Okros Chardakhi Palace

Okros Chardakhi, also known as the “Golden Canopy” or “Golden Gallery,” was once the official residence of the kings of Imereti. It is one of the oldest surviving architectural monuments in Kutaisi. While the exact date of its construction remains unknown, historical chronicles confirm that the structure dates back to the era of the Imeretian Kingdom — one of the three independent feudal realms that once made up Georgia.

Our understanding of the palace’s original form comes mainly from the written accounts of travelers who visited the region centuries ago. The earliest known mention of Okros Chardakhi appears in the 15th century, in the writings of Italian traveler Ambrogio Contarini. Later, in the 17th century, Russian envoys Tolochanov and Ivlev also documented the site. From their detailed descriptions, it is evident that the residence consisted of several distinct structures: a grand house, a smaller secondary building, a dining hall, and the Church of St. George. The entire complex was well fortified, encircled by stone walls and watchtowers.

According to legend, a lush garden once flourished within the palace grounds. It was here that the kings of Imereti held grand celebrations and conducted affairs of state. Beneath the shade of a mighty plane tree in the palace courtyard, monarchs were said to dispense justice and ratify executions, lending the garden a solemn and symbolic significance.

Throughout the 17th century, the Okros Chardakhi complex suffered significant damage as a result of frequent armed conflicts. By the 1770s, the residence had been largely abandoned. It saw partial restoration during the reign of Solomon II, the last king of Imereti. However, following Georgia’s incorporation into the Russian Empire, the palace was repurposed and its function fundamentally altered.

By the beginning of the 19th century, all that remained of the once opulent royal compound was the church with its bell tower and the smaller residential building. Over time, only the Small House endured. Its architecture and interior decor remained almost entirely untouched until it was eventually converted into a private residence. In the process, the grand hall was subdivided into smaller rooms, though the lower level of the structure was preserved in its original form.

Okros Chardakhi is a large two-story building constructed with robust stone masonry. The first floor consists of a series of powerful, high stone arches embedded in thick stone walls — a deliberate design choice intended to ensure the building’s stability even during severe floods.

The second floor, though relatively low in height, is bordered on all sides by a wooden balcony. Numerous windows perforate the walls, flooding the interior with natural light. The roof, composed of four sloping sides, is covered in traditional tiles. Due to the sloped terrain, one side of the upper floor aligns with the ground level, allowing direct access to the balcony via a steep stone staircase. This entryway leads to the palace’s central hall, where an array of historical artifacts from the Bagrationi dynasty are displayed — including paintings, religious icons, and other valuable heirlooms.

It is worth noting that the entire structure has undergone comprehensive restoration. The upper floor has been plastered and painted, as have the rows of wooden columns, balconies, and other architectural details. While the renovation has preserved the structure, it has also somewhat altered its historical aesthetic, stripping it of the dignified patina of age that once characterized its noble presence.

Today, Okros Chardakhi is under the stewardship of the local Patriarchate. As a result, formal guided tours are not conducted within the palace. However, according to locals, visitors can still access the interior — often free of charge or in exchange for a modest donation. To confirm availability, it is best to consult local guides.

The palace is situated in Kutaisi’s Old Town — one of the city’s most charming and scenic quarters. The best views of Okros Chardakhi can be enjoyed from the nearby pedestrian bridge or while riding the cable car, the lower station of which lies just a few steps from the historic residence.