Kumistavi Cave, also known as the cave of Prometheus, is located near the Georgian town of Tskhaltubo, 20 km from Kutaisi, Imereti region, in the west of the country. The cave was discovered in 1984 and is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it’s 1000 plus meter route. A 280 meter boat tour on an underground river is also available at times.
If you’re lucky enough to be in a quiet and respectful group of fellow visitors, the cave exploration can be quite magical. The concrete paths and steps are well-laid (it took workmen four years to get it done!), and the multi-colored lighting is something truly spectacular (“Fairy land!” my 6-year-old daughter whispered delightedly). Stalactites, stalagmites, mirror pools, petrified waterfalls, “bottomless holes,” huge cavernous ceilings and a trip to the lowest point with a river miraculously running through. The guide service could do with developing- little details have to be asked for as there are no signs and only basic information is given, no fun legends or dark secrets (like the fact the paths were first developed there during soviet times with the intention of making the caves a bunker for authorities to hide out in). Prometheus wasn’t mentioned once on the tour, and although we can guess that that particular legend didn’t take place there, it would at least be fun to pretend and spice up the visit with some “maybes” and “what ifs!”
The Prometheus Myth- Georgian version
The Caucasians have their own version of the Prometheus tale to explain the mysterious Kumistavi cave. Legend has it that Amirani, like Prometheus, angered the gods and was punished. Day and night eagles tormented him by pecking at his liver; however, in contrast to the Greek giant, the cruel gods chained Amirani not to a rock, but somewhere inside a huge cave. That cave is thought to have been Kumistavi.
WHERE: Outside Tskhaltubo town. From Kutaisi bus station (next to Kutaisi Macdonald’s restaurant) take the minibus to Tskaltubo (წყალტუბო). At Tskaltubo bus terminal/market take a taxi to the cave (10 min)
TICKET: A standard tour is 20 GEL for non-Georgians, 10 GEL for Georgians (5 GEL for children and students)
OPEN: Daily, except Mondays. November to April - 10 AM - 5 PM, May to August - 10 AM - 6 PM, in September and October from 10 am - 5:30 PM.