Discover Kutaisi: the affordable Georgian city steeped in mythology and flavors
Despite Kutaisi's contemporary transformation, it's key to recognize its significant history—the earliest mentions of the town span from the 6th to 3rd centuries B.C. From the 15th century, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti, and in 1810, it was annexed to the Russian Empire.
The city has a rich mythological history too, referred to as Aia, a city in ancient Colchis in Greek mythology. Kutaisi is the setting where Jason and the Argonauts embarked on their quest for the Golden Fleece.
What to see in Kutaisi?
Even though ancient structures are scarcely found today, there are still several sights to see. The Bagrati Cathedral is an unavoidable stop, crowning the city. Interestingly, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. However, it was restored at the command of Georgia's former president. Glass and steel elements were integrated into the historical building, causing the site to be removed from the heritage list in 2010.
The Gelati Monastery is another sight to see, which often hosts religious ceremonies. From there, one can view Mount Kakukaz.
Other attractions include the White Bridge, graced with a sculpture of a boy perched on a railing, and the Red Bridge, built in France.
From 2012 to 2018, the city served as the seat of the Georgia Parliament.
The city vibe of Kutaisi
Generally, Kutaisi is portrayed as an industrial metropolis, filled with a maze of streets and run-down houses. Yet, it's vital to remember the city's history and realize that during Soviet times it was the second-largest industrial center in all of Georgia. In 1945, it housed a transitional camp where Poles, deported from the Vilnius region by the NKVD, were forced to labor. They were released after a rebellion in 1947.
You can also find local food markets in Kutaisi. It's worth trying the famous khachapuri, Georgian cheeses, and churchkhela, or threaded nuts, here.
