Bagrati Cathedral

The cathedral sits atop Ukimerioni Hill, surrounded by remnants of fortress walls and palace ruins. The area around the temple is an open platform with city views: the Rioni River valley to the north, Kutaisi's residential quarters to the south and west, green Imereti hills to the east. The panorama covers nearly 360°. Best photo light is in the evening, when the sun bathes the sandstone walls in warm golden tones.

The church is a cross-dome structure with a tall drum and pointed dome resting on four freestanding columns. Walls are built from large hewn sandstone blocks. Facades feature carved decorations and blind arches typical of medieval Georgian architecture. An inscription near the north window contains Arabic numerals – the oldest known example of their use in Georgia. Inside, the interior is relatively modest: a few frescoes and modern icons. The cathedral is active – regular services and weddings take place here.

In the northwest corner stands a three-storey tower with fireplaces on each floor, likely a bishop's residence. The south gate retains traces of a Virgin Mary fresco. The grounds are enclosed by a stone wall that once housed auxiliary buildings and a bell tower.

Age – built in 1003, over 1,000 years old

Location – Ukimerioni Hill with 360° panorama of Kutaisi and the Rioni valley

Architecture – cross-dome structure, dome on four freestanding columns, hewn sandstone blocks

Historic inscription – north window preserves the oldest Arabic numerals found in Georgia (construction date)

UNESCO status – listed in 1994, delisted in 2017 following controversial reconstruction

Reconstruction – restored 2009–2012 with modern elements (stone + steel sections)

Bagrati Cathedral was commissioned by King Bagrat III, who unified Georgia's scattered principalities into a single kingdom. Construction was completed in 1003. The cathedral became a symbol of Georgian unity and served as a centre of religious and public life. In 1089, David IV the Builder – one of Georgia's greatest rulers – was crowned here. For centuries the temple hosted state ceremonies and assemblies.

In the 17th century, the Kutaisi fortress fell to the Ottomans. During one of the battles to reclaim it, the Turks placed gunpowder beneath the cathedral's foundation. The explosion collapsed the dome and drum, though the walls survived. The cathedral stood in ruins for over 300 years. Restoration began in the 1950s and continued in phases until 1994, when the cathedral and Gelati Monastery received joint UNESCO World Heritage status. A major reconstruction in 2009–2012 restored the dome and roof but introduced modern steel elements, leading UNESCO to delist the cathedral in 2017.

From Kutaisi city centre (1.5 km, 15–20 min walk):

– On foot from the Colchis Fountain – uphill walk, follow signs

– Taxi via Bolt/Yandex Go – 3–5 GEL (~$1–2), 5 minutes

From Tbilisi (230 km, 3.5–4 hours):

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube station – 20 GEL (~$7), every 30 min

– Citybus Georgia coach – 25–30 GEL (~$9–11), 3.5 hours, 4 daily departures

– Train to Rioni station – 9 GEL (~$3), 4–5.5 hours, 2 daily departures

– Car rental – 2.5–3 hours via the new Rikoti Highway

From Kutaisi Airport (22 km):

– Taxi – 20–25 GEL (~$7–9)

Season: Year-round. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot (up to 35°C); winter is cool but dry.

Time of day: Sunset (6:00–7:30 PM in summer) – best light for photos and panoramas. Mornings – fewest visitors.

Duration: 30–45 minutes for the cathedral and grounds. With the walk from the city centre – 1.5 hours.

Avoid: During Sunday morning services, interior access is limited. Summer weekends may coincide with wedding ceremonies.