History of Kutaisi. All about rest in kutaisi Population of kutaisi

Most of Kutaisi, located on the Colchis lowland, was covered with picturesque forests in ancient times. And now the famous Georgian tea and delicious tropical fruits are grown in this fertile area. We are not talking about the landscapes of the surroundings - 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 against the backdrop of mountains, which looks just magical.

The weather in the city is "ordered" by a subtropical climate characterized by high humidity. Heavy showers usually occur in spring and autumn, and very often. The streams of water saturate the Rioni so much that it is forced to overflow its banks. Often heavy rains provoke flooding, entire streets are 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 indicators in Kutaisi are quite comfortable: the average annual indicator for the city is +14.5 degrees Celsius. August is the warmest month, 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 +43.1 °C was recorded. But the coldest day in Kutaisi in the history of meteorological observations was January 14, 1950: the thermometer stopped at 17 degrees with a minus sign. January is generally considered the coldest 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 about three and a half thousand years ago, that is, Kutaisi is 2000 years older than Tbilisi. Not every settlement can boast of such a solid age in the country, 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 Eeta the city of Kiteysky” 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. Such a picture was caught by representatives of the first Kartvelian-speaking tribes - Megrelo-Chans or Svans, when they came to these parts. This area was swampy, there were a lot of malarial mosquitoes, so it seemed almost unsuitable for life. The Svans decided to develop the foothills, setting themselves the goal of getting by water to the sea coast. The events described took place between the 20th and 15th centuries BC. According to some reports, the tribes founded the first settlement where one of the main attractions of the city and its tourist attraction, the Bagrat Temple, is now located.

Kutaisi, it was called Kutaya in those days, went down in history as one of the first cities in Colchis, which was adjacent to the settlements of Vani, Nokalakevi and Rhodopolis. There is every reason to believe that in 720 BC the city survived the invasion of the Cimmerians. In the era of the Byzantine Empire, there were no significant events worthy of the chronicler's pen. After the Byzantines, the kingdom of Egrisi was formed in this area. Then came the time of Arab domination, but the Abkhaz withstood the invasion of foreigners and subsequently were able to win back 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 Kutai was the year 808, when the Abkhazian king Leon "built a fortress and the city of Kutaisi" and proclaimed it "the throne city, the second after Anakopia." It remained the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom until the 13th century. An important 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 separated itself 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 last rest in the Gelati Monastery.

In 1760, Kutaisi was captured by the Ottoman Empire. It was liberated from Turkish rule in 1770 by Russian troops, 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. In this status, he existed until the October Revolution of 1917. After joining Russia, the territory of the settlement began to increase, it was built up with stone houses, many temples were erected. So, in 1823, the Annunciation Cathedral appeared - it was built for the Catholic community. In 1835, the construction of the "upper synagogue" began.

Kutaisi even had its own prison, in which such political celebrities as Joseph Stalin and Lavrenty Beria were kept as prisoners. But in the Kutaisi gymnasium, the building of which has survived to this day, it stands on Tsereteli Street, in the early 1900s young Vladimir Mayakovsky studied.

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. Under the hot hand of the builders of communism in 1924, the Kutaisi Cathedral on the main square fell - 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, lithopon and many others. The automobile plant, put into operation in 1951, until 1968 produced famous throughout the Soviet Union in the Colchis truck. In the USSR, people even joked about this: “A car from Kutaisi is worse than a wolf and 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, graduating in 1959.

With Georgia gaining independence, Kutaisi was chosen by the leaders of the criminal world. The group known as the "Kutais" instilled fear in the entire Transcaucasus. It was so powerful that it could compete with the "Sukhumi". Most of the thieves in law lived in the Chomi quarter, on the right bank. Part of the authorities settled at the western end of Agmashenebeli Avenue, or at the Zastava. A peculiar reminder of that odious era is the mansion of Gaioz Zviadadze. In 2006, this criminal lair was confiscated by the state. At the same time, almost all Kutaisi thieves in law were destroyed. And this means that the main city of Western Georgia has since become a safe place.

From 2009 to 2013, Kutaisi underwent reconstruction. The temple of Bagrat was restored, several streets were repaired and the national park Sataplia was opened, though 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, the Bagrat Cathedral, is located on the mountain, from where a magnificent panorama of Kutaisi opens. This ancient building is interesting not only from a religious point of view, but also from a historical and architectural point of view. Only one thing upsets: at one time the cathedral suffered from the Seljuk Turks, so it has not reached our days in its original form. However, the turbulent course of time still preserved for posterity the ancient mosaics, murals, frescoes and magnificent stained-glass windows that adorn window panes. Not so long ago, restoration work was completed in the Bagrat temple. The architects tended to enrich its appearance with Art Nouveau solutions. Modernity perfectly 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 dated back to the Bronze Age. The figurines are duplicates of figurines belonging to the Colchis culture. They are enlarged, that is, made in natural growth, and also gilded. The originals were found during archaeological excavations. In addition to the fountain, the Drama Theatre, the city library, the Museum of Georgian Sports and many other beautiful buildings also deserve attention on the square.

Special mention should be made of the Lado Meskhishvili Georgian Kutaisi Theater. 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 a 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 bombarded by aircraft. The runway received some damage as a result. In 2012, renovated and renovated, it was reopened, the then President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili was present at the solemn 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 Kiev - it was performed by one of the Ukrainian airlines.

Not far from Kutaisi is the Gelati Monastery, which is considered one of the main ones in the country. The son of David the Builder buried here once brought iron gates from the city of Ganja - they are now stored in Gelati. This monastery can be proud of having an old observatory and even an entire academy. There is an assumption, which has not yet been confirmed by anything, that the legendary Queen Tamara is buried in this monastery.

