The ancient uniqueness of Georgia. A wonderful ancient city - Kutaisi. Location, history and attractions of this amazing city.

220 km from Tbilisi, one of the oldest cities of Georgia is located on both banks of the Rioni River– Kutaisi. According to historical reports, the city was founded in the 6th-5th centuries BC in the west-central part of Georgia. Its name translates as "rocky".

The city is located in the center of the country on the Colchis lowland. Kutaisi is the administrative center of Imereti. Here people grow fruits and teas.

Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in Transcaucasia. The city was the capital of a powerful kingdom that has been expanding and growing to this day. For 300 years the city belonged to the tsars, then the capital was moved to Tbilisi. Kutaisi has seen many wars and various events in its lifetime.

Historical dates:

1666 – the Turks captured Kutaisi.

1770 – the city was liberated by Russian troops.

1810 – Imereti became part of the Russian Empire.

1920 – a wave of destruction and executions.

1924 – the Kutaisi Cathedral on the main square was destroyed.

The Soviet era is a time of industry development.

2009 – 2013 – partial reconstruction of buildings and streets.

2012 – the transfer of the Parliament of Georgia to Kutaisi.

2015 – opening of the Kutaisi bypass road.

After joining the Russian Empire, temples and various buildings began to be erected here. During the Soviet Union, industry developed very quickly here, although many architectural monuments were mercilessly destroyed at that time. The famous automobile plant for the whole USSR was created here.

The city celebrates its birthday on May 2. There is a wonderful tradition on this day – to sell flowers. This tradition was established in the city by the mayor's wife in 1905. Since then, Kutaisi has been called the city of May and roses.

Kutaisi is located at an altitude of 156 m above sea level. The region is famous for mild winters and sunny hot summers. The weather conditions here are very comfortable.

Average air temperature: 13.5 °C.

Type of climate: humid, subtropical.

The peak of rains and winds falls in spring and autumn. At the same time, floods are increasing. Often the streets of the city are flooded. The coldest month is January. The lowest possible temperature here drops to - 4.

The city of Kutaisi it stands on the deepest river of Transcaucasia – Rioni. Translates as "big river". In ancient times, the river was called "Phasis" because many Caucasian pheasants lived in the floodplain of the river.

The river valley has a landscape variety. There are many bridges thrown across the river, from which you can watch the rapid flow of Rioni. The river divides the city into two parts – Right Bank and Left Bank.

Walking around a small town, you can get around all the objects in half a day.

1. You should pay attention to Bagrat temple, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is open seven days a week from 8:00 to 18:00. The temple was destroyed about 300 years ago and stood in ruins. A few years ago, by Saakashvili's decree, it was restored. The temple is located on Ukemerion Hill and can be seen from anywhere.
2. On the outskirts of the city there is a building resembling a huge snail. This – The Parliament of Georgia. After the transfer of the Parliament to Kutaisi in 2012, the city became unofficially considered the capital of the republic.
3. On the square of David the Builder in the center of the city stands Colchis Fountain. It is decorated with golden sculptures of horses, sheep, and deer.
4. Of the seven bridges available in the city, you should visit White Bridge. It has a statue of a little boy with hats in his hands.
5. Cable car –it is interesting because it passes over the stormy and noisy Rioni River. It will take you to a park where there is a Ferris wheel.
6. Botanical Garden it has been known since the 19th century. About 700 species of trees and other plants grow here. Here you will meet the main miracle of this garden – an oak chapel. This tree is 400 years old. Inside, the tree became hollow without human help. And people built a chapel there much later. The tree continues to grow and bloom seasonally. The oak tree is the main attraction of this garden.

Many travelers do not pay due attention to the sights of Kutaisi, which is a mistake. Since the city is one of the most ancient in Georgia, here you can see a huge number of confirmations of this antiquity. The best places you can visit in the vicinity of Kutaisi:

• Martvili and Okatse Canyon, Kincha Waterfall– wildlife has existed here for a very long time. Only recently a tourist trail was laid here. You will get a huge adrenaline rush while on the observation deck.
• Prometheus Cave, Sataplia Park –the need to visit here is at least to see the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs. The beauty that opens from the observation decks will take you to the distant past of the Earth. Wild bees live here.
• Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Monastery it was created by King David the Builder, who is also buried here under the floor slabs. There is a sundial here, by which the tsar himself determined the time.
• Tskaltubo Resort– there are radon baths here. Stalin was treated here in his younger years. It was after this that the development of Tskaltubo as a balneological resort began.
• Martville canyons, Chkondidi Monastery – it translates as "big oak". The main building is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.

All the listed attractions are not all that you can visit in Kutaisi. The city and its surroundings are crowded with various monuments of architecture and nature.

The main mode of transport in Kutaisi is the bus. Minibuses are also common transport. In the center of Kutaisi you can buy a group or individual tour. Renting a taxi or a driver with a car will cost you much cheaper, and besides, you will be able to visit several places at once.

You can use the cable car. It will lead you to the city park. On the way you can observe the beautiful views of Kutaisi.

There is a large selection of accommodation in the city for visitors:

• hostels;
• hotels;
• guest houses.

Imeri Park Hotel – $50 per room per person.

Bagrati Hotel-1003 – 140$ per room.

You can choose any option for yourself, from budget to chic. Not so long ago in the city appeared tourist information center. Here you can learn more about living in the city. It is worth noting that renting apartments or hotels will significantly save you money, although prices here are seasonal.

If you like to eat delicious food, then you are lucky that you have arrived in Imereti. Kutaisi is the main city where the most delicious food is prepared. Dishes are prepared here with the addition of fragrant herbs and aromatic spices. Locals use various sauces for meat.

• iskrim-makwali (with a mixture of unripe grapes and blackberries);
• garlic sauce;
• tkamali (prepared from tkemali fruits);
• tomato-nutty.

The most popular dishes are: salad phali, khinkali and khachapuri. Khachapuri is prepared here with the abundant addition of Imeretian low-salted cheese. It is all prepared with the help of special clay ketz pans. A common bread of Imereti is corn tortilla.

But in fact, the choice is so great that your eyes will run away. Georgian cuisine in addition to the local beauties will not leave you indifferent. Choose any restaurant or cafe andenjoy the gastronomic delights of Georgian dishes. Remember that the menu here is compiled in the local language, so you will have to ask for help from the staff.

A great tourist destination by the Black Sea is the city of Kutaisi. The ancient city will welcome you with all its generous hospitality. But you should also respect the owners of the city. Do not have conversations with them on national topics and do not tell jokes about Georgians. It is also worth observing the rules of public order. And then your vacation will be pleasant and comfortable.