Discover Imereti: Caves, Monasteries and Wine

Imereti can be explored through its caves and underground rivers, wooded landscapes, archaeological sites and ecclesiastical art. The region is crossed by the major Rioni and Kvirila rivers. The Imereti Caves Protected Areas cover 504.6 hectares. They include Sataplia Nature Reserve, covering 330 hectares; Sataplia Managed Reserve, covering 34 hectares; Prometheus Cave Natural Monument, covering 46.6 hectares; and 17 other natural monuments.

Caves, Rock Formations and Trails

Prometheus Cave Natural Monument is 1.8 kilometres long and lies 40 metres below sea level. A one-hour visitor route passes through the halls of the Argonauts, Colchis, Medea, Love, Prometheus and Iberia. It can end with a 15-minute walk or boat trip along the underground course of the Kumi River. Boat trips may depend on conditions; check the details before your visit.

Geology and archaeology meet in Tetra Cave: its formations include stalagmites, stalactites, columns and suspended calcite. Around 15,000 artefacts have been found there, including finds from the Paleolithic period. The cave also has a wine cellar where visitors can sample wine. As this visitor experience may change, check in advance whether tastings are currently available.

The visit to Okatse Canyon takes two to three hours. It leads through the historic Dadiani Forest and along a 780-metre suspension walkway to a viewpoint. Weather-related access restrictions may apply; check conditions before visiting. Guided group tours of Sataplia Cave are offered on site. Check current availability before your trip.

Navenakhevi Cave also offers practical visitor amenities, including a visitor centre, cafeteria, amphitheatre and attractions for children. Check in advance which facilities are currently available. The paved road to the cave is accessible to all types of vehicles; as road conditions can change, it is worth checking before setting out.

Archaeology and Ecclesiastical Art

Vani is an ancient temple city in the Colchis lowlands, dating from the 7th to the 1st century BC. The Vani Archaeological Museum displays a statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, dating from the 2nd to the 1st century BC. It is considered a cultural treasure of great significance. Imereti is an important cultural region where archaeologists have discovered numerous significant treasures dating back several thousand years.

Other stops reveal different aspects of religious art and architecture. Gelati Monastery houses a 12th-century mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, as well as the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Ubisi Monastery includes a four-storey tower dating from 1141. Its murals depict the twelve major feasts of the Church, including the Last Supper and Saint George; they were painted by the artist Damiane and his student Gerasidze.

At Mghvimevi Monastery, the main cave is 35 metres deep. The St Catherine’s Church there is carved entirely into the rock face. In Chiatura, Katskhi Pillar rises as a 40-metre monolith with a small church on top. Another church stands on its western side; Katskhi Church is an active temple.

Regional Cuisine and Wine

Imeretian khachapuri is distinguished by its thin, tender dough and Imeretian cheese. In some villages, it is traditionally baked on a ketsi, an earthenware pan placed over hot embers. Regional wines also have their own distinctive characteristics: Tsitska-Tsolikauri and Krakhuna are associated with natural effervescence and a comparatively full-bodied structure.

A specific wine experience is offered at Churi Chinebuli Winery in Meore Sviri. Visitors can see the churi vessels buried in the ground, learn about the production of amber wine, and taste churi wine alongside classic wine. Booking conditions may change; check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Plan Your Stay

The routes also vary in duration: one hour is indicated for Prometheus Cave, and two to three hours for the route at Okatse Canyon. This comparison can help you prioritise visits according to the time you have available.

Discover More Destinations

Kutaisi, Sairme, Tskaltubo, Etseri, Zestafoni, Kursebi, Kveda Kinchkha, Motsameta, Vardzia, Terjola, Meore Obcha, Chiatura, Chkvishi, Alaverdi

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.