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WELCOMEto Ku t a i s i

www.kutaisi.gov.ge www.georgia.travelwww.imereti.ge

“An integrated approach for the sustainability of the tourism production”A project co-financed under the EU-funded CIUDAD programme

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ImeretiWelcome to Kutaisi

Welcome to Kutaisi

Welcome to Kutaisi

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Welcome to Kutaisi

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www.tourism.kutaisi.gov.ge5

Your guide for Kutaisi and Imereti Region

Welcome to Kutaisi

Imereti is one a

historical-geographical

region of Western Georgia.

The capital city is Kutaisi.

LocationImereti is a region in western Georgia

occupying 66,000 square kilometers with a population of 800,000. Imereti occupies 12 administrative entities, 11 districts – Khoni, Terjola, Baghdat, Sachkhere, Vani, Kharagauli, Tskaltubo, Zestaponi,

Tkibuli and Samtredia. The adminis-trative centre is Kutaisi, located 220 kilometres away from Tbilisi. Two air-ports are functioning in Kutaisi. The nearest port is Poti, just 102 kilometres from the city. Imereti is divided into up-per and lower Imeretia. Geographically i t i s located in centra l Georgia . It borders Racha–Lechkhumi and lower Svanetia to the north, Shida Kartlito the east, Guria, Megrelia and upper Svanetia to the west. Since ancient times Imereti has been an important transport corridor connecting Europe and Asia.

GeographyImereti is divided into upper and lower

Imereti. To the north it is surrounded by Likhi Ridge, to the west it is bordered by River Tskhenitskali, to the North of it there is situated Caucasus Ridge, but to the South there are Phersati or Meskheti Mountains. The landscapes of Imereti lowland are cov-ered with Colchis plants. Imereti’s forests are rich with animals and plants.

ClimateThe lowland of Imereti represents the

east part of Colchis lowland with the sub-tropical climate of the sea. Winter is warm and mild, summer hot. The average tem-perature of the year is 11-15 C. Precipitation reaches 1300-1800 in a year.

HistoryIn the 13th century B.C. on the territory

of Colchis there existed a great union of Colchis tribes. Later on that location the early class of Georgian State was formed. Its name Colchis was mentioned for the first time in 12th and 11th centuries B.C. in eastern sources. Kolkha, as it is mentioned in Urartian sources in the 8th century B.C., was a powerful and rich kingdom, which was consistently fighting against the king-doms of Urartu and Diaokh. It was the era of Colchis’ renaissance when its influence spread to the east coast. In the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. after the fall of Kolkha, a powerful and independent kingdom of Colchis was established and was well-known throughout the ancient world.

It was through Colchis that the Argonauts travelled to obtain the Golden Fleece. The myth shows that in the ancient Kingdom of Colchis they had developed metallurgy,

agriculture, wine and viticulture, shipbuild-ing, maritime and medicine at a high level. Especially famous was the gold of Colchis, and in Greek sources Colchis was known as the country of much gold. In the 6-4th c.c. they began to make silver money called Kolkhuri tetri (white of Colchis).

The results of archaeological excava-tions confirm that primitive inhabitants lived in Imereti in the era of Paleolithic. The ancient settlement of Vani was one of the most important strongholds of ancient Colchis’ powerful kingdom. It is named as one of the possible cities of King Aieti, as according to different opinions Aieti’s city could be Kutaisi, Vani or Poti. According one of the versions, Vani was the city of goddess Levkotea mentioned by Strabon. Vani already existed in 8th century BC. and ceramic materials founded there are dated to the same period. The renaissance of Vani includesc two periods: 6-4th centuries B.C. and 3-1st centuries BC. As early as the sixth century BC there existed one of the admin-istrative centers and the residence of ruling class. Nowadays there are a museum of Vani and the city ruins.

The ancient cultural hubs are found throughout Imereti: in Vani, Kutaisi, Geguti, Vartsikhe (Rodopolis), Shorapani, Terjola, Kharagauli and many others. Because of their favorable geographical location, those places had strategic and economic-political significance. There were the big trade roads including the Silk Road that contributed the development of culture and trade.

Tourist ResourcesThere are more than two hundred his-

torical monuments in the Imereti region. The Imereti region is known for its remark-able location extending from the humid subtropics, alpine meadows and numerous health spas to a large number of mineral water springs. Among the numerous his-torical monuments of the region are Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Imeretian people are famous for their fabulous hospitality, which like friendship is one of the codes by which they live. They usually treat their guests to

Imereti –

Heart of Georgia

homemade wine and very delicious food which differs from the other Georgian regions by its variety. Visitors enjoy a tra-ditional table (supra) ceremony of feasting and drinking wine, which includes eloquent toastmasters displaying great respect to guests and an incomparable sense of festiv-ity and merriment.