On the top of the mountain, sandwiched between two gorges, there is another amazing monastery - Motsameta, which offers simply magical views of the surroundings. According to the legend, the monastery was erected in the place where the Georgian princes Konstantin and David were executed, who flatly refused to forcibly convert to Islam, which the invaders forced them to do. Both rulers were later canonized as saints. 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 onset 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 with positive emotions for the year ahead. The heart of the holiday is the central park, where people from all over the city gather. Guests come from other settlements of Georgia. The enchanting action - national dances performed by talented local artists - is also enjoyed by foreign tourists. Of course, at the festival you can also enjoy delightful, soul-stirring 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 great way to relax is a simple walk through the 3000-year-old city. To feel the unique atmosphere of Kutaisi, arrange 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 across the Rioni River, completely pedestrian and the most beautiful of all city bridges. He is also famous for the bronze statue of a boy holding two hats in his hands - a symbol of art. Tourists, and the Kutaisi people 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 the picturesque hills, which offer beautiful views of the city, two monasteries - Motzameta and Gelati, the Sataplia reserve. This route is perfectly suited not only for hiking, but also for cycling tours and hiking. The place is also suitable for organizing picnics with relatives and friends, evening gatherings around the fire or for camping right under the open night sky.

At the top of the hill, at the address: Vazha Pshavela Street, 1, there is a park named after Vissarion Gabashvili, from which a magnificent panorama of Kutaisi opens. Inside the park there is another park - entertainment, with rides where children especially like to frolic. You can get to this place by funicular, its route stretches from the city center and runs right above the riverbed. When you get hungry, be sure to visit the restaurant of traditional Georgian cuisine "Imereti" - 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 "Bikentia", opened back in 1956. Here they serve only kebab (in Georgian - kababi) and nothing else, and this has been the case for sixty years! Chairs are not provided (this is not a restaurant for you), but none of the visitors feel discomfort about this. Delicious sausages, floating in gravy and flavored with fragrant local spices, can be eaten while standing, leaning on wooden “window sills”. A portion 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.

An excellent pastime for the whole family will 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 Museum of Sports and the Museum of Military Glory. The first one is free admission. 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 exposition at the Vani Archaeological Museum will help you look into the distant past. The exhibits in it cover the period from the 8th to the 1st century BC, among them you will see samples of household utensils of those times and a numismatic collection. But in the Museum of Fine Arts, which bears the name of David Kakabadze, unique canvases and sculptures are collected, 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 rugby stadium. This sports complex, spread over 8 hectares, has four fields for this popular team game with an oval ball. The national team of Kutaisi 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. Entrance to the stadium is free.

Shopping in Kutaisi

The second capital of Georgia can hardly be attributed to the cities where tourists purposefully go shopping, that is, such a thing as a shopping tour does not apply to Kutaisi. However, not a single visitor has 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, allegedly losing 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 without duty. If you want to take home more, you have to pay.

The main places for shopping in Kutaisi are, of course, local markets. There are two 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. Locals really like to shop in the markets. Tourists are not far behind. The thing is that the assortment in these outlets is very wide. In addition to the food line, products of the industrial group are also presented here.

At local bazaars, you can also buy nice gifts to remember the trip. One of the most popular souvenirs are shaggy national headdresses. Your choice of black, like the highlanders, as well as Svan or Tushino - the latter are sewn from felt. Men definitely buy a real Georgian horn for wine. Women often focus on cute fridge magnets that they buy for themselves and as gifts for friends.

There are also shopping centers in Kutaisi: Karvasla and Grand Mall. Basically, clothes and textiles produced in neighboring Turkey are presented here. If you are very lucky and get here during the sales season, which usually falls on September, you will certainly find very high quality and, most importantly, inexpensive things.

Hotels and accommodation

Arriving 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 fashionable hotels, as on exotic islands, in this Georgian city. However, there are good, cozy hotels of the European type.

Among visitors, the Edemi Hotel is very popular. 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 from $40 and up. Somewhat more expensive, $70 per night, is a room at the Aeetes Palace Hotel. It is located in a new urban microdistrict, on the left bank of the Rioni. The center of Kutaisi is not far from here.

Close to the Bagrati temple, on Debi Ishkhnelebi street, there are several guesthouses and small hotels. The cost of living - you will not find cheaper! The average cost of a stay varies from $10 to $20 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 and equipped with shower and toilet. Plus, the food here is delicious. The 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 apartments "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 day. The convenience is that there are many attractions nearby, for example, the same Bagrat temple, as well as the market.

Traveling young people prefer to stay in hostels, of which there are several in Kutaisi. In the city center 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 for a bed from $7. A double room at Kiev Kutaisi Hostel will cost more than twice as much - $30. Here you can also order a bed, but only in a dormitory 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 to Kutaisi from the capital of Georgia is by rail. Train number 18 leaves at 9:00, arriving at 14:15; number 878 leaves at 15:25 (it arrives at 19:25); and, finally, at 21:10 the last train leaves, which arrives at 02:50. The average cost of tickets is from 9 to 15 Georgian lari. You can buy 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).

On the route Tbilisi - Kutaisi, flights of the companies "Metro Georgia" and "Georgian Bus" are carried out. The departure time of the Georgian Bus buses does not happen time after 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 are operated in the morning at 05:00, 06:00 or 08:00 and in the evening at 20:00 and 23:00. But the bus schedule "Metro Georgia" is not floating: flights from Tbilisi are carried out at noon, 4 pm and at midnight. The fare is 15 GEL. The buses of this carrier are comfortable, they are equipped with a TV and wireless Internet access.

Kutaisi is connected to the capital of the country and an air line. Every week on Wednesdays and Sundays Georgian Airways fly here from Tbilisi. A one-way ticket costs about 100 GEL, you will spend only half an hour on the way.

It is comfortable to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi by a rented car. The distance between 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 car for rent, so that there are no problems with the traffic police. The standard conditions for renting a car also provide for an international driver's license, a cash deposit at small local rental points. In international offices, you will need a bank card for this.

In addition, fixed-route taxis depart from the Tbilisi Didube station to Kutaisi every hour. The fare in them is 10 GEL, you will spend about four hours on the way.

Kutaisi is considered the historical capital of Georgia. The city is beautifully divided into two halves by the Rioni River and connected by several bridges, among which the White Bridge stands out.

Interesting fact

Since 2012, the building of the Georgian parliament has been located in Kutaisi (it used to be in).

