Katskhi Column

Description

The Katskhi Pillar is a striking limestone monolith about 40 metres high (roughly the height of a 12‑storey building). It stands in the village of Katskhi, in the Imereti region, near the town of Chiatura. Between the 6th and 8th centuries, a monastery was built atop the rock — Georgians believed this would bring them closer to God. The monastery operated until the 15th century, then fell into disrepair. It was revived in the 1990s thanks to monk Maxim: the temple was restored and named after Saint Maximus the Confessor. At the pillar’s base, you’ll find a museum, a church, cells and a Bolnisi cross. The site is considered sacred — only monks may climb to the top, while tourists can admire it from below.