CuisineThe Imeretian cuisine is very diverse.

The food characterizing this region in-cludes Imeretian cheese, Khachapuri,

Pelamushi, Mchadi, Lobio and different spinach dishes. Kachapuri is a delicious food – cheese rolled in thin flat dough, which is baked either in pan or ketsi. This famous dish for which Georgians are known comes in many varieties depend-ing on the region. In Imereti it is thin and airy. Other dishes include “mchadi” – corn cakes, and “ekala” – spinach prepared with different herbs. And don’t forget to try Imeretian cheeses, including curd with mint, a local delicacy.

Imereti Tourism and Resort Association Address: 8 Kaukchashvili str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 67 84; Cell: +995 577 46 27 09Fax.: +995 431 24 67 84E-mail: [email protected]

Galantravel LTDTel.: +995 431 25 53 65Cell: +995 593 31 68 53; www.travelgeorgia.gol.ge

Bagrati 1003Address: 2a Tsereteli II lane, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 597 40 59 06; Tel.: +995 431 23 55 00Fax.: +995 431 24 91 88E-mail: [email protected]

KolkhituriAddress: 8 Kaukchashvili str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 25 03 16Cell: +995 593 11 86 98

CTC - Caucasus Travel Center Address: 8 E. Takaishvili Street, 5400, Tskaltubo, Imereti, Georgia.Tel.: +995 790 94 49 62Fax.: +995 436 22 41 96Cell: +995 599 94 49 62E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]: elguja909www.ctctour.ge

AST TravelAddress: 53 Leselidze str., Old Tbilisi Center, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 272 25 05; +995 790 22 40 40Cell: +995 591 61 19 19

Tours in Imereti

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Global TravelAddress: 18 Shartava, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 223 18 33; +995 32 218 29 69E-mail: [email protected]

Universal Travel Address: 7 Ts. Dadiani str., Shopping center Karvasla, V floor, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 223 61 42; +995 32 266 58 68Fax.: +995 32 266 58 68Cell: +995 593 98 83 48E-mail: [email protected]

My WayAddress: 14, I Abashidze str., 0179, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 223 44 06; +995 32 223 44 07E-mail: [email protected]

Travel ShopAddress: 10 I Abashidze, 0179, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 242 04 20Fax.: +995 32 223 14 88E-mail: [email protected]

Berika Address: 2 Mtskheta str., 0179, Tbilisi, GeorgiaTel.: +995 32 222 29 41; +995 32 222 13 41E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

turizmi.kutaisi.gov.ge - Georgian web-pageturizm.kutaisi.gov.ge - Russian web-pagetourism.kutaisi.gov.ge - English web-page

www.tourism.kutaisi.gov.ge 6


Welcome to Kutaisi

Kutaisi was founded more than 3,500 years ago. According to Greek mythology, Kutaisi was the city where Jason stole the Golden Fleece. Kutaisi is the gateway to West and North Georgia located on the junction of the main East-West highway and the road to Russia

Kutaisi is the second largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi. It is situated in the central part of the Imereti Region on both banks of the river Rioni. The distance to Tbilisi is 220 Km, 100 Km to Black sea and

the same distance to the amazing mountain regions of Racha, Lechkhumi, Samegrelo

and Svaneti. That is why it was consid-ered to be a manufac-turing, educational, cultural and touristic center not only in the region but in the whole western part of the country through-out Georgian history. The city is located on both the main road-ways and railways intersecting the coun-try. The airport is 125-

300 meters above sea level. According to the census of 2002 the population of the town including refugees is 186,000 people. The territory of the town is 7000 hectares 2/3 of which is inhabited. The town is divided

Kutaisi – the Second

Capital of Georgia

into 12 municipal territories.Low-mountainous Okriba borders to the

northeast of Kutaisi, Samgurali mountain to the north, Kolkhi Valley to the south-east. The population of the town mainly inhabits the plain. The northern districts of the town are situated on the hills on both banks of the river Rioni. The south-ern part of the town is on Sapichkhia hillock which is one of the terraces of the river Rioni. The climate of the town is temperately hu-mid subtropical. Winter is temperately warm and dry and summer is hot. Eastern wind often blows. Average annual temperature is 14. 5 C that is different by 5C from other districts of Imereti Region. Annual precipitation is about 1730 mg a year. The length of main automobile roads of the town is 312km.

