GE
Kutaisi
Georgia’s historic second city, a base for Gelati Monastery, caves and canyons
Georgia’s historic second city, a base for Gelati Monastery, caves and canyons
Built in the early 11th century under King Bagrat III, the cathedral stands on a hill above the city. A heavy reconstruction led to its removal from the UNESCO list.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
Founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, the monastery was a centre of learning and has fine medieval mosaics and frescoes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dress modestly; women cover their heads.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
About 20km from Kutaisi, guided tours lead through large chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, lit in colours.
Photo: Kober, CC BY-SA 3.0
A walkway and short boat ride follow a narrow gorge with turquoise water and waterfalls, about an hour from Kutaisi. Nearby Okatse Canyon has a cliff-side walkway.
Photo: Neide18701, CC BY-SA 4.0
The centre has the Colchis Fountain, tree-lined boulevards, a lively market and riverside walks.
Photo: Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0
Try Imeruli khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali, local cheeses and dishes with walnuts.
The central market sells fruit, spices and churchkhela.
Kutaisi International Airport is about 30 minutes from the city by bus or taxi, with coaches to Tbilisi and Batumi. Minibuses and trains link Kutaisi with Tbilisi, roughly 3.5–4.5 hours.
Taxis and day tours are the easiest way to reach caves and canyons.
Georgia uses the lari (GEL).
City, monasteries and nature.
Visit Bagrati Cathedral, the market and Gelati Monastery.
Tour Prometheus Cave and Martvili or Okatse Canyon.
Low-cost flights make Kutaisi an easy entry point.
Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
Western Georgia is wetter than Tbilisi.
Combine caves and canyons in one day trip.
Quick answers for planning time in Kutaisi.
Yes, founded in 1106 and listed by UNESCO.
About 30 minutes by bus or taxi.
By minibus or train, roughly 3.5–4.5 hours.
Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon.
May to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Georgia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.