Things to do in

Chiatura

Embark on a captivating full day trip that unveils the rustic charm of Chiatura, a fascinating town nestled in the heart of Georgia. Starting and concluding in the historical city of Kutaisi, this excursion promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, unique Soviet-era history, and cultural immersion. Itinerary: 10:00AM - 10:30 AM - Departure from Kutaisi Central Square,Macdonalds, 1 Tbilisi street. Your journey begins at the heart of Kutaisi, we invite you to meet us at 10:00 AM in front of the iconic McDonald's on Tbilisi Street, a well-known and easily accessible location. Look for our team members, identifiable by their red scarves, ready to welcome you and ensure a smooth start to your day's adventure. Meet local guide in Chiatura . After a scenic 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kutaisi, you will arrive in Chiatura, a town steeped in industrial history and nestled in a dramatic valley. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet with a local guide, an expert well-versed in the stories, history, and hidden gems of Chiatura. Visit to Katskhi Pillar (1 hour) As you observe the Katskhi Pillar, the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder become evident, offering a moment of reflection on the incredible feats of early Christian ascetics who sought solitude and spiritual elevation in such remote and challenging locations. Mghvimevi Cave Monastery, (40 minutes ) Set aside 40 minutes to immerse yourself in the serene and spiritual ambiance of the Mghvimevi Cave Monastery, a historical and religious treasure located near the town of Chiatura in Georgia. Chiatura Cable Cars and Viewpoint (1 hour) Following the cable car ride, visit the Chiatura Viewpoint, a vantage point that presents a breathtaking panoramic view of the town. From this elevated location, you can fully appreciate the dramatic landscape that surrounds Chiatura, including the winding river, the striking geological formations, and the juxtaposition of nature with the town's industrial framework. Lunch and Local Tasting (1 hour) Dedicate an hour of your journey in Chiatura, Georgia, to indulge in a delightful local tasting experience, blending a quick yet satisfying lunch with the unique flavors of the region. Chiatura railway station (10 minutes) Chiatura Railway Station, situated in the industrious town of Chiatura in Georgia, Europe, serves as a crucial transport hub, embodying a blend of historical significance and modern functionality. The theatre(30 minutes) Set aside 30 minutes to step into the historical world of Chiatura's unique theatre, a cultural gem that has been a part of the town's artistic landscape for over 100 years. 04:30PM Departure from Chiatura. to Kutaisi. 06:00 PM - Return to Kutaisi:Conclude the excursion and return to Kutaisi Central Square or Kutaisi International Airport.

Discover the most striking examples of brutalist architecture, visit some fascinating museums off the touristic path and see how Soviet heritage is still a part of city´s infrastructure and modern life. Tbilisi still has a large number of Soviet buildings, residential and governmental, that are spread throughout the city, away from the touristic historical center. You will see some stunning examples of refurbished concrete giants, as well as decaying Brutalism, among them the former Ministry of Roads, the Skybridge houses, the Chronicle of Georgia monument and many more hidden gems. This tour is perfect for urbex lovers, photographers, modern history fans and anyone who wants to see a different, non-touristic part of Tbilisi.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Kutaisi, to explore the hidden gems of the Georgias Imereti region. Take a captivating adventure, starting with a visit to the Katskhi pillar, a 40-meter-high limestone monolith with a church on top. You will visit a small church at the foot of the pillar and listen to the stories of how one monk just recently used to live on top of the pillar isolated from the world. The next stop will be the mining town of Chiatura, once number 1 in manganese mining, and was renowned for its unique Soviet-era cable car system, which was installed in the 1950s to transport miners and residents up and down the steep hillsides. Believe it or not, until today cable cars are one of the main means of public transport for the locals. The old cable cars were changed to the new ones, but you will see some of the old cable cars, aka "flying coffins" hanging on the abandoned lines. You will take a ride on a new Chiatura gondola lift and feel like a local for some time. You will spot Soviet monuments and mosaics scattered around Chiatura, and also see typical soviet residential buildings. Continue the expedition to the tranquil Mghvimevi convent, a serene sanctuary tucked away in the verdant forests near Chiatura. Dating back to the 6th century, this secluded monastery is renowned for its stunning frescoes, ancient cave dwellings, and sacred springs. Take a leisurely stroll through the convent's tranquil grounds, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and marveling at the architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides will regale you with fascinating tales of Georgia's history, culture, and traditions, providing insights into the significance of each stop on the itinerary.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into Georgia's industrial past with our one-day Urbex tour to Chiatura and the Katskhi Pillar from Tbilisi. Your adventure begins in the morning when your driver and guide meet you at your hotel or apartments in Tbilisi. First, we will visit the awe-inspiring Katskhi Pillar, a breathtaking 40-meter (130 ft) natural limestone monolith that towers over the Karshuna River gorge. At the top of the pillar, you will find a reconstructed 8th-century church and a small monastery where the only inhabitant is a monk named Maxime. He has lived in solitude and silence here for over 25 years, making this an extraordinary spiritual destination. Next, we will journey to Chiatura, an industrial town founded in the late 1800s, which played a vital role in Georgia's mining industry. The town offers a glimpse into a bygone era with its unique and Soviet-era cable car system still in use by locals. This transport system has over a dozen operating ropeway lines for passengers and two cargo lines for transporting manganese. The total length of the cableway exceeds 6,000 meters. As we explore the town, you will discover fascinating examples of brutalist architecture and hidden gems of the Soviet past. Chiatura is situated between steep valleys and deep gorges, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors interested in urban exploration and industrial heritage. At the end of the day, we will drive you back to Tbilisi and drop you off at your hotel or residence. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Georgian industrial heritage with our urbex tour to Chiatura and the Katskhi Pillar. Book now and explore this off-the-beaten-path destination with us!

