Kutaisi

History of Kutaisi

Kutaisi was the centre of Colchis, and later of the Lazic and Abkhazian kingdoms. In 1008 Bagrat III united Georgia and made the city his capital; he also built the cathedral here known as Bagrati Cathedral. The capital remained in Kutaisi until 1122, when David the Builder liberated Tbilisi.

From the 15th century until 1810 Kutaisi was the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti. In 1692 an Ottoman cannonball brought down the dome of Bagrati Cathedral. After annexation by Russia the city became the centre of Kutaisi Governorate. In 2012–2019 the Parliament of Georgia sat here.

What to see

• Bagrati Cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill — an early 11th-century cathedral restored by 2012. After the restoration UNESCO removed it from the heritage list.
• Gelati Monastery a few kilometres to the northeast — founded by David the Builder in 1106 as a monastery and academy; 12th-century mosaics and frescoes. The king himself is buried at the south gate.
• Motsameta — a monastery on a cape above the Tskaltsitela River, 6 km from the centre.
• City centre — the Rioni embankment, bridges and the market.

Best time to visit

The best time is April–June and September–October. Summer can be hot and humid, up to 35 °C. In winter Okatse Canyon may be closed because of ice on the hanging walkways.

How to get there

• By car: about 230 km on the E60 highway, 3.5–4 hours.
• By train or marshrutka from Tbilisi — 4–5 hours.
• By plane: Kutaisi International Airport is 14 km from the city.
• On a tour: a day itinerary and prices — in the article about Kutaisi from Tbilisi.

Tips

• Gelati and Motsameta are close to each other — easy to combine in one trip.
• Modest clothing for the monasteries: a headscarf and skirt for women, trousers for men.
• Kutaisi is a convenient base for Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon.