Kutaisi where. Kutaisi is a calm and cozy city in western Georgia. How to get to Kutaisi and transport in and out of the city
And having a rich heritage. There are architectural monuments not only in its capital. Kutaisi is an ancient city with a colorful history, located on the banks of the Rioni River. Once upon a time it was a capital city, but now it has the status of an administrative center and ranks second in terms of the number of residents. What to see in Kutaisi and the surrounding area, coming there on vacation or on a business trip, for a week or just a couple of hours. Everyone will find something special for themselves in this town.
A little about the location
The muddy and fast waters of the river divide the territory of the town into two parts, connected by original bridges, which can rightfully be considered historical monuments and values. The right bank is its old area, where walking along the roads made of paving stones, you can see all the main attractions of Kutaisi. If you came to the city by car, it is better to leave it and walk through the streets on foot. Kutaisi is a compact and small city, mainly consisting of five-story buildings mixed with small private houses. It will simply be inconvenient for transport there. The left bank is a modern center with the latest buildings and entertainment, but it is worth noting that you will not see the metropolitan splendor and gloss reminiscent of the current capital.
Although Kutaisi has ceased to be the capital of Georgia, it is still an important cultural, economic and business center, due to its location on the main highway connecting the west and east of the country. It is necessary to cover a distance of 220 km to Tbilisi, 150 km to tourist Batumi, and 100 km to the Georgian city of Poti.
Sights of Kutaisi and the surrounding area include many interesting modern and historical places.
Houses of Parliament
The city is also notable for the fact that since 2012, in order to support its economy, the parliament was moved from the capital to the western outskirts of Kutaisi, to an unusual futuristic building designed in the shape of a glass turtle, where the government gathers for sessions. There is a checkpoint three hundred meters away from it, so you can’t just go on an excursion. But this is possible by agreeing in advance, at least one day in advance.
Important! To do this you need to leave on the site [email protected] data on the number of people wishing to visit the building, their names and passport numbers, and then dial the number +995 577 55 2018 (Shota), and it will indicate exactly when an excursion to the Kutaisi Parliament is possible (there should be no scheduled sessions on this day).
The history of this place dates back to 1000, when the building was part of the residence of the kings of Georgia. Now it is one of the main attractions of the entire city, a must-see. The cathedral was built by order of King Bagrat III, who was buried there. In 1691, during the invasion of the Turks, the temple was destroyed and stood inactive for 3 centuries. Near the entrance you can see illustrations and photographs of restoration work from 1990 to 1994. It was possible to save a lot of ancient fragments, these include sculpting, carvings and mosaics decorating the walls and floors inside.
The Bagrati Temple is located on the top of Ukimerioni Hill, so it offers stunning views of the entire city, thanks to which you can take many interesting shots.
Kutaisi Botanical Garden
Of course, in terms of landscape and gorgeous viewing platforms, it is inferior to its Batumi counterpart and does not reach the level of the huge Tbilisi botanical garden with a waterfall and canyon, but as a place to relax in the summer heat it is very good.
There is a unique attraction on its territory - a chapel built in the trunk of an old oak tree. The diameter of the tree is more than two meters, so three people can comfortably fit there.
The opening hours of the botanical garden are from 10:00 to 22:00, and you need to pay 1 GEL for entry.
Chain Bridge and Green Market
Chain is a car-pedestrian crossing over the Rioni River. Along with the famous White Bridge, it is a striking landmark of the city and leads directly to another famous place - the green market.
The bazaar occupies an entire block right in the city center, at the intersection of Lermontov and Paliashvili streets. This is the best place in the city where you can buy local Georgian delicacies and edible souvenirs. The stalls are filled to capacity with ripe, juicy peaches, oranges, and apples. Tourists from Russia and other countries come here for delicious suluguni, churchkhela, tkemali, satsebeli and spices for which Georgian cuisine is so famous.
If you go around the theater, you find yourself in Paliashvili Lane, along the path along which two museums were built - sports and military history. The theater building is also adjacent to Gelati Street, leading to the monastery of the same name.
Historical Museum
Museum named after Brdzenishvili was founded in 1922. All the finds that archaeologists accumulated during excavations on the territory of Imereti are presented as exhibits. A ticket for an adult costs 3 GEL, for students the price is 1 GEL, for students - 2 GEL, very young children are admitted free of charge. For 10 GEL they offer an individual excursion.
