Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar One Day Urbex Tour

Discover Georgia’s hidden industrial heritage on this offbeat day trip to Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar. Travel through dramatic mountain landscapes to one of the country’s most extraordinary landmarks — a 40-meter natural limestone monolith crowned with a small hermitage, symbolizing human perseverance and isolation. Continue to Chiatura, a surreal Soviet-era mining town once known as the “city of cable cars.” Ride the original Stalin-era gondolas, explore abandoned factories and murals, and feel the nostalgic atmosphere of Georgia’s industrial past. This private full-day tour combines history, architecture, and photography in one unforgettable journey beyond the usual tourist trails.

1. 1

   Friendly.ge Tours & Experiences

   Pass by

   Hotel pick-up available for the private tours

2. 2

   Monastery Mgvimevi

   45 min

   Mgvimevi Monastery built in the 8th century. Its facades are decorated with crosses and ornamental borders. Inside the church on the walls, there are mural paintings from the 8th century and the southern wall is covered with painting from the 16th century. An old fresco, which was discovered under a new layer, portraits a nobleman Rati from Racha Region together with his wife and his brother Niania Kakhaberisdze. A long tunnel under the church was strengthened by arches. Two important objects from the Mgvimevi Monastery, an engraved icon and a very rare curved wooden door made in the 11th century, are now kept in the Georgian National Museum. In the monastic complex, there is also a small church partly carved into the side of a cliff and two-storey bell tower built in the 12th–14th century.

3. 3

   Katskhi Pillar

   45 min

   The Katskhi pillar is a natural limestone monolith located at the village of Katskhi in western Georgian region of Imereti, near the town of Chiatura.

4. 4

   Cableways Chiatura

   3 hours

   The major attraction here is the Stalin-era cable car system which is still in use and serves as the main mode of transport around the city. The cable cars traverse the Qvirilia River gorge connecting the town to the mines above via 10 cars for passengers and 2 cars for manganese transport. Some of the stations are adorned with murals of Soviet heroes. This aerial tram system spans over 6 km of cable and is highly regarded as an exemplary feat of Soviet engineering.

5. 5

   Chiatura

   2 hours

   Chiatura is more than just cable cars! The walk around the centre was really pleasant and if you like the Soviet architecture you will appreciate the place even more.

6. 6

   Tbilisi

   10 min

   In the evening, we will return to Tbilisi

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Subject to favorable weather conditions.
• The maximum capacity of the cable car is 4 people.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.