How to Plan Your Tour in Chiatura: Private Tour to Soviet Chiatura & Katskhi Column

If you’re interested in Soviet history and architecture, then a visit to the Cable Car City of Georgia, Chiatura, should definitely be on your bucket list. Dominated by Soviet-style apartment blocks, Chiatura has a fascinating history to share. A tour of this city will help you step back in time and experience the classic Soviet-style architecture that characterizes Chiatura. You’ll also have the chance to marvel at the Katskhi Pillar and explore Mgvimevi Convent. Here is how to plan your tour in Chiatura:

Experience

During this private tour, you’ll have the chance to experience the following:

• Step back in time and experience Chiatura’s classic Soviet-style architecture
• Marvel at the Katskhi Pillar and the daring heights that monks climb every day
• Explore Mgvimevi Convent
• Travel like the Georgians of the Cold War with a cable car ride through Chiatura
• Learn about the city’s longstanding history as well as its more recent Soviet legacy

Highlights

The highlights of this tour include:

12:10 Arrival in Chiatura

You’ll arrive in Chiatura at 12:10 and be met by your guide. The tour starts with a visit to Mgvimevi Convent.

Mgvimevi Convent

Mgvimevi Convent is a working nunnery and church that is embedded in the side of a rocky cliff. It features beautiful stone engravings, a glass box displaying three human skulls and other relics, and a small chapel with beautiful frescoes and a wooden iconoclast. It takes around 15 minutes to scale the stairs to the top of the cliff where the convent is located.

Katskhi Pillar

Next, you’ll visit the Katskhi Pillar, a natural limestone monolith that rises 40 meters above the surrounding area. A small church was built on top of the pillar in the 9th century, and it has been a site of Christian worship ever since. Monks still climb the pillar every day to maintain the church and to pray.

Cable Car Ride

After visiting the Katskhi Pillar, you’ll travel like the Georgians of the Cold War with a cable car ride through Chiatura. This city has an extensive network of Soviet-era cable cars, many of which are still in use today. The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

Booking Information

If you’re interested in booking a tour to Chiatura, you can do so on this website. The tour is offered by a third-party company and includes a private guide, transportation, and entrance fees. It’s important to note that this tour involves a significant amount of walking, climbing stairs, and riding a cable car, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Book Your Tour Now

A tour of Chiatura is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into Soviet history and architecture. With its cable cars, Soviet-style apartment blocks, and religious sites, Chiatura has something to offer everyone. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can plan your tour to Chiatura with confidence and make the most of this fascinating city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiatura

1. Where is Chiatura located?

Chiatura is a city in the Imereti region of Georgia. It is located in the western part of the country, about 220 kilometers from the capital city, Tbilisi.

2. What is Chiatura known for?

Chiatura is best known for its historic cable cars, which were built in the mid-20th century to transport workers to the city’s manganese mines. Today, the cable cars are a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique way to see the city’s landscape.

3. How do I get to Chiatura?

You can get to Chiatura by car or by bus from Tbilisi. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by car and about 4-5 hours by bus. There is also a train service that runs from Tbilisi to Chiatura, although the journey can take up to 8 hours.

4. What are the best things to do in Chiatura?

In addition to riding the cable cars, visitors to Chiatura can explore the city’s historic architecture, including its Soviet-era buildings and churches. There are also several nearby natural attractions, including the Sataplia Cave and the Katskhi Pillar.

5. What is the best time of year to visit Chiatura?

The best time to visit Chiatura is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the cable cars operate year-round, so you can visit Chiatura at any time of year.

6. What is the history of Chiatura’s cable cars?

Chiatura’s cable cars were built in the mid-20th century to transport workers to the city’s manganese mines. At their peak, there were nearly 20 different lines operating throughout the city. Today, several of the lines have been decommissioned, but a handful remain in operation as tourist attractions.

7. Are the cable cars safe?

The cable cars in Chiatura are generally considered safe, although they are quite old and can be a bit rickety. Visitors should follow all safety instructions and remain seated while riding the cable cars.

8. How much does it cost to ride the cable cars?

The cost of riding the cable cars varies depending on the route and the number of passengers. As of 2021, a typical one-way ticket costs between 5-10 Georgian lari (approximately $1.50-$3 USD).

9. What other attractions are there in Chiatura?

In addition to the cable cars, there are several other attractions in Chiatura, including the Katskhi Pillar, which is a monolithic limestone column topped with a church. There is also the Sataplia Cave, which features stalactites, stalagmites, and dinosaur footprints.

10. Where should I stay when visiting Chiatura?

There are several hotels and guesthouses in Chiatura, ranging from budget to mid-range. Alternatively, you could stay in nearby towns like Kutaisi or Tskaltubo and take a day trip to Chiatura.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Chiatura

Chiatura is a small town in Georgia that has a unique appeal to tourists. With its Soviet-era cable car system and stunning natural scenery, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this hidden gem of a destination. If you’re planning a trip to Chiatura and want to make the most of your time there, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that.

Step 1: Take a Ride on the Cable Cars

One of the main attractions in Chiatura is its cable car system, which was built in the 1950s to transport workers to the manganese mines in the hills. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors stunning views of the town and its surroundings. There are two cable car routes in Chiatura: one that goes to the top of the hill overlooking the town and one that goes to the nearby Katskhi Pillar, a natural limestone monolith that is home to a small church. Both routes offer breathtaking views, and the cable cars themselves are an attraction in their own right, with their vintage design and Soviet-era charm.

Step 2: Explore Chiatura’s History

Chiatura has a rich history that is still visible in its architecture and surrounding landscape. One of the best places to get a sense of this history is at the Museum of Chiatura, which showcases the town’s mining and industrial heritage. Another interesting site to visit is the St. George Church, which was built in the 19th century and is one of the few remaining examples of traditional Georgian church architecture in the region.

Step 3: Go Hiking and Take in the Nature

Chiatura is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience it. There are several hiking trails in the hills surrounding the town, each offering its own unique views and experiences. One popular hike is the trail to the Katskhi Pillar, which begins at the base of the cable car station and takes about two hours round-trip. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as some of the region’s endemic flora and fauna.

Step 4: Try the Local Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is world-renowned for its delicious flavors and hearty dishes, and Chiatura is no exception. There are several local restaurants in town that serve up traditional Georgian dishes, such as khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and shashlik (grilled meat). One popular restaurant is the Rustaveli restaurant, which serves up a variety of traditional dishes in a cozy and authentic atmosphere.

Step 5: Visit the Surrounding Villages

Chiatura is surrounded by several small villages that offer a glimpse into rural Georgian life. One such village is Zemo Sakara, which is known for its traditional architecture and scenic beauty. Another village worth visiting is Tskaltubo, which is home to a series of natural hot springs and spas. Here, you can relax and unwind in the soothing waters while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Book Your Tour Now

Chiatura is a hidden gem of a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing and enjoying good food, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this unique Georgian town. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you make the most of your time in Chiatura and experience all that this fascinating destination has to offer.