How old is Kutaisi?
One of Europe's oldest cities and a former Georgian capital.
Short answer
Kutaisi is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history of more than 3,000 years. It is linked to Aia, the capital of Colchis in the myth of the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. From the late 10th century until 1122 Kutaisi was the capital of the united Kingdom of Georgia, until King David the Builder moved the capital to Tbilisi.
Why
- Bagrati Cathedral was built in the early 11th century, when Kutaisi was the capital.
- Kutaisi later became the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti.
- The Colchis Fountain in the centre is decorated with copies of ancient Colchian gold work.
Details
The Kutaisi History and Ethnography Museum tells the city's story. Gelati Monastery, founded by David the Builder, is 10 kilometres from the centre.
Tip
You can see Kutaisi's history in a day: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery and the Colchis Fountain.
People also ask
- How old is Kutaisi?
Sources
- Georgian National MuseumChecked at:
- National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of GeorgiaChecked at:
Historical dates follow commonly accepted sources.
Kutaisi: getting to know the cityRelated questions
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Why did Georgia leave the CSTO?
Georgia took part in the Collective Security Treaty from the mid-1990s, but in 1999, when the treaty was due for renewal, it declined to extend it, as did Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
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Where did Pushkin visit in Georgia?
Alexander Pushkin visited Georgia in 1829 on his way to the Caucasian War front, described in 'A Journey to Arzrum'.
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What was Georgia's Rose Revolution, and why is it called that?
The Rose Revolution refers to mass peaceful protests in Georgia in November 2003 after parliamentary elections that the opposition said were rigged.
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Who was the first president of Georgia?
Georgia's first president was Zviad Gamsakhurdia, elected by popular vote on 26 May 1991.