The Best Things To See And Do In Imereti

Imereti is a beautiful historic region in western Georgia, bordered by Samegrelo, Guria, Svaneti, Racha-Lechkhumi, and Shida Kartli. The geographical location, climatic environment, an abundance of historical and natural landmarks as well as a rich tradition define the region’s uniqueness. With its colors and vivacity, its misty mountains and fabulous landscapes do attract many tourists who come to Georgia.

1. Visit one of the ancient cities and former capital of the country

Kutaisi is an administrative center of Imereti and is the second most significant cultural and industrial city in Georgia. Archaeological dates reveal that the territory of modern Kutaisi and its environs were settled by humans as early as 100,000 years ago. And in the 15–13th centuries BC, the area was home to the Colchian culture. The city has had other names over the years as well, including Aya, Kutaya, and Kutatisium.

Kutaisi, Imereti, Georgia

Kutaisi, Georgia | © Valerii Iavtushenko / Shutterstock | © Valerii Iavtushenko / Shutterstock

2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Building, Church, Monastery

Once here, don’t forget to visit Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Church. Gelati is one of the prominent medieval centers located 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Kutaisi. The building of the monastery was ordered by King David the builder, the most powerful king of Georgia. The complex consists of various buildings built between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The complex of Gelati Monastery | © Baia Dzagnidze | © Baia Dzagnidze

3. Get closer to nature at Okatse Canyon

Okatse Canyon is a natural landmark situated in the gorge of the Okatse River in Khoni Municipality. The width of the canyon varies from three to 15 meters (9.8–49.2 feet) and the depth between 20–100 meters (65.6–328 feet).

Okatse Canyon | © Stratovara / WikiCommons

5. Visit the village of clay pottery production

Shrosha village is popular for its clay production. Here, you can find almost anything made out of clay, from small cups to huge qvevri to store the famous Georgian traditional wine.

Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze Highway, Georgia

Clay pottery from Shrosha village | © Otpusk.ru / WikiCommons

6. Learn more about the Chokhi culture

The Vani Archeological Museum is home to some of the most important artifacts of ancient Georgia. Researchers believe that one of the principal Colchian towns was located here and that its golden age came between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC. The city-type settlement developed here on the basis of that ancient village, whose ruins are now in abundance in and around the modern town of Vani.

Vani Archeological Museum, Zeda Vani, Georgia

Exhibits at Vani Archeological Museum | © Xuan Che / Flickr

7. Hike up to one of the most distinctive monasteries in Georgia

Mgvimevi monastery has a unique location. Located in Chiatura Municipality, near Mgvimevi village, it is only accessible via numerous narrow stairs from Chiatura and a long man-made tunnel.

Mgvimevi Monastery, Gomi-Sachkhere-Chiatura-Zestaponi, Tsopa, Georgia

Mgvimevi Monastery | © Jaba1977 / WikiCommons

Explore the town of manganese production

Chiatura is the country’s center for manganese production. Besides wandering through abandoned Soviet factories, the must-do attraction here is to ride on an antique cable car that hasn’t changed for at least 50 years.

Chiatura, Georgia

8. Get closer to one of the country's natural wonders

The Katskhi Pillar is a limestone monolith in Chiatura Municipality near Katskhi village. This 40-meter-high (131.2 feet) pillar overlooks the small river valley of Katskhura. In 2009, the monastery on top of the pillar underwent restoration, and researchers discovered ruins that date back to the 9th or 10th century.

Katskhi village, Chiatura Municipality, Georgia

Katskhi Pillar | © Jaba1977, improvements by Giorgi Balakhadze / WikiCommons

Get to know famous Georgian poets and writers

The Imereti region is home to several very famous Georgian writers and poets. And if you’re interested in how Georgian literature was shaped, you can visit their house-museums scattered across the region.

The house-museum of Georgian poet Akaki Tsereteli (1840–1915), established in the patrimonial palace of the Tseretelis, presents his and his ancestors’ personal things, including Italian, French, and German furniture from the 19th century, utensils, a library, and his and his colleagues’ manuscripts.

Village Skhvitori, Sachkhere, Georgia

Another museum that might be of interest is the ancestor palaces of other famous poets, including Titsian (1893–1937) and Galaktion Tabidzes (1891–1959). Admire their personal belongings such as clothes, accessories, embroidery samples, paintings of Georgian artists, and trinkets, to name a few.

Village Tchvishi, Vani, Georgia

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