Cultural and Historical Sites of Kutaisi

Our tour begins with Gori. It is a birthplace of Joseph Stalin (leader of the Soviet Union) and, therefore, his house-museum is functioning here. In the museum memories of Stalin's life and significant events are kept. People here admire Stalin and are proud of hime. In the centre of the city you find the statue of the leader.

Near Gori there is situated rock-hewn town Uplistsikhe where various structures are constituted. Earliest ones date back from 5^th century. In the monuments different styles of rock-cut cultures, as well as the influence of pagan and Christian architecture is felt. Uplistsikhe is declared as Cultural and Historical heritage of Georgia.

The day ends up in Kutiaisi, the second largest city of Georgia. We stay in a guesthouse. It is rich in cultural and historical monuments.

Ruins of Bagrati Cathedral are erected on the top of Ukimerioni Hill. It is a masterpiece in the history of medieval Georgian architecture. Bagrati Cathedral was built in the 11^th century by the King Bagrati III, first king of the unified Georgia. Therefore, it is a symbol of Georgia's unity. People believe that once its arch is built completely, Georgia will be unified again. Restoration and conservation works are underway.

The main church of Gelati Monastery is decorated with interesting and everlasting mosaic and mural paintings, ornamental carvings. In the architectural ensemble the trends of the epoch are revealed. The church is surrounded by St. George domed church and St. Nickolas' Church with two storeys and an arched passage. Here is a bell-tower too on the ground floor of which you find drinking water running through clay pipes. In the yard you see the walls of the well-known Gelati Academy founded in the 12^th century. Due to the academy Kutaisi was an intellectual and cultural centre of Georgia for a long time.

When being in Kutaisi you should visit 8^th century Motsameta Church, named after brothers David and Konstantine Dukes of Margveti who martyred by Arab invaders. Near the church there is a kind of stone arch. It is believed that if you wish something and then climb through the arch, your dream comes true by all means.

The next landmark of Kutaisi is Sataplia Cave. It is notable for the footprints of Dinosaurs it preserves.  

The tour has the following stops:

• 1. Stalin Museum
• 2. Uplistsikhe cave town
• 3. Kutaisi, overnight in a guesthouse
• 4. Bagrati Cathedral
• 5. Gelati Monastery
• 6. Motsameta Church
• 7. Sataplia Cave

       Return to Tbilisi