing the right Georgian wine or the secret of making khinkali, come to her! But what is most striking about her is her love for her city. It was after her excursion that I began to relate to this city differently. She knows how to talk about him in such a way that after the tour he seems like family.
Tamara's excursions: Kutaisi is the capital of western Georgia, The underground kingdom of Prometheus + Okatse Canyon - at a bird's eye view.
And if you want real adventure, then book rafting on Rioni. Rafting in the homeland of Khvanchkara - it's not just an alloy. This is unique nature, soulful company, a picnic and a short excursion to the sights.
Excursions from locals are not only more interesting, but also cheaper than if booked from Batumi or Tbilisi.
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.
How to get to Kutaisi
There are several options.
If you live in neighboring countries, then a flight is perfect, because near the city there is a small, but brand new and cozy Kopitnari airport. It opened in 2012 and is constantly being modernized. Minibuses run regularly from the airport to the city center; the fare is 3 lari ($1.1). The “Airport-Bus Station” bus also costs 3 GEL. A taxi costs much more - 15-25 lari ($5.5-9.3) depending on the destination.
There is an option to get to Kutaisi by train from Tbilisi, the cost of such a trip is 11 lari ($4.1), duration is 5.5 hours.
Intercity buses run from Tbilisi; such a trip will cost 16 lari ($6).
The bus from Batumi runs every hour from 8 am to 6 pm. The duration of the trip is about two hours. Price - 10 lari ($3.7)
Conclusion
Many architectural and historical monuments have been preserved in Kutaisi. And they are in the first row of its attractions. The good news is that all of them have undergone restoration and even restoration from ruins (like the Bagrati Cathedral). In Kutaisi, you really have the opportunity to see the graceful, stone-paved city and experience the history by visiting its medieval monasteries.
However, new buildings made of metal and glass also deserve attention. They create the modern look of the city.
I would like to note the truly beautiful nature around, including the fast Rioni River crossing the city, and picturesque forests. And Kutaisi itself looks very interesting against the backdrop of the mountains. It is, like Georgia, small, cozy and hospitable. The wonderful impressions of a trip here will last a lifetime, and you will definitely want to come back!
Temple of Bagrat(although it would be more correct Bagrati Cathedral or simply Bagrati). Formally, it is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, rising on Ukimeroni Hill and being one of the main attractions of Imereti. The temple was erected on the initiative of King Bagrat III, and the monarch was subsequently buried in it - historically, Bagrati is a symbol of united Georgia.
It was here that 16-year-old David, the future great King of Georgia, David the Builder, was crowned. Subsequently, the Bagrati Temple suffered greatly during the invasion of the Turks and, from 1691, stood dilapidated for three centuries. When its restoration finally began, it turned out that there were almost more opponents of its very idea than supporters (oddly enough, the Patriarchate of Georgia was also among the opponents).
Since 1994, the temple has been included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list, and this organization even tried to stop the barbaric (as it turned out) restoration of the Bagrati Temple, but the church was still completed - which further increased the number of opponents of the restoration. In general, with restorations in Georgia, not everything is really going smoothly: disastrous results can be found in Batumi, and in, and in Akhaltsikhe ().
Returning to the Bagrati Temple - there is not much to see inside, but it offers a beautiful view of another landmark and religious shrine of Georgia: (on the left across the river).
Address of the Bargat temple: Kutaisi, Bargati street.
From the embankment of the Rioni River to the Bagrati Temple there is a road covered with paving stones that are not the most pleasant to drive - you can drive all the way to the temple itself, or you can leave the car by the river and from there walk up the staircase to Bagrati.
How to get to the Bagrati Temple on foot:
Coordinates 42.27467, 42.70309– from this place, from the Rioni embankment, the stairs rise to the Bagrati Temple.
How to get to Bagrati by car:
Coordinates 42.27724, 42.70406, The road is a narrow, steep serpentine with many bends.
2. Kutaisi Botanical Garden
In terms of picturesqueness, the Kutaisi Botanical Garden is, of course, inferior to its own with its observation decks and gorgeous seascapes, and - but as a place for walking in the summer heat, it is very good. And it also has its own unique attraction: a chapel built in the trunk of a 400-year-old oak tree.
