Katskhi Column — Attraction in Imereti

You'll be glad you made the effort to make your way to this impressive sight.

You can hop on a "marshutka" minibus (toward Kutaisi or Zestaponi) leaving from the main station (sadguri) in Chiatura and ask to get off at the road leading to Katskhi Pillar. The walk is a relatively easy 1.2 k (0.75 mi). To return, walk back out to the road and wait for a marshutka returning from the other direction. You flag them down just by holding your arm straight out, palm down. Move it up and down a little, if you want, but not too much. It's one thing they don't overdo here.

Or just secure the services of one of the many taxis in Chiatura, who will be glad to take you to the pillar. Just remember to work out how you'll return — either by asking the taxi to wait, for which the driver will expect to be compensated, or take his (invariably a man) phone number. Also, be sure he knows YOUR number, so when you call, he'll know it's you.

Chances are you'll see a tall, long-bearded older man in black monk's cassock busying himself with various activities. That's Father Maxime. He was permitted, in 2015, to lead U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland to the monastery at the top, the first American to do so. If you don't have that kind of pull, you'll likely need to satisfy yourself with the view from below, still a remarkable experience. Visit the chapel and small historical...

Katskhi column. One of the most wonderful place in the beautiful region of Imereti. Katskhi column is located in the village of Chiatura Katskhi, katskhuras river valley. Katshi pillar is a vertically erected rocky mass that has arisen as result of tectonic shifts. It’s height is 45 meters. There is a strong resemblance of katshi pillar wihmonasteries built on inaccessibie cliffs in greek Thessaly. Which symbolically represent the connecting between heaven and earth. Katskhi is svan word that means – top. Before Christian times, katshi pillar enters the pamtheon of pagan deities ad was chapel of the Georgian fertility Godhead. Post ridge area is square meters. At it’s extreme south – east maximus the confessor- small building built in 9-10 centures with integrated doors in the north side two cells here was also the winch by which the monks communicated with the outside world. On the westen edge of the column is a eight pitcher wine cellar where probably wine and water was stored. On the western side of the cellar in the vertical cliff the second cell was carved. On the area below the column was built a small one-nave church of st....

The Katskhi pillar is a fascinating and unique attraction in Georgia that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Accessible via a cobblestone walkway, the 40-meter high limestone monolith stands tall and proud, crowned by an ancient church that is simply awe-inspiring.

While climbing the pillar itself is not permitted, visitors can take a challenging but rewarding trail to the top of the mountain in front of it for a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It's truly breathtaking to see the pillar from this vantage point, and the hike is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Katskhi pillar is its historical and cultural significance. The pillar has been a site of worship for centuries and is still reserved for monks and priests to this day. Learning about the spiritual importance of the site adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the experience.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, this towering limestone monolith and its ancient church will leave you...