Kutaisi, Ancient city in Imereti Region, Georgia
Kutaisi sits on both sides of the Rioni River, where green mountain slopes open toward flatter land and buildings spread across hills and valleys. Streets run through residential neighborhoods with multi-story houses, small parks, and shops, while bridges connect the two riverbanks.
The settlement began in the third century before Christ and served different kingdoms as their capital, including Colchis and Iberia. During the Middle Ages it remained the center of the united Georgian kingdom until 1122, when that role shifted to Tbilisi.
The city's name comes from Georgian and points to its long role as an administrative center. Today you see Orthodox churches standing next to Soviet-era apartment blocks, while markets offer fresh vegetables and local spices.
The international airport connects the city with many European destinations and sits about half an hour outside the center. Local shared taxis run regularly to nearby natural areas and monasteries, with departures usually taking place in the morning.
The Sataplia Nature Reserve near the city contains limestone caves with fossilized dinosaur footprints and underground rivers from prehistoric times. Inside the caves you can see the footprints directly on the floor, where they have been preserved for millions of years.
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