CENTRE – KUTAISI
AREA – 6552 SQ.KM.
POPULATION – 700000

Imereti, which was a constituent part of the Colchis kingdom, is the most beautiful part of Western Georgia. Imereti is divided into Upper and Lower Imereti. It is bordered by the Likhi and the Caucasus ridges in the north and the Meskheti Mountains in the south. Imereti is located at altitudes of 150-300 meters above sea level. The winter is moderate here and the summer is hot. In Imereti, cultural life has always been a key and a good example of this are the architectural monuments located here. The temples of Gelati and Bagrat are included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

The monastery complex Katskhi Pillar (Katshis St.) is located in western Georgia, Imereti region, in the municipality of Chiatura. On the slope of a height of 40 meters towers 2 churches, reachable only by a rope ladder. The oldest church dates from the 5th century; second church – the 6th century.
According to scientists, Katskhi Pillar was a refuge for hermits-monophysites, who had to come from the Middle East.

MOTSAMETA MONASTERY COMPLEX
265 km from Tbilisi
8th-11th CC
Motsameta monastery complex (8th-11th CC) is beautifully situated between the valleys of two rivers near Kutaisi. In the 8th century, brothers David and Konstantine Mkheidzes, the Lords of the region, were assassinated here by Arabs, for refusing to convert to Islam. The old church was destroyed. A present monastery complex was built on the site of the old church by King Bagrat in 11th century. "Motsameta" monastery means "monastery of martyrs". The sacred remains of the brothers are kept in the Crypt of the church

UBISI ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX & CHURCH 9 TH C
195 Km from Tbilisi
Ubisi The picturesque Ubisi complex consists of a single nave basilica of the 9th century, a three storied dwelling-tower called "sveti" (pillar), and some subsidiary monastic buildings, now almost completely destroyed by time. The tower bears an inscription that dates the monastery and the tower as far back as 1141 AD. The belfry is of a later period. Ubisi church is well-known for its 14th century. According to the long-established tradition, the vault and the walls are almost entirely covered with paintings

BAGRAT CATHEDRAL RUINS OF DOMED CHURCH
250 Km from Tbilisi
10 th - 11 th CC
Bagrati church of the Assumption of the Virgin was built by King Bagrat III in Kutaisi, in 1003 AD. It is a marvellous example of domed-church architecture from the high Medieval period, noted with impressive examples of stone carving.
Partially ruined cathedral is situated on the top of the hill called Ukimerioni and commands a splendid view of Georgia's second city, Kutaisi. This was an ancient citadel, a royal palace and one of the most important castles from 6th to 17th c.

GELATI CROSS-DOMED CHURCH
259 Km from Tbilisi
12 th C
Gelati complex comprises the churches of the Virgin (the main church), of St Nicolas, of St. George, as well as the academy which was the centre of cultural and spiritual life. The Gelaty monastery complex was founded by King David the Builder in the 12th c. It is noted by the finest examples of Georgian mural painting. Among them is the only surviving portrait of King David the Builder whose grave can be found at the gateway of the monastery. The giant 12th century mosaic of the Virgin with Child is completely unique.

Kutaisi is one of the most ancient cities of the world. According to mythological sources, its age is 3500 years. Over the course of history Kutaisi was a cultural and educational centre. In the 10th -12th centuries Kutaisi was a capital of Georgia. There are a lot of natural, historical and cultural monuments within the limits of Kutaisi.

©2024 Amirtravel.ge. All Rights Reserved.