Кутаисская синагога.
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Kutaisi Synagogue

4.5
·406 reviews·Kutaisi, Georgia

A historically significant synagogue in Kutaisi, Georgia, offering a glimpse into the region's Jewish heritage and architectural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Likely to be open

CrowdLow
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Кутаисская синагога.

Kutaisi Synagogue

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Likely to be open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historically significant synagogue in Kutaisi, Georgia, offering a glimpse into the region's Jewish heritage and architectural beauty.

4.5
(406 reviews)

"The synagogue itself is absolutely stunning and definitely worth the visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Use the Back Gate

Enter through the back gate for easier access to the Kutaisi Synagogue.

💰 Be Prepared for Charity

Some visitors report being asked for charity upon entry.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Synagogue Interior

Stunning Synagogue Interior

Inside the Synagogue

Admire the beautiful architecture and historical significance of the synagogue's interior. A truly breathtaking space.

Exterior Statue

Exterior Statue

Outside the Synagogue

Take photos with the famous statue outside. Its identity is debated, but it makes for a great travel pic.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visits & Charity

While the Kutaisi Synagogue is a significant historical site, some visitors report pushy charity requests. Be prepared for this, and if you're not comfortable, politely decline. Check opening hours, as they can be inconsistent.

Accessing the Synagogue

To enter the Kutaisi Synagogue, use the back gate, not the front. Some visitors have noted that the main entrance might be closed. Be aware of potential service fees for entry.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Likely to be open
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Georgian Mafia Member Tried To Rob Me In Kutaisi Georgia 🇬🇪 #kutaisi #solotravel #travelvlog #danger #criminal
@dylanfund_
60.1K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Use the Back Gate

Enter through the back gate for easier access to the Kutaisi Synagogue. Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Charity

Some visitors report being asked for charity upon entry. Reddit

✨✨✨🫶🏻#kutaisi #ქუთაისი #drone #ivdasi #vache #fyp #foryou
@lashakublashvili1
19K likes • 268.7K views
Jews have been residing in Georgia since ancient times. In Late Antiquity, Mtskheta, the Iberian capital, was home to a significant Jewish community. Jews lived in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, Tskhinvali, and many other towns and cities during the Middle Ages. First synagogue was built in 1877. Following the conquest of Georgia by the Russian Empire, Ashkenazis, i.e. Jews of German-Polish origi...
atinati__
245 likes • 57.6K views

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The exterior statue is a popular spot for memorable travel photos. Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

Hours can be inconsistent; aim for Saturday mornings. Reddit

Kutaisi day off 🤍 . . . . . . . #weekendvibes #weekend #dayoff #tbilisigeorgia #kutaisi #cozyvibes #goodvibes #georgia🇬🇪 #synagogue #friends #couplegoals #autumnvibes🍁 #autumncolors
anishatashvilii
30 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Use the Back Gate

Enter through the back gate for easier access to the Kutaisi Synagogue. Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Charity

Some visitors report being asked for charity upon entry. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The exterior statue is a popular spot for memorable travel photos. Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

Hours can be inconsistent; aim for Saturday mornings. Reddit

💸 Small Entry Fee

Expect to pay a small service fee (around 2 GEL) to enter. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(406 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Kutaisi Synagogue is praised for its stunning interior and historical importance, offering a glimpse into Georgia's Jewish heritage. However, some visitors have encountered less-than-ideal experiences with staff, particularly regarding charity requests and brief access. Despite these mixed reviews, the architectural beauty and historical context make it a notable site for many.

"We came here very excited with my mom, this week is sukkot and we thought people might be here to talk and celebrate. But we got there and there was only a Jewish Georgian-polish man at the entrance. He invited us in. My mom was telling him how excited she was to be in a synagogue and telling him other stuff, but he was in a hurry and just wanted us to give charity to them, after we said no (cuz we didn't carry cash) he said that he needed to go home and kicked us out of the synagogue (his face completely change after we said we didn't have cash). Very sad that people supposed to take care of God's house are like this."

