ZeBóneOaparvalhado -

by a long iron chain to the dome of the Katskhi church, located at a distance of around 1.5 km from the pillar.

The Katskhi pillar remained unclimbed by researchers and unsurveyed until 1944. Following more systematic research after 1999, researchers concluded that complex was composed of a monastery church and cells for hermits. Discovery of the remnants of a wine cellar also undermined the idea of extreme ascetism flourishing on the pillar. In 2007, a small limestone plate with the asomtavruli Georgian inscriptions was found, paleographically dated to the 13th century and revealing the name of a certain "Giorgi", responsible for the construction of three hermit cells. The inscription also makes mention of the Pillar of Life, echoing the popular tradition of veneration of the rock as a symbol of the True Cross.

The monastery building on the top of the pillar is now restored and the rock is accessible through an iron ladder running from its base to the top.