According to the guide Alexei, who took us to, this was done in order to support the city. Deputies, their assistants and secretaries come to the city for the spring and autumn sessions, rent hotels, spend money in local restaurants and shops, and this helps to boost the economy of Kutaisi, giving the locals an opportunity to earn extra money.

A photo of Kutaisi from the observation deck of the Sataplia reserve will allow you to appreciate the landscapes surrounding the city

Kutaisi is located in the depths of the country, surrounded by picturesque, albeit not the highest, mountains. You can see the city itself literally in 1-2 days - there are relatively few sights in the city with a population of over 200,000 people (the second largest in Georgia).

Quite a different situation with the surroundings. From Kutaisi you can buy a lot of interesting excursions or just travel or take a taxi. It turns out significantly cheaper and more convenient than living in or Tbilisi.

Attractions of Kutaisi: what can you see in the city in 1 day?

Kutaisi itself produces a rather ambivalent impression. It seems that the city is very large by the standards of Georgia, but it is felt that its heyday is already passing. Perhaps we got such an impression due to the fact that Kutaisi is not a tourist city at all, and it should not look as beautiful as it does.

Colchis fountain in the center of Kutaisi

The main attraction of Kutaisi is the Colchis Fountain on the central square of the city named after David Agmashenebeli, next to a large park.

There is also a drama theater and a museum of Georgian sports on the square. Near the library and many other beautiful buildings. But it is the fountain, opened in 2011, that is considered the symbol of Kutaisi.

The fountain is interesting for two things: firstly, all 30 figurines are enlarged life-size copies of Colchian gold figurines, and secondly, they are all gilded, and the fountain is considered the most expensive in Georgia.

Bagrati Temple in Kutaisi (more correctly Bagrati Cathedral)

The main attraction of Kutaisi, we would call the Bagrat Temple (Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin), which is one of the largest churches in all of Georgia. Of course, much more, but it is quite new, and Bagrati is one of the most important places in Georgia both from a historical and religious point of view.

Until recently, almost 300 years, the temple lay in ruins. And only in 2012 it was restored, which not everyone liked. It is very easy to find the temple - it is large and located on a mountain, and therefore it is perfectly visible from almost anywhere in the center of Kutaisi.

The building of the Georgian Parliament is very original

Also in Kutaisi you can see a very interesting and original building of the Georgian parliament.

To be honest, we weren’t inside, and didn’t even get out of the car - we were very tired at the time.

White bridge over the Rioni river

As you already know, Kutaisi is beautifully divided into two halves by the rather wide river Rioni. Among all the bridges connecting the two banks, the wooden one stands out. White bridge. By itself, it is nothing special, but the landscapes on the river from it are simply excellent.

Other sights of Kutaisi

Also in Kutaisi there is a small botanical garden, an amusement park, very reminiscent of Soviet ones, several churches, an opera house and many small parks. In general, if it were not for palm trees growing in places, the city would not differ much from a typical regional center.

Our findings

For ourselves, we made a fairly simple conclusion. Coming to Kutaisi just to see only its sights is clearly not worth it. It would be much better to combine them with other interesting places in the vicinity. For example, you will have time to see from and, Kutaisi, the Motsameta Church and the Gelati Monastery in one day.

There is another way to have a great time in Kutaisi: choose it as a springboard for exploring nearby attractions. Housing here is cheap, there are many interesting places nearby and taxis are inexpensive.

Meals in restaurants and cafes in Kutaisi - prices and quality

Restaurants in Kutaisi vary quite a lot both in terms of the quality of service and the taste of dishes. Our friends said that they had never tasted such delicious food as in the center of Kutaisi anywhere else. We were not lucky - according to the general opinion of the whole company of 5 people, the dishes were not very tasty.

We had dinner at the Barca pub in the center of Kutaisi. We offer you to get acquainted with the prices for the dishes we ordered, which are quite typical for Kutaisi:

Veal shish kebab - 8 lari GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
8 lari = 2.65 euros;
8 lari = 3.04 dollars;
8 lari = 201.76 rubles;
8 lari = 85.12 hryvnia;
8 lari = 6.8 Belarusian rubles.

Chicken soup - 5 lari GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
5 lari = 1.66 euros;
5 lari = 1.9 dollars;
5 lari = 126.1 rubles;
5 lari = 53.2 hryvnia;
5 lari = 4.25 Belarusian rubles.
Rates and prices may not be accurate.

Lemonade in a glass bottle 1.5 GEL GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
1.5 lari = 0.5 euro;
1.5 lari = 0.57 dollars;
1.5 lari = 37.83 rubles;
1.5 lari = 15.96 hryvnia;
1.5 lari = 1.28 Belarusian rubles.
Rates and prices may not be accurate.
(in assortment, delicious)

Khinkali cheese - 50 tetri GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
0.5 lari = 0.17 euros;
0.5 lari = 0.19 dollars;
0.5 lari = 12.61 rubles;
0.5 lari = 5.32 hryvnia;

Rates and prices may not be accurate. per piece

Khinkali with meat (mtirala) - 50 tetri GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
0.5 lari = 0.17 euros;
0.5 lari = 0.19 dollars;
0.5 lari = 12.61 rubles;
0.5 lari = 5.32 hryvnia;
0.5 lari = 0.43 Belarusian rubles.
Rates and prices may not be accurate. per piece

You can order from 5 pieces of khinkali. Make them really big.

The fact is that we did not find an exchanger at the airport, and taxi drivers often quote very high prices in dollars (as lucky). It’s not very good with minibuses either - you need to catch those passing by and it’s not very clear how to pay with the driver (dollars can be exchanged for lari only in the city).

The most convenient way to search for cheap flights to Kutaisi is by using the calendar widget on our website. It highlights the lowest prices in green. If you want to fly not from Moscow, do not forget to change the city.

How is transport arranged in Kutaisi and how much does it cost?

The main transport in Kutaisi is minibuses and taxis. Minibuses cost 40 tetri GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
0.4 lari = 0.13 euros;
0.4 lari = 0.15 dollars;
0.4 lari = 10.09 rubles;
0.4 lari = 4.26 hryvnia;
0.4 lari = 0.34 Belarusian rubles.
Rates and prices may not be accurate. for a trip around the city, and a taxi - as agreed. Approximate prices for taxi rides to the main attractions in the vicinity of Kutaisi were in the article. If you are called a much larger amount - bargain or change the taxi driver.