This short but very important kilometer-long street on the left bank of the city is worth paying attention to, due to the fact that most of the hotels in the city are located in the areas adjacent to it. It lasts from the railway station to the Meskhishvili Theater described above. Moving from the train arrival point, along Tamara Street you can go to the very center of the city. The street is famous and is depicted in photographs and souvenirs with Kutaisi sights.
Royal Quarter of Kutaisi
The “Royal Quarter” is the name given to the historical part of Kutaisi, consisting of 6 streets and 38 buildings that were built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Mon Plaisir arch is the entrance to the Royal Quarter. Translated from French, the phrase means “my pleasure,” as if pushing for the fact that a walk through historical places will bring a lot of positive emotions. Be sure to take a couple of photos as a souvenir. To the north of the Royal Quarter is the Opera House, and to the west is one of the most famous attractions of Kutaisi - the White Bridge.
Between the Royal Quarter and Gaboshvili Park there are three parallel bridges across the river: Red, White and Rustaveli Bridge.
Historical reference! The White Bridge was built back in 1872 and to this day it is repainted every year exclusively in snow-white color. On the bridge itself there is also a remarkable creation - a sculpture of a boy with two hats. This is the hero of the 1968 film “An Extraordinary Exhibition”, representing the ideal of art. From this place you can see the white stones of Rioni.
You can admire the beauty of the white bridge from the neighboring Rustaveli Bridge. The Red Bridge is a pedestrian bridge, from which you can clearly see the real Kutaisi, without tourist motives. Between these two bridges stands a monument to the poet Galaktion Tabidze.
Okros Chardakhi and the lower cable car station
The “Golden Tent” is located on the very bank of the Rioni, not far from the “Royal Quarter”. Once upon a time there stood the palace of the Imeretian kings. According to the stories: under a plane tree in the garden of a beautiful palace they administered justice and approved capital punishment. Now it is a working museum, with an exhibition of objects that once belonged to the Bagrationi dynasty.
However, more than 2000 years of its history are still speculative, so historical events here begin only in the 9th century. Everything else is archeology and speculation.
This reconstruction shows the walls of the city of Kutaisi at a time when they still existed. Now only fragments of the upper castle and some debris near the river bank remain. The Chomi bus station is now located near the bridge.
When the first Kartvelian-speaking tribes (Svans or Megrelians) came to these lands, there was a large hill on the site of Kutaisi. A river flowed under the hill, and from its foot the Colhill Plain began and went into the distance. Swampy, malarial, unsuitable for life. The settlers developed the foothills. Preferably ones from which you can reach the sea by water. It was either the 20th century or the 15th (BC), or something in between. Around the same years, the famous Arkaim was built in the Urals.
Apparently, this first settlement was located where the Bagrati Temple is now. I don’t know what archaeologists say about this.
Kutaisi became one of the first Colchis cities. Its neighbors were Nokalakevi, Rhodopolis and Vani. It was called Kutaya. It appears to have survived the Cimmerian invasion of 720 BC. In the Byzantine era, he did not distinguish himself in anything, and was not even included in the chronicles. Then the Byzantines left and the kingdom of Egrisi was formed on the Colchis plain. In 737, the Arabs came, killed David and Constantine of Argvet next to the hill, walked to Archeopolis and burned it, and went further to Anakopia. The Abkhazians managed to resist, and subsequently piece by piece they took away all of Western Georgia from the Arabs. So Kutaisi became part of the Abkhazian kingdom.
In 808, the most important event in the history of the city happened. The Abkhazian king Leon came here and " built the city and fortress of Kutaisi and made it the throne city of the king of the Abkhazians, second after Anakopia." Here it would be good to understand what “built” means: built on a clean site, or restored something, or rebuilt something. Perhaps this indirectly suggests that the Arabs did destroy the settlement. It's a dark matter.
Kutaisi became the capital of a rather large kingdom, which after that continued to expand.
In 2012, an unexpected change occurred in the history of Kutaisi - the Parliament of Georgia was moved here, which is why Kutaisi acquired almost capital status. In 2015, the long-awaited happened - the Kutaisi bypass road opened. Kutaisi has ceased to be an obstacle on the way from Tbilisi to Batumi.
