Church of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Georgia

Among the most interesting religious shrines planet the Church of St. Maximus the Confessor in Georgia is certainly worth noting. This is where the Katskhi pillar is situated. Latter is one of the most famous and popular natural attractions in the country. The height of the limestone monolith that was formed millions of years ago is 40 meters.

The first church on the top of the rock formation was built more than a thousand years ago; a long time locals believed Katskhi pillar to be the main symbol of the god of fertility and hoped that climbing to it will give a man an opportunity to get close to heavenly forces. In the early Middle Ages, the church came to desolation; the ruins of first buildings were discovered only in 1944.

Under the leadership of the monk Maximus in the early 90 of the last century, the church was rebuilt and began to wear the name of its new founder. It’s difficult to imagine how people get to the top of the pillar, as old stairs on its slopes were gone. Modern travelers have the only option to get to the top – to use a dilapidated rusty ladder with bars hammered into the rock. That’s important to note that the church is closed for women. Men who dare enough courage to overcome an old staircase would have an opportunity to see a priceless relic, the altar cross of the 12th century, which was moved to the church immediately after its discovery. To the beginning - Taung Kalat