The capital, Tbilisi is one of the ancient cities of the world, situated in the valley of the river Mtkvari. The bridges connect the right and left banks of the city. The place was populated since ancient times, as far as four thousand years BC. During its long and complicated history the city appeared the place of incessant dramatic juxtaposition of a number of vario
us nations and cultures.
The territory of Tbilisi and its suburbs populated since IV century B.C. There are a lot of churches and historical monuments in the Old City, as well as many museums, narrow streets and old houses with the characteristic wooden balconies, wide and open. The statue of Mother of Georgia, overlooking the city from the mountain ridge, attracts attention: welcoming its guests with a bowl of wine in one hand, and a sword in another for the enemies, the statue represents the symbol of Georgia. Once in Tbilisi, guests can see the Church of Anchiskhati (6th c.), Sioni Cathedral (7th c.), the Narikala fortress (4th c.), a synagogue, a mosque, a few museums (historical museum, and an open-air ethnography museum and the funicular make the musts for visitors of the city). Among other tourists’ diversions are visits to souvenir shops, fairs, theatres, modern movie theatres, restaurants, bars, cafes, fitness-centres and the notorious sulphur spring-baths.
The legend of Tbilisi foundation: Once, while hunting in the dense woods on the territory of modern Tbilisi, King Vakhtang Gorgasali who loved falconry pursued a pheasant. His falcon chased the bird but soon the king lost the sight of both of them. Then the royal suite found the birds in the pool of a sulphur spring. As he found the spring hot, King Vakhtang decided to call this place Tbilisi ("tbili” meaning warm in Georgian). Soon the king founded the city of Tbilisi, where the capital of Georgia was moved to in the 5th c. AD.
Museum-city of Mtskheta: A former capital of Georgia is situated upon the confluence of the two rivers, Aragvi and Mtkvari. From the 4th c. BC to 5th c. AD Mtskheta was the capital of Iberia (which was the ancient name of Georgia) that represented one of the ancient civilizations of the world. It is with Mtskheta that the formation of Georgian statehood and dissemination of Christianity is associated. In the 4th c. King Mirian, deeply influenced with sermons and preaching of St. Nino, declared Christianity the principal religion throughout the country. Up to this day, the city of Mtskheta remains the centre of Georgian Orthodox Church. The Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli (1010-1029) and Jvari Monastery (586-604) are among the most esteemed monuments that represent the Georgian culture and architecture. Nearby Mtskheta are situated the Shio-mghvime monastery complex and Zedazeni – the legendary location of the ancient pagan cult.
Kutaisi is one of the ancient cities in Georgia and in the world. It was the capital of the kingdom of Kolkha (in Greek sources the city was mentioned as "Kutaia”) in the 2nd millennium BC. According to the myth of Argonauts, the Greeks set out on their ship Argo to get the Golden Fleece, which the King of Kolkhis had in his possession. The monastery complex of Gelati (11th c.) is among the most remarkable examples of Georgian architecture. It was founded by King of Georgia, David Aghmashenebeli (The Builder). The Gelati complex implied also Gelati Academy, famed as an educational centre even beyond the borders of Georgia; an amazing mosaic in the altar of the main temple is extraordinary and unique. The Temple of Bagrati (10-11 cc.) is one of the most important monuments that represent early Georgian architecture.
Adjara is one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia, situated in the southwestern part of the country, on the coast of the Black Sea that represents a harmonious unity of the landscape including the views of the mountains and the sea. Batumi is an old city and resort that is interesting in the aspects of recreation and tourism and travel. The name of the city is originated from Bathus – which means a deep bay. The attractions of the city imply a beautiful seaside park with the boulevard, fountains, temples, museums, theatres, Batumi botanical garden in the vicinity of the city and fortress of Gonio. Several resorts are spread along the sea-cost: Kobuleti, Chakvi, Gonio, Kvariati, Sarpi, etc.
Country overview: Geography, Historical heritage, Architectural Monuments, Legends, Traditions, Food & Wine, Highlands
Navigation: EXOTOUR Travel Georgia - Tours in Georgia - Hotel booking:
City & Town hotels: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Bazaleti Lake, Kakheti, Kutaisi, Svaneti - Mestia, Tusheti
Mountain resorts: Bakuriani, Borjomi, Gudauri, Kazbegi, Nunisi, Sairme, Shovi, Khevsureti
Seaside resorts: Batumi, Chakvi, Gonio, Green Cape, Kvariati, Kobuleti, Poti, Ureki