Kutaisi is an inseparable part of Georgia’s cultural life and its traditions were formu-lated over hundreds of years. Famous writers and poets were brought up here. There are opera and folk song festi-vals and art expositions held every year in Kutaisi.

Population: 186,400Total area: 65 sq. kmElevation from sea level: 80 m - 120 mMain Sectors: Trade, Industry, Transport

Main industries and products: Food industry (meat, dairy, mineral water, alcoholic beverages); Wood processing (semi-finished products, furniture); Textile

industry (natural silk, carpets, ready-to wear clothing); Mineral processing (Chalk, ce-ment, color pigments); Machine-building (agricultural equipment, oil pumps, trac-tors, trucks, car parts, hoists).

Hotel „Bagrati“Address: 2 a 2 nd alley Tsereteli str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 75 76 +995 431 25 33 02 Cell: +995 591 22 93 93 +995 597 67 17 17 Fax.: +995 431 24 91 88 E-mail: [email protected] www. Bagrati1003.ge

Hotel “Aietis Sasakhle” (Aeetes’ Castle)Address: 34 Tabidze str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 44 07; +995 431 25 35 03Cell: +995 599 515 676

Hotels of Kutaisi

E-mail: [email protected]

Hotel “Europe”Address: Highway of Samtredia, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 599 69 77 08

Hotel “Betsi”Address: VII turn of youth, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 790 367 360Cell: +995 555 34 07 60

Hotel “Oasis”Address: 9 Brose str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 25 31 56

Cell: +995 555 52 65 06E-mail: [email protected]

Hotel “Aia”Address: 8 Chavchavadze str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 22 36 76Cell: +995 593 46 68 99

Hotel “Alaverdi”Address: 23 Bukia str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 27 20 82Cell: +995 599 71 64 40

Hotel “Gelati”Address: 4 turn, 26 May II, Kutaisi, Imereti, Georgia

Tel.: +995 431 24 80 74Cell: +995 577 76 42 58E-mail: [email protected]

Hotel “Imeri”Address: 25 Nikea str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 23 99 99 +995 431 23 48 23; Cell: +995 599 45 57 92www.imerihotel.com

Hotel “Imperial”Address: 28 Mchedlidze str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 579 19 19 39


www.tourism.kutaisi.gov.ge7


Welcome to Kutaisi

Imereti is popular for its mineral waters and resorts. Sairme, Nunisi, Sulor, Vani and Tskaltubo are popular in all former Soviet countries. Fifty three resorts are available nowadays in Imereti.

Resort Tskaltubo Takaltubo, center of the region with the

same name, is a balneological health resort (spa) located about 240km from Tbilisi in western Georgia, near Kutaisi, at an altitude of 120m. The spa resort complex includes sanatoriums, bath-houses, clinics, dispensa-ries, hotels and etc.

The resort can operate throughout the year and during Soviet times it used to be frequented by more than 100,000 visitors annually with an average stay of 18 days. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, Tskaltubo lost its visitor base and in 1993 its sanatoriums became a shel-ter for the refugees from Abkhazia. Today Tskaltubo is a renewed resort with many tourists in all sea-sons of the year. Currently Tskaltubo has a population of about 16,000 plus 6,000 refugees from Abkhazia. It hosts more than 4,000 tourists annually.

On a territory surround-ed by hills and hillocks and green plants, warm mineral springs are scat-tered that have been shown to have excellent results in the treatment of rheumatism and many other ailments. They use certain tech-niques of bath-making. During the process of treatment the water is continuously flow-ing in and out of bath until the end of the procedure, which constantly maintains the water’s physical, chemical and healing prop-erties and temperature uniformity. These mineral waters include the ingredients at least at the lower edge of the allowed limit.

Tskaltubo is a very important place for tourism. Near Tskaltubo there are ancient and unique architectural monuments such as: Geguti fortress, Gelati Cloister Complex, Motsameta, Nikortsminda, Vani, Nakalakevi and many century-old histories. In Takaltubo, in the preserve of Sataplia, there are preserved dinosaur tracks more than a million years old and considered by scientists as one of the rarest monuments throughout the whole world. In addition to this there are also museums of folklore and fine art. Nowadays the resort offers guests a full package of service: 15 kinds of treat-ments in bath procedures, comfortable and modern hotels and many sights.