Our journey to Soviet times starts with a Tour to Chiatura. A small village, becoming world known after discovery of huge manganese deposits in the area. As a result, development of Manganese industry brought significant changes to the area. New prospects attracted international investors and foreign capital. As a result, in 1879 manganese mines started to operate and City of Chiatura appeared on the map. Following infrastructural developments (at the end of 19th century) manganese export from Chiatura amounted to 30% of world export. But the city become known for its system of cable cars connecting the city’s center to the mining settlements on the surrounding hills. Tour to Chiatura Itinerary: Start time: 09:30 End time 17:00 Katskhi Pillar; Chiatura House of Culture; Chiatura Pioneers Palace; Cable car Stations; Mgvimevi Monastery Chiatura Stadion; Scrap Steam Trains graveyard; During Chiatura tour we visit not only industrial sights, but also religious and historical places in the area. Along the way to mining town we meet the Katskhi pillar. As soon as we approach the Katskhi village, among the rocky mountains we notice natural limestone monolith. It’s approximately 40 metres (130 ft) hight with visible church ruins on a top surface (150 m). It has been venerated by locals as the Pillar of Life and a symbol of the True Cross. Another amazing monument of Georgian Church architecture, Mgvimevi Monastery, is also on our list. Founded in middle ages, it was carved into rocks. Its main highlight is a 13th-century two-nave basilica, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God. After Exploring Chiatura, we head to Tskaltubo, famous Soviet Spa Resort, still preserving the Glory of once Grand Sanatorium Epoch. As you wander through the echoing corridors, listen closely to the whispers of the past. The walls, adorned with remnants of frescoes and forgotten murals, bear witness to the vibrant life that once thrived within. These whispers invite you to imagine the bustling energy that filled these spaces.

This two-day excursion will give you the opportunity to see the most beautiful corners of Imeretia. To make the most of it, we'll set off early. After a 3h30 drive, we'll start at the Gelati monastery, one of the most beautiful in Georgia. Afterwards, you can choose one of these 3 activities : Tskaltubo and Tetra Cave OR Prometheus Cave OR Sataplia nature reserve. The end of the day will be devoted to Koutaïssi town center, with its market, white bridge, narrow streets and Colchis fountain. The second day excursion is one of the most unusual. It plunges you into the Soviet past of a partially abandoned mining town. Several Urbex spots will be presented to you, including former cable car stations, the Soviet Young Pioneers Palace and the Brutalist soccer stadium. We'll start the day at your hotel early in the morning, and make our way first to the impressive Katskhi Pillar. This 40-metre-high natural limestone monolith dominates the Karshuna River gorge. At the top, an 8th-century church houses a solitary monk. After this photo session, we'll head for Chiatura, a Soviet industrial town built on manganese mines. The town's cable car system enabled people to travel from one hill to the next. The aim was to increase productivity. Of the 12 lines at the time, 4 have been renovated. The rest have been abandoned. The new lines will give us access to various Urbex points, including fascinating examples of Brutalist architecture and hidden gems from the Soviet past. At the end of the day, we'll make a stop at the Mgvimevi monastery before taking you back to Tbilisi. This very special tour off the beaten track will immerse you in a bygone past. Book now.