A one-day tour from Kutaisi to the Katskhi Pillar, the city of Chiatura, and the Mgvimevi Monastery differs from other tours. The sights included in the program are located on the rocks. The Katskhi Pillar is famous for the fact that a small temple was built on a stone pillar 40 meters high, which can only be reached by a hanging staircase. Chiatura is built among huge rocks, and some parts of the city are located at different levels, and cable cars were built to move between them. And the last point of this tour is the small monastery of Mgvimevi, partially carved into a huge rock. On this tour, you will understand that Georgians can build anywhere.
Tour itinerary:
Kutaisi – Katskhi Pillar – Chiatura – Mghvemevi Monastery – Kutaisi
Today we will visit Katskhi Pillar, a 40-meter-high massive skyward limestone monolith with a church perched on its top. Believed to be built by Stylites in the early medieval period, the church has always been a magnet for ascetic monks seeking for remoteness from worldly life. Today this stunning natural monument is under protection of state. We will then continue to the post-soviet industrial town of Chiatura famous for magnesium production. Locals use cable cars to move between different parts of Chiatura. We will do the same and enjoy the panoramic view of what some may describe as “brutal beauty of soviet legacy”. Our final stop for today is a rock-hewn Mghvemevi Monastery. The site draws tourists and locals due to its well-preserved frescoes which document the life of Jesus and his 12 apostles. We will then return to Kutaisi to finish out One-Day Tour to Katskhi, Chiatura, and Mgvimevi (~ 2h, 75 km).
Price includes:
- All transfers as per itinerary;
- English speaking guide;
- Mineral water;
- Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights.
