Prometheus (Kumistavi) Cave near Kutaisi.

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Prometheus Cave developed 60-70 million years ago in the Sataphlia-Tskaltubo karst massif. While it is known to be the largest cave in Georgia, the cave’s exact size is unclear as exploration work remains underway. However, a 1.8km long segment, thought to represent just 10% of the entire cave, is open to visitors.
To date, 22 halls have been discovered inside the cave. Only the following six halls are accessible to tourists: Argonauts, Kolkheti, Medea, Love, Hall, and Iberia. It takes about 45 minutes to explore these magical halls full of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground waterfalls, lakes, and rivers.
History of the Cave

In 1982, the Soviet authorities started searching for caves that could protect the population during a nuclear war. For this purpose, a special group was formed at the Institute of Geography in Tbilisi. On 15 July 1983, members of the Institute’s speleological expedition, Jumber Jishkariani, Amiran Jamrishvili, Vakhtang Kapanadze, and Tamaz Kobulashvili discovered a new cave near the village of Kumistavi. The following year, work began on a tourism development plan for this cave. Later, a detailed study of the cave began, led by the academic Zurab Tatashidze. Between 1986 and 1990, the first paths were created in the cave, with a total length of 1,050 metres.
However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, Georgia found itself in a difficult economic situation. As a result, all work in the cave was suspended. Nevertheless, during this time a guard called Giorgi Tkabladze protected the cave from vandals without receiving any remuneration. In 2010, a statue of Tkabladze and his dog was placed at the cave’s exit, to commemorate their incredible work.
In 2007, rehabilitation work started once again in the cave. After many years, a detailed study was conducted, and new infrastructure was developed. The cave was officially opened to visitors in 2011 and named “Prometheus Cave”. Much of the cave requires further research, and exploration work is ongoing.

Name of the Cave

The name “Prometheus Cave” is linked to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who was chained to a rock in the Caucasus mountains for teaching humans the secrets of the Gods – in particular, for giving them fire. Zeus sent eagles to feed on Prometheus’ liver, which, as the liver was perpetually renewed, caused him pain every day.
In addition to the cave being named after Prometheus, the Argonauts’ voyage to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece is represented in the names of the cave’s halls: Argonauts Hall, Kolkheti Hall, Medea Hall, Love Hall, Prometheus Hall, and Iberia Hall.