Join us for a fascinating journey into Georgia's Soviet past with our one-day tour to Chiatura and the Katskhi pillar from Tbilisi. Your adventure begins at morning when your driver and guide meet you at your hotel/residence. First, you will visit the Katskhi pillar, a breathtaking 40 meter ( 130 ft) natural limestone monolith towering over the Karshuna River gorge. On 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. Next, you will journey to Chiatura, an industrial town founded in the late 1800s, which played a vital role in Georgia's Soviet history as a centre of manganese mining. The town offers a glimpse into a bygone era with its 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 you explore the town, you will discover fascinating examples of Soviet brutalism and architecture. Chiatura is situated between steep valleys and deep gorges, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to this off-the-beaten-path destination. At the conclusion of your day, you will be driven back to Tbilisi and dropped off at your hotel/residence. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem of real Georgian history and industry.