Tskaltubo is connected to the capital city, Tbilisi, also Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and other countries by the automobile, railway and air ways, making a visit to Tskaltubo both easy and interesting. Visit Tskaltubo for unforgettable memories and good health.

www.tskaltuboresort.ge

Resort SairmeSairme is a very important balneological-

climatic resort in the region of Baghdadi. It is located 915-950 m above sea level, 55 km from the city Kutaisi and 25 km from Baghdadi, situated in the deep gorge of the Tsablaristskali which originates to the north-west of the Ajara-Imereti mountains, with Big-Maghala Peak (2848) to the west. Sairme resort is surrounded by a pine forest

of 19,000 hectares that plays a great role in creating the climate. The Lesser Caucasus Range of Ajara-Imereti begins just 7-8 km from the forest.

The climate is mild and winters are with a little snow (average temperature in January is +1,0 C). It has moderate warm summer (average temperature in August is +17 C). The amount of precipitation is 900 mm in a year. Healing factor: mineral water of Narzan type with carbonic acid hydro-carbonate calcic-sodium (water #1 and

#3) and of Borjomi type with carbonic acid hydro-carbon-ate sodium (well #4 and #5) waters. For over a hundred years Sairme’s min-eral waters have been used for treat-ment of stomach and kidneys.

Sairme has its own history. It was discovered by hunt-er-shepherds who

observed that deer were coming to this place very often. In 1944 thanks to the labours of Baghdadi inhabitants, people of its neighbouring regions and members of German prisoner camp that was organized

in Sairme, the resort joined the regional centre by automobile road. In 1946 length-ening this way to Zakari pass, Baghdadi-Abastumani connected west and south parts of Georgia, giving a strategic importance to the road.

Resorts of ImeretiSairme is a very useful resort not only

for vacationing but also for the treatment of many human diseases. The season in Sairme starts in May and continues up to November, but the August the average tem-perature of +17 C there makes it a real paradise compared to Tbilisi in the heat.

So come to see Sairme, rest, treat and enjoy yourself with the pure air and mineral waters!

Resort Nunisi Resort Nunisi is sit-

uated in the Borjomi-Kharagau l i fo re s t park’s territory. Its mineral spring used to cure illnesses of the skin such as eczema, psoriasis and others. In 2002 reconstruc-tive work was conducted here. The resort has 5 cottages with some 70 beds; also it has a dining room and a club. It is now regularly booked fully during the sum-mer season (June-September), attracting domestic tourists as well as some interna-tional visitors of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

www.nunisi.ge

Resort Satsire Resort Satsire is well-known as a chil-

dren’s health resort. It is located on the height of730-740m from sea level. The conjoined climate of sea and mountain is effective for bronchitis and pneumonia. The resort has a building with 150 beds and a dining-room. It is functioning and used by domestic visitors.

Resort Simoneti Resort Simoneti, Terjola district, has

been functioning since 1967. Bathing treat-ments were used in curing the following illnesses: hard chronic arthritis, heart short-age and others. A building with 30 bath-rooms was constructed in resort Simoneti,

but at present it is partly out of order. The old bath is functioning now, which can serve 280 people per day. It is currently mainly used by local residents and some domestic day-tourists.

Resort Amaghleba Resort Amagleba is situated on the left

bank of the river Rioni, near the centre of Vani district. The temperature of ther-mal mineral springs is more than 40C. It

consists of: Sodium, chlorine, carbon. The mineral water of Amagleba can be used to cure the following illnesses: chronic arthri-tis, infectious thematic.

Resort Sulori Resort Sulori is situated 9 km from the

centre of Vani district, on the hills of Adjara-Akhaltsikhe Mountains. Resort Sulori’s mineral waters are of the same types as Tskaltubo ones. The salt of Brome which was found in the mineral spring of Sulori calms nervous systems. The following dis-eases can be cured by the mineral spring of Sulori: Arches heart shortage, hypertonic the defect of nerve system, gynecological illnesses.

SairmeHoliday House “Samotkhe” (Heaven)Cell: +995 599 16 61 51; +995 597 16 61 51Tel.: +995 32 232 34 40; +995 32 231 70 24

Hotel “Iberia” (the former government residence)Cell: +995 599 90 50 77; +995 599 79 91 91

Sanatorium “Baghdati”Cell: +995 599 19 00 96

Sanatorium “Sairme”Cell: +995 599 56 61 89

Hotel “Iberia” in Sairme of Interresort LTDCell: +995 599 16 61 51

“Udabno” (Health Sanatorium “Oasis”)Cell: +995 599 56 23 90

Holiday House “Sairme 2004”Cell: +995 599 14 95 90

Cottages “Stream of Beauty”Cell: +995 599 56 61 89

Hotels

TskaltuboJSC “BALNEOSERVICE” Bath house # 6 (“Stalin Spring”)Address: Park of resort, Tskaltubo, 5400, GeorgiaTel.: +995 436 22 26 05Cell: +995 599 49 91 12 +995 599 98 68 02 +995 599 94 49 62www.welcome.ge/tskhaltubosparesort