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 exhibition 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 the 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!
Kutaisi is the main resort city in Western Georgia. It is the capital of the Imereti region, located on both banks of the Rioni River. Distance from Kutaisi to major cities:
- Zugdidi - 100 km;
- Tbilisi - 220 km;
- Batumi - 150 km;
- Poti - 100 km.
The history of Kutaisi is quite rich. In ancient times, the city was the capital of the Colchis kingdom, that is, the Colchians - the ancient Georgians. Then, from VIII to XIII, the city was the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom. In the 60s of the 17th century, Kutaisi was captured by the Turks, but in 1770 it was liberated by Russian troops.
Since 1810, the city was part of the Russian Empire. Since 1811 it became the center of the Imereti region, and since 1846 - the center of the Kutaisi Empire. During Soviet times, Kutaisi was the second most important Georgian city. There were many factories and important technical centers here.
In 1991, Georgia became an independent state, and Kutaisi became a cozy resort town. Now it is a calm place where tourists like to come for a secluded holiday.
All the sights of Kutaisi can hardly be seen in one or two. Within the city there are several objects that are definitely worth the attention of tourists.
White Bridge
Address: Old Town center (near the lower cable car station)
The White Bridge is one of the completely pedestrian bridges crossing the Rioni River. It was built in 1852, but a few years later it collapsed. Then in 1872, the bridge acquired its current appearance. It was when the details of the structure were repainted white that the bridge also began to be called White.
On the territory of the bridge there is a sculpture of a boy with two hats, who is a character in the film “An Extraordinary Story”. According to the plot, one of the characters in the film says that Picasso painted such boys and they are the ideal of art. The boy then rips the hats off the two gentlemen and jumps with them straight into Rioni. It is this frame that is captured in the sculpture.
Georgians love this bridge very much and consider it the embodiment of romance. It was in this place that people liked to make dates at different times. There is a belief that if you propose marriage on the White Bridge, the lovers will never part.
There are two restaurants on the west side, more expensive and cheaper. There you can order coffee (in an expensive coffee shop the average bill is 5 GEL) and admire the white rocks and the rapid flow of the Rioni River.
Cable car
Address: The cable car station is located at the White Bridge
Working hours: every day from 11:00 to 20:00
Price: 2 GEL for one way fare
The cable car is a must see in Kutaisi. It’s worth a ride, even if you’re just in town for a couple of hours.
From its height, in good weather, you can see almost the entire Kutaisi, enjoy its panorama and take great photos. In addition, the cable car is an excellent transport to get to the central park (the upper station is located there).
During the trip, my favorite moment was when we passed over the Rioni River.
The Kutaisi cable car runs not small 2-seater carriages, but medium-sized funiculars. They are rarely crowded, so chances are that you will be able to enjoy the trip only in the company of your family.
Central Park
The park itself is pretty standard, but it's a nice place to stroll. There is a Ferris wheel and several attractions.
There is almost always music playing in the park, and coffee is brewed in coffee shops. This is a cozy place without crowds of people, where you can relax peacefully.
Kutaisi Market
It’s not for nothing that they say: if you want to immerse yourself in the local flavor, go to the market. Kutaisi Bazaar is no exception. You can always buy profitably at the market. They sell here:
- vegetables and fruits;
- coffee;
- pita breads;
- traditional sweets;
- spices;
- meat.
If you are fully stocked at the market, do not hesitate to bargain! This is normal among Georgians and they often make discounts.
There are many beautiful bas-reliefs on the market building, which are an example of the careful work of Georgian sculptors.
Georgian Kutaisi Theater named after Lado Meskhishvili, Colchis Fountain
Address: located at the very beginning of Gelati Street
One of the most beautiful places in Kutaisi. Thanks to the bas-reliefs on the facade, arched windows and high columns, the theater looks impressive. By the way, productions are still going on there.
Next to the Drama Theater (David Agmashenebeli Square) there is the famous Colchis Fountain; it was built in 2011. It is a cascading structure illustrating the myths about ancient Colchis.