There is also a bus station in the city, but it is a bit spontaneous - there is no building, only a large parking lot. Focus on McDonald's or Kutaisi II Railway Station. (recommended). During the day, minibuses run very often - to Tbilisi every hour, and to Batumi - every half hour.

The railway station in Kutaisi is essentially one - Kutaisi I. There is also Kutaisi II near the bus station, but trains do not run from this station, only 2 electric trains to Tskaltubo are indicated in the schedule.

As we have already said, it is only 150 kilometers from Kutaisi to Batumi, and 230 kilometers to Tbilisi. You can get there both by bus and by train.

Minibus timetable It is better to check at the bus stations. Coordinates of bus stations and their phones are in the articles:

• Bus stations in Batumi
• Bus station in Tbilisi (Didube)

Quite convenient to get to Kutaisi on

I was driving to Kutaisi, the capital of the Imereti region, knowing only that it was the second largest city in Georgia. Acquaintance turned out to be quite rapid, but this made it even more vivid.

It is worth coming to Kutaisi to remember the legend of the Argonauts, see the most expensive fountain in Georgia, walk along the stone riverbed, cross the wooden bridge of the 19th century and take a cable car to drink coffee.

How to get there

Kutaisi is well located - in the very center of Georgia. Therefore, when planning your trip to Sakartvelo (I really like to call Georgia exactly as the locals do), consider starting from Kutaisi.

By plane

Kutaisi Airport is called Kopitnari and is located just 14 kilometers from the city. It opened in 2012, but in a few years managed to become one of the most important transport hubs in Georgia.

Often, flights to Kutaisi are cheaper than to Tbilisi, moreover, you will immediately find yourself in the heart of the country, and cities such as Tbilisi or will be equidistant from you. In addition, from here it is much closer to Svaneti, a wonderful mountainous region, while the journey to Svaneti from Tbilisi will take up to 9 hours by minibus.

From Kopitnari airport to the center of Kutaisi can be reached by a regular bus for a couple of dollars or by taxi for about $10-15. In addition, from Kutaisi airport you can go to other major cities: Tbilisi, Zugdidi.

By train

There is currently no railway connection between Russia and Kutaisi. There used to be a wonderful train - Batumi. However, he still did not pass Kutaisi, but he could get off at any coastal station and get to Kutaisi by bus.

Now the train to Kutaisi runs from Tbilisi (travel time is about 2-3 hours, ticket price is from $5).

By bus

In summer, a bus route is launched - Batumi, which runs through the heart of Imereti. Departure from the Shchelkovsky bus station in Moscow, travel time - 48 hours, costs from $ 70. Journey for the strong in spirit and body. Check with the ticket office of the station for details.

By car

For overland travelers, there is only one way to get to Kutaisi. If you are coming from Russia, then you will not miss Vladikavkaz and the Upper Lars border checkpoint.

Be careful when choosing this route. For example, in June 2016, the Terek overflowed its banks and destroyed the roadbed, as a result of which the border was closed and people got into an unpleasant situation. This is the weather, and it is almost impossible to predict its behavior.

In a favorable scenario, you will cross the border of Georgia, drive along the Georgian Military Highway, bypass Tbilisi and move to the west of the country. There you will meet with Kutaisi.

Previously, it was much more convenient to pass through Abkhazia (from the side), but now this path cannot be used. If you cross the border of Abkhazia, the Georgians will consider you a border violator (because this republic is not recognized by them) and, at best, will forever prohibit entry into Sakartvelo. At worst, you will be fined and arrested.

Clue:

Kutaisi - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 1

Kazan - 1

Samara 0

Yekaterinburg 1

Novosibirsk 3

Vladivostok 6

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Kutaisi lies among the hills and mountains, in the Imereti lowland, so it is quite humid here throughout the year. When choosing a month for traveling around Georgia in general or Kutaisi in particular, remember that no one has canceled the value of the velvet season. You can navigate the prices for tours in Kutaisi in different seasons.

Kutaisi in summer

In July, the warmest month of the year, the average temperature is +23°C. But because of the high humidity, it may seem to you that it is much hotter outside. In the summer of 2016, the air temperature in Kutaisi reached +37–40 °C, and walking around the city became a test.

If your hotel does not have air conditioning, then do not neglect the nets on the windows, as I did: ignoring the instructions of the hostess of the guesthouse not to open the balcony door, I let mosquitoes into the room and slept under the buzz and bites. In summer, the city is frankly stuffy.

Kutaisi in autumn

The sweetest time to travel to Kutaisi (as well as almost anywhere in Georgia), in my opinion, is October.

The summer heat is coming to naught, the leaves are twitching with bright colors, young wine appears (by the way, not far from Kutaisi is the wonderful mountainous region of Racha, where the rare and expensive Khvanchkara wine is made), the air becomes cooler and cleaner.

Kutaisi in spring

Spring is perhaps the most changeable time in terms of weather. In March, there are long rains, the sky is covered with gray low clouds, and the city looks rather dull. In April, strong winds are not uncommon, which bring coolness from the mountain ranges. In May, summer is about to begin in Kutaisi, and it is better to try to catch the beginning of the month, when the city is dry and warm, but there is still no heat.

Kutaisi in winter

Winter is mild, there is a slight minus, and then snow falls. Perhaps, the beauty of winter Kutaisi will easily give odds to summer.

But, when going to Kutaisi in winter, it is important to remember one thing: there is no central heating in the houses, and everyone warms the house as best they can. Someone installs heaters, someone puts batteries. As soon as the owners decide to save money, the house begins to freeze. Therefore, clarify this question in advance, choosing where to stay.

Kutaisi - monthly weather

Clue:

Kutaisi - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

The rocky and muddy-white river Rioni divides Kutaisi into two main parts: the left bank and the right bank.

Left Coast

On the left bank is the historical center of the city: the Opera House, the Central Market, the Colchis Fountain, the Park of Lovers, the cable car station.