Its diameter is 2 meters, so three people can easily fit inside.
A ticket to the Botanical Garden costs 1 GEL, open from 10:00 to 22:00.
Main entrance coordinates: 42.27995, 42.70946.
Excursions around Kutaisi from locals
For curious and sociable travelers who want the most... O To fully experience the unique atmosphere of the second capital of Georgia and get to know its incredibly hospitable and charming residents, I recommend booking an author’s “first-person” tour of the city - your guides will be local residents, journalists, historians, artists and simply experts in their native places.
Below is a selection of the most interesting and popular excursions in Kutaisi and Imereti according to traveler reviews. To see all available options, click View All. At the booking stage, you will need to pay online only 20% of the excursion cost - the rest of the amount is given to the guide before it starts.
3. Rioni embankment on the northern bank of the river
In the fall of 2017, reconstruction was in full swing here - soon, I hope, it will be a very pleasant place for walking. On the southern bank, you won’t be able to take a walk along the river: there residential buildings are located directly next to the water.
Coordinates: 42.27459, 42.70316.
4. Chain bridge
Car-pedestrian bridge over the Rioni River, one of three (along with White and Red) bridges-attractions of Kutaisi. The earliest version of the bridge in this place dates back to the fifth century AD - then it was a traditional arched stone bridge for the Caucasus. A relatively modern design appeared only in 1770 - then the bridge was called Arkieli. It became a chain bridge in the mid-19th century, when chains began to be used to support the wooden parts of the bridge. Later, at the end of the 19th century, another reconstruction took place and the wooden supports were replaced with metal ones.
Coordinates: 42.27391, 42.70229.
5. Green market
Green market Kutaisi occupies an entire block in the city center (in this way it resembles the Grand Bazaar in my beloved Istanbul) between Lermontov and Paliashvili streets. One of the entrances to the market is located on Paliashvili Street, near house N23.
Coordinates: 42.27158, 42.70168.
Near the northern entrance to the Green Market there is the house of the “Georgian Gaudi”:
The architect is clearly no stranger to the aesthetics of the great Barcelona native.
A little west of the market you can find a house with this bas-relief:
Some people mistakenly consider it to be a decoration at the entrance to the market. In fact, this is an ordinary residential building and has nothing to do with the market. If you stand with your back to the bas-relief and turn your head to the right, then in the distance you can see residential buildings, beautifully spread out on the opposite bank of the river.
6. Central Park
A cozy green area right in the city center. The entrance to the park from David the Builder Square is marked by a colonnade made in a style typical of all southern cities of the former Soviet Union.
In addition to the colonnade, the park has a nice fountain and many sculptures, among which is a monument to the composer and People's Artist of the Georgian SSR Zakhary Paliashvili.
Coordinates: 42.2713, 42.70409.
7. David the Builder Square and Colchis Fountain
Until 1924, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stood on this site. In the 20s, the temple was demolished, and a statue of Lenin was placed in the center of the square, later replaced by a statue of Stalin. In 1956, the statue of Stalin suffered the same fate as the cathedral and the statue of Lenin, and in its place a flowerbed was planted, on which, however, the flowers did not take root - apparently, the energy there was still the same after all these upheavals.
After Georgia gained independence, an equestrian statue of King David appeared on the square, and in 2011 - Colchis fountain, which is an enlarged copy of ancient gold artifacts found by archaeologists near Kutaisi. There are horses, rams, deer, tours and a copy of the famous “Toastmaster”:
Coordinates of the Colchis Fountain: 42.27145, 42.70545.
8. Lado Meskhishvili Theater
The year the theater was founded is considered to be 1861, although its beautiful classical building was built a year earlier. In 1940, the theater was named after Lado Meskhishvili, who at a certain stage was its artistic director.
Address: Kutaisi, Gelati street. Coordinates: 42.27234, 42.70548.
