Kutaisi Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, Georgia is a land of ancient history, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Among its many jewels is the city of Kutaisi, located in the Imereti region, which offers a blend of historical grandeur and modern charm.

Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a testament to Georgia's storied past. The city is home to the magnificent Bagrati Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of the city's resilience and architectural prowess. Built in the 11th century, the cathedral is perched atop Uk'imerioni Hill and provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Another historical treasure is the Gelati Monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by King David the Builder in the 12th century, Gelati was once a major cultural and intellectual center, adorned with stunning frescoes and mosaics. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its spiritual ambiance and artistic heritage.

Kutaisi's natural surroundings offer a plethora of activities for the adventurous traveler. The Prometheus Cave is a natural wonder, featuring an array of stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and a dazzling display of lights. For those looking to connect with nature, the Sataplia Nature Reserve boasts a preserved dinosaur footprint trail, a captivating cave system, and a glass walkway offering views of the lush Imereti forest.

The city's central market is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike can indulge in Georgia's culinary delights. From the traditional khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) to the succulent churchkhela (nut-filled grape candy), Kutaisi's gastronomy is a sensory journey not to be missed.

Kutaisi is not just about its historical and natural attractions; it is also a city looking forward. With the recently developed Kutaisi International Airport and the city's position as a legislative center, housing the Parliament of Georgia, Kutaisi is poised to become a dynamic fusion of the ancient and the contemporary.

Local name: ქუთაისი Established: XIII century B.C.Population: 147.9 thous.Area: 26.14 mi²Elevation: 505 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°16'13"N, 42°42'7"E

Location

ImeretiGeorgia

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Kutaisi Top Attractions

Kutaisi Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kutaisi offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Gelati Monastery, Bagrati Cathedral, Motsameta Monastery, Kutaisi Museum of Sport. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Scenic medieval complex with frescoes
Gelati Monastery
Nestled in the verdant hills near the city of Kutaisi, Georgia, lies the Gelati Monastery—a resplendent example of medieval Georgian architecture and a testament to the country's rich religious and cultural history. Founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, also...
Reconstructed 11th-century cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral, perched upon the Ukimerioni Hill in the heart of Kutaisi, Georgia, stands as a testament to the country's rich history and architectural heritage. This majestic church, originally constructed in the early years of the 11th century under the reign of...
Church • Sacred and religious sites • Monastery
Motsameta Monastery
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Imereti region, Motsameta Monastery is a hidden gem in the city of Kutaisi, Georgia. This hallowed church, perched on a cliff overlooking the winding Tskhaltsitela River, is a serene retreat steeped in history and legend.

Museum
Kutaisi Museum of Sport
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Kutaisi, Georgia, the Kutaisi Museum of Sport stands as a testament to the nation's athletic endeavors and achievements. This dedicated museum offers a unique glimpse into the rich sporting history of Georgia, celebrating the...
Palace
Geguti
The Royal Palace of Geguti was a Georgian royal palace active during the Middle Ages. Currently only ruins remain at the eponymous village, 7 km south of the city of Kutaisi.
Museum • Military museum
Kutaisi Museum of Martial Art
Kutaisi Museum of Martial Art is a museum in Kutaisi, Georgia. The Kutaisi National Museum of Military Glory preserves materials reflecting the history of Georgian martial arts, weapons, materials dedicated to World War II, photos of Kutaisi soldiers, awards, correspondence and...
Cave
Iazoni Cave Natural Monument
Iazoni Cave Natural Monument also known as Tskaltsitela Cave is a karst cave located across the river Tskaltsitela near village Godogni, Terjola Municipality, just outside Kutaisi in Imereti region of Georgia, 135 metres above sea level.
Area
Tskaltsitela Gorge Natural Monument
Tskaltsitela Gorge Natural Monument is a river gorge in western Georgia, in Tkibuli and Terjola municipalities. Historical and geographical name of this area of Georgia — Okriba. The main river in Okriba is river Tskaltsitela, also spelled Tsqal-Tsitela.
Museum • History museum
Kutaisi State Historical Museum
Kutaisi State Historical Museum, formally known as the Niko Berdzenishvili Kutaisi State History Museum, is a museum in Kutaisi, Georgia.
Synagogue
Kutaisi Synagogue
The Kutaisi synagogue is one of three synagogues in Kutaisi in the Republic of Georgia.
Area
Sakajia Cave Natural Monument
Sakajia Cave Natural Monument is a karst cave located 1.5 km to the north-east from village Godogani, Terjola Municipality in Imereti region of Georgia, 204 meters above sea level.
42°15'53"N • 42°39'35"E
Georgian Parliament Building
The Georgian Parliament Building in Kutaisi was constructed from 2011 to 2012 in Kutaisi, traditionally the second most important city of Georgia, 231 kilometres west of Tbilisi, the nation's capital, to house the Parliament of Georgia.
Library
Kutaisi State Scientific-Universal Library
Kutaisi State Scientific Universal Library is a library in Kutaisi, Georgia.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Lado Meskhisvili Theater
Kutaisi Lado Meskhishvili Professional State Drama Theater - Georgian State Drama Theater, Kutaisi largest and major theater. On March 3, 1861, with the participation of scenes in Kutaisi, the first historical performance was held...
42°14'29"N • 42°41'9"E
Aia Arena
Aia Arena is a stadium located in Kutaisi. is the home stadium of Rugby Club Aia Kutaisi. Aia Arena is able to hold 5,000 spectators. it is located in 9 ha Territory and includes 4 Field.

Day trips

Kutaisi – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kutaisi, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dadiani Palace (Zugdidi), Samtskhe–Javakheti History Museum (Akhaltsikhe), Vani archaeological site (Vani).

45 milesW
Specialty museum, Museum
Dadiani Palace, Zugdidi
Nestled in the heart of the city of Zugdidi, Georgia, the Dadiani Palace stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. This magnificent museum, once a royal residence, is surrounded by a lush botanical garden that adds to its grandeur...
46 milesS
Museum
Samtskhe–Javakheti History Museum, Akhaltsikhe
The Samtskhe–Javakheti History Museum is a museum in Akhaltsikhe, Samtskhe–Javakheti, Georgia, founded in 1923. In its current renovated form, the museum was opened in 2012 as part of the Georgian National Museum network. It is located on the territory of the reconstructed fortress of Akhaltsikhe, known as "Rabati".
16 milesSW
Archaeological site
Vani archaeological site, Vani
The Vani archaeological site is a multi-layer archaeological site in western Georgia, located on a hill at the town of Vani in the Imereti region.
44 milesSE
Church
Mtsvane Monastery, Borjomi
The Chitakhevi church of Saint George is a medieval church in Georgia, located in the country's south-central Borjomi valley in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. It is popularly known as Mtsvane Monastery, that is, the Green Monastery. Abandoned for more than two hundred years, the monastery was restored to Christian use in 2003.
17 milesNW
Waterfall
Kinchkha Waterfall Natural Monument, Tsqaltubo
Kinchkha Waterfall Natural Monument is a cascade waterfall in Khoni Municipality, Imereti region of Georgia near village Kinchkha in the river gorge of Okatse at 843 meters above sea level.