Housing here is more expensive and, in my opinion, this overpayment makes little sense: from the right bank you can easily walk to the heart of Kutaisi by jumping over one of the bridges over Rioni.

Tsereteli Street, located near David the Builder Square (David Agmashenebeli), will be of interest to those who plan to leave Kutaisi by car for the sake of. The railway station is also located on the left bank, so if you arrive in Kutaisi by train, it makes sense to settle somewhere nearby.

right bank

In the north of the city rises the famous Bagrati temple. This place is called Ukemerion Hill, and it is believed that the first settlements arose here. To the south follows the strategically important Rustaveli Avenue: along it you can get to the Central Bus Station.

In general, this part of the city is less elegant. Rather, it is a residential part of Kutaisi, but this only makes it more attractive: there is an opportunity to observe the life of ordinary citizens with all this colorful linen on the ropes, hot khachapuri in kiosks and everyday scenes.

Jewish Quarter

It is located on the left bank of the Rioni, almost opposite the Bagrat temple.

A very interesting part of the city. As many as three synagogues have been preserved here, which remind of the times when Kutaisi was a multinational city, and this quarter was full of small craft shops.

The so-called Georgian Jews lived here: they spoke the Georgian language, had Jewish roots and were mainly engaged in trade. The main place of settlement was Shaumyan street. Old-timers recall Jewish weddings with delight, when songs thundered throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

What are the prices for holidays

Kutaisi is the second largest city of Georgia, its parliamentary capital (in 2012 a modern glass building was built here on the outskirts of the city and the Parliament was moved to it).

Housing, food and transport prices are comparable to prices in Tbilisi and other major cities.

Housing

The average cost of one night in a cozy guesthouse in a single room with a shared shower starts from $10 (20 GEL, Georgian lari). I usually look for guesthouses and hotels on booking (), but you can check if there is a better price somewhere. If you prefer to live in direct contact with the locals, you can rent an apartment or an apartment - options for.

It is not necessary to settle in the very heart of the city, although this, of course, suits those who plan to walk around Kutaisi, rarely going to the suburbs.

I lived on the other side of the Rioni, closer to the bus station (which was also convenient, given that I traveled to the suburbs almost every day), and the walk to the center took 30 minutes, not the fastest step. Housing prices in this area were lower, besides, I received a walking tour along Shota Rustaveli Avenue as a bonus. Of course, in Kutaisi it is not as lush and catchy as in Tbilisi, but it is also quite curious.

Food

Lunch or dinner cost me about 8–10 $ (15–20 GEL), but these were real feasts, after which I dreamed of getting home and was not able to wander around the sights of Kutaisi.

Of course, if you are traveling alone or with a group, you can save money: order several different dishes for everyone. Taking into account the traditionally large Georgian portions, everyone will try a little bit of everything, will be full and satisfied. Needless to say, taking a whole bottle of wine also turns out to be more profitable than one glass.

Taxi

If you are lucky, then you will agree with the owner of your hotel / guesthouse, and he will take you around the area. It will cost less than a regular taxi. For $40 (80 GEL) you can be taken to Sataplia Park, to Prometheus Cave, and to Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.

In addition, you will have a free tour on the road and a bright Georgian speech. If you, like me, travel on a budget, then you can get to all these places by minibuses, you just need to find out the schedule and adjust to it.

Main attractions. What to see

Frankly speaking, Kutaisi can be quite thoughtfully examined in a couple of days at a leisurely pace. Several temples significant for the Christian world, a fountain referring to the era of the Kingdom of Colchis, bridges across the Rioni. Be sure to leave time for the suburbs of Kutaisi. They are, in my opinion, the most interesting.

Colchis fountain

You will most likely start from the center. The heart of the city is easily recognized by the magnificent Colchis Fountain. Among the streams of water, 30 gilded figurines flaunt (which is why the Georgians joke that this is the most expensive fountain in Sakartvelo), exact copies of the images of the Colchis culture of the Bronze Age. Basically there are figurines of deer, lambs and horses.

The fountain is new, it was installed in 2011, and the statue of King David the Builder, which stood on the square before, was moved to the railway station. Important: try to plan a route around the city so that you can see the fountain both during the day and in the evening. At night, it is beautifully illuminated. And read the legend about the Argonauts, because it was here, in the capital of the then Colchis kingdom, that they sailed for the Golden Fleece.

How to get there

The fountain is located on David the Builder Square (David Agmashenebeli will be written on the map). It can be reached by bus number 1, which runs from the Kutaisi bus station to the railway station, passing through the city center.

Temple of Bagrat

The most famous temple of Kutaisi, which you will see in all the photographs and guidebooks, is the Bagrat Cathedral. It is really worth a walk to it (it is on a high hill, it can be seen from anywhere in the city). It was rebuilt in 2012. Prior to that, it had stood in a dilapidated state for several centuries.

The history, like that of most Georgian churches, is broken and complex. There were raids, destruction, seizures, not only from the Turkish side, but also from neighboring territories (for a long time it consisted of separate disparate kingdoms).

Now the Bagrat Cathedral is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Strictly speaking, it has been listed there since 1974, and the organization opposed its restoration under the proposed project. However, in August 2012, a cross flashed on the dome, and Kutaisi again had a symbol of the city.

It is worth climbing here at least for the view of the capital of Imereti. And in the spring, if you are lucky and the weather is clear, you will see the glaciers of the Racha Range.

How to get there

On foot from anywhere in the city in 20 minutes. If you are too lazy, take a taxi for $ 2 (5 GEL).

What to see in the surroundings

I fell in love with the suburbs of Kutaisi with all my heart.

Gelati. Gelati Monastery

It is worth driving ten kilometers east of Kutaisi, and you find yourself in a monastery complex made of light stone (by the way, the word Kutaisi comes from the Georgian “stone”). The monastery was built by David the Builder (David managed to build a lot of things on the territory of modern Georgia during his 33 years of life) at the beginning of the 12th century. The temple was founded in honor of the accession of Kakheti (now it is the famous wine region of the country) to the Georgian state and the victory over the Seljuk Turks.

