Natural and Archæological Sites in Imereti

Imereti’s geological karst formation, with ancient strata of red clay, soluble limestone and other rocks, continues to reveal caves and other natural wonders.

In 1984 a large series of natural caves – the Prometheus Caves – was discovered near Kumistavi filled with exceptional rock formations, from stalactites and stalagmites to petrified waterfalls, underground rivers and lakes that have been scenically lit and made accessible by foot or boat.

A few kilometres south-east from there, the Sataplia cave in the Sataplia Natural Reserve (Sataplia means ‘place of honey’) is notable for dramatic underground rock formations and for the 120 million year-old dinosaur footprints that have been discovered there. This has been a national reserve since 1935 but it’s recently undergone a modern facelift with the addition of viewing platforms and visitor centres.