Chiatura

Chiatura, a town in the Imereti region, has a history dating back to antiquity. The town's status was granted in 1924, but its story began long before that. The surrounding high cliffs are home to ancient caves where locals once lived, and these caves are still preserved today.

History and Culture

Historical sources reveal that during the invasions of caliph Marwan II, locals sought refuge in these inaccessible caves, digging them out at heights of 340 to 500 meters above sea level. The town is also home to the oldest known fabric in the world, with over 1,500 flax and wool fibers discovered in Dzudzuana Cave, dating back an astonishing 34,000 years.

The discovery of these fibers has led researchers to believe that spinning threads, and therefore weaving, originated in Chiatura. The town's history is also marked by its manganese deposit, which has been extracted since 1879, making it the largest producer and processor of manganese in the South Caucasus.

Things to See

Chiatura's narrow streets are lined with historical buildings, including the Museum of Local Lore and the Akaki Tsereteli Drama Theatre. The town is also home to numerous churches and fortified towers, as well as the unique 13th-century Mghvimevi Monastery.

Just outside Chiatura, the Katskhi Pillar is a must-see attraction - a mystical place where a church appears to balance atop a limestone cliff. The town's cable car, built in 1954, once linked to the manganese deposit and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

How to Get There

A railroad was built to pass through Chiatura in 1895, with English investment starting in 1892. Today, visitors can still arrive by train or explore the town on foot, taking in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.