If you stand facing the theater and then go around it on the left, you will find yourself in Paliashvili Lane, notable for two interesting museums: first on the way there will be Sports Museum, and immediately behind it - Museum of Military History of Georgia.
Almost from the theater building, Gelati Street begins, which leads directly to.
9. Kutaisi Historical Museum
Historical Museum them. Brdzenishvili was founded in 1922 and in it you can see everything that archaeologists dug up during numerous excavations in Imereti and in Western Georgia in general.
An adult ticket costs 3 GEL, students 1 GEL, students 2 GEL, preschoolers are admitted free. You can take an individual excursion for 10 GEL.
Address: Kutaisi, Pushkin street, 18. Coordinates: 42.26879, 42.7042.
10. Queen Tamara Street
This street is one of the most important on the Kutaisi left bank. Just over a kilometer long, it runs from the Meskhishvili Theater to the railway station. This is the area where most of the hotels and guesthouses Kutaisi- not on Tamara Street itself, but on those adjacent to it. Arriving in Kutaisi by train, it is along Tamara Street that you can walk to the city center.
Coordinates: 42.2649, 42.70839.
11. Kutaisi-I railway station
The Kutaisi-I railway station is formally the main station of the city - in fact, the main passenger flow goes through the Kutaisi-II station, located on the right bank of the Rioni, in the new part of the city. Both city stations are connected by bus route N1.
Architecturally, the station is a two-story building with a glass wall - from the balcony on the second floor there is a wonderful view of the tail of David the Builder’s horse:
And also on the avenue of the same David the Builder, going west from the station.
Coordinates: 42.26139, 42.71275.
12. Church of David and Konstantin Mkheidze
The church is located 200 meters north of the railway station. Saints David and Constantine are the same princes in whose honor the famous (“Martyrs”) was built in the vicinity of Kutaisi. The princes had the misfortune of ruling Imereti when it was subjected to the devastating invasion of the Arab caliph Murvan the Deaf. David and Constantine were able to win the first battles against him, but the forces were too unequal and ultimately the Arabs defeated their small army. Having taken the princes prisoner, the caliph set a condition for them: convert to Islam or die a martyr’s death. The brothers chose the second - after 9 days of torture they were thrown from a cliff into the river.
Coordinates: 42.26458, 42.70906.
13. Royal Quarter of Kutaisi
The “Royal Quarter” is often referred to as the historical center of Kutaisi, consisting of 6 streets and 38 buildings, which were built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Mon Plaisir arch is the symbolic entrance to the Royal Quarter. The French name means “my pleasure” - you enter the arch and get a huge amount of this pleasure from walking through one of the most pleasant and sophisticated places in Kutaisi.
The arch is located at the very beginning of the alley between Ninotsminda (St. Nino) and Tsisperi Kantselebi streets.
Coordinates 42.26983, 42.70282.
North of the Royal Quarter, at the intersection of Ninotsminda and Rustaveli streets, is Kutaisi Opera House (coordinates 42.27081, 42.7026):
To the west of the Royal Quarter is located one of the most famous attractions of Kutaisi: White Bridge across the Rioni River.
14. White Bridge
Between the Royal Quarter and the hill with the Gabashvili Park, three bridges are located parallel to each other: White, Red and automotive Rustaveli Bridge.
White Bridge was built in 1872 and from its creation to the present day it has been painted exclusively white. The bridge has its own attraction - a bronze sculpture of a boy with two hats:
This is a character from Shangelaya's 1968 film An Extraordinary Exhibition, personifying the ideal of art. From the White Bridge there is a good view of the famous white stones of Rioni and the houses of local residents. North of the White Bridge there is a road Rustaveli Bridge, from which you can admire the views of the White Bridge, the Red Bridge, the Bagrati Temple and the panorama of residential Kutaisi on the western bank of the Rioni.
Coordinates: 42.26875, 42.7005.
15. Red Bridge
The first metal bridge in the Caucasus - its construction was completed in 1862, and metal parts were ordered from France. After construction was completed, the bridge was painted red - and since then this color scheme has been carefully maintained.
