Georgia’s western region Imereti is a beautiful area to explore. The main city is Kutaisi, a former capital and second largest city of the country. It is also home to another UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Georgia.

Kutaisi, the former capital of Georgia boasts with many historical sites and beautiful, recently renovated buildings.

Bagrati Cathedral, built by one of the kings of Georgia, Bagrat III, in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Kutaisi. The cathedral is a masterpiece of the medieval Georgian architecture, which suffered heavy damage throughout centuries. It was reconstructed to its present state through a gradual process starting in the 1950s. The major conservation works concluding in 2012.

Together with Bagrati, Gelati Monastery is enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it’s a masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age, founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, who is also buried there. Gelati was an educational center in the middle centuries, where students studied various professional skills.

Motsameta Monastery built in 11th century by King Bagrat III, is 6 km away from Kutaisi making it another historical sight to visit.

Founded in 1912, Kutaisi Historical Museum displays more than 150,000 exhibits to showcase the history of the city.

Ubisa in Kharagauli is home to a 9th-century church with some of the best-preserved frescoes in the country. Those frescoes date back to the 14th century influenced by Byzantine culture even though the artist was a Georgian.

Promete (Prometheus) Grotto is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia famous for its richest caves. The Prometheus cave has a well-developed infrastructure for the tourists to walk through the natural wonders of the area.

Sataplia Nature Reserve is home to prehistoric dinosaur footprints, making it a must-see place once in Kutaisi.

Katskhi Pillar is a 40 meter a natural limestone monolith, a natural wonder of Georgia located near Chiatura. 

Okatse Canyon is a perfect destination for nature lovers coming to Imereti. Located in Khoni near the river Okatse, the canyon boats with a beautiful waterfall and breathtaking views from a ‘hanging’ viewpoint. 

The antique City of Vani is one of the most important places of Georgian antique period. Archeological excavations here found unique artifacts, including gold and silver coins and some jewelry.

Sairme Spa Resort is one of many spa resorts in Georgia. Established in 1930, the place was a popular spa destination during the Soviet era with its beautiful sanatoriums. Today, there’s a modern spa resort Sairme to host visitors who would like to mix relaxation and wellness procedures.

Tskaltubo Spa Resort was one of the most popular spa destinations in Soviet Georgia. Thermal waters of Tskaltubo are believed to be helpful for many health problems. One of the resort hotels is still operating under modern facilities, but most of those well-known sanatoriums are abandoned.