KUtaisi

Top Highlights & Must-See Destinations

Why Kutaisi is Special

Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, serving as the legendary capital of the Kingdom of Colchis—the land where Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece. As Georgia’s second-largest city and the historic soul of the Imereti region, Kutaisi offers a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere than the capital. It is a city defined by its ancient intellectual spirit, the rushing Rioni River, and its status as the primary gateway to the most spectacular canyons, caves, and mountain ranges in Western Georgia. For travelers, it is the perfect blend of UNESCO-listed medieval architecture and breathtaking natural wonders.

❖ Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi)

Located just 20 kilometers from the city, Prometheus Cave is the largest and most spectacular karst cave in Georgia, offering an experience that feels like entering another world. Discovered in 1984, the cave features a 1.4-kilometer walking route through six massive chambers, some reaching heights of 20 meters. The interior is a masterpiece of nature, filled with thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and underground rivers, all illuminated by a state-of-the-art dynamic LED lighting system that changes colors to highlight the natural formations. For a truly unforgettable finish, visitors can opt for a boat ride along an underground river that leads directly out of the mountain into the fresh forest air.

❖ Bagrati Cathedral

Perched on Ukimerioni Hill, Bagrati Cathedral has been the primary symbol of Kutaisi since it was built in 1003 during the reign of King Bagrat III. This architectural masterpiece was constructed to celebrate the unification of Georgia, and it was here that the legendary King David the Builder was crowned in 1089. The cathedral is famous for its grand scale and the turquoise color of its roof, which stands out against the city skyline. While its modern restoration led to its removal from the UNESCO list, it remains a powerful cultural landmark. The view from the cathedral courtyard is arguably the best in the city, offering a panoramic look at Kutaisi, the Rioni River, and the distant snow-capped mountains of Racha.

❖ Gelati Monastery & Academy

Located in the lush hills northeast of the city, Gelati Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of the Georgian "Golden Age." Founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, it wasn't just a religious center but also a renowned Academy where the era's greatest scientists, philosophers, and theologians gathered. The main Church of the Virgin is world-famous for its incredibly well-preserved 12th-century mosaics and murals, which are among the finest examples of Byzantine-style art in the Caucasus. The monastery also serves as the final resting place of David the Builder, whose tomb is located at the entrance, symbolizing his humility before his people.

❖ Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon is a breathtaking natural monument where the Abasha River has carved a deep emerald-colored gorge through limestone cliffs. The canyon is famous for its turquoise water, lush hanging gardens, and hidden waterfalls that tumble down moss-covered walls. Visitors can take a wooden boat tour through the upper part of the canyon, navigating the quiet, crystal-clear waters between high cliffs that keep the area cool even in the heat of summer. The lower part of the canyon features a developed walking trail with stone bridges and viewing platforms that provide spectacular angles of the rushing waterfalls and the deep pools below.

❖ Sataplia Nature Reserve

Sataplia is a unique destination that combines paleontology, speleology, and botany in one forest park. Its most famous feature is the collection of perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints, dating back millions of years, which are protected within a modern glass-enclosed museum. The reserve also houses the Sataplia Cave, which is smaller than Prometheus but highly decorative with its "Heart of the Mountain" stalagmite formation. To top off the visit, the reserve features a glass-bottomed skywalk that juts out over a cliff, offering a thrilling view of the Imereti region and the city of Kutaisi from hundreds of meters above the forest floor.

❖ The Colchis Fountain & City Center

In the heart of Kutaisi lies the spectacular Colchis Fountain, a grand monument that pays tribute to the city’s ancient roots. The fountain is adorned with 30 golden statues, each being an enlarged replica of archaeological jewelry and artifacts found in Georgia that date back thousands of years. These figures, including horses, rams, and mythical animals, represent the wealth and craftsmanship of the ancient Colchian civilization. Surrounding the fountain is the historic central square, the neoclassical Drama Theatre, and the nearby "White Bridge"—a historic pedestrian bridge where a famous statue of a boy holding two hats invites tourists to take a classic Kutaisi photo while looking down at the white stones of the Rioni River.

❖ Motsameta Monastery

A short distance from Gelati, Motsameta Monastery is one of the most secluded and romantic spots in the region. The monastery is perched on a narrow, rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by a deep loop of the Tskaltsitela River (the "Red Water"). According to local legend, the monastery was built to house the remains of two brothers, David and Konstantin, who were martyred in the 8th century. The site is famous for its quiet, spiritual energy and the tradition of walking three times through the small tunnel beneath the brothers' tomb to have a wish granted. The path to the monastery through the forest offers some of the most serene views in Western Georgia.

Experience Kutaisi with World To Georgia

From the deep underground rivers of Prometheus Cave to the sacred heights of Bagrati, our agency provides expert private transfers and guided multi-day tours. Whether you are traveling in a private car or as part of a group in a comfortable Sprinter, we ensure you experience the ancient legends of Kutaisi with local expertise and maximum comfort.