An exciting travel in Imereti

Region is edged by Likhi Range to the east, in the west – Tskhenistskali, in the north by the chains of Caucasus and from south of Meskhetian mounts and parted into upper and lower Imereti.
Archaeological excavations confirm that people lived here in the Lower Paleolithic. Advantageous geographical location was dispositive of great strategic, economic and political significance.

Imereti region was a part of the Colchis Kingdom. Egrisi which was a controversial subject between the Greeks and Persians appeared after the wreck of mentioned above kingdom. In the VIII century the Abkhazian prince Leon II united Egrisi and Abkhazia and declared its capital Kutaisi.

After the crash of the feudal monarchy, appeared the Imereti kingdom in the XIII century, covering the entire territory of Western Georgia.

Kutaisi is among the most ancient cities on planet. In the III century BC Apollonius Rodius mentioned Kutaya in Argonautica, and scientists believe that it was the city of King Arête, father of Medea.

Kutaisi is erected on the coasts of Rioni River, which originates from the Black Sea, through which the Greek Argonauts entered the city. Today it is a bustling city, where there are newly built, modern style Parliament building, and recently renewed spectacular views caves of Prometheus and Sataplia.

The city is also equipped with a modern airport Kutaisi-Kopitnari, easy access for tourism.

The region is also famous by health resort Tskaltubo.

Bagrat Cathedral was constructed in the eleventh century, at the order of King Bagrat III, who consolidated the Georgia. The Cathedral, a longtime remained in ruins and restored in recent years, recognized an architectural masterpiece.

Gelati Monastery was constructed in 1106 as a core of Christianity and the Platonic Academy, which became the second Jerusalem. Inside the monastery, there is the sanctuary of the Nativity and two small temples of St. Nicholas and St. George.

Church Motsameta of eleventh century, dedicated to brothers martyrs killed by Arabs, offers to visitors the most idyllic sceneries of surroundings. Local legend says that for the realization of the dream, just need to get close to the grave of the two martyrs and make a desire. And, according to locals, it has never failed!

In the antique town of Vani of VII century BC during archaeological excavations uncovered the jewels and gold coins pre-Christian era.

Near the hamlet Ubisi are the detritus of the ancient Cloister of St. George. The convent complex comprises five buildings: single-nave chapel of the ninth century, three-storey tower and several minor edifices, now almost entirely destructed by time. The Ubisi church is renowned for its murals of fourteenth century.

According to tradition, the walls are nearly completely covered with paintings.

Frescoes and inscriptions which are similar to the Byzantine style, retained their original appearance and are the most valuable specimens in the Art of Georgia.