Imereti what to see - Wonderful mix of Sights

Imereti is located in western Georgia. When you travel to west from Tbilisi and cross the Likha ridge, first you will reach this region. The name “Imereti” in Georgian is derived from this, “another side” of the Likha ridge. It was an extensive name of Western Georgia in different historical periods. The region is rich in health resorts, historical sights and nature reserves. The city of Kutaisi has been the cultural center of this region and all of western Georgia for centuries. Due to its location and developed infrastructure, Kutaisi is one of the most convenient accommodation options when traveling to western Georgia. There are many places to visit from this location both in the region and near it.

What to see in Imereti

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Sataplia cave

Sataplia State Reserve - located in the municipality of Tskaltubo on Mount Sataplia. 95% of the territory is covered with a relict forest of the Colchis type. The territory of the reserve is rich in karst caves. Up to 200 traces of carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs have been found here.

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Bagrati cathedral

Built in 1003, during the reign of Bagrat III (975-1014), in Kutaisi, on Ukimerioni Hill. The monument is a temple of symbolic significance in Georgian medieval church architecture, both in its architectural design and in its historical and symbolic significance.

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Tskaltubo resort

A city in Kutaisi, the administrative center of the Tskaltubo municipality. Tskaltubo is a multi-profile resort and is especially famous for its thermal-radon mineral water baths, which treat various diseases.

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Prometheus cave

Spectacular karst cave. The total length of the Prometheus cave is 2900 m, the average height is 7 m, the average width is 10 m. There are 22 halls of different sizes in the cave. The excursion part for visitors consists of 6 halls. The hiking trail is 1420 m long and ends in a 380 m long lake. You can go boating.

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Gelati monastery

Gelati Monastery is a Georgian architectural ensemble, the most important center of medieval Georgian culture. Founded in 1106 under the leadership of David the Builder. Limited by a fence. The ensemble includes buildings from different eras (mainly XII-XIII centuries). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural monument of national importance in Georgia.

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Motsameta

The monastery complex is located in the Tkibuli municipality, 6 km from Kutaisi, in the eastern gorge of the Tskaltsitela River, near the village of Motsameta. The word “Motsameta” in Georgian means martyrs. Monastery is constructed on the rock from which the wonderful view opens.

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Sairme

Balneology resort rich with medical, mineral and thermal water mines is located on 950 meters from sea level. Sairme has the capacity to receive 150,000 vacationers annually. The resort is connected to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park from the south-east.

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Okatse canyon

The canyon is located in the valley of the river Okatse. The length of the river is 14 kilometers, and the width of the canyon is sometimes 3-6 meters, in some places 15-20 meters, and the depth varies from 20 to 100 meters. For lovers of extreme tours, there is an end trail in Okatse Canyon.

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Kinchkha waterfall

Okatse Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Georgia, located near the village of Kinchkha. Okatse Falls is a cascade of three-step waterfalls. The height of the first waterfall is about 25 m, while the height of the second waterfall is up to 70 m. The third 35-meter step arises after joining the river.

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Katskhi pillar

The Katskhi Pillar is a columnar limestone rock located in the Katskhi village of the Chiatura municipality. The height of the column is 40 meters. On the top platform of the column are two small churches.

After the fall of the Colchis kingdom, was formed Egrisi, with the main city located on the territory of modern Imereti. In ancient times there was passed the silk trade route between the Eastern and Western worlds. Because of the political and economic importance, frequent battles were fought over the territory of the kingdom. Mostly Greeks and Persians tried to gain influence in the area.

The kingdom of Egrisi existed until the VIII century, when Leon II, the leader of the Abkhaz nation, revolted against Byzantium. He united the territories of Abkhazia and Egrisi, declaring himself the king, and Kutaisi the capital of the new kingdom. From 978 to 1122, the residence of the kings of united Georgia was in Kutaisi. The first king of the united Georgia Bagrat III and the most powerful king in the history ”David The Builder” were consecrated as kings here.

At the next stage of the weakening of the unity of Georgia, from the 13th century to the 17th century, Imereti, as a separate kingdom, completely controlled Western Georgia. Then neighboring regions arose, which generally weakened the region and strengthened its enemies. The Ottomans appeared as the difficult opponents of western Georgia. At the same time, Russia was able to expand its influence. Eventually developing the same scenario as completely in different parts of Georgia, the Russian Empire was able to gain influence in Georgia.