1-day excursion to Katskhi Pillar, Mgvimevi monastery built in the rock and Chiatura town
1 day
from 4 persons
ALL YEAR
40 euros per person
1 day
from 4 persons
ALL YEAR
40 euros per person
1-day excursion to Katskhi Pillar, Mgvimevi monastery built in the rock and Chiatura town
Unique sites of the Imeretia region Katskhi Pillar and the town of Chiatura:
- Start from Kutaisi around 9:30 am
- Katskhi Pillar
- Mgvimevi rock monastery
- City of Chiatura
- Return to Kutaisi around 6 p.m.
We start the tour in Kutaisi. We will pick you up from the airport/hotel and set off in the route.
Our first destination will be the Katskhi Pillar, located among the picturesque rocks, known as the pillar of life. It was formerly worshipped by pagans as a symbol of fertility. It is a natural limestone monolith 40 metres high. Originally, there were 2 monasteries on its summit from the 5th to 6th century. It is believed that ascetics lived here during the early days of Christianity in Georgia. After the Ottoman invasion of Georgia, the site was abandoned.
What hides the pillar was rediscovered in 1944. The mountaineer Alexander Japaridze climbed there. In the 1990s, the place got a new life. Maxime Qavtaradze, who decided to take monastic vows after his release from prison, settled there. He took part in the restoration of the place with the support of a grant from the Cultural Heritage Protection and Rescue Fund. In addition, a small house was built here and a metal ladder was installed.
Only men can go up the mountain with the permission of the clergy. Maxime himself only goes downstairs twice a week.
We will visit the newly built Simon the Apostle church at the bottom of the pillar, the ruins of the old wall and the bell tower.
Klatskhi Pillar
Via ferrata in Sveri
Built in the rock, the Mqvimevi Monastery is located near the centre of the town of Chiatura. A long and narrow staircase leads to it. There are interesting frescoes and sculptures here. The monastery was built in the second half of the 13th century. Close to it are a lot of caves, which were supposed to be used for protection against war. Even arrowheads have been found in them. The name of the monastery comes from the Georgian word meaning "cave"
Our next destination will be the town of Chiatura, where we will see, built in 1954, the cable car system as the public transport of the town. These were built because of the steep river valleys. The cable cars were intended to facilitate the transportation of workers from the local manganese mine to work. The system continues to operate continuously to this day. The railways have recently been renovated. The railway takes you to interesting viewpoints of the town centre and the surrounding valleys, rocks. It is worth knowing that this area was already inhabited by man in the Palaeolithic!
You will be able to eat Georgian delicacies in a local restaurant or bakery. Our drivers will always advise where to eat deliciously and regionally. We will return to Kutaisi at around 19:00.
During the summer season and in good weather, you can additionally go on the only via ferrata in Georgia at the beginning of the trip! It is located in Sveri, close to the town of Chiatura. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk the route.
Informations:
- We welcome groups of 4 to 20 people.
- As a perfect addition to a longer stay in Georgia we recommend our one-day trips.
- For accommodation in Kutaisi, we invite you to our family guesthouse -. Hostel Kutaisi
Price:
- Groups of 4 or more - €40 per person
Price includes:
- Ride according to the program with a professional driver.
- Fuel for the whole route.
- Car.
Price not included:
- Personal expenses.
- Railway tickets in the city of Chiatura.
- Food.
If you are interested in this tour write to us and book your individual expedition!
