Cities of Georgia

There is no shortage of ancient and stunningly beautiful cities in Georgia. Today in Georgia, the status of the city are 54 settlements. The largest of them is Tbilisi, with 1.1 million inhabitants. The smallest – only 800 inhabitants and is called Jvari.   Resorts in Georgia are known all over the world.

Tbilisi

Тbilisi    is the capital  of Georgia. This city still manages to retain the feel of a small town in its charming courtyards, despite the fact that it is the country’s largest city.

Тbilisi is an idyllic mix of modern infrastructure, quaint cobblestone alleys, and old Tiflis houses. There is no shortage of attractions in Tbilisi. Get lost in an exotic market; find the best places for khachapuri and wine in the newly converted Old town, walk to the Narikala fortress, or visit the monument to the Mother of Georgia to admire the beautiful view of the city from the hill. Don’t forget to try the luxurious Georgian cuisine.

Batumi

This is the second largest city in Georgia, the best sea resort in the country, and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara..

Those who are just looking for a summer vacation, can immediately go to Batumi.

Walk along the newly built promenade and enjoy the original sculptures with hearts (they symbolize the heart of the city). Visit the luxurious beaches of Batumi. Lively nightlife, modern architecture and a wide selection of restaurants make Batumi an attractive place for young people. The main attractions are within walking distance along the Boulevard.

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, rich in history, architecture, historical and natural monuments. For this reason, many tourists and local visitors come here. Kutaisi is considered the second city after Tbilisi, one of the most important historical and economic centers in Western Georgia, the administrative center of the  Imereti region.

Since 978, the throne of the United Kingdom of Georgia has been located here for more than a hundred years.Bagrat III was the king. He built the beautiful Bagrati Cathedral as a symbol of the unity of the country, which has been preserved to this day. During the time of David the Builder, a unique architectural monument, Gelat Cathedral, was founded near the city. Kutaisi has never lost its place in the history of Georgia. Kutaisi is the fifth oldest city in the world.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is undoubtedly the most romantic of the Georgian city. Its population is just over 2000 people, but this does not prevent the city from impressing with its winding streets, stunningly beautiful urban center, and the largest fortress in the country. Sighnaghi is the administrative center of the Sighnaghi municipality, which is part of the Kakheti province.

And next to Sighnaghi in the Bodbe monastery are the remains of Saint Nina, one of the most important saints of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the namesake of many Georgian girls.

Mtskheta

Lovers of antiquity and history should go to Mtskheta. It is the administrative center of the region of  Mtskheta-Mtianeti, located a few kilometers North of Tbilisi.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this city or its charm and beauty. Located at the confluence of two rivers, Mtskheta from above is striking – a possible reason why it has been inhabited since at least 1000 BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

It was also the site of early Christian activity in Georgia, which was one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity as its religion. Now it is the center of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and Svetitskhoveli Church is the most important monument of this religion. After the recent reconstruction of the old city, Mtskheta is a great place to see the old Georgian architecture in all its glory.

Telavi

Wine lovers should visit  Kakheti.

The city of Telavi has been inhabited since the bronze age. Telavi, now the de facto capital of the Eastern region of Kakheti, has been a very important center in the entire Caucasus region for many centuries. Here lived king Heraclius II, who turned it into an important political and cultural center in the XVIII century, and now you can still visit his Palace in Telavi.

In addition to historical buildings, Telavi borders the Alazani valley, where most of the famous Georgian wine comes from, and offers stunning views of the Greater Caucasus mountains.

Borjomi

Borjomi is a resort town in Samtskhe-Javakheti,

a region in southwestern Georgia.

Borjomi is known throughout the post-Soviet world as a source of Borjomi mineral water, a salty panacea (or so the Georgians say) for everything from colds to hangovers. Visitors have the opportunity to taste the water directly from the source, going to the small resort of Borjomi, built around the source. Travelers can also visit Borjomi national Park and enjoy the stunning natural landscape of the surrounding hills. Not far from the city is another attraction-the summer Palace of the Romanovs.

Mestia

And if you want to see the mountains, go to Mestia, the center of Samgrelo-Zemo Svaneti,

which is located 128 kilometers from the capital, it is a 4-hour drive. Svaneti, one of the most remote regions of Georgia, managed to preserve its medieval traditions. For centuries, Svans have lived here, a nation associated with Georgians, but with their own language and cuisine. This is an ideal starting point for Hiking, as it is located at a very high altitude in the Caucasus mountains. If you are lucky, you may find yourself in one of the old Svan towers, which have existed for centuries and which many families still use.

Ushguli, several villages located high in the Svaneti region of Georgia near Mestia, are on the UNESCO world heritage list, but it is extremely difficult to get there. Only about 200 people live in Ushguli. However, it is home to the best-preserved collection of Svan towers in the entire region, and of course the surrounding mountains offer stunning views to any nature lover.

Stepantsminda ( Kazbegi from 1921-2007)

Another amazing mountain city is Stepantsminda, named after the Georgian Orthodox monk Saint Stephen. Located at the foot of mount Kazbek in the Greater Caucasus, in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti, with the only road to the South, it is barely accessible in the winter months.

The most famous monument of Stepantsminda is the Trinity Church of Gergeti, which is located on a mountain overlooking The city. As you approach the Church on a steep road, you can imagine how difficult it was to build a building in such a place. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with mountain air, fresher than you can imagine, and a view down to Stepantsminda and the giant mountains surrounding you.

Zugdidi

But the city of Zugdidi, located in the North-West of the country, is the administrative center of the  Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti   region. Zugdidi is a place where the brilliant history of France meets the turbulent Georgian lifestyle. Price Dadiani married the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, so history lovers will find in the Dadiani Palace one of the three original death masks of Napoleon.

Gori

Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, today the center of the Shida Kartli region. The city was officially declared in 1801. The name comes from a rocky hill in the city on which the Old castle is built. In Gori, you can also see the house-Museum of Joseph Stalin, who was born in this city, and get acquainted with his childhood years. His private railway carriage is even stored here.