WITH Red Bridge a view of the real Kutaisi opens up, without the tourist gloss:
The long arms of Georgian restorers have not yet reached this part of the city, so it looks quite vital. But the Bagrati Temple is no longer visible from the Red Bridge.
Coordinates: 42.27141, 42.69904.
16. Okros Chardakhi
Okros Chardakhi(translated as “Golden Tent”) is located on the very bank of the Rioni River, from the Royal Quarter. Once on this place stood the palace of the Imeretian kings, from where they ruled the country - they say that under a large plane tree in the garden of the palace they administered justice and approved capital punishment. Today, on the site of the palace there is a two-story house-museum, in which you can see objects that once belonged to representatives of the royal Bagrationi dynasty.
Okros Chardakhi address: st. Kantselebi (next to Tetri Bridge). Coordinates 42.26993, 42.70051.
Not far from Okros Chardahi and the Rustaveli Bridge (between the art gallery and the park with the lower cable car station) there is tourist information center, where you can get a free city map and get a lot of useful information ( coordinates 42.27067, 42.70034).
17. Kutaisi cable car
Literally two steps south of Okros Chardakhi in the park there is the lower station of the Kutaisi cable car - its cabin in 3 minutes and 0.5 GEL will take you to the top of the hill on the opposite bank of the river, to the Gabashvili Park.
Ancient Kutaisi cable car
The cable car looks very vintage, and many city guests enter its rusty cabins with obvious apprehension.
Coordinates of the lower cable car station: 42.26957, 42.70087.
18. Park named after Gabashvili
Park named after Gabashvili- these are old Soviet attractions and the best views of Kutaisi. The opening hours of the attractions are from 12:00 to 20:00. A ride on the Ferris wheel costs 1 lari (25 rubles).
View of Kutaisi from the top of the Ferris wheel
If desired, from Gabashvili Park along Kazbegi Street you can walk to the Bagrati Temple.
Park coordinates: 42.27117, 42.69708.
19. Newport Street
Newport Street- this is one of those corners of Kutaisi, thanks to which the city has a strong reputation as a quiet and cozy place (at least this is true in relation to its historical part).
The street owes its name to a small town in British Wales, with which Kutaisi is sister cities.
Coordinates: 42.27343, 42.70732.
20. Jewish Quarter of Kutaisi
Once upon a time, there were about fifteen thousand Jews in Kutaisi, and they began migrating to the Caucasus back in biblical times, after the conquest of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. And now there are only 40 families left in Kutaisi. According to the owner of Kutaisi guesthouse "Gelati"(Jewish, by the way), now sometimes it is not even possible to hold a prayer in the synagogue - according to the Jewish canon, at least ten parishioners must be present in the synagogue for services.
On Boris Gaponov street, which can be considered the central axis of the area, there are three synagogues - all of which were built in the 19th century.
Monument to Boris Dov Gaponov - among other things, he became famous for translating Rustaveli’s “The Knight in the Skin of a Tiger” into Hebrew
Coordinates of the Jewish Quarter: 42.27417, 42.7092.
21. Annunciation Cathedral
The Annunciation Cathedral on Varlamishvili Street has a very unusual appearance:
The fact is that the temple was built as an Orthodox one (Sofia Church), then for some reason it was “loaned” to local Catholics, and for about thirty years it was a Catholic Church. Catholics built this unusual columned portal with Latin inscriptions.
Under Soviet rule, the temple was closed, and at the end of the last century it was opened again - but as an Orthodox one. As a result of all these events, we got a very interesting eclectic mix of two architectural styles, which intersect extremely rarely in life.
Coordinates: 42.27498, 42.70594.
22. St. George's Church
Unlike the Annunciation Cathedral, St. George's Church built according to all the canons of Georgian Orthodox architecture. According to legend, the temple was built in the very place where St. George appeared to King David the Builder in a dream.
Address: 32 Newport Street. Coordinates: 42.27548, 42.70917.
If you walk through the Jewish Quarter along Gaponov Street past the synagogue, then at the level of house number 62 there will be a turn to two interesting sights of Kutaisi: the historical and architectural complex Mtsvane Kvavila And dam on the Rioni River.
