Imereti
Imereti (Georgian: იმერეთი) – The historical region and modern administrative-territorial division in Western Georgia located in the middle reaches and upper reaches of the Rioni River. During the late antiquity and the Middle Ages, the territory of Imereti was home to the kingdom of Egrisi. countries since ancient times. Interesting facts about this ancient and richest kingdom can be found in many historical sources and chronicles. From a historical point of view, Imereti is one of the important regions of Georgia and it often played an important role in the life of the country since ancient times. There were periods in the history of Georgia when the fate of the country clearly depended on this region
Imereti is as fascinating as its rich history. Unlike the central part of the country, the slopes of the Imeretian hills are covered with beautiful coniferous forests, the valleys are covered with green meadows, and the fields of fragrant poppies are red. The mountain ranges are cut by deep gorges, and among the mountains there are picturesque lakes. Tourists are attracted to the region by its interesting relief, modern infrastructure and a large number of attractions. Ancient monasteries, luxurious canyons, high waterfalls and climatic resorts make the region especially attractive. This is a land of stunning landscapes and cheerful, hospitable people. Even against the background of very hospitable Georgians, the Imeretians stand out for their hospitality, cordiality and warmth.
Kutaisi
The city of Kutaisi (Georgian: ქუთაისი) – the administrative center of the Imereti region and is located on both banks of the Rioni River. Kutaisi is included in the list of ancient cities of the world. Although “Argonautica” is the most famous classical source telling about Kutaisi, it is far from the most ancient. A large settlement of people around the Phasis River was mentioned by Plato and Socrates in the 5th-4th centuries BC. Today’s Kutaisi is one of the major administrative, industrial and cultural centers of the country, which has preserved ancient monuments that are valuable not only on the scale of Georgia, but also for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top attractions of Imereti:
Vani archaeological site
Vani archaeological site (Georgian: ვანის ნაქალაქარი) – The political and administrative center of ancient Colchis, a sanctuary city of the 8th-1st centuries BC. Thanks to its unique finds, Vani is constantly in the center of close attention of the international scientific community. The tools, household items and jewelry found here in residential and religious buildings show the high level of social and cultural development of the region.
Geguti Palace
Geguti Palace (Georgian: გეგუთის სასახლე) – The ruins of the largest royal palace in the village of Gegui are considered one of the few secular attractions and a valuable monument of Georgian architecture of the feudal era. The ruins of the 12th-14th centuries are remarkable for their scale. Used as a summer residence for the kings of Georgia, built over centuries, it has original architectural solutions.
Tskaltubo Resort
Tskhaltubo resort (Georgian: კურორტი წყალტუბო) – One of the most popular resorts in Soviet times. Its thermal waters, which are used to treat about 70 diseases, are incomparable in their healing qualities. The natural temperature of the water corresponds to the warmth of the human body and can be used without preheating. This unique water can cure cardiovascular diseases, the musculoskeletal system, skin diseases and endocrine metabolic disorders, etc.
Nunisi Resort
Nunisi Resort (Georgian: კურორტი ნუნისი) – The unique microclimate of the balneoclimatic resort is created by a combination of various forests and balneological waters. Its air is especially useful for those suffering from skin and nervous diseases. The healing water Zvare (Georgian: ზვარე) is used both for drinking and for taking baths, filling the body with energy. The abundance of deciduous and coniferous forests promise vacationers complete peace, and in the spring, when the pines and firs are in bloom, the air of Nunisi is especially effective for healing the lungs.
Sairme Resort
Sairme Resort (Georgian: კურორტი საირმე) – The unusual location, healing mineral springs, ecologically clean air and incredibly beautiful natural landscapes make the resort popular among tourists from all over the world. The main healing factor of Sairme is rightfully considered to be mineral springs. They “originate” in the deep layers of the earth and come to the surface in the form of springs, along the way enriched with carbon dioxide, various minerals and substances in the form of calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
Sataplia Nature Reserve (Georgian: სათაფლიის ნაკრძალი) – The name “Sataplia” means “honey place” The first and, from a scientific point of view, the most valuable object of the reserve is the footprints of herbivorous dinosaurs. They are about 150 million years old and are located in two layers. On the territory of the reserve there is a karst cave Sataplia, which is the main value of the reserve and one of the most visited in the country.
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave (Georgian: პრომეთეს მღვიმე) – One of the largest and richest in Europe and is the most popular place in the region. You can enjoy a variety of beautiful underground rivers and lakes, wonderful stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, pearl caves and breathtaking landscapes. Several underground rivers flow here, and there are even underground lakes with their own specific fauna.
Okatse Canyon
Okatse Canyon (Georgian: ოკაცეს კანიონი) – One of the natural beauties of Imereti – Okatse is a three-kilometer canyon with a depth of about 50 meters. A suspended metal road 630 m long and an observation platform are laid to the middle of the canyon. A steep mountain, or rather a canyon, which was formed several million years ago, a riot of green deciduous forest and the magical sounds of cicadas mixed with the noise of water.
Kinchkha Waterfall
Kinchkha Waterfall (Georgian: კინჩხას ჩანჩქერი) – A few kilometers from the Okatse Canyon is the 100-meter Kinchkha Waterfall. The sound of falling water can be heard tens of meters away. This is a wild, unimproved place for tourists, which is why it is so tempting. Walking towards the waterfall, along the path, we first find ourselves in 2-meter canyons with snow-white limestone rocks and sky-turquoise water.
Katskhi Pillar
Katskhi Pillar (Georgian: კაცხის სვეტი) – The giant limestone monolith in height, on top of which there is a church built between the 6th and 8th centuries. 40-meter limestone, which was revered by locals as a pillar of life, symbolizing the True Cross. The place is not typical for churches in Georgia and researchers believe that this was a place for hermit monks who came from the Middle East.
Bagrati Cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral (Georgian: ბარატის ტაძარი) – Cathedral is considered not only a religious center of its time, but also a symbol of the unity of the Georgian people. The huge cathedral was innovative in its architecture and interior decoration. Richly decorated with mosaics and carvings, it served as a place of important events – the coronation of royal persons, the center of celebrations. The temple is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Gelati Monastery
Gelati Monastery (Georgian: გელათის მონასტერი) – The most significant spiritual center of Georgia, which has retained its role for many centuries. The monastery was founded by King David “the Builder” at the beginning of the 12th century. was not only a spiritual, but also a large cultural and scientific center. On the territory of the monastery is the building of the Gelati Academy – one of the largest educational institutions of medieval Georgia. The monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Motsameta Monastery
Motsameta Monastery (Georgian: მოწამეთას მონასტერი) – One of the oldest monasteries in Georgia, located in a very picturesque place, above the turbulent Rioni River, is surrounded by greenery and high canyons. The name of the monastery comes from the names of two brothers who died as martyrs at the hands of the Arabs in the 8th century. The word “Motsameta” is translated as “martyrs”, the Ark with the relics of the Saints is now located in the main church, on a hill to the right of the entrance.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions
