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A large cathedral with a light green roof and a dome, surrounded by a green, hilly landscape and scattered houses with red roofs. In front of the cathedral stands a small bell tower.
A large cathedral with a light green roof and a dome, surrounded by a green, hilly landscape and scattered houses with red roofs. In front of the cathedral stands a small bell tower.

Kutaisi

Published: 24 July 2025, 15:30

Between the Caucasus and the Black Sea

Kutaisi, one of Georgia's oldest cities, is the cultural highlight of the west of the country, located between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea. The Georgian city has a wealth of attractions, including Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kutaisi is located on the Rioni River, which winds its way picturesquely through the city and invites you to take long walks. At the lively weekly markets and in the small food stalls, you will always encounter the warm hospitality of the locals. Kutaisi is located in the Imereti region, which is known for its wine production and unspoiled nature. Dense forests and deep gorges such as the Martvili Canyon offer excellent hiking opportunities. Kutaisi is the ideal starting point for exploring the small but diverse travel destination of Georgia.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + two hours
  • Population: 125,000
  • Official language: Georgian
  • Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

Welcome to Kutaisi!

On a discovery tour around Kutaisi

The Imereti region around the city of Kutaisi impresses with its beautiful nature, historical sites, and cultural treasures. The Motsameta Monastery is an important pilgrimage site throughout Georgia. Pilgrims and visitors come here to experience the spiritual atmosphere and healing power of the place. Not far away is Prometheus Cave, one of Georgia's most impressive stalactite caves, which promises an underground adventure with its shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. For the more adventurous, the Okatse Canyon with its skywalk along the rocky cliffs is a must. Nature lovers will love the Sataplia Nature Reserve with its dense forests. In short, there is no shortage of places to visit around Kutaisi.

Monasteries, caves, and canyons

Kutaisi from BER

Five tips for …

  1. Stuffed vine leaves and sulguni cheese from the weekly market
  2. Chinkali: Juicy dumplings filled with meat or cheese
  3. Khachapuri: Delicious cheese bread with egg
  4. Lobio: Traditional bean stew with cornbread
  5. Churchkhela: A sweet snack with nuts

  1. The 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral overlooking Kutaisi
  2. The medieval Gelati Monastery with its beautiful frescoes
  3. The Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia
  4. The impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
  5. Uplistsikhe – An ancient cave city along the Silk Road

  1. Inflatable boat tour through Martvili Canyon
  2. Walk around Lake Tkibuli with its dense forests
  3. Hike across the suspension bridge in Okatse Canyon
  4. Climbing tour along the cliffs around Katskhi Rock
  5. Off to Mestia, the ancient mountain town at 1,500 meters in the Caucasus Mountains

Picture Source title:
© a-medvedkov/stock.adobe.com    

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