How to Plan Your Tour to Tbilisi: Soviet Chiatura – Katskhi Column – Mgvimevi Convent

If you are interested in Soviet history and architecture, then Chiatura is a must-visit destination. This city is known for its extensive network of Soviet-era cable cars, and Soviet-style apartment blocks dominate the cityscape. With this tour, you will not only get to experience the city’s Soviet legacy but also explore the natural wonders and religious sites.

Experience

The tour takes you on a journey through the city’s Cold War history, where you will experience the following:

Highlights

– 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, a working nunnery and church embedded in the side of a rocky cliff.
– 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.

Full Description

The tour starts at Chiatura at 12:10, where you will explore the mesmerizing Mgvimevi Convent, a working nunnery and church embedded in the side of a rocky cliff. The convent has a beautiful stone engraving, a glass box displaying three human skulls and other relics, and a small chapel with beautiful frescoes and a wooden iconoclasm. It takes around 15 minutes to scale the stairs, but the view from the top is breathtaking.

After the visit to the Mgvimevi Convent, you will take a cable car ride through Chiatura, which is an excellent way to experience the unique transport that was once used by the people of Georgia during the Cold War. The cable car ride takes you over the lush green hills of Chiatura, giving you an unparalleled view of the town.

The last stop on this tour is the Katskhi Pillar, a towering limestone monolith with a small church perched on the top. This pillar is considered one of the most important religious sites in Georgia, and it is believed that monks have been climbing the pillar every day for the past two thousand years. This pilgrimage up the 40-meter tall pillar requires guts, but for those who make it to the top, the view is spectacular.

Booking the Tour

Booking the tour is easy. Simply head to this link and complete the booking process. You will receive confirmation of your booking, and all the necessary information about the tour will be sent to your email.

Conclusion

Tbilisi is a city that has a lot to offer, and Chiatura is one of the hidden gems that should not be missed. With this tour, you get the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a Soviet-era cable car, explore the religious splendor of Mgvimevi Convent, and marvel at the daring heights that monks climb every day. So, book your tour today and get ready for an incredible journey through the history and culture of Georgia.

An Insider’s Guide to Tbilisi: Exploring Soviet Chiatura, Katskhi Column, and Mgvimevi Convent

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture that is sure to captivate any traveler. One of the unique aspects of Tbilisi is the ability to explore its Soviet past through a tour of Chiatura, Katskhi Column, and Mgvimevi Convent. In this insider’s guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary for exploring these three fascinating destinations.

Chiatura: A Journey Through Time

Start your tour in Chiatura, a small mining town located about 220 kilometers from Tbilisi. Chiatura is a fascinating place with a rich Soviet history, famous for its cable cars and manganese mines. Some of the highlights include:

• Take a ride on the iconic Stalin-era cable cars, which are over 60 years old. The cable car system was built to transport workers and materials to the mines, and it is still functional today.
• Visit the Chiatura State Museum of Local Lore and History, which provides an in-depth look at the local culture and history of Chiatura and the surrounding areas.
• Take a walk through the streets of Chiatura and admire the beautiful architecture, which is a mix of neo-classical and Soviet-era buildings.

Katskhi Column: A Spiritual Haven

The next stop on your tour is Katskhi Column, a natural limestone column that rises 40 meters above the surrounding area. This column is well-known for its monastic hermitage perched atop its summit, which provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Some of the highlights include:

• Take a hike up to the top of the column, which involves climbing a 20-meter ladder to reach the top. This climb is not for the faint of heart but will be very rewarding.
• Visit the Katskhi Monastery located at the bottom of the column, where you can learn more about the history of the hermitage and the monks who inhabit it.
• Take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and marvel at the natural beauty of the area.

Mgvimevi Convent: A Hidden Gem

The final stop on your tour is the Mgvimevi Convent, a hidden gem tucked away in a remote valley about 30 kilometers from Tbilisi. This convent is one of the oldest monasteries in Georgia and is known for its beautiful frescoes and ancient architecture. Some of the highlights include:

• Explore the ancient caves and tunnels that make up the Mgvimevi complex, which has been inhabited by monks for over a thousand years.
• Visit the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, which is adorned with stunning frescoes and is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the complex.
• Take a peaceful walk through the surrounding forests and valleys, which provide a stunning backdrop for the convent.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Options

If you have additional time during your visit to Tbilisi, here are a few other off-the-beaten-path options to consider:

• Visit the Sabaduri Forest and enjoy a picnic among the tall trees.
• Explore the David Gareja Monastery Complex, which is located in a remote desert and has a rich history dating back to the 6th century.
• Visit the nearby town of Kaspi and try some of the delicious local cuisine, including khinkali and khachapuri.

Conclusion

Tbilisi and the surrounding area are full of fascinating Soviet-era sites that provide a unique perspective on the city’s past. By visiting Chiatura, Katskhi Column, and Mgvimevi Convent, you will be able to explore this history in depth and uncover some of Georgia’s hidden gems. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through time!