Chiatura

Chiatura, a hidden gem in the Imereti region of western Georgia, is a perfect day trip destination from Kutaisi. You can take a one-and-a-half-hour drive via highway E60 from Kutaisi to reach Chiatura. This small town, once a thriving Soviet industrial center, is renowned for its unique cable car system, which was built to transport workers and residents across the town's steep, rugged terrain. Today, these historic cable cars offer visitors an unforgettable ride, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the Kvirila River valley. You can also hike through the multiple trails in the city.

In addition to its famous cable cars, Chiatura is home to several historical landmarks, including the Katskhi Pillar, a towering limestone monolith with a small monastery perched at the top. You can hike to the base of the pillar and marvel at its spiritual and architectural significance. The town also boasts the 19th-century Church of St. George and the Chiatura Museum of Local Lore, which delves into the region’s rich mining history. With its mix of industrial heritage and scenic landscapes, Chiatura offers a fascinating and off-the-beaten-path experience.