Georgia's Ancient Capital

🌄Known as "where the world ends and the sun rises," Kutaisi was the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Colchis – where Jason quested for the Golden Fleece. Here’s how to explore its magic in one day! 🚶‍♀️ City Walk Route (All Within Walking Distance) 1️⃣ Bagrati Cathedral Emerald-green dome crowning the hilltop 🏰 Named after King Bagrat III, with ancient carvings and stone columns 1 km walk from downtown with panoramic old-town views 2️⃣ Green Bazar 7 GEL for a big bag of cherries 🍒, 5 GEL for fresh blueberries Freshly ground coffee: 35 GEL/kg – a local experience! ☕ 3️⃣ Colchis Fountain Central landmark glowing like stars at night ✨ 4️⃣ White Bridge & Boy Statue White steel bridge with a sculpture of a boy raising his hat 🎩 White rocky riverbed below creates a poetic scene 5️⃣ Mother Georgia Mural Hidden near Green Bazar – show the photo to locals for directions 🎨 ⛪ Beyond the City (Taxi/Marshrutka Recommended) 📍 Gelati Monastery (UNESCO Site) Founded in 1106 by King David IV, with golden-age frescoes Complex includes: St. George’s Church → Virgin Mary Church → Bell Tower → St. Nicholas Church Transport: 20-min marshrutka from fountain square (see schedule in Fig. 12) 🚐 📍 Motsameta Monastery Cliffside monastery with dramatic stories Ask the driver to stop on the way back, then hike 2 km 🥾 🍷 Food & Drink 📍 Memoire Wine Room Vintage wine cellar near the fountain 🍷 Authentic Kutaisi flavors in a nostalgic atmosphere 🚌 Transport Between Cities Mestia → Kutaisi: 4 hrs, 40 GEL by marshrutka Kutaisi → Tbilisi: 4 hrs, 20 GEL (recommended over 9-hr train) ⚠️ Standing among Bagrati's ancient stones at sunset, you’ll understand why this is called "where the sun rises" – lost kingdoms live on in these golden walls. #Kutaisi #Georgia Travel #UNESCO #Ancient Capital #Golden Fleece