23. Mtsvane Kvavila
Mtsvane-Kvavila complex(“Green Flower”) consists of three churches, a defensive tower and a pantheon for the burial of prominent public figures. The Mtsvane-Kvavila Tower is a quadrangular two-story structure with walls up to 2 meters thick. From the oldest of the three churches, only ruins remain - they seem to be trying to restore them, but for now you can still climb on them. Next to the ruins stands the Mtsvane Kvavila Church, and about two hundred meters from the church there is an ancient chapel:
Ancient, but quite effective. About ten people fit inside - the rest stand outside for the entire service. The chapel is surrounded on all sides by the tombs of the pantheon.
Chapel coordinates: 42.27579, 42.71626.
Nearby there is a block with private residential buildings - one sociable and hospitable grandfather named Eduard invited me to visit. To my request: “Dear man, I would like to buy real homemade wine somewhere here...” was the answer: “Eh, why buy it?!” I’ll pour it for you!” And he poured me a liter of dry homemade red wine, and also gave me a short tour of his wine estate - for example, he showed me the press that his father and grandfather used to crush grapes.
24. Kutaisi Dam
The next attraction of this guide to Kutaisi is the Rioni hydroelectric power station, which was built in 1928-1933 in order to prevent regular spring flooding of the city.
Rioni HPP
You can get to the dam both from the southern bank of the Rioni and from the northern.
Coordinates 42.27831, 42.72241- this is the southern bank of the Rioni, exit from the old city. The place where the metal staircase to the dam begins.
Coordinates 42.27935, 42.72128— it’s convenient to travel along them from any place on the northern bank of the Rioni, for example, after visiting the Botanical Garden.
I somehow came across two fishermen on the dam. I’m completely out of the loop (I’m not a fisherman at all) and I don’t understand how you can fish right after these spillways? Although, it is possible that just after all these rapids the fish are so crazy that they bite everywhere and everything indiscriminately..
25. Georgian Parliament building in Kutaisi
Since 2012, the country’s parliament has been meeting not in Tbilisi, but on the western outskirts of Kutaisi - in a futuristic building built specifically for this purpose, resembling a glass turtle.
About three hundred meters to the west is the Official Pass Office - a checkpoint office, in other words. If you wish, you can organize an excursion to the parliament building there - but it is better to arrange in advance by calling +995 577 55 2018 (Shota).
The procedure is as follows: at least one day before the desired date, you need to email [email protected] send a message with the names, surnames and passport numbers of everyone who wants to participate in the excursion. After this, Shota will inform you on what specific day a visit is possible (it is necessary that there is no parliamentary session on that day).
Parliament address: st. Irakli Abashidze. Coordinates: 42.26449, 42.65969. From the city center you can get to the Parliament building by minibuses 4 and 100, from the Red Bridge to the bus station, and from there you need to walk about 1 kilometer along 9 April Street.
Just to the west of the Parliament building is what remains of the famous Kutaisi Automobile Plant, which once produced Colchis trucks. By the way, he was famous for the outstanding low quality of his products, even by the standards of the Soviet automobile industry. , a balneological resort (“Georgian Meteora”), a mining town famous for its cable cars (the cabins look like a prototype of the pepelats from the film “Kin-dza-dza”) - and much more. I bring to your attention a complete guide to Imereti - with its help you can easily plan trips to the most interesting places in the vicinity of Kutaisi:
Where to stay in Kutaisi
At the time of writing this article, I had already been to Kutaisi eight times - and from the experience of those trips, the selection presented below was created (in it you will also find the most compelling, exclusively “Georgian” reason why it is advisable to stay in guesthouses, and not in hotels or apartments ):
Transfer to Kutaisi from GoTrip
If you are traveling to Kutaisi with your family or a large group, it may make sense for you to think about a transfer directly to the door of your booked hotel. Comfortable transfers throughout Georgia can be ordered using a local online service GoTrip.
