📖 About Kutaisi

Kutaisi is Georgia's second-largest city and its ancient western capital, associated with the legend of the Golden Fleece and the mythical kingdom of Colchis. With approximately 135,000 residents, this city on the Rioni River serves as the legislative capital of Georgia—Parliament meets here since 2012. The UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery represent Georgia's medieval golden age.

The Imereti region surrounding Kutaisi is known for wine, food, and natural wonders including the magnificent Prometheus Cave. The city combines Soviet-era industrial heritage with ancient churches and a developing tourism sector. Budget airlines serving Kutaisi airport have made the city a gateway for travelers.

Kutaisi offers visitors access to Georgia's remarkable religious heritage, cave systems, and Imeretian culture—the heartland of Georgian wine country with distinct cuisine and traditions.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Kutaisi's economy combines light industry, agriculture, and growing tourism. Soviet-era industries have declined; services and trade have grown. The budget airline connections have boosted visitor numbers. Wine and food tourism in the Imereti region offer development opportunities. Government employment from parliamentary functions provides some jobs. The city aims to leverage its heritage and natural attractions for economic development.

Imeretian culture has distinctive characteristics within Georgia—specific dialect, cuisine, and traditions. Georgian Orthodox Christianity defines spiritual life; the ancient churches are pilgrimage sites. Imeretian cuisine features specific dishes; the wine region produces distinctive varieties. Georgian hospitality, polyphonic singing, and feasting traditions continue. The legendary Golden Fleece connection to Colchis adds mythological dimension. The warmth of western Georgian character welcomes visitors.

📜 History

Kutaisi's history spans millennia; it may be the Colchis of Jason and the Argonauts legend. The Bagrationi dynasty made Kutaisi capital of a unified Georgian kingdom in the 10th-12th centuries—Georgia's golden age. King David the Builder established Gelati Academy. The Mongol invasion and subsequent fragmentation ended this era.

The Imeretian Kingdom ruled from Kutaisi until Russian annexation in 1810. Soviet industrialization transformed the city. Independence in 1991 brought economic disruption. Parliament's relocation to Kutaisi in 2012 aimed to decentralize government. Today's Kutaisi develops tourism while honoring its role as Georgia's ancient western capital and guardian of UNESCO-listed medieval monuments.