Hotel “Sami Datvi” (Three Bears)Address: Territory of Central Park, Tskaltubo, GeorgiaCell: +995 599 35 43 77

“Oasis”Address: 23 Rustaveli str., Tskaltubo, GeorgiaTel.: +995 436 22 49 49 Cell: +995 599 16 39 17

Sanatorium “Tskaltubo”Address: 1. Paliashvili str., Tskaltubo, GeorgiaTel.: +995 436 22 20 49 Cell: +995 599 24 70 47www.tskaltubokurort.ge



www.tourism.kutaisi.gov.ge 8


Welcome to Kutaisi

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is situated in the central part of Georgia and it is also part of Lesser Caucasus. This is one of the largest parks in Europe, covering 85 000 hectares that is nearly 1 % of Georgia’s total area. The majority of mountain forests are still in pristine condi-tion. In the forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, in its subalpine and alpine

meadows you can see numerous endemic and relict flora samples and rare represen-tatives of fauna.

First National Park in the CaucasusBorjomi-Kharagauli National Park is

the first national park in Caucasus. It was established in 1995 with the support of World Wild Fund (WWF) and the German Government and it was officially opened in 2001. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park in 2007 joined the network of Protected Areas Network in Europe (PAN Park www.panpark.org). Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park was established for the protection of

a variety of wildlife, especially mountain untouched forests.

Tourist InfrastructureIn this park there are 9 tourist routes

differing from each other in complexity and duration. The height of trails varies in altitude from 450-2642 meters. It is possible to arrange tours lasting a few hours or more

serious routes including 5 days hiking on the territory of National Park. Along the trails there are stopovers lo-cated where visitors can stay overnight. In addition to this there are arranged places for picnic and camping. A network of trails invites you to experience the stun-ning variety of blossoming plants, breathtaking views and a magical atmosphere.

In addition to the untouched beauty of the national park, the surrounding villages are rich with medieval history, cottage indus-tries and legendary Georgian hospitality. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park also offers to visitors riding and cycling tours.

www.nationalpark.ge

AjametiThe state reservation of Ajameti in the

Baghdati district is founded in 1935 and is located 15 kilometers away from Kutaisi. The reservation contains rare oak forests, animals and birds. The main goal of the state reservation of Ajameti is to propagate

Borjomi-Kharagauli

National Park

and study Georgian flora and fauna and samples of Colchis forest.

Sataplia The Sataplia reservation is situated on

the Sataplia mountain, near Kutaisi. The total area of this reservation is 354 hect-ares. There are many karst caves on the territory of the reservation. The most in-teresting is the “Sataplia Cave” situated on the Samgurali hill. It is corridor type cave with branches and halls. A little river flows there that has been cutting the cave for 30 million years. In one of the halls there is a well in which the waterfall is falling, and at

the bottom is a small lake. There are also about 200 footprints of dinosaur, those are engraved on the limestones on two-tier. To the north there is a rocky relief covered with

flowers. In this rock there are many families of bees which offer the cave its name since in Georgian “Sataplia” means the place where there is much honey. Sataplia Cave is well-built and on the territory of the cave there is a functioning bio-speleology museum.

Kutaisi D.Kakabadze Art GalleryAddress: 8 Rustaveli Avenue, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 23 29

Kutaisi Sport MuseumAddress: 3 IV turn, Paliashvili Street, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 28 17

The Museum of Military Honor of KutaisiAddress: 2 Brose Street, Kutaisi, Imereti, Georgia Tel.: +995 431 24 09 35

Kutaisi D. Mkheidze Museum of Photo-Movie ChroniclesAddress: Ir. Abashidze Street #18, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 27 01 92

Memorial Museum of Zakaria Phaliashvili Address: 23 P. Varlamishvili, Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 42 57, +995 431 24 09 36

Kutaisi State Historical MuseumAddress : 1 Tbilisi str. Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 56 91, +995 431 24 56 77, +995 431 24 49 72, +995 431 25 04 39

Museums and Galleries of Imereti

E-mail: [email protected] www.histmuseum.ge

Kutaisi National Museum of Military Glory Address: 2 Mari Brose str. Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 09 35, +995 431 24 80 47

Kutaisi Modern Arts GalleryAddress: 8 Rustaveli str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 23 29

Kutaisi-Gelati State Muzeum-ReserveAddress: 7 Nazarishvili str., Kutaisi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 431 24 01 55

Niko Nikoladze House MuseumAddress: 109 N. Nikoladze str., Village Didi Jikhaishi, Samtredia, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 411 25 15 15, Cell: +995 599 57 83 99

Pictures Gallery os SamtrediaAddress: 252 Rustaveli str. Samtredia, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 411 22 26 21 +995 411 22 26 21

Khoni Museum of Local LoreAddress: 2 Guramishvili str.