At the monastery, Akamedia was created, unique in its kind for that period of time. They say that Queen Tamara is buried here. And definitely there is the tomb of King David the Builder. He asked to be buried right under the arch of the main gate, thus showing humility in front of ordinary parishioners.

How to get there

The easiest way is by taxi. The cost of the trip will be approximately $ 10 (20 GEL). If you want to save money, take a minibus, it starts from 8:00 to 18:00 every 2 hours from Mari Bosse Street behind the Meskhishvili Drama Theatre. This theater is located on David Aghmashenebeli Square, in the same place as the famous gilded fountain. The fare is $ 0.5 (1 GEL).

Prometheus cave

Be prepared for the fact that you, like me, will be advised by everyone you meet to go to the cave of Prometheus.

Yes, it is really huge, there is beautiful illumination and unusual cave formations of stalactites and stalagmites. But there is also a crowd of tourists and an entrance fee: $ 3 (7 GEL).

How to get there

If you decide to go, then go first to the city of Tskaltubo. From Kutaisi, it can be reached by minibus number 30, which starts from the Red Bridge. The fare will cost $0.5 (1 GEL). By minibus you will reach the market square.

As you go around the bazaar, you will see a bus station, from there minibuses go to the cave for $ 0.8 (1.5 GEL). Please note that there are only 4 of them per day: at 07:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30. As an option, you can bargain with the local drivers (it’s only 5 kilometers to go, so don’t give more than $ 5 (10 GEL).

I wanted to be alone, so I chose the Martvili Canyon and the city of Baghdati (by the way, if you still go to Prometheus, take warm clothes: the air temperature inside the cave is around +14 ° C all year round).

Martvili. Martvili Canyon

It's also Dinosaur Canyon.

Previously, Martvili was open at any time, delighting guests with wild cliffs and free entry. Now it has been improved: the entrance costs about $ 2 (5 GEL). On Mondays, like a real museum, the canyon is not accessible.

They say that there are traces of dinosaurs imprinted in the rocks. Whether this is true, everyone decides for himself. But what can I say for sure, be sure to take a boat or catamaran ride: from the water you will see many beautiful places, clear emerald water, purest waterfalls (you can take a dip in summer), rocky gorges.

After that, you can wander around the neighborhood and admire the waterfalls already from the ground. Nearby there is a small cafe, where you can relax before the return journey.

How to get there

An hour by minibus from the central bus station of Kutaisi (you need to look for it in the simplest and most effective way in Georgia - ask people, or take bus number 1) to the town of Martvili, and you are almost there. To determine the right minibus, again, just ask people: they will help. I was not only escorted, but even paid for my travel. This, get used to hospitality.

In the center of the city of Martvili you will see a cable car with pretty yellow cabins that look absolutely Soviet. Do not rush to jump out, you have to drive another 10 minutes, not forgetting to remind the driver that you need a canyon.

When you are dropped off the minibus, cross the paved road and continue down the dirt road. You will probably be met by a pack of dogs there. Try not to react, but rather get to the canyon as soon as possible.

Baghdati. Mayakovsky House

Where exactly you should go for your portion of gastronomic joy is the famous Kutaisi market. First, he is handsome.

Second, hold on tight. Aromas of spicy spices, moist bundles of outlandish greens, cheeses (salty, fresh, soft, porous), fresh bread, invitingly sparkling with a golden crust, can knock you out of habit.

It is better to come in the morning, at 9 o'clock. Bargain with passion (the main commandment of Georgian trade), and victory will be yours.

Holidays

Kutaisi is called the city of May and roses. It is not entirely clear with roses, but with May it is easier: it is on May 2 that Kutaisoba or simply City Day is celebrated here.

On this day, many citizens and travelers flock to the center. The morning begins with the solemn ringing of the Bagrati Cathedral, the Metropolitan of Kutaisi blesses the city and its people.

The symbol of Kutaisoba is an ordinary chamomile, they are sold on every corner that day, live and artificial. Fairs, dances, national colors and exhibitions - this is more than enough for you if you find yourself in Kutaisi on May 2.

Safety. What to watch out for

It wasn't me who said it, that's how it is sung in one thug song.

Perhaps earlier the city was considered the unofficial capital of thieves in law, but now the situation has changed. As you know, during the reign of Mikheil Saakashvili, numerous arrests were carried out (I suggest not to talk about their justice), and the level of security in the country has increased significantly.

I walked around Kutaisi at night alone, and the only adventure that happened to me was a meeting with a Spanish engineer who has been living in Kutaisi for a couple of years. We exchanged a couple of phrases in English, I asked him how he lives here without knowing Russian, and even more so Georgian, and we wished each other good luck and parted ways.

Nobody stopped me on the city streets anymore. Perhaps it is time to admit that it is one of the safest countries in the post-Soviet space. What is the reason, in the change of power or in the mentality of the inhabitants (kind, hospitable and a little lazy), one can only guess. And enjoy walks in the evening cities, not forgetting the elementary precautions that we follow anywhere in the world, including at home.

Remember: Georgians answer you with what you came to them with. Go in peace and kindness, get the same in return.

Things to do

And let my heart be given to another Georgian city (), I must admit that Kutaisi is also very good. It deserves to come here specially for a couple of days, or it can become an intermediate point on the way to the Batumi sea wave. Imereti is beautiful and hilly, but for an active holiday you will have to go to the neighboring regions: Racha or Svaneti.

Fishing

If you like fishing, then take a ride to the Shaori or Tkibul reservoirs. The water in these reservoirs is clean, the scenery is beautiful.

Pike is caught in the Tkibuli reservoir, pike and perch are caught in the Shaori reservoir. There is a good trout farm in the Racha region.

How to get there

These places are close to each other. You need to get to the village of Shardometi, it is located near the town of Ambrolauri. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but you can also take minibuses.

A train consisting of one car runs to the city of Tkibuli from Kutaisi. It departs from the railway station (ticket price - $ 0.5 or 1 GEL). Specify the schedule directly on the spot, on the website of the Georgian Railways or. The schedule may change depending on the season.

River rafting

Rioni is one of the most beautiful rivers in Georgia. It originates in the Racha glaciers and rushes down to Kutaisi. Rioni is rocky and stormy, so this adventure can be classified as extreme. Only experienced watermen are allowed on most sites.

