Tbilisi: Soviet Chiatura – Katskhi Column -Mgvimevi Convent in Chiatura

The Soviet Chiatura, Katskhi Column and Mgvimevi Convent in Chiatura are a trio of must-see sights around Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital. Rich in history and culture, this area offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the history and stories of the area, and explore its beauty at the same time. This guide will provide information about the area, as well as offering insights for those looking to explore an area typified by its distinct architecture, old monasteries and fascinating stories.

The Soviet Chiatura

The Soviet Chiatura is a crumbling yet beautiful remnant of the Soviet era, standing as a beacon of a past powerhouse of industry amidst the rolling hills of the Georgian landscape. This former mining town was built at the dawn of the Soviet era, replicating a picturesque and often industrial version of a mountain version of a small town. From here, you can take a tour of the many old factories, some in disrepair and some still very much functioning part of the mining industry. On your tour, you’ll hear stories of the Soviet period, then come face-to-face with the harsh realities and conditions in which workers toiled in order to bring jobs and industry in to the area.

The city was designed around a series of narrow Gauge railway lines which connected it with Tbilisi. The Chiatura railway system connected the entire city together and provided an efficient transportation link for commuters and for the minerals produced in the mines to be shipped out. To this day, it is possible to use some of these railways to experience some rather unique views of the sprawling Soviet landscape.

Viewers can also enjoy typical Soviet architecture such as apartment blocks and drab colouring (often grey) as seen throughout the city on buildings, canals and factories. The city does however have its own unique charm due to its tucked away location, mysterious atmosphere and fascinating tales.

The Katskhi Column

The Katskhi Column is a limestone column reaching 40 meters tall. It is an incredible sight when viewed from afar, surrounded by rolling hills that allow passersby to get a great view of the column from a distance. The column itself has an interesting history associated with it, having been thought to have been used by local hermits as a place of worship and isolation at some points throughout its history.

The Column is also known for its unique flora growing on top of it. Moss and indigenous plants have grown atop this limestone cliff for centuries, giving visitors beautiful visuals when viewed close up. The Katskhi Column is thought to have been built around 1,300 years ago and the ruins of a 6th century church can be seen alongside it.

Visitors can even climb to the top of the Katkhsi Column using a staircase inside of it. The top has a stunning view of the surrounding landscape, which makes scaling it well worth the effort! Whilst at the top visitors can visit the modern chapel housing some incredible artwork, statues and relics of the early Georgian Church. It is well worth taking your time to explore this piece of history thoroughly.

Mgvimevi Convent

The Mgvimevi Monastery (or Monastery of St John) is one of the most famous places associated with Soviet Chiatura. This convent is located on top of a hillside close to the column and has incredible views towards scenic local countryside. The dome houses some remarkable frescoes depicting Biblical figures painted during its construction in 1208. Inside you can explore various renovated chapels which still show ancient graffiti scrawled by monks that can be read on their walls.

Whilst visiting this site, visitors can also walk through forests full of deer and other wildlife which help support its diverse ecosystems. The Monastery itself includes some fascinating ruins that give you great insight into its foundation (the earliest buildings on site date back to around 800 years ago). Additionally there are numerous old Byzantine structures that have remained in use over time despite their crumbling state today.

Conclusion

The Soviet Chiatura, Katskhi Column and Mgvimevi Monastery all offer incredible insight into the history around Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital city. These remarkable sights give visitors a great chance to explore some truly interesting Soviet-era buildings and discover some fascinating stories associated with them during their visit. Be sure to visit these fantastic places when traveling around Tbilisi for an experience that’s sure to be unforgettable!

If you’d like to experience more about this area, why not book one of GetYourGuide’s guided tours around these incredible landmarks? You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable experts who will show you hidden gems and unravel further secrets behind this historic area.