Things to do in Vartsikhe

No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Bagrati Cathedral

Bagrati Cathedral stands atop Ukimerioni Hill in Kutaisi and is a prominent landmark of this ancient city, visible from many corners of the city. It was built in the early 11th century, commissioned by Bagrat III, the first king of a unified Georgia, and has long been considered a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. Tall columns and layered arches support the central dome, and the exterior walls still feature reliefs of floral and animal motifs that are fascinating to examine closely. The cathedral is used by the Georgian Orthodox Church for regular religious ceremonies and is also a preferred venue for weddings among Kutaisi locals. Reaching the top of the hill offers a panoramic view with the entire city spread out below, which is especially stunning at sunset.

No. 10 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Colchis Fountain

Colchis Fountain is located in the central square of Kutaisi, Georgia, and is one of the city's most iconic modern landmarks. Inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, the fountain artistically recreates the rich historical and cultural memories of western Georgia. The fountain features a multi-tiered structure, with the striking golden horse sculptures at the top being a major highlight. Surrounding them are various animal statues, including lions, goats, and deer. These exaggerated, decorative figures create a visual effect that blurs the line between myth and reality. Modeled after ancient gold ornaments and artifacts unearthed in Georgia, these sculptures carry significant archaeological and historical symbolism. At night, the fountain is illuminated by a lighting system, making the golden statues stand out against the interplay of water and light, turning the entire square into a focal point of the city's nightscape. As one of the key urban landmarks of Kutaisi, it is not only a popular spot for tourists to take photos but also a public space for local residents to relax and gather.

Kutaisi State Historical Museum

The Kutaisi National History Museum is an important museum in the country. The museum collects cultural relics from all over the western part of the country, including the "Gelati Virgin Statue" originally collected by the Gelati Monastery. Photography is prohibited in the museum exhibition halls.

AIA Arena

Motsameta Monastery

The monastery is located on the bend of the Tskhaltsitela ("Red Water") river gorge and was built in memory of two Georgian duke brothers who were martyred in the eighth century. According to local legend, the name of the "Red Water" river is due to the massacre by the Arabs, in which the remains of the brothers were washed by the river to the bend and were later brought here by lions for burial. Locals believe that they can make a wish come true after crawling around the shrine where they buried their bones three times.

Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park

Kutaisi Sports Palace

Gelati Monastery

King David IV, the "builder" of unified Georgia, built the Gelati Monastery in AD 1106, which symbolized the heyday of medieval Georgia. Today, the main building of the monastery, the Church of the Virgin, is still a relic of that era and the essence of the monastery. The church is full of frescoes, mainly including: the statue of the seven generations of Georgian monarchs on the north wall, the "builder" David IV who created the church, Bagrat III, the builder of Bagrati, etc. On the opposite wall, there is Constantine Statues of Emperor Ding and his mother Helena. In the church, you can also watch the statues of the Virgin and Child enshrined in the shrine, the Archangel Gabriel and Michael's covenant. The original east gate of the monastery has an inscribed door panel in Arabic, which is the spoils of war recovered from Ganj City when Dimitri, the son of David, the "builder", went on an expedition to Ganj. King David IV was buried under this door panel. inside the porch.

Kikvidze Park

Youth Park