Kutaisi, Georgia
Region: Imereti
Geographic Coordinates: 42.250000, 42.700000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 25.0°C (50°F to 77°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 147900
Language: Georgian
Kutaisi, The third-largest city in Georgia, Is located on the banks of the Rioni River in the western region of Imereti. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has been an important cultural and political center for centuries. Kutaisi is known for its beautiful architecture, Landscapes, And vibrant culture. One of the most popular attractions in Kutaisi is Bagrati Cathedral. This iconic landmark was built by King Bagrat III in the 11th century and boasts an impressive design that combines Georgian and Byzantine architectural styles. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Another must-visit destination is Gelati Monastery, Founded by King David IV the Builder in 1106. This monastery complex served as an educational center during medieval times and played a significant role in Georgian culture and history. The Sataplia Nature Reserve offers breathtaking views of natural beauty with lush greenery and crystal-clear waterfalls while also preserving prehistoric life forms such as dinosaur footprints found within its boundaries. For those interested in learning more about Georgian history or experiencing local culture firsthand, Visiting one of Kutaisi’s museums should be on your list!
The Museum of History & Ethnography provides insight into Georgian traditions through exhibits showcasing traditional clothing styles alongside historical artifacts like weapons used during wars fought long ago. Kutaisi also has some fantastic restaurants serving up delicious Georgian cuisine like khachapuri (a cheese-filled bread) or khinkali (dumplings filled with meat or cheese). Visitors can also enjoy local wines which are some of the best in the country. Kutaisi is an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like Prometheus Cave or Okatse Canyon. Both offer stunning views and unique experiences that will leave you breathless.
Kutaisi offers something for everyone with its rich history, Stunning architecture, Beautiful landscapes vibrant culture, And delicious cuisine. It’s no wonder why so many visitors fall in love with this charming Georgian city.
- Bagrati Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant religious landmarks in Georgia.
- Gelati Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exquisite frescoes and architecture.
- Sataplia Nature Reserve is a popular tourist destination with caves, hiking trails, and dinosaur footprints.
- Prometheus Cave is an impressive underground cave system with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Kutaisi Historical Museum showcases the history of Kutaisi and Georgia as a whole.
- White Bridge (Tskaltsitela) is an iconic bridge over the Rioni River that offers stunning views of Kutaisi.
- Motsameta Monastery is a small but charming monastery located on a cliff overlooking the Tskhaltsitela River.
- Parliament Building of Georgia is an impressive modern building that has been housing the Georgian parliament in Kutaisi since 2012 when it was moved from Tbilisi to decentralize power in the country.
- Colchis Fountain features figures from Georgian mythology and can be found in front of Parliament Building.
- Bagrati Street is a pedestrian street lined with cafes, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
- Manufacturing: Kutaisi has a strong manufacturing industry with factories producing textiles, furniture, food products, and construction materials.
- Tourism: The city is home to several tourist attractions such as the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery which have led to the growth of hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.
- Agriculture: Kutaisi is located in a fertile agricultural region known for its production of fruits, vegetables and livestock.
- Transportation: The city is an important transportation hub in Georgia with its international airport serving as a gateway to western Georgia.
- Education: Kutaisi is home to several universities including Akaki Tsereteli State University which attracts students from across Georgia.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and medical facilities in the city providing healthcare services to residents of Kutaisi and surrounding areas.
- Retail: There are many local shops selling traditional Georgian products such as wine, cheese, and handicrafts which attract both locals and tourists alike.
- The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, an ancient Georgian kingdom that existed from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD.
- In the Middle Ages, Kutaisi was an important center of Georgian culture and education, with many monasteries and schools located in and around the city.
- In 978 AD, King Bagrat III of Georgia moved his capital from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, making it one of the most important cities in Georgia for several centuries.
- The Gelati Monastery, located near Kutaisi, was founded by King David IV (the Builder) in 1106 AD as a center for learning and culture. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- In 1783-84 AD, during the reign of Queen Tamar (1184-1213), a major earthquake destroyed much of Kutaisi’s historic architecture including its palace complex that housed her treasury.
- During Soviet times (1921-1991), Kutaisi was an important industrial center known for its textile factories and chemical plants.