During the booking process, you have the opportunity to select the class, car brand and specific driver based on reviews from previous passengers. Considering the horseman driving style of Georgian street taxi drivers and their not always serviceable cars, this is a very useful option. The price on the website is final, you won’t have to bargain with anyone.
More articles about Georgia:
Life hack: how I save on insurance
It was not easy to find good, working insurance before, but now it has become even more difficult due to the constant jumps in the exchange rate of the ruble against world currencies. I recommend that anyone interested in this topic read a detailed article about it - this may well save you from unnecessary overpayments and more serious troubles.
P.S. Don't forget to join the groups in Facebook
If you are going to Georgia, be sure to visit one of the oldest settlements in the world - the city of Kutaisi. Once upon a time, it was a capital city, and now it has the status of the administrative center of Western Georgia. The quiet, beautiful town is in second position in the country in terms of population and third in terms of economic indicators.
Where is Kutaisi
The city is located in the western part of Georgia on the high coast of Rioni. The river in Kutaisi, fast and always muddy, flows from north to south, dividing it in half. Walking along the right bank, you will plunge into the atmosphere of deep antiquity - here is the old city with its historical and cultural values. The left coast of Kutaisi is a modern center with many new buildings. Both areas are connected by colorful bridges.
Although Kutaisi has ceased to be the capital, it still plays the role of an important cultural and business center of the country. This is due, first of all, to its location - the city stands on the central highway that connects the eastern and western parts of Georgia. From Tbilisi it’s 220 km, from Batumi – 150, from Poti – 100.
Harmony of antiquity and modernity
City in winter In Kutaisi, elements of ancient architecture, five-story buildings from Stalin's times and modern buildings in the Art Nouveau style coexist and combine in an amazing way.
The name of the city is rooted in the Georgian word for “stone”, since only the northern rocky side of the Rioni River was inhabited. Kutaisi is also known as the city of May and roses. For more than a century, City Day is celebrated here every year on May 2. The second capital of Georgia is a relatively small city. Today the population of Kutaisi is about 140 thousand (as of 2018). The people who live here are friendly and welcoming.
What to see in Kutaisi
If you walk around the city on foot, you can see a lot of interesting things, admire the narrow streets of the old districts of the city, and see the sights. Small houses, inexplicably located on steep slopes, “breathe” Georgian flavor. You can ride the cable car to enjoy the panorama of the city to your heart's content.
Colchis fountain The center of Kutaisi is decorated with the Colchis multi-level fountain with 30 statues located on it. This grandiose creation by architect David Gogchaishvili appeared in 2011 and since then has been considered the pride of the city, attracting the attention of tourists from around the world.
When you get hungry, you can have a snack in one of the establishments located in the very center of the city, near the fountain. The portions in the restaurants are large, the dishes are tasty, and the prices are reasonable.
After refreshing yourself, you can go sightseeing.
Sights of Kutaisi
Thanks to its majestic past, Kutaisi is famous for its architectural monuments included in UNESCO. What to see first in Kutaisi and its surroundings?
Bagrati Cathedral
The construction of this temple dates back to 1003. At that time it was the residence of the Georgian kings. Its convenient location on a high mountain with steep slopes turned it into a well-fortified fortress, which was difficult to capture. After visiting the Bagrati Cathedral, you will be able to admire the magnificent view of the city and take interesting photos of Kutaisi.
In 2012 the temple was completely restored. Judging by the photo, now it looks almost like new. True, the restoration has one unpleasant moment: after it was carried out, the attraction was excluded from the UNESCO World Heritage List, since the work carried out significantly changed the appearance of the church.
Gelati Monastery
It is located in the vicinity of Kutaisi, or rather 6 km northeast of the city. It was founded in 1106 during the reign of David the Builder. On its territory, surrounded by a wall, 2 more temples were erected. An academy was built here and a large bell tower was erected. The monastery became the tomb of David himself and the rest of the Georgian kings. For several decades, it served as the cultural, spiritual and scientific center of the country. Now it is an attraction that is a must-see for travelers who come to Kutaisi. If possible, it is better to come to it early in the morning, while there are no crowds of tourists.