Khoni, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 495 22 19 77

Irakli Abashvidze House MuseumAddress: 10 Irakli Abashidze str., Khoni, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 595 25 46 48

Tskaltubo Museum of Local LoreAddress: 37 Rustaveli str., Tskaltubo, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 436 22 31 32

Niko Lortkipanidze House MuseumAddress: Village Chuneshi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 240 22 44 88

Galaktion and Titsian TabidzeHouse MuseumAddress: Village Chkvishi, Vani, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 593 93 56 05

Vani Archaeological MuseumAddress: Vakhtang Gorgasali str. Vani, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 432 22 16 02 E-mail: [email protected]

Chiatura Museum of Local LoreAddress : 1 Vakhtang Gorgasali str., Chiatura 5500, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 593 60 71 99

Tkibuli Museum Local LoreAddress: 12 Konstantine Gamsaxurdia str., Tkibuli, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 497 22 33 01

Vladimer Maikovski House MuseumAddress: 1 Bagdati str, Bagdati, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 790 94 94 24

David and Sergo Kldiashvili House MuseumAddress: Village Zeda Simoneti, Terjola District, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 599 73 48 95

Zestaponi Museum of Local LoreAddress: 27 Aghmashenebeli str., Zestaponi, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 492 25 15 26

Kharagauli Museum of Local LoreAddress: 47. 9 Aprili str., Kharagauli, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 433 22 14 16

Sachkhere Museum of Local LoreAddress: Village Skhvitori, Sachkhere district, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 435 22 53 19

Akaki Tsereteli State MuseumAddress: Village Skhvitori, Sachkhere District, Imereti, GeorgiaTel.: +995 435 22 16 97

“Prometheus” Cave

• Location – underground, • General direction – South West • Number of Halls – more than 15 • Length of Tourist route in the cave

– 1060 m. • Maximum height – 21 m. Air tempera-

ture – 15-17 • Water temperature 13-14 “Prometheus” cave is one of the richest

caves of Europe. It is characterized by the variety of underground rivers and beautiful landscapes. Golden Fleece cave meets all needs of international level tourism. Walking route for tourists is 1060 m. Also tourists can sail on an underground lake (280m). In nearby territories where there are other caves speleological tours can be organized.

The total length of these caves is 15 555 m. • Tours for those who are interested in

extreme tours and can be organized. • One day route on foot/by horses can

be organized (6 km). Tourists can walk in forests, visit complex of caves.

• Tourist camps can be organized on the territory.


KharagauliHotel “Ugheltexili”Address: 8 King Solomon str., Kharagauli, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 593 13 86 16

Hotels

Hotel “Marelisi”Address: Village Marelisi, Kharagauli, Imereti, GeorgiaCell: +995 593 13 86 16E-mail: [email protected]

C M Y K 9 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20 100 80 60 40 20

Address: 8Address: 8AA, Rustaveli str., Rustaveli str.Tel.: +995 431 241103Tel.: +995 431 241103

“An integrated approach for the sustainability of the tourism production”A project co-financed under the EU-funded CIUDAD programme

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DISCLAIMERTHIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE CONTENTS OF THIS PUBLICATION ARE THE SOLE

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Imereti Regional Administration

Kutaisi City Hall

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This gate represented the central entrance of Gelati monastery and people who en-tered the monastery through this gate tread upon the kings gravestone.

To the east of the main cathedral St.George’s church is situated. It was built in the XVI centuries but it is much smaller. The walls inside the church are covered with XVI century frescos. You can see the fresco where the scene of St. George’s torture is represented. St. George holds a special place in the heart of Georgians, and there are at least 365 churches dedicated to St. George throughout the country.

