The city of Kutaisi dates back to the Argonauts’ time (13th -12th centuries B.C). Formerly capital of old Colchida, Kutaisi then ruled all of Western Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia is located in Kutaisi, making the city the legislative capital of Georgia.
Gelati Monastery, located near Kutaisi was founded in the 12th century by the most famous Georgian King David the Builder (1073 – 1125). Here he founded the academy and monastery, which became the foremost centre of education in Georgia. The unique murals of saints and Georgian monarchs are inside the main Virgin Cathedral. Gelati Monastery is in the List of Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Bagrati Cathedral was built by Georgian King Bagrat III and it is considered one of the masterpieces of Georgian architecture. Bagrati Temple was partly destroyed in the 17th century. In 2010 the Termple was reconstructed to its original state. It is included in the UNESCO list of Cultural Heritage.