Minibuses run from Kutaisi to Gelati 6 times a day. The fare is 1 lari per person. From the road you need to walk about 20 minutes.
Motsameta Monastery
It is located near the Gelati monastery, separated from it by a mountain and a canyon. Motsameta attracts tourists with its magnificent landscape, into which a small church stands harmoniously on the top of a mountain between two gorges. Its construction was dedicated to the brothers, David and Konstantin Mkheidze, who were tortured to death by the Arabs, but were never persuaded to accept Islam.
The entrance to the tomb where the brothers are buried is guarded by wooden lions. Every year, pilgrims come here to pray for the dead.
To visit the attraction you must be dressed appropriately. Short shorts and skirts are not permitted and women must cover their heads.
Martvili Canyons
You can get to the canyons, which are located in the northern outskirts of Kutaisi, in an hour by car.
The canyons amaze the imagination with their splendor and beauty, judge for yourself from the photo below. No wonder they were given the name pearl of the region. You can endlessly admire the powerful waterfalls, mysterious gorges, and azure water. Recent discoveries by paleontologists have confirmed that dinosaurs lived here 73 million years ago. While traveling along the upper part of the gorge, be sure to take a boat ride. And having visited the lower part, you can take a dip in the bath that once belonged to the king.
Sataplia
While getting acquainted with the sights of Kutaisi and its surroundings, you cannot ignore the protected area, located 10 km from the city of Kutaisi. Bizarre tropical plants grow here, some of them are listed in the Red Book.
In the reserve you can take a tour in English or Russian for 17 GEL. During it, you will walk through a relict forest, see the footprint of a dinosaur, as well as figures of prehistoric animals. Then you will find yourself in a stalactite cave, the walls of which are illuminated in different colors.
The reserve is especially proud of its observation deck with a glass floor, located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. It offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area.
On a note! It is not necessary to take a tour at all. All objects can be examined independently without unnecessary fuss; information signs will give a sufficient idea of the place.
Only at the market you can fully feel the local flavor and look at life from the inside, and not the “coiffed-up” picture that is shown to tourists. Georgian people are very sociable, hospitable and welcoming. Here you will be given a lot of practical advice on where to go and what to see, they will tell you the latest news, they will be happy to pose for photos and will definitely give you a treat. And if you make a lot of purchases, they will also give you something as a gift.
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Where to relax in Kutaisi
This city has a Museum of History, where you can get acquainted with the monuments of Georgian architecture and culture in general. There is a lot to see, because the history of the city goes back more than 3,000 years. You can take a walk with your children in the city park - there are many interesting attractions there.
In general, there is a lot to see in Kutaisi - the choice of cultural and natural attractions is quite large.
Accommodation
You can stay in the city of Kutaisi in a hotel, hostel or guest house. Accommodation in a hotel with a full range of services will cost $50-70 per person per night. These are hotels such as Imeri Park Hotel and Hotel Rcheuli Palace. Living in a hostel is much cheaper ($12-20). Prices largely depend on the season.
Although the choice of accommodation in Kutaisi is quite large, it is advisable to choose a room in advance, because the best options in terms of price/quality ratio are booked first.
How to get there
You can get from Tbilisi to the city of Kutaisi by bus or train.
By bus
GeorgianBus buses (https://georgianbus.com) depart from Freedom Square in Pushkin Park. Travel time is 4 hours. The fare is 20 GEL. Arrival point: Kutaisi airport. The current schedule and ticket prices can be found on the official website (there is a Russian version).
Minibuses to Kutaisi leave from the Didube bus station every half hour from 8 am to 8 pm. The ticket costs 10 GEL, and the journey takes 4 hours. Minibuses arrive at the Kutaisi bus station.
By train
Train No. 18 takes longer (about 5.5 hours) and the fare is cheaper (9 GEL). You can purchase a travel document online on the Georgian Railway website www.railway.ge/en/ by first registering in the system.
All prices on the page are for July 2019.
The location of all attractions and other places mentioned in the article can be viewed on the map of Kutaisi (in Russian). To find out the name of the object just click on the icon.
