Kutaisi Georgia | A Beautiful City With An Amazing History

Kutaisi Georgia is Georgia’s Second city, so collapse, since 1092, as the economic and industrial centre of the west has not been compensated by the kind of international institutions and grants that have benefited the capital, Tbilisi. It has also suffered badly from armed conflict in nearby Abkhazia, which has swollen its population with refugees, drained its few resources, and inevitably raised the crime rate. Worst of all, it has inhibited tourism, which is the obvious economic panacea for a beautiful city with an amazing history, and a host of great and small treasures to show off.

Kutaisi Georgia

Kutaisi Georgia used to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Cole’ is (6th-1st century BC). According to legend, it is where Jason came to steal the Golden Fleece. Even now, its setting on green hills astride the picturesque Rioni River retains many features of its medieval form; and with the snow-capped Caucasus peaks on one side, and the beaches of the Black Sea a few kilometres away on the other, the city exerts a magnetic charm on its few visitors.

Bagrati Cathedral, Kutaisi, Georgia | Source : en.wikipedia.org

Kutaisi’s totem is the 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral, on a hill overlooking the river. It’s a masterpiece of medieval Georgian art and architecture, whose bulk and splendour dominates the cobbled streets of wooden houses leading to it, and of the entire city beyond – a panorama of warm roofs, domes, mosques and church spires nestled among green trees and the spikes of hundreds of cypresses. Neither the Ottomans, who bombed the Cathedral in 1692, nor the Russians, who completed the job in 1770, could detract from its magnificence. Currently there are plans to restore it. Kutaisi Georgia folk are like that – optimistic, rugged, and determined to enjoy their future.

Population Of Kutaisi Georgia

250,000 (2007)

When To Go To Kutaisi Georgia

Between spring and autumn.

Don’t Miss To Visit This Place In Kutaisi Georgia

• The Gelati Monastery complex (9 km [5 mi] away), founded in 1106 by Georgian national hero King Davit Agmashenebeli (the Builder) on a beautiful, forested hill site.
• The Museum of History and Ethnography, housing icons and other artefacts saved from the pillage of Kutaisi’s most historic sites.
• The opportunity to talk to local people, and perhaps share their legendary hospitality.
• Eating the extra-delicious Kutaisi version of khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread).

You Should Know About Kutaisi Georgia

With so much hardship in the city, there are many pickpockets: be alert but be gentle, because most are bumbling amateurs in need of food.

Gelati Monastery, Kutaisi, Georgia | Source : en.wikipedia.org

Kutaisi, Georgia | Source : en.wikipedia.org

Kutaisi Monument, Georgia | Source : en.wikipedia.org

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