# Chiatura Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/chiatura-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Imereti - Official website: https://chiatura.gov.ge ## History Chiatura Municipality lies in the historic area of **Upper Imereti**, in the north-eastern part of the **Imereti** region, with the town of **Chiatura** as its administrative centre — about 72 km from Kutaisi and 176 km from Tbilisi. The municipality covers about **542 km²** of the Chiatura plateau, cut by the deep, narrow gorge of the **Kvirila River**; the town itself is squeezed into the gorge at roughly 340–500 m above sea level. Chiatura borders Sachkhere, Tkibuli, Terjola and Kharagauli municipalities. Human history here goes back to the Upper Palaeolithic. In **Dzudzuana Cave**, archaeologists found flax fibres more than 30,000 years old — among the oldest known fibres used by humans. The steep limestone cliffs of the gorge are dotted with man-made caves, which according to local tradition served as refuges during the Arab invasion of Marwan in the 8th century. The most famous monument is the **Katskhi Pillar**, a natural limestone column about 40 m high with the remains of a medieval hermit’s church on top; a 13th-century Georgian inscription was found there, the complex was restored in 2005–2009, and the monk Maxime Qavtaradze lived on the pillar for about twenty years. Other medieval highlights include **Mghvimevi Monastery**, a partly rock-cut complex founded in the second half of the 13th century on the Kvirila valley’s cliffs, the **Katskhi Church**, which the municipality dates to 1010–1014, and the ruins of **Sveri fortress**. Together they show how the gorge combined religious, defensive and everyday life for centuries. Modern Chiatura was shaped by **manganese**. Industrial mining began in **1879**, a railway to Shorapani followed in 1895, and by **1905** the area produced about 60% of the world’s manganese. The town became a centre of labour movements in the early 20th century. To move workers and residents up the steep slopes, Chiatura built an extensive network of **cable cars (ropeways)**, the first opening in **1954**; after renovation that began in 2017, a new cable-car system opened in **2021**. Manganese mining remains the town’s main industry today. For visitors, Chiatura is one of Georgia’s most unusual industrial towns: a ride on the cable cars over the gorge, the Soviet-era architecture and the mining landscapes are an experience in themselves. Nearby, the Katskhi Pillar and Mghvimevi Monastery are among the most photographed sights in Imereti, making Chiatura a rewarding day trip from Kutaisi or a stop between Imereti and Racha. ## FAQ **1) Where is Chiatura Municipality located?** In Upper Imereti, the north-eastern part of the Imereti region, in the Kvirila River gorge. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Chiatura, about 72 km from Kutaisi. **3) What is Chiatura known for?** Manganese mining and its network of cable cars over the Kvirila gorge. **4) When did manganese mining begin?** Industrial mining began in 1879; by 1905 the area produced about 60% of world manganese. **5) When did the cable cars open?** The first ropeway opened in 1954; a renewed cable-car system opened in 2021. **6) What is the Katskhi Pillar?** A limestone column about 40 m high with a medieval hermit’s church on top, restored in 2005–2009. **7) What is Mghvimevi Monastery?** A partly rock-cut monastery in the Kvirila gorge, founded in the second half of the 13th century. **8) What was found in Dzudzuana Cave?** Flax fibres more than 30,000 years old. **9) How far is Chiatura from Tbilisi?** About 176 km. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website, chiatura.gov.ge. ## Sources - [Chiatura Municipality — official website](https://chiatura.gov.ge) - [About Chiatura — Chiatura Municipality](https://chiatura.gov.ge/en/node/915) - [Tourism — Chiatura Municipality](https://chiatura.gov.ge/en/turizmi) - [Chiatura (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiatura) - [Chiatura Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiatura_Municipality) - [Katskhi pillar (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katskhi_pillar) - [Mghvimevi Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mghvimevi_Monastery) - [Chiatura — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/chiatura) ## Settlements - [Begiauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/begiauri): Discover Begiauri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bigha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/bigha): Discover Bigha, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bunikauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/bunikauri): Discover Bunikauri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bzhinevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/bzhinevi): Discover Bzhinevi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chilovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/chilovani): Discover Chilovani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Darkveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/darkveti): Discover Darkveti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Katskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/didi-katskhi): Discover Didi Katskhi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/etseri): Discover Etseri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gezruli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/gezruli): Discover Gezruli, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghvitori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/ghvitori): Discover Ghvitori, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gundaeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/gundaeti): Discover Gundaeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Itkhvisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/itkhvisi): Discover Itkhvisi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jolkheeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/jolkheeti): Discover Jolkheeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Joqoeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/joqoeti): Discover Joqoeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kalauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kalauri): Discover Kalauri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Katskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/katskhi): Katskhi in Imereti: the 40 m Katskhi Pillar with its hermitage church and the Church of the Dormition (988-1014). Six kilometres from Chiatu... - [Kbilari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kbilari): Discover Kbilari, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khalipauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/khalipauri): Discover Khalipauri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khreiti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/khreiti): Discover Khreiti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khvashiti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/khvashiti): Discover Khvashiti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvakhajeleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kvakhajeleti): Discover Kvakhajeleti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvatsikhe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kvatsikhe): Discover Kvatsikhe, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Beretisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kveda-beretisa): Discover Kveda Beretisa, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Chalovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kveda-chalovani): Discover Kveda Chalovani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Gezruli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/kveda-gezruli): Discover Kveda Gezruli, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mandaeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/mandaeti): Discover Mandaeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mechkheturi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/mechkheturi): Discover Mechkheturi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Melusheeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/melusheeti): Discover Melusheeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Merevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/merevi): Discover Merevi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mghvimevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/mghvimevi): Discover Mghvimevi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mokhorotubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/mokhorotubani): Discover Mokhorotubani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mordzgveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/mordzgveti): Discover Mordzgveti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Navardzeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/navardzeti): Discover Navardzeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nigozeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/nigozeti): Discover Nigozeti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Chkhirauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/patara-chkhirauli): Discover Patara Chkhirauli, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Perevisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/perevisa): Discover Perevisa, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rgani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/rgani): Discover Rgani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rtskhilati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/rtskhilati): Discover Rtskhilati, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakurtse](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/sakurtse): Discover Sakurtse, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Salieti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/salieti): Discover Salieti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sarkveltubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/sarkveltubani): Discover Sarkveltubani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Gezruli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/shua-gezruli): Discover Shua Gezruli, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shukruti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/shukruti): Discover Shukruti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Skindori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/skindori): Discover Skindori, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sveri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/sveri): Discover Sveri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tabagrebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tabagrebi): Discover Tabagrebi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqemlovana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tqemlovana): Discover Tqemlovana, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsasri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tsasri): Discover Tsasri, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsinsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tsinsopeli): Discover Tsinsopeli, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsirkvali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tsirkvali): Discover Tsirkvali, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tskhrukveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tskhrukveti): Discover Tskhrukveti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsqalshavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tsqalshavi): Discover Tsqalshavi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tvalueti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/tvalueti): Discover Tvalueti, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Usakhelo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/usakhelo): Discover Usakhelo, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vachevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/vachevi): Discover Vachevi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vakevisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/vakevisa): Discover Vakevisa, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/vani): Discover Vani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Beretisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/zeda-beretisa): Discover Zeda Beretisa, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Chalovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/zeda-chalovani): Discover Zeda Chalovani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Rgani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/zeda-rgani): Discover Zeda Rgani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zedubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/zedubani): Discover Zedubani, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zodi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/chiatura-municipality/zodi): Discover Zodi, a village in Chiatura Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/chiatura-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/chiatura-municipality)