Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and the historic capital of the Imereti region, located on the Rioni River in western Georgia. It is known for a relaxed pace, leafy streets, and a mix of Soviet-era neighborhoods and older architecture. Kutaisi is a major cultural and educational center, home to theaters, museums, and universities, and it serves as a convenient gateway to nearby natural and historical sites. Notable landmarks include the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, famous for its medieval mosaics, and Bagrati Cathedral, a symbol of Georgian heritage overlooking the city. Close to Kutaisi are the Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon, popular for dramatic limestone formations and turquoise waters. The city is also an important transport hub, supported by Kutaisi International Airport.

• Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti for centuries.
• The Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi (founded in 1106 by King David IV “the Builder”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a major medieval center of learning.
• The city is closely linked to Greek mythology: Kutaisi is traditionally identified with ancient Aea/Colchis, the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in the story of the Golden Fleece.