The fountain's facing is made of polished Kharagul stone, the pedestals are decorated with bright blue mosaics. Along the perimeter it is decorated with bronze figures, each of which has its own meaning. At the top of the fountain there are 2 horses, which, according to legend, belonged to King Aeetes, who reigned over Colchis and kept the Golden Fleece.
Jewish Quarter
The quarter is located opposite the Bagrati Temple on the left bank of the Rioni. A special Jewish flavor reigns here and several synagogues have been built.
There are no special attractions in the Jewish Quarter. You can explore it completely in a maximum of half an hour; just walk along Boris Gaponov Street.
Botanical Garden
Address: St. Leselidze
Schedule: around the clock
Price: for free
The Botanical Garden is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. Here you can take a break from the noise of the city (although Kutaisi can hardly be called noisy) and enjoy nature. But don’t forget to take water and food with you, there are no shops near the garden.
The botanical garden occupies a huge territory and has existed for more than 20 years. Which locations in the garden are worth visiting:
- heart sculpture;
- a chapel in the trunk of a 400-year-old oak tree (an analogue of such a chapel exists only in France);
- amphitheater.
Temple of Bagrat
How to get there:
- along the stairs from the Rioni River (the stairs are quite steep, so this is not an option for walking with children)
- first take the cable car to the park, then go through it and go down to the temple along Kazbegi Street
Bagrati Temple, also known as Bagrati, Bagrati Cathedral or the Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is one of the largest temples throughout Georgia. It was built back in 1003, then was destroyed and remained so for 300 years. In 2012, on the initiative of Saakashvili, the temple was restored.
On the territory of the cathedral there is an observation deck from where you can see the whole of Kutaisi and Rioni and the Rachinsky ridge.
The Bagrati Temple is the only temple in Georgia built on a mountain. It's very big, which is impressive. There is no abundance of icons or frescoes, which makes it seem like the epitome of the Middle Ages.
Neighborhood
There are no fewer interesting places in the vicinity of Kutaisi than in the city itself.
A little advice for travelers: in order not to be tied to public transport and to move more conveniently from one place to another, you can rent a car during your vacation.
Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi)
Schedule: November-April: 10:00-17:00, May-August: 10:00-18:00, September-October: 10:00-17:30. Open on all days except Monday.
Price: 20 GEL per adult ticket (children under 5 years old are not allowed into the cave).
How to get there:
- By minibus: first from Kutaisi to Tskhaltubo (minibuses run every hour, fare costs 1 GEL), then from Tskhaltubo to the cave (run 4 times a day: at 07.00, 11.00, 14.00 and 15.30, fare costs 1.5 GEL). The journey by public transport takes at least an hour.
- By taxi. If you come from Kutaisi, a taxi will cost about 25 GEL, if from Tskhaltubo - 5 GEL.
- By your car. GPS coordinates 42.376997, 42.600796.
This location will appeal to tourists who have never been to caves before or simply love such places. The Prometheus Cave itself is the largest karst cave in the entire territory of Georgia. There is a backlight inside, so the spectacle is very interesting.
In the cave you can see underground lakes and touch stalactites and stalagmites. Scientists claim that Prometheus Cave has healing air, so visiting there will be useful for people with lung diseases.
During high season there are a lot of tourists here.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
Schedule: May-August: from 10 to 18, September-October: from 10 to 17:30, November-April: from 10 to 17. Closed on Monday.
Price: children under 6 years old free, children over 6 years old - up to 4 GEL, adults - 7 GEL.
How to get there: from the central market in Kutaisi by minibus No. 45.
The Sataplia Nature Reserve was founded 75 years ago and has recently been renovated. What's here:
- Karst caves. They are not as impressive as Prometheus Cave. Only one cave is open for visiting (although there are actually 5 of them), but it does not attract a large number of people.
- Dinosaur pavilion. There you can see preserved dinosaur tracks. Dinosaur sculptures are displayed outdoors.
- Glass observation deck-balcony. This place offers a stunning view of the Georgian mountains.
- An extinct volcano crater and many hiking trails.
It will take no more than a couple of hours to get around the reserve.
Tskhaltubo Park
You can get to this place on the way back from Prometheus Cave. Previously, members of the Soviet elite often went here on vacation.
