Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar One Day Urbex Tour

If you wish to explore off the beaten path sights, this one day tour to Katskhi pillar and Chiatura from Tbilisi might be interesting. You will see a monastery on 40 m high hill, where monk Maxime has been living in solitude for 25 years. The Katskhi pillar will gift you breathtaking views, and you will feel the silence of this place. Plunge into the Soviet time visiting Chiatura. Look around the town riding communism-era cable cars.

Hotel pick-up available for the private tours

Mgvimevi Monastery built in the 8th century. Its facades are decorated with crosses and ornamental borders. Inside the church on the walls, there are mural paintings from the 8th century and the southern wall is covered with painting from the 16th century. An old fresco, which was discovered under a new layer, portraits a nobleman Rati from Racha Region together with his wife and his brother Niania Kakhaberisdze. A long tunnel under the church was strengthened by arches. Two important objects from the Mgvimevi Monastery, an engraved icon and a very rare curved wooden door made in the 11th century, are now kept in the Georgian National Museum. In the monastic complex, there is also a small church partly carved into the side of a cliff and two-storey bell tower built in the 12th–14th century.

The Katskhi pillar is a natural limestone monolith located at the village of Katskhi in western Georgian region of Imereti, near the town of Chiatura.

The major attraction here is the Stalin-era cable car system which is still in use and serves as the main mode of transport around the city. The cable cars traverse the Qvirilia River gorge connecting the town to the mines above via 10 cars for passengers and 2 cars for manganese transport. Some of the stations are adorned with murals of Soviet heroes. This aerial tram system spans over 6 km of cable and is highly regarded as an exemplary feat of Soviet engineering.

Chiatura is more than just cable cars! The walk around the centre was really pleasant and if you like the Soviet architecture you will appreciate the place even more.

In the evening, we will return to Tbilisi

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Subject to favorable weather conditions.
• The maximum capacity of the cable car is 4 people.
• Some cable lines are closed or under repair. Visiting them may not be possible.

• Private tour with a guide
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  Pickup included
• Small Group tour
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  Small Group tour: You'll get the chance to make new friends and enjoy a personalized experience without breaking the bank.

• Hotel pick-up (only for private tours)
• Local guide

• Lunch

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• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Friendly.ge: Transfers & Tours in Georgia.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tbilisi.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 12 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.