- The Parliament building moved from Tbilisi to Kutaisi between 2012-2019 under President Mikheil Saakashvili’s administration as part of decentralization efforts aimed at distributing power more evenly throughout Georgia’s regions.
- Bagrati Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Kutaisi.
- Gelati Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning frescoes and beautiful architecture.
- Kutaisi Historical Museum is a museum showcasing the history and culture of Kutaisi and the surrounding region.
- Sataplia Nature Reserve is home to dinosaur footprints, stalactites, and other natural wonders.
- Prometheus Cave is a breathtaking underground cave system filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
- Motsameta Monastery is a historic monastery located on a hilltop overlooking the Rioni River valley.
- White Bridge (Tsisferkantsiani) is an iconic bridge over the Rioni River that connects old town with new town.
- Green Bazaar is a colorful market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, spices etc.
- Kutaisi Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden with diverse flora species.
- Paliashvili Opera House- The oldest opera house in Georgia which still hosts performances today.
- FC Torpedo Kutaisi, founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Georgia. They have won six Georgian championships and four Georgian Cups.
- BC Kutaisi 2010, a professional basketball team established in 2010 that competes in the Georgian Superliga. They have won two Georgian championships and one Georgian Cup.
- RC AIA Kutaisi is a rugby union team founded in 2005 that plays in the Rugby Europe Championship (formerly known as European Nations Cup). They have claimed the Division 1B title twice.
- VK Imereti Kutaisi is a volleyball team founded in 1999 that competes in the Georgian Volleyball Super League. The team has won five national championships and seven national cups.
- HC Dinamo Kutaisi is a handball team established back in1954 which participates actively at the Georgian Handball Super League; they have achieved three national championships and two national cups.
Sports are an integral part of Kutaisi’s culture with many enthusiastic fans supporting their local teams throughout the year at games held across town.
- Kutaisi International Music Festival is an annual classical music festival that takes place in September.
- The Kutaisi Wine Festival is held in October and celebrates local wineries and vineyards.
- Kutaisoba is the annual birthday celebration of the city, featuring traditional Georgian music and dance performances, food stalls, and street parades.
- Tbilisoba is a larger version of Kutaisoba that is celebrated throughout Georgia with live music performances, cultural events, and food stalls.
- The Independence Day Celebration commemorates Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union on April 9th with fireworks displays and other festivities.
- The Georgian National Dance Festival showcases traditional Georgian dance performances by professional troupes from across the country every year.
- The International Documentary Film Festival CinéDOC-Tbilisi is an international documentary film festival held annually in Tbilisi but also includes screenings in some other cities including Kutaisi.
- Easter celebrations take place throughout Georgia including Kutaisi with church services and family gatherings over Easter weekend as it’s predominantly a Christian country.
- Christmas celebrations are widely celebrated throughout Georgia including Kutaisi with church services on Christmas Eve (January 6th) followed by family gatherings on Christmas Day (January 7th).
Traditional Georgian Dishes:
- Khachapuri – a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread.
- Mtsvadi – grilled meat skewers.
- Lobio – a bean stew with various spices and herbs.
- Chakhokhbili – a chicken stew cooked with tomatoes and onions.
Popular Restaurants in Kutaisi, Georgia:
- Cafe Nikala – known for their khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri.
- Tiflis Palace Restaurant – offers traditional Georgian dishes like chakhokhbili and mtsvadi.
- Kavkasioni Restaurant – serves delicious lobio and other Georgian specialties.
- Gvinis Ubani Restaurant- offers authentic Georgian cuisine including khinkali, khachapuri, and mtsvadi.
- Bagrati Park is a large park that offers walking paths, playgrounds, and a small lake.
- Kutaisi Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases various plants and flowers.
- Tskaltubo Park is a relaxing park with hot springs and mineral baths.
- Sataplia Nature Reserve is a nature reserve that offers hiking trails and dinosaur footprints to explore.
- Okatse Canyon is an adventure park where visitors can enjoy ziplining, rappelling, and hiking trails.
- Prometheus Cave provides guided tours of its stunning natural formations within the cave system.
- Gelati Monastery Complex has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic architecture and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
