Katskhi Pillar
Katskhi Pillar
The Katskhi Pillar is one of the most spectacular attractions you’ll find in Georgia. It’s a rocky limestone mass that’s around 40 meters high and overlooks the river valley of Katskhura close to the town of Chiatura. But what makes this attraction even more interesting is that there is a church or monastery sitting on top of it. The ruins are visible from afar and visitors are not allowed to ascend. However, historians estimate that these church buildings were built around the 8th or 9th Centuries.
The Katskhi Pillar Complex
The Katskhi Pillar complex consists of a church dedicated to Maximus the Confessor, a Christian monk, and a scholar who gave up his political life to enter the monastic life. Aside from the church, the complex is also home to a crypt, hermit cells, wine cellar, as well as a curtain wall. Beneath the rock pillar stands a newly built church that was dedicated to Simeon Stylites, a famous Syrian Christian hermit who was the first known pillar hermit in history. The ruins of an old wall are still visible, as well as a belfry.
Every day, monks who live below would make a nerve-wracking journey towards the top through a thin metal ladder attached to the side of the rock. They would take this daily pilgrimage to offer prayers on top, which they believe will bring them closer to God.
Most Sacred Landmarks on Earth
Today, the Katskhi Pillar is considered one of the most sacred landmarks on Earth. As mentioned, it’s off-limits to visitors and only the local monks who are doing the 20-minute pilgrimage are allowed to climb to the top. The stairs going to the top is what locals call the stairway to heavens.
Since 2018, visitors have been banned from climbing the pillar to see the church on top. This was mandated by an edict from Patriarch Ilia II, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church of Georgia. According to the order, only monks should be allowed to enter the church that’s right on top of the pillar. Until the order is overturned, no visitors will be allowed to go to the top.
Even though local residents are also banned from climbing the pillar, they are proud of this local landmark. They consider it a pillar of life and a representation of a fertility god during the pagan times. Thus, the place also serves as a holy place for fertility rites.
Where Is Katskhi Pillar Located
The Katskhi Pillar is located in a village of the same name, the Katskhi Village. It’s close to the city of Chiatura, in the region of Imereti in Western Georgia. There are two popular routes that visitors would take to reach the pillar.
The first route is from Tbilisi, Georgia’s Capital City. From the city, you can take the bus from Didube bus station going to the city of Chiatura. This should take around 3 - 3 1/2 hours of travel time. As of now, there’s not enough information on the schedule of the national buses or marshrutkas of Georgia, however, the bus would usually run every hour, from 7 AM to 9 PM. When you arrive in Chiatura, you can hire a local taxi that can take you to the Katskhi Pillar.
Another route will come from the city of Batumi. There are buses from Batumi that goes to Kutaisi. The first trip is at 7 AM and the journey will take less than 3 hours. When you arrive in Kutaisi, you can take another bus going to the city of Chiatura. The bus will pass by the entrance of the Katskhi Pillar so you can inform the driver ahead to drop you off at this place.