Rafting begins high in the mountains, in the town of Utsera. The whole way to Kutaisi will take about 7 days (about 120 kilometers of rapids of varying difficulty will have to be overcome: from the 1st to the 6th category). Beginners can take the easy route of the 1st category in the area north of Kutaisi. Rafting on the Rioni in Kutaisi is coming to an end. There you will be able to recover and get ready for the journey ahead.

How to move around the city

The easiest way to get around Kutaisi is by buses and minibuses.

Buses are usually old, atmospheric. Sit closer to the first door to enjoy the view from the window, listen to music from the receiver and look at the cigarette smoke swirling beautifully around the driver. And if you don't smoke, go to the back of the salon.

The fare costs 30 tetri, Georgian kopecks, which is approximately equal to $0.15. The money is transferred to the driver when leaving the cabin. At first, Georgians were amazed at my attempts to shove money right at the entrance, as I used to do in Moscow minibuses.

The Kutaisi railway station and the city center can be easily reached by minibus number 1 from the central bus station (in fact, it is the only one in the city; the best landmark is McDonald's). The first route is circular, so if you missed your stop, you can circle around Kutaisi (the whole circle takes no more than 50 minutes). A taxi from the bus station to the center will cost approximately $3 (5 GEL).

Previously, there was a trolleybus network in Kutaisi (88 kilometers!), It lasted 50 years until 2009, then it was closed.

Intercity bus and shuttle service between Kutaisi and Zugdidi (the nearest city to Abkhazia) is well developed, but it is better to check the schedule in advance and arrive 30 minutes before departure so that there is definitely enough space for you and your luggage.

By the way, for freedom of movement, you can rent a car, and it’s convenient to see prices and models on aggregator sites, for example,.

Kutaisi - holidays with children

Kutaisi is not the most suitable city for families with children. But if you still ended up here with a child, then visit the places that I will discuss below. You can have fun in them.

Amusement park

The full name is the Park of Culture and Leisure named after Vissarion Gabashvili, Georgian poet of the 18th century. There are few attractions: a Ferris wheel (which can be interesting for adults as well), horses, cars. Tickets for all cost about the same: $ 0.5 (1 GEL).

There is a beautiful carousel, similar to those that stand near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. By the way, there is also a tower here.

There are a lot of people in the park on weekends, so it is better to come on weekdays. In addition to attractions, the park attracts with an abundance of greenery, in the shade of which it is pleasant to hide from the summer heat. After that, you can climb to the Bagrat temple: from here it is within easy reach.

How to get there

You can get here by cable car (the cost in both directions is $ 0.5 or 1 GEL), the lower station of which is located near the White Bridge in the city center, or on foot. A beautiful view of Kutaisi opens from above.

City square near the Colchis fountain

There is a small playground in the center of the park. Nearby they sell balls, cotton candy and other children's pleasures. This square can become a good transit point for a walk around the city.

Reserve "Sataplia"

Mount Sataplia is named so because of the bees that have chosen its slopes. Translated from Georgian, "satapli" means "honey mountain". This place will be interesting for teenagers and adults.

Here you can climb karst caves, go up to the observation deck overlooking the green mountains and see dinosaur footprints discovered about a century ago by local historian Petr Chabukiani.

The park has mechanical figures of dinosaurs that inhabited our planet in ancient times. However, no dinosaur remains were found in the Kutaisi region, only traces.

How to get there

You can get from Kutaisi to the natural park by taxi (10 kilometers, they won’t take it expensive and can still wait) or by minibus number 45 to the town of Tskhaltubo for $ 1 (2 GEL).

Ski holidays

The closest ski resort to Kutaisi is Hatsvali. It is located in Upper Svaneti (capital). You can get there by minibus from the Kutaisi bus station. On the minibus it will be written "Mestia", however, in Georgian. Ask the drivers, they will point you to the right one. You will get there in 5 hours along the serpentine and $ 18 (35 GEL).

Hatsvali is a fairly new resort: it was opened in 2011. There are trails for beginners and freeride. There is only one hotel in Hatsvali itself, so book in advance or stay in Mestia.

It is 8 kilometers from Hatsvali, which will have to be overcome twice a day by taxi. Taxi drivers often break the price, so consider walking: the road goes up, but the slope is not strong, and 8 kilometers can be covered in 2-3 hours. Of course, this will only work if you rent equipment from upstairs.

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- do not forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

Have something to add?

The cave has a rather impressive size, which helped to apply the ancient legend to modern circumstances. Thus, it received the name of the cave of Prometheus. That is what appears in all the guidebooks.

Today you can see the cave near Kutaisi on video. And it is better to visit there to admire not only its huge vaults, but also the magnificently designed dynamic lighting. The researchers say that it stretches for 11 km, but tourists will be guided along the route for only 1.5 km. Stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by multi-colored lamps, underground halls over 21 meters high and mysterious cave rivers will become a real adventure for any tourist.

Monastery Motsameta

If you dream of bringing photos from Kutaisi that will impress all your friends, you should definitely visit the Motsameta Monastery, which is located between the green Imereti hills. The general view of the monastery inspires delight in tourists - its turrets are so comfortably hidden in the greenery. It is also known as the Temple of Saints David and Constantine.

There is a legend that when the Arabs came to the lands of Georgia, they burned the Christian church that once stood here, and they began to impose it on the local population. Then the princes came to the defense of the shrines - the brothers Konstantin and David. They gathered a militia and went on a campaign against the Arab troops. However, the battle was lost, and the Arabs offered the princes themselves to accept Islam voluntarily. The brothers refused and were drowned in Rioni.

Local residents took the bodies of the princes who died for their faith from the river and carried them to the mountains. By sunset, the procession ended up on the territory of the destroyed Motsameta Church. Here the princes were buried, and later, in the XII century, a new church was built here, which was named after David and Constantine. Later, a monastery was built here.

Tourists who come to rest in Kutaisi can see a shrine with the relics of Christian martyr princes in the temple. There is an opinion that if you crawl three times under this cancer, then your wish will come true.