To the west of the main church there is a two-storey church of St. Nikoloz and the building of Academy. Gelati academy functioned for several centuries as a place where Georgians were studying geometry,

As the whole territory of Georgia, the Imereti region is rich with antique, early and modern Christian period’s historical-cultur-al monuments. These monuments are very interesting for tourists. There are more than 450 historical-cultural monuments in the Imereti region. The most noteworthy and frequently visited monuments are Gelati Monastery Complex (100.000 visitors in Jan-Aug. 2009) and Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi (30.000 visitors in Jan-Aug. 2009). Both sites are listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

Gelati MonasteryThe Gelati monastery, the greatest cul-

tural centre of medieval times, lies 11 km north-east of Kutaisi, in the valley of the river Tskaltsitela. Gelati monastery was built by the greatest King of Georgia, David the Builder. The construction began in 1106 and was finished in 1130.

The main cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands in the ensemble’s heart. To the east of the main temple is St. George’s church, which is much smaller in proportion. To the west of main temple stands the two-storied St. Nicholas church built in the late XIII c. In the mon-astery’s main vestibule (south) is David the Builder’s tomb. The monastery also contains the ruins of the Gelati Academy. By building Gelati Monastery, David the Builder created a symbol of Georgia’s strength and unity.

Gelati Monastery represented not only a place where Georgian people prayed, but it was also a place where Georgians could receive a higher education. Gelati was the centre of goldsmith’s art. The masterpiece of goldsmith’s art, the magnificently enam-eled Icon of our Lady of Khakhuli, was created there.

The main cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The reconstruction of this church started after the completion of Gelati church and finished after the king’s death. In the south gate of Gelati Monastery there is the sepulcher of David the Builder.

Historical and Cultural Monuments of Kutaisi

mathematics, music, philosophy, grammar, rhetoric and astronomy. Gelati Academy’ Scholars translated a wide variety of Greek and Latin books into Georgian. Unfortunately nowadays only the ruins of it are remained. The academy was destroyed during Ottoman invasion in 1510.

Bagrati CathedralKing Bagrat III Bagrationi, was the first

king of united Georgia in the middle ages, and his activities served to further unify the country at that time.

Bagrati Cathedral was built by Bagrat III in the late 11th century, and the cathe-dral stood intact till the end of the 17th century, with an interior elaborately orna-mented with mosaic. An inscription on the north wall reveals that the floor was laid

in “chronicon 223”, i.e., 1003. In 1692, it was devastated in an explosion by Ottoman troops invading the Kingdom of Imereti. The incident caused the cupola and ceil-ing to collapse leaving the cathedral in its present ruinous state. Though only ruins of the cathedral remain today, even now visi-tors are amazed by its size and splendor. Many beautiful carved stone fragments are scattered around the building. The lavish decor of facades and especially the por-ticoes vividly demonstrate the wonderful achievements of Georgian architecture in the stylized depiction of flora and fauna. The conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies, which began in 1952, are still underway. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as a single entity. In 2001, the cathedral was restored to the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is now of limited use for worship services, but attracts many pilgrims and tourists. A distinct land-mark in the scenery of central Kutaisi, the cathedral rests upon the top of Uk’imerioni Hill and serves as a symbol of the whole city of Kutaisi.

Mostameta Monastery (Monastery of Martyrs)Motsameta monastery: 6 kilometers

from Kutaisi. The monastery and church are beautifully surrounded by forest. From the higher parts of town you can walk there along the train line, from where you have a nice view. Next to the entrance of the church you can descend to a swimming place along the Rioni River.

The foundation and erection of Motsameta church is connected with two brothers, David and Konsntine Mkheidze, who sacrificed their lives to Georgia in a battle against Arabs. Georgians built the burial-vault for the saintly relics and called the village and the monastery “Motsameta”, which means martyrdom. This little mon-astery has very beautiful views over the gorge of the river Tskhastsitela . The name of the river derives from 8th century and in English it means the red river. To make your dearest wish come true, simply crawl three times under the tomb of the two princely martyrs for whom this church is dedicated. Locals say that it never fails! In the south side of the church tower there is an inscription that it was built by Imeretian

Gelati Monastery XII c.

Bagrati Cathedral XI c.

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Metropolitan David’s order in 1845. Motsameta is a very important monument and has been listed in the Georgian nation heritage treasury.

Geguti CastleGeguti palace, one of the masterpieces

of Georgian architecture, is situated to the North of Kutaisi. Nowadays only the ruins

of Geguti palace remain. Geguti palace was constructed in the 12-th century. Though Geguti palace was destroyed, Georgian ar-chitects have managed to set up the plan of the palace, from which we can imagine the enormous beauty of Geguti palace.

