Kutaisi

Kutaisi is Georgia's third-largest city and the historic capital of the western region of Imereti. Set picturesquely on the banks of the Rioni River at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, it has been inhabited for more than 3,500 years, ranking among the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe. In antiquity, under the name Aia, it was the mythical capital of the kingdom of Colchis, the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their Greek legendary quest for the Golden Fleece. Between the 8th and 12th centuries the city served repeatedly as the seat of Georgian kings; under David IV the Builder the Bagrati Cathedral was erected here, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other major attractions include the medieval Gelati Monastery, with its renowned mosaics and frescoes, the Museum of Colchis, and the Sataplia and Prometheus cave systems on the city's outskirts. From 2012 to 2018 Kutaisi also hosted Georgia's national parliament, and via Kopitnari International Airport it has become a regional hub for low-cost flights into the South Caucasus.

Nearby cities

Samtredia

Samtredia is a bustling city in the Imereti plain, known for its importance as a railway hub.

Zestafoni

Zestafoni is an industrial city in Imereti, whose economy is closely linked to the processing of manganese ore.

Chiatura

Chiatura is a unique mountain town famous for its extensive network of Soviet cable cars.

Tkibuli

Tkibuli is a mining town in western Georgia, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountains.

Khoni

Khoni is a small town in the western Georgian lowlands, distinguished by its traditional silk production and agricultural products.

Tskhaltubo

Tskhaltubo is a formerly world-famous spa town, valued for its radon-infused mineral springs.

Ambrolauri

Ambrolauri is the charming center of the Racha region, known for its fine wines and spectacular scenery.

Lentekhi

Lentekhi is a peaceful town serving as the gateway to Lower Svaneti.

Sairme

Sairme is a renowned balneological resort in the forested mountains of Imereti, famous for its mineral springs and wellness retreats.

Ushguli

One of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe, decorated with ancient stone defensive towers.

Shovi

A picturesque high-altitude resort in the Racha region, known for its mineral springs and coniferous forests.

History & landmarks

Martvili

A mesmerizing natural canyon renowned for its emerald green waters, cascading waterfalls, and boat tours.

Katskhi Pillar

The Katskhi Pillar is a 40-meter-high natural limestone monolith in Imereti.

Nature

Rioni River

The Rioni is the main river of western Georgia, originating from the glaciers of the Greater Caucasus.

More places

Bagrati Cathedral

Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi majestically crowns the Ukimerioni Hill.

Imereti Tea Plantations

The rolling hills of Imereti and Guria were once the center of Soviet tea production.

Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone

This industrial zone in Kutaisi promotes local and foreign investments in technology, textiles, and household appliances.

Sataplia Nature Reserve

The Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its well-preserved dinosaur footprints and a beautiful karst cave.

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi was one of Georgia's first cultural and spiritual centers.

Prometheus Cave

The Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi is one of Georgia's most fascinating natural wonders.

Okatse Canyon

The Okatse Canyon offers an unforgettable experience thanks to a spectacular suspended walkway attached to the cliff wall high above the …

Tkibuli Coal Mine

Tkibuli is the center of Georgian coal mining, extracting hard coal primarily for domestic needs.