For this, a small passage was even made under the tomb. You can also climb to the observation deck of the monastery, from which you will have a stunning view of the canyon. And on October 15, Motsametoba is held here every year in honor of the princes.

Katskhi Pillar

Another incredible attraction of the Kutaisi neighborhood is the Katskhi pillar, which is otherwise called the Church in the sky or the Fortress of Solitude. This is a large monolith, the height of which is 40 meters. On a flat top in the pre-Christian era, sacrifices were made to the god of fertility, and then a church was built - historians cannot determine the exact date, naming the interval in the 6th-8th centuries.

When the Turks invaded Imereti, they managed to destroy this church on the Katskhi pillar, after which religious pilgrimages stopped here. And only in 1944 climbers managed to climb the monolith, followed by historians and, finally, pilgrims.

In the zero years, at the top of the pillar, the church was rebuilt, and the builders used the building stone left over from the ancient temple. Today this church bears the name of St. Maximus the Confessor. Some time ago, at the foot of the pillar, the remains of a man in a monastic robe were discovered.

Tourists can climb the Katskhi pillar by a small iron ladder. At the top you can see not only the temple itself, but also a wine cellar, a crypt and a fortress wall. Once on this cliff, many feel that they are getting closer to God.

Tourist places of the ancient city

Of course, while relaxing in Kutaisi, one cannot help but take a walk along its streets. Of particular interest to tourists is the old city, or rather, its historical part. Until now, visitors are striving to get to the Rioni coast, where houses hang right over the water.

It is also worth seeing the Colchis Fountain, the local Botanical Garden, walking along Queen Tamara Street and visiting the Jewish Quarter. Kutaisi offers its guests an unforgettable vacation filled with the color of Imereti, indescribable and most vivid impressions.

And with 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 the capital, and now it has the status of an administrative center and ranks second in terms of the number of inhabitants. What to see in Kutaisi and its surroundings, 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 rightly be considered historical monuments and values. The right bank is its old area, where walking along the roads laid out of paving stones, you can see all the main sights of Kutaisi. If you come to the city by car, it is better to leave it and walk along the streets on foot, Kutaisi is a compact and small city, mainly consisting of five-story buildings mixed with small private houses. It will be inconvenient for transport there. The left bank is a modern center with the latest buildings and entertainment, but you should pay attention that you will not see the capital's brilliance and gloss, reminiscent of the current capital.

Although Kutaisi has ceased to be the capital of Georgia, it is still the most 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 overcome the distance of 220 km to Tbilisi, 150 km to the touristic Batumi, and 100 km to the Georgian city of Poti.

The sights of Kutaisi and its environs include many interesting modern and historical places.

Parliament building

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 a futuristic building unusually made in the form of a glass turtle, where the government gathers for sessions. Three hundred meters from it there is a checkpoint, so you can’t just go on an excursion. But this is real, having agreed 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 who want to visit the building, their names and passport numbers, and then dial +995 577 55 2018 (Shota), and he will indicate exactly when the excursion to the Kutaisi Parliament is possible (there should be no scheduled sessions on this day).

The history of this place began back in 1000, when the building was part of the residence of the kings of Georgia. Now it is one of the main attractions of the whole 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 idle for 3 centuries. Near the entrance you can see illustrations and photographs of restoration work from 1990 to 1994. Many ancient fragments have been preserved, including molding, carvings and mosaics that decorate the walls and floors inside.

The Bagrati Temple is located on the top - Ukimerioni Hill, so it offers a stunning view of the whole city, thanks to which you can take a lot of interesting shots.

Botanical Garden Kutaisi

Of course, in terms of landscape and chic viewing platforms, it is inferior to the Batumi counterpart and does not reach the level of the huge Tbilisi botanical garden with a waterfall and a 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. The diameter of the tree is more than two meters, so three people can easily fit there.

The botanical garden is open 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 bright landmark of the city and leads directly to another famous place - the green market.

The bazaar occupies a whole block right in the center of the city, at the intersection of Lermontov and Paliashvili streets. This is the best place in town to buy local Georgian delicacies and edible souvenirs. The stalls are stuffed full of ripe juicy peaches, oranges and apples. Tourists from Russia and other countries come here for the delicious suluguni, churchkhela, tkemali, satsebeli and spices that Georgian cuisine is so famous for.

If you go around the theater, you will find yourself in Paliashvili Lane, along the path, following which two museums have been built - sports and military history. Gelati Street, leading to the monastery of the same name, also adjoins the theater building.

Historical Museum

Museum. Brdzenishvili was founded in 1922. As exhibits, all the finds that archaeologists have accumulated during excavations in the territory of Imereti are presented. A ticket for an adult costs 3 GEL, for students the price is 1 GEL, for students it is 2 GEL, very young children are allowed in for free. For 10 GEL, they offer an individual tour.

It is worth paying attention to this short but very important kilometer-long street on the left bank of the city, due to the fact that it is in the territories adjacent to it that most of the hotels of the city are located. It lasts from the railway station to the Meskhishvili Theater described above. Moving from the place of arrival of trains, along Tamara Street you can go to the very center of the city. The street is famous and it is depicted in photos and souvenirs with the sights of Kutaisi.

Royal Quarter of Kutaisi

The “Royal Quarter” is 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 the fact that a walk through historical places will bring a lot of positive emotions. Be sure to take a couple of photos. To the north of the Royal Quarter is the Opera House, and to the west is one of the most famous sights of Kutaisi - the White Bridge.

Between the Royal Quarter and Gaboshvili Park, there are three parallel bridges across the river at once: Red, White and Rustaveli Bridge.

History reference! The White Bridge was erected back in 1872 and to this day it is annually repainted 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 film "An Extraordinary Exhibition" in 1968, which is 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, without tourist motives, Kutaisi. Between these two bridges stands a monument to the poet Galaktion Tabidze.

Okros Chardakhi and the bottom station of the cable car

The "Golden Tent" is located on the very banks of the Rioni, not far from the "Royal Quarter". Once there was a 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 the death penalty. Now it is a functioning museum, with an exhibition of items that once belonged to the Bagrationi dynasty.