Kutaisi City | ქუთაისი

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Where is Kutaisi city?

Location

Kutaisi is located in the central part of western Georgia on both banks of the Rioni River, where the river passes from the mountains to the Kolkheti plain. The city is located at an altitude of 125 to 300 metres above sea level and is about 220 km by rail from Tbilisi.

Geography

Kutaisi City is bordered by the Okriba low mountain range to the northeast, the Samgurali ridge to the north, and the Kolkheti plain to the south and west. The settlement extends mainly across the plain, while the northern parts are located on the hills on both sides of the Rion River.

The easternmost part lies on Sapichkhia Ser, a terrace of the Rion River. The Rion River crosses the city from north to south and forms the districts of Rionhes and Gumathes. To the east flows the river Tskaltsitela, to the northwest the river Oghaskura. In the northern part, the small river Rua flows into the main river.

Climate

Kutaisi has a moderately humid subtropical climate with moderately warm winters and dry, hot summers. An easterly wind is common. The average annual temperature is 14.5 °C, in January 5.2 °C and in July 23.2 °C. The annual precipitation is about 1730 mm.

History

Key historical passages

Archaeological evidence suggests that the city of Kutaisi was the capital of Colchis in the 6th to 5th centuries BC. In the Greek epic ‘Argonautica’ by Apollonius Rhodius, which describes the journey of Jason and the Argonauts to Colchis, Kutaisi is referred to as their final destination and as the residence of King Aeëtes. From 1008 to 1122 Kutaisi was the capital of the United Kingdom of Georgia and from the 15th century to 1810 the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti. In 1508 Selim I, son of Bayezid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, conquered the city.

In the 17th century, the Imereti kings repeatedly asked Russia for help against the Ottomans, but these pleas were ignored so as not to jeopardise relations with Turkey. It was only under Catherine the Great that General Gottlieb Heinrich Totleben sent troops to support King Heraclius II of Georgia in 1768. In August 1770, Totleben helped King Solomon I of Imereti to retake Kutaisi.

The Russo-Turkish Wars finally ended with the annexation of the Kingdom of Imereti by the Russian Empire in 1810. Kutaisi became the administrative capital of Kutais Uyezd and the larger Kutaissi Governorate, which included much of western Georgia. In March 1879, the city was the scene of a high-profile blood libel trial in which ten accused Jews were acquitted.

Before Georgia’s independence in April 1991, Kutaisi was an important industrial centre. After independence, there was an economic collapse that forced many residents to work abroad. Among the remaining population, small-scale trade dominated. In 2011, President Mikheil Saakashvili moved the Georgian parliament to Kutaisi in order to decentralise power. The new parliament building was inaugurated in 2012, but the Georgian Dream successor government moved the parliament back to Tbilisi in 2019, which was met with criticism.

Travel tips for Kutaisi City

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• Gelati Monastery: An outstanding example of Georgian architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Georgian national cultural monument, founded by King Davit Agmaschenebeli in 1106, with buildings from different periods, mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries.
• Bagrat Cathedral: Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in 1003 on the Uchimerion hill in Kutaisi under Bagrat III. An outstanding example of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture with deep historical and symbolic significance.
• Kutaisi cable car: Built in 1961, it connects the hills on the right and left banks of the Rioni River. A popular tourist attraction in Imereti with stunning views of Kutaisi and its green surroundings.
• Farmers’ market: Kutaisi’s central market, also known as the Green Bazaar, offers fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat, spices and much more. A paradise for gourmets with rural products from the surrounding villages.
• Kolkhuri Fountain: In the heart of Kutaisi, this fountain, which graces the main square, features enlarged copies of old Georgian miniatures, including the golden lion of Tamada. A glimpse into the ancient culture of Georgia.

Natural

Natural sights

• Sataplia Managed Reserve on Sataplia Hill, 500 m above sea level, established in 1935, with geological, palaeontological, speleological, zoological and botanical monuments. Part of the Imereti Protected Area with a visitor centre, dinosaur track preservation building, exhibition room, glass panoramic terrace, cafes, souvenir shops, accessible caves and marked hiking trails. Visitors can explore dinosaur tracks, the 900-metre-long Sataplia Karst Cave, a rock trail, the Colchic Forest and panoramic views. The name ‘Sataplia’ means ‘honey place’ in Georgian, derived from Sataplia Mountain and the tradition of honey collecting.
• Kutaisi Botanical Garden: Located on the right bank of the Rioni River, it is an important part of park and garden architecture due to its age and planning. One of the first plantings of subtropical trees in Imereti. Hundreds of species from around the world, with a focus on plant diversity with approximately 700 species, including 210 from 80 botanical families.
• Gabashvili Park: a recreational park on a hill in Kutaisi. Enjoy the pleasant surroundings, relax and admire the view of the city. Accessible by car or cable car.

• Sataplia Managed Reserve on Sataplia Hill, 500 m above sea level, established in 1935, with geological, palaeontological, speleological, zoological and botanical monuments. Part of the Imereti Protected Area with a visitor centre, dinosaur track preservation building, exhibition room, glass panoramic terrace, cafes, souvenir shops, accessible caves and marked hiking trails. Visitors can explore dinosaur tracks, the 900-metre-long Sataplia Karst Cave, a rock trail, the Colchic Forest and panoramic views. The name ‘Sataplia’ means ‘honey place’ in Georgian, derived from Sataplia Mountain and the tradition of honey collecting.
• Kutaisi Botanical Garden: Located on the right bank of the Rioni River, it is an important part of park and garden architecture due to its age and planning. One of the first plantings of subtropical trees in Imereti. Hundreds of species from around the world, with a focus on plant diversity with approximately 700 species, including 210 from 80 botanical families.
• Gabashvili Park: a recreational park on a hill in Kutaisi. Enjoy the pleasant surroundings, relax and admire the view of the city. Accessible by car or cable car.

Activities

• Cultural tourism: Kutaisi is a fascinating destination for culture lovers, with its monasteries, fortresses and ancient palaces. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kutaisi is a pinnacle of Georgian culture and architecture.
• Culinary and wine tour: The Imereti region, where Kutaisi is located, is known for its diverse gastronomy and the delicious wines of Western Georgia. Guests can organise culinary trips here and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
• Photography: Architecture, people and everyday scenes are popular subjects for photographers in the city. The farmers’ market in Kutaisi is particularly attractive, where guests can take beautiful portraits and photograph other scenes.
• Cycling: There are several routes around Kutaisi that are suitable for cycling. A nice route leads from Kutaisi to Vani to the thermal springs of Dichaschcho and back.
• Cable car: The Kutaisi cable car connects the city centre with the amusement park. During the ride, you can enjoy the view of the city of Kutaisi and the surrounding landscape.

Tours in Kutaisi City

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