Imereti
Imereti is a west-Georgian region, where the
witty and optimistic people, the Imeretians live. Khachapuri
(cheese pie), a staple of Georgian cuisine which is like an Italian
pizza, is very tasty. Kutaisi is the principle and oldest city of
Imereti. The second city of Georgia has been mentioned since the
6th century B.C. After Tbilisi was invaded by Arabs, Kutaisi became
the capital of a newly strong and united Georgia. Kutaisi citizens
have maintained their ambitions (in the positive sense of the word)
the since that time.
Kutaisi was one of the greatest cultural centers of Georgia
and the Kutaisian sense of humor is universally recognized. The
most interesting monuments of Imereti are Bagrati
Cathedral built in 1005, during the reign of King Bagrat
III, the king who united Georgia. Bagrati Cathedral is one of the
most remarkable sights in Kutaisi. It is built near the walls of
the old city stone wall Ukimerioni. It is considered to be the
basis of the Baroque style.
There is also Gelati Monastery, where, in the
12th century, the Gelati Academy was founded by King David
Aghmashenebeli (the Builder). The Gelati Academy is known in the
civilized world as a second Athens. David Aghmashenebeli is buried
in Gelati monastery, as a sign of humility at its entrance,
according to his will. Near Kutaisi, there is Motsameta
Monastery, which witnesses various pages in the history of
Georgia. Here, David and Konstantine Eristavi refused to adopt
Mohammedanism, preferring to die as martyrs in 735-737 AD, during
the raids headed by the Arab commander, Murvan the Deaf. The
cathedral of that period did not survive. The church of the
Monastery was built in the late middle ages. To the South of
Kutaisi, there is Vani. During the excavations,
ruins were discovered of ancient cathedrals and palaces and even
some treasure! The population of Imereti is cheerful, industrious
and creative. While driving to Imereti, at the village of Shrosha,
you can see people along the motorway selling beautiful articles
made of clay. This is one of the oldest and most popular
handicrafts in Georgia.
Kumistavi cave, also known as the cave of Prometheus, is located near the Georgian town of Tskhaltubo, 20 km away from Kutaisi in Imereti region. The cave was discovered in 1984 and was almost immediately developed as a show cave. Kumistavi is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it. Inside there are underground lakes and rivers. Also There is possibility to visit Okatse Canyon and Kinchkha waterfall where tourist will have breathtaking memories.
Katskhis sveti is also very popular and well known architectural monastery in the Imereti region.
Kumistavi cave, also known as the cave of Prometheus, is located near the Georgian town of Tskhaltubo, 20 km away from Kutaisi in Imereti region. The cave was discovered in 1984 and was almost immediately developed as a show cave. Kumistavi is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it. Inside there are underground lakes and rivers. Also There is possibility to visit Okatse Canyon and Kinchkha waterfall where tourist will have breathtaking memories.
Katskhis sveti is also very popular and well known architectural monastery in the Imereti region.