The Colchian Fountain graces David Agmashenebeli Square, right at the heart of Kutaisi. Unlike many historical monuments, this striking landmark is a relatively recent addition to the city’s landscape. Conceived in 2011 by the renowned Georgian architect Davit Gogichaishvili, the fountain was part of a broader effort to breathe new life into the city’s image. It is often referred to as the most expensive fountain in Georgia—a statement once casually made by then-president Mikheil Saakashvili.
The fountain’s circular structure unfolds in multiple tiers, each one adorned with gilded sculptures of animals. These aren’t just decorative embellishments. Each figure is a meticulously enlarged replica of ancient bronze statues and jewelry pieces unearthed from the former Kingdom of Colchis—an ancient realm that once stretched across what is now western Georgia, with Kutaisi as one of its central cities. Though the fountain is young in years, it has swiftly become a magnet for tourists. Most sightseeing tours of Kutaisi begin right here, at this golden marvel.
David Agmashenebeli Square itself is named after Georgia’s revered King David IV, also known as “the Builder,” who reigned in the 12th century and ushered in an era of cultural and political flourishing. Over the past century, the square has undergone numerous transformations. Until 1924, it was home to the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky. The church was demolished to make way for a statue of Lenin, which was later replaced with a monument to Stalin. Decades later, Stalin too was removed, and the statue of King David the Builder on horseback took its place. Fortunately, unlike his predecessors, King David’s statue was spared from demolition during the construction of the new fountain. Instead, it was respectfully relocated to the square in front of the city’s railway station.
The grand unveiling of the Colchian Fountain took place in the summer of 2011, with President Saakashvili in attendance. For a city of just 140,000 inhabitants, the fountain is an impressively grand and luxurious installation. Its design masterfully blends Haragouli stone with brilliant gold accents and shimmering blue mosaics. The visual impact is striking both by day and by night.
With time and the continuous embrace of water, the golden coating on the sculptures slowly gives way to a burnished bronze patina. Yet this natural aging process lends the figures an even deeper character rather than diminishing their beauty. Locals suggest visiting the fountain at various times of day: under the sunlight, the water and gold surfaces glimmer like flames; by night, the lights add a mystical aura to the scene.
The thirty sculptures arranged across the fountain’s levels are not mere products of artistic imagination—they are steeped in ancient myth and archaeological significance. The Colchian Fountain pays homage to the rich legacy of the Colchian civilization, which is eternally intertwined with Georgian identity. Each statue is a scaled-up replica of actual artifacts uncovered in excavations of the ancient Colchis region. The originals, which date back to the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE, are now preserved in the National Museum of Georgia.
These artifacts are uniquely expressive. One can discern the influences of both the East and Classical Greece, but the prevailing tone is distinctly local—an authentic voice of an ancient, highly cultured civilization. The craftsmanship of these items is so sophisticated that it suggests the presence of a refined and deeply rooted cultural tradition, far ahead of its time.
The Kingdom of Colchis holds an essential place in Georgian history, immortalized in Greek mythology as the fabled land of the Golden Fleece and the destination of Jason and the Argonauts. To the ancient Greeks, Colchis stood at the edge of the known world—the place where the sun began its daily journey across the sky. For centuries, many believed Colchis was a mere legend, a mythical realm born of poetic imagination. But the persistent clues found in classical texts encouraged scholars and explorers to keep searching. And then, at last, discoveries were made. The myths proved true—Colchis was real. It was indeed the golden kingdom described in ancient chronicles: prosperous, sophisticated, and vast, with cities of grandeur.
Encircling the fountain are sculptures of animals once sacred to the Colchians: a lion, a ram, a tiger, a sheep, a mountain goat (tur), and a deer. Some of these figures are instantly recognizable. The lion, for instance—originally discovered in the Alazani Valley—graces both the 5-lari banknote and the logo of a prominent Georgian bank. Another distinctive feature is the statue of a traditional Georgian tamada, or toastmaster. Holding a horn filled with wine, the tamada symbolizes hospitality and celebration, key elements of Georgian culture.
Crowning the entire ensemble are horses—noble steeds said to belong to the legendary King Aeëtes of Colchis. These majestic animals add a final flourish to the monument, binding myth, archaeology, and national pride into one harmonious spectacle.