Fortress of Kutaisi (Kutaisi Citadel)One of the parts of Kutaisi known

as the citadel had great importance be-cause it represented the only defensive means for Kutaisi dwellers. The citadel was located on the right bank of the river Rioni, on the hill, and it played a great role in history of Kutaisi. Byzantine writer Procophi Caesarian (VI c.) called Kutaisi’s citadel Ukimerioni. According to Procophi Caesarian, Citadel-Kutaisi was located on Mukhirisi territory, and the Greeks called it Kotaion but the Laz (Georgians) called it Kutai.

UbisaSt. George’s chapel and monastery

complex is situated near the Ubisa vil-lage in Imereti. Ubisa is considered to be built in the 9th C. The Ubisa monas-tery was Queen Tamar’s favorite place. Transcription of books has been done throughout the centuries in the monastery;

smith and iconography schools existed as well. Huge clay pots were kept in the vil-lage, in which people used to save water and wine. The chapel painting is very in-teresting, dating back to the 14th century. The brilliant compositions of all religious holidays are present here, including Lady Day, the crucifixion, the resurrection and others.

Katskhi ColumnKatskhi column is located in the

Chiatura district. Its supporting columns soar up to 40 meters. Researchers claim that it used to be a cloister for outsiders. Researchers link this structure to chapels featuring similar columns wide-spread thoughout Syria. No one knows exactly when the religious living stopped in the Katskhi column. For the moment it is impossible to get here without alpinist equipment. However, construction of lifts is in progress to allow tourist get acquainted with this miracle.

Vanis NakalakeviVanis Nakalakevi is located in the

Vani district and dates back to the 8th century B.C. Vani used to be the cultural center of Kolkheti. Traces of scarifying and tomb graves are found in Nakalakevi. Vani archeological museum can be traced here as well, where the hall, library, restoration and foundation departments are situated. An exhibit has been opened in the museum that features unique examples of gold and othersmith’s work, silver and bronze products and coins are kept.

Shorapani FortressIn the 3rd century B.C. Kartlian

King Parnavaz constructed a fortress which used to serve in medieval ages as fortress in Shorapani, Zestaponi re-gion. The fortress was so large and full of tunnels that the population of the city could fit in it without a problem. Because of its strategic importance, the Shorapani fortress was constantly attacked. People assume that cara-vanserai, a market and smithys were located here. Shorapani represented the link between western and east earn countries. A lot of interesting materials have been found as a result of archeological diggings, which are kept in the Zestaponi museum of province studies.

Golden Hall – Okros ChardakhiThe part of town situated on the

left bank of the river Rioni was mostly located on the plain. This part of the town was surrounded by a stone

fence and contained palaces churches and other edifices which were peculiar to the Feudal epoch. Of these edifices only Okros

Chardakhi remains, but there are many sources and historical records which give us information about the other buildings.

Petre-Pavle ChurchMay 10th, 1881, at the advice of Bishop

Gabriel, the parish of Sila district declared the construction of their own church in honor of the murdered Russian Emperor Aleksander II. At the end of 1882, the spe-cial committee began the construction of

Petre-Pavle Church. The two Greek masters, Abram Zakharid and Abram Slirov, were initially in charge of the construction, but soon the committee discharged them and made a contract with the famous archi-tect Isidore Berekashvili. April 9th, 1903, the Petre-Pavle Church was ceremonially sanctified. In 1923, the church was consid-ered as invalid and rebuilt as a club for 5th Georgian Legion. In December of 1924, the parish managed to get the church back in its legal property but at the end of 1930 the church was abolished again. In May of 1944, the Petre-Pavle Church was sanctified a second time and from 1947 it became the temple of Kutaisi-Gaenati Eparchy, ruled by Metropolitan Kalistrate (Margalitashvili).

MtsvanekvavilaMtsvanekvavila is situated in the North-

west part of Kutaisi on the left bank of the river Rioni. Mtsvanekvavila is a very interesting district of Kutaisi not only for its beautiful nature but also for its historical monuments. Among them the oldest his-torical monument is a small church basilica erected in 1013. At present the walls are partly destroyed and the roof has collapsed.

SynagogueIn an old suburb of Kutaisi, near the

Mtsvanekvavila area, there is a small Jewish set-tlement. Georgian and Jewish people never had their separate happiness or sorrow from each other. Here is a beautiful Jewish Synagogue, built in 1886 with white stone, similar to the stone used for construction of Jerusalem and covered with various ornaments. There are more than 500 sitting places in the Synagogue.

Historical and Cultural Monuments of Kutaisi

Katskhi’s Monastery XI c.

Motsameta’s Monastery VIII-XI c.

Ubisa’s Monastery XI c.

Mgvimevi’s Nunnery

brochure kutaisi

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