Geguti is the ruins of one of the largest royal palaces of medieval Georgia, 7 km south of Kutaisi on the right bank of the Rioni River (Geguti village, Tsqaltubo municipality).
The palace grew on the site of a 4th-century fortress and an 8th-century royal hunting lodge, and its main part was built around 1156, under King George III. At different times it was the residence of David IV the Builder, George III and Queen Tamar. In plan the palace resembles a cross with a large domed hall in the centre; around it survive cellars, arches, staircases and the remains of service rooms.
By the early 19th century the building had collapsed, with partial restoration in 1953-1956. Today these are atmospheric ruins: there are almost no tourists, and tickets are bought on site from the caretaker. Entry is 5 GEL (cash), closed on Mondays.
Read on the blog: Queen Tamara's residence
💰 Entry and hours
- Entry 5 GEL, cash only.
- Closed on Mondays; tickets from the caretaker on site.
🏛 What survives
- Central domed hall
- Cellars, arches and staircases
- Remains of service rooms
📜 Historical facts
- Residence of David IV, George III and Queen Tamar
- Built on the site of a 4th-century fortress
- 7 km south of Kutaisi, on the bank of the Rioni