Now there is a lot of greenery, silence and tranquility in Tskhaltubo. By the way, there are famous weak radon springs here, the water from which is considered healing.
Okatse Canyon
Schedule: in winter until 17, in other seasons from 10 to 18. Closed on Monday.
Price: adult ticket - 15 GEL (you may have to pay 0.5 GEL for parking).
This location will appeal to fans of extreme walking. An 800-meter-long path runs along the mountain, suspended at the height of a 70-story building. And below is an abyss. There are several viewing platforms along the trail.
Kinchkha Waterfall
Price: 1 GEL for parking
How to get there: by taxi from Otsake Canyon (if you bargain, you can get away for less than 25 GEL) or on foot.
You can look at the waterfall if you go to Okatse Canyon. Here you can not only admire the views, but also swim in the cool water.
In spring and autumn, 3 waterfalls are visible, while in summer only one is clearly visible.
Borjomi
How to get there: by public transport from the Kutaisi bus station (Chavchavadze Avenue) by minibus to Akhaltsikhe (with a stop in Borjomi).
Ticket price: approximately 10 lari.
If you have the desire and opportunity to travel a little, then be sure to set aside time to visit the city of Borjomi. The road to Borjomi, if you leave from Kutaisi, takes about two hours.
Borjomi is a low-mountain town, surrounded on all sides by mountains and forests. Despite the fact that the village itself is quite small, the list of Borjomi attractions includes over 200 interesting objects. This place is also the birthplace of world-famous medicinal mineral water.
Borjomi does not have a highly developed infrastructure, but it has clean air, a mild (compared to many other locations) climate, pure nature and many sanatoriums. If you want to arrange a quiet, cozy and healthy holiday for yourself, this is definitely the place for you.
What interesting things can you see in Borjomi? If you have a couple of days at your disposal, you should definitely visit:
- Central Park. Entry before 9 or after 19 is free; at other times, visitors over 8 years old will have to pay 8 GEL (the entrance ticket is valid all day). There are mineral springs in the central park where you can drink for free. You can also get a 3-liter bottle of water (costs 3 GEL), but it is worth considering that the beneficial properties of water last only 1 day.
- Romanov Palace. A huge villa that was built for Prince Nikolai Mikhailovich. Now the palace is a working museum.
- Fortresses of Gogia and Petre.
- Cable car. The one-way fare is 4 GEL. By the way, if you take the cable car up and then walk down, you can get to the central park for free.
- Green Monastery.
- House of Firuz. This is a very beautiful building that the Persian consul built for his beloved.
- Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- Street 9 April. There is a mini-market here where you can buy delicious souvenirs (including pine cone jam).
If a tourist in Borjomi has only a couple of hours of free time, then the most important thing is the cable car, the central park and just the streets of Borjomi (if time is really short, you can drive around the city by car).
Motsameta
Schedule: from 10:00 to 18:00
How to get there:
- by direct bus from Kutaisi to Motsameta;
- on foot: from Gelati Street (from the fountain) go down and across the Rioni Dam for 2.5 km.
The Monastery of Saints Constantine and David is one of the sacred places in Georgia. The monastery itself is quite small and cozy.
In the 8th century, there was a small church on the territory of the monastery, which was burned out by the Arabs in 735. Constantine and David, who ruled the entire region of the Likhsky ridge, opposed the enemy, but were defeated and captured. The enemies tortured them for 9 days and then drowned them in the Rioni River.
The people who found the bodies of Constantine and David heard the voice of God, who ordered them to carry the bodies of the brothers until the dawn overtook them. As a result, the procession came to the site of the burned church. David and Constantine were buried there. Later, in the same place, Baghart the Third erected a temple, which he called Motsameta (translated from Georgian as “martyrs”).
In 1844, the temple was restored and a dome was installed there. And in 1923, the Soviet authorities closed the temple, and the bodies of the martyrs were pulled out of their graves, tied to horses and dragged along the roads all the way to Kutaisi, after which they were thrown into the river. The locals managed to pick up some of the remains of the relics and preserved them. Now the relics are kept in the main temple on a hill next to the entrance (on the right).
Note! You cannot enter the monastery territory in skirts or shorts. At the entrance, visitors are given a black cloth to wrap themselves in before entering Motsameta.
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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 Tskaltubo. 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: