Kutaisi

ქუთაისი

Georgia's third-largest city and historic capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis, set on the Rioni River. It serves as the main hub for exploring the region, with a lively bazaar, leafy squares and easy access to nearby caves and monasteries.

Things to do

• Bagrati Cathedral — Explore this 11th-century cathedral crowning Ukimerioni Hill, a symbol of Georgia's medieval golden age with sweeping views over the city.
• Gelati Monastery — Visit this UNESCO-listed monastery founded by King David the Builder in 1106, famed for its vibrant medieval frescoes and mosaics.
• Prometheus Cave — Wander through illuminated chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, with an optional underground boat ride, near the village of Kumistavi.
• Sataplia Nature Reserve — See preserved dinosaur footprints, a karst cave and a glass-floored viewing platform in this forested reserve just outside the city.
• Kutaisi Central Bazaar — Dive into the lively Green Bazaar to browse spices, cheeses, churchkhela and local produce alongside chatting vendors.
• White Bridge and Rioni River — Stroll across the pedestrian White Bridge and relax in the leafy squares along the fast-flowing Rioni.
• Motsameta Monastery — Perch above a dramatic river gorge at this small clifftop monastery dedicated to two martyred princes.
• Colchian Fountain on Central Square — Admire the fountain topped with golden replicas of ancient Colchian jewelry and figurines on David Agmashenebeli Square.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Imeruli — The round, cheese-filled Imeretian khachapuri originates in this region and is the classic local version to try.
• Kubdari — A spiced meat-filled bread from neighboring Svaneti, seasoned with the region's distinctive Svan salt blend.
• Satsivi — Poultry served in a rich cold walnut sauce, a beloved dish of western Georgian cuisine.
• Ajika and walnut sauces — Imereti is known for its garlicky walnut-based sauces and the spicy pepper paste ajika served with many dishes.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold fresh at the Kutaisi bazaar as a sweet snack.
• Imeretian wine — Sample local amber and semi-sweet wines from Imereti's vineyards, often poured straight from a producer's jug.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn a few supra toasts — Feasts here follow the supra tradition led by a tamada (toastmaster), and joining a toast is a warm gesture of respect.
• Dress modestly at monasteries — Cover shoulders and knees at Gelati, Bagrati and Motsameta; women may need a headscarf, usually provided at the entrance.
• Use Kutaisi as a regional base — The city is compact and central, making day trips to caves, canyons and Svaneti's foothills easy by marshrutka or taxi.
• Carry small cash for the bazaar — Market vendors and rural sites often prefer cash in lari, and gentle bargaining is acceptable at the bazaar.

Nearby

• Bagrati Cathedral — 1 km
• Sataplia Nature Reserve — 6 km
• Gelati Monastery — 6 km
• Tskaltubo — 12 km