Cultural and Historical Sites of Kutaisi

The tour begins with Gori. It is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin (leader of the Soviet Union) and, his house has been converted into a museum. In the museum, memories of Stalin's life and significant events are preserved. People here admire Stalin and are proud of him. In the centre of the city you find a statue of the leader.

Near Gori is the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe where there are various structures of historical importance. The earliest ones date back from the fifth century. In the monuments, different styles of rock-cut cultures, as well as the influence of pagan and Christian architecture is seen. Uplistsikhe is declared as as a Cultural and Historical heritage site of Georgia.

The day ends at Kutiaisi, the second largest city in Georgia, which is rich in cultural and historical monuments. We stay in a guesthouse overnight.

The ruins of Bagrati Cathedral are scattered 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, the first king of 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 ancient mosaic and mural paintings and ornamental carvings. In the architectural ensemble, the trends of the era are revealed. The church is surrounded by St. George domed church and St. Nickolas' Church with two storeys and an arched passage. There is a bell-tower too on the ground floor where 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. Thanks to this academy, Kutaisi was an intellectual and cultural centre of Georgia for a long time.

The next stop is the eighth century Motsameta Church, named after the brothers David and Konstantine, Dukes of Margveti, who were martyred by Arab invaders. Near the church there is a sort of stone arch. It is believed that if you make a wish and then climb through the arch, your dream comes true.

The next landmark is Sataplia Cave. It is famous for the footprints of dinosaurs that have been preserved down the centuries.

The tour has the following stops:

-         Stalin Museum

-         Uplistsikhe cave town

-         Kutaisi, overnight in a guesthouse

-         Bagrati Cathedral

-         Gelati Monastery

-         Motsameta Church

-         Sataplia Cave

       Return to Tbilisi.