Georgia by George

Kutaisi

Kutaisi (2nd largest city of Georgia), located in the Imereti region of western Georgia along the banks of the Rioni River, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning over 3,500 years. It has served as a vital political, cultural, and religious hub in Georgia, acting as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis—the mythical land of the Golden Fleece and the Argonauts—and later as the capital of the unified Kingdom of Georgia.

The Colchis Fountain is a monument in the central square of Kutaisi in Georgia that celebrates the ancient kingdom of Colchis. It is adorned with 30 large-scale copies of the famous gold jewellery discovered at archaeological sites in Georgia, including the nearby Vani. The fountain was created by Georgian architect David Gogichaishvili and opened in May 2012.

Bagrati cathedral-built in 1003 by King Bagrat III, the Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, Georgia, stands as a symbol of the nation’s unification and Golden Age architecture. It was famously ruined in 1692 by an Ottoman explosion, remaining in ruins for centuries, before a controversial reconstruction completed in 2012 restored its glory, though costing its UNESCO status.

Gelati monastery – Founded in 1106 by King David IV “the Builder” near Kutaisi, Georgia, Gelati Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the nation’s “Golden Age”. Designed as a cultural and educational center—known as “new Athens”—it housed a renowned Academy. The complex includes 12th-century mosaics, frescos, and serves as the burial place of Georgian kings, including David himself.

Motsameta-Nestled on a picturesque cliffside surrounded by dense forests and overlooking the reddish waters of the Tskaltsitela River, the Motsameta Monastery (or “Place of Martyrs”) is a hidden gem near Kutaisi, Georgia, renowned for its dramatic history and tranquil beauty.

Evening walk at white bridge, built in 1850–1852 by engineer Vite, the White Bridge in Kutaisi is an iconic iron pedestrian bridge spanning the Rioni River. Famous for its white-painted railings, it connects the old town, acting as a romantic meeting spot and a symbol of local life adorned with a charming “Picasso Boy” statue.