Manases Prychodko

"We read that this place is open from 9 to 12 on Saturdays, so we went there at 11 and despite what other reviews said, it was actually opened. We were asked to leave a service fee of 2 GEL each and we enjoyed the insides of the synagogue

Please note that you should use the gate on the back of the building, and not the one on the front"

Egor Artemov

"Closed to enter now a days I guess , I visited in day time did get enter but the statue outside you can take pictures and it’s really famous, I’m not sure about who’s statue it is tbh but if you are a traveler and want add up beautiful pics with your collection this place is good for that. Nothing much to experience"

Hassan Bhatti

What People Like

Stunning interior
Historical significance
Architectural beauty

What People Dislike

Pushy charity requests
Inconsistent hours
Brief access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kutaisi Synagogue is located in the city center of Kutaisi, Georgia. It's accessible by local taxi or by walking if you are staying nearby. Many visitors find it easy to locate using GPS on their phones. TikTok

Street parking may be available in the vicinity, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak hours. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi. TikTok

From Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to the city center. The synagogue is a short walk from most central locations. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not a traditional ticketed attraction, visitors are often asked to pay a small service fee (around 2 GEL) for entry. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent. Some reviews suggest it's open from 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays, but it's best to check locally or be prepared for potential variations. Reddit

Yes, the synagogue is generally open to visitors of all backgrounds who wish to see its historical and architectural significance. Reddit

A small service fee, around 2 GEL, is sometimes requested for entry. Reddit

It's recommended to use the back gate for entry, as the front gate may be closed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography inside the synagogue may be permitted, but it's always best to be respectful and ask for permission if unsure. The exterior statue is a popular photo spot. Reddit

The identity of the statue outside the Kutaisi Synagogue is not widely known, but it's a notable landmark for photos. Reddit

Yes, the synagogue's architecture and the exterior statue offer excellent opportunities for memorable travel photos. TikTokReddit

🎫 🤝 Visitor Experience

Experiences vary. Some find the interior stunning and worth visiting, while others report negative interactions regarding charity requests or brief access. Reddit

It serves as both. It is an active religious site for the local Jewish community and also a point of historical and architectural interest for tourists. Instagram

Be aware that you might be asked for charity, and the opening hours can be unpredictable. Using the back gate is advised. Reddit

While most visits are uneventful, one TikTok video mentioned a concerning encounter in Kutaisi, though not specifically at the synagogue. Exercise general travel awareness. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Cultural Explorers

For those interested in the deep history of Jewish communities in Georgia, the Kutaisi Synagogue is a must-visit. It offers a tangible connection to centuries of Jewish life in the region, from ancient times to the present day. Instagram

Take time to appreciate the architecture and reflect on the historical narratives. Be prepared for potential interactions that might be more transactional than expected, but don't let it detract from the historical significance of the site. Reddit

Budget Travelers

The Kutaisi Synagogue is an affordable cultural stop. With a small service fee of around 2 GEL, it offers significant historical and architectural value for a minimal cost. Reddit

Focus on the visual aspects and historical context. While charity requests are mentioned, a polite 'no' is usually sufficient if you're not carrying cash or don't wish to donate. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Georgian Jewish History

Jews have a long and rich history in Georgia, with communities present since ancient times. In Late Antiquity, Mtskheta, the Iberian capital, was home to a significant Jewish population. Throughout the Middle Ages, Jewish communities thrived in various cities, including Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Tskhinvali. The first synagogue in Kutaisi was built in 1877, reflecting the enduring presence and development of Jewish life in the region. Instagram

This historical context makes the Kutaisi Synagogue more than just a building; it's a testament to centuries of cultural exchange and religious continuity in Georgia. Understanding this background can deepen your appreciation for the site during your visit. Instagram

Navigating the Visitor Experience

Visitor experiences at the Kutaisi Synagogue can be mixed. Many praise the stunning interior and historical significance, finding it a worthwhile stop. However, some reviews highlight less positive interactions, particularly concerning requests for charity. One visitor noted a sharp change in demeanor from an attendant when they couldn't offer cash. Reddit

Practical advice from travelers includes using the back gate for entry, as the front may be closed, and being prepared for a small service fee (around 2 GEL). While the synagogue is a place of worship, it's also a tourist attraction, and managing expectations about the interactions with custodians is key to a smoother visit. Reddit+1

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