The short answer: Chiatura is a mining town in western Georgia, built in a narrow gorge, where for decades people travelled to work by cable car. The old Soviet cabins were replaced in 2021 by four modern lines, and one old line has been restored, so you can ride both[1]. On the way in, the Katskhi Pillar, a 40 m limestone column with a medieval church on its summit, is one of the most striking sights in the country[2]. Chiatura is about 1.5 hours from Kutaisi and about 3 hours from Tbilisi[1][3], so it makes a good day trip from Kutaisi or a detour on a western route.
Why Chiatura has cable cars
Chiatura sits in the gorge of the Kvirila river, among deposits of manganese. By the early 20th century it was one of the world's great manganese producers; by one estimate it supplied around 60% of global output in 1905[1]. Mining is still the town's main industry[4].
The houses and mines are on steep slopes above the river, so in the Soviet period the town built a network of passenger ropeways, starting in the mid-1950s, eventually with up to about 20 lines[1]. For decades miners and residents rode the small metal cabins, nicknamed "flying coffins", from the valley to the mines and neighbourhoods above. As they aged, most were taken out of service[4].
The cable cars today
- Four new lines opened in September 2021, built by the French company Poma, with modern gondolas and new stations[1][4]. They carry locals and visitors for a token fare (50 tetri in 2026), and run from morning until late evening[1].
- A restored Soviet line, Sashevardno, dating from 1966, was relaunched in late 2024. It is free, and runs on demand during the day[1].
- Old lines and stations still stand around town, some rusting, some being restored. Don't try to climb into or onto any line that isn't running.
A ride takes only a few minutes, but the views down into the gorge, over Soviet apartment blocks and the mining works, are the reason to come.
Katskhi Pillar
The Katskhi Pillar is a natural limestone column about 40 m high, near the village of Katskhi, just off the road into Chiatura[2]. On its flat top stand the ruins of a small church dedicated to St Maximus the Confessor, with hermit cells and a wine cellar; research in 2006–2009 dated them to the 9th or 10th century[2]. The first recorded modern climb was in 1944[2].
Since the 1990s a monk has lived on and around the pillar, reviving its monastic life and coming down the long iron ladder only a couple of times a week[2][3]. Visitors cannot climb: public access has been banned since 2012[2]. You can walk to the base, visit the small church there and look up. Dress as for any Georgian church: shoulders and knees covered, and women cover their hair.
Mgvimevi monastery
A short distance from the centre of Chiatura, the Mgvimevi convent is a 13th-century monastery built into the cliff face, with carved stone details and caves[1][3]. It is quiet and rarely visited, and makes a good contrast to the industrial town below.
Getting around town
The new cable-car stations are close to the town centre, and the lines are short, so you can ride two or three in an hour. Carry some coins and small notes for the fares. The streets are steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
How long, and when to go
Allow about an hour for Katskhi and 2–3 hours for Chiatura's cable cars and Mgvimevi. The cable cars run all year, and the valley is at its greenest in May and June and prettiest in autumn. In winter the town is grey, but it is also quiet; check that the lines are running before you go, as they stop for maintenance from time to time.
How to fit it into a trip
- From Kutaisi: about 75 km and 1.5 hours each way[1]. A half-day or day trip, easily combined with lunch in Kutaisi and an afternoon at Gelati. See our Kutaisi city guide and Gelati Monastery guide.
- From Tbilisi: about 220 km and 3 hours each way[3]. It is a long day trip; it works better as a detour on a travel day between Tbilisi and Kutaisi.
- With caves and dinosaur tracks: Sataplia and the Prometheus cave are on the Kutaisi side; see Sataplia's dinosaur footprints.
Who it suits
Chiatura suits travellers interested in Soviet history, industrial landscapes and photography, and anyone who has already seen the classic sights and wants something different. It is not a pretty town and makes no effort to be one. If you are uneasy with heights, the cable cars are enclosed and short, but Katskhi from below is enough of a thrill.
Chiatura and Katskhi with us
All our tours are private, with your own car and driver-guide, so we can change the route to suit you. The Central Georgia heritage tour, 5 days drives from Tbilisi to Kutaisi and spends the next morning at Gelati; ask us and we add Katskhi and Chiatura on the way. The Western Georgia and Black Sea tour, 6 days starts with a night in Kutaisi, where an extra morning makes room for the pillar and the cable cars. From Kutaisi, the Prometheus cave and Martvili canyon day trip covers the caves and canyons. See each tour page for the current price, or build your own route. Nothing to pay now.
Sources
- Wander-Lush, "Things to do in Chiatura: new cable cars and more" (updated May 2026): wander-lush.org
- Wikipedia, "Katskhi pillar": en.wikipedia.org
- Georgia Spirit, "Tbilisi to Chiatura and Katskhi Pillar" (reviewed July 2026): georgia-spirit.com
- Atlas Obscura, "The cable cars of Chiatura": atlasobscura.com
Last checked: September 2026. Cable-car fares, hours and restorations change; check locally.
