3Katskhi Pillar Hermitage, Georgia

For true isolation, it’s hard to beat the Katskhi Pillar in Georgia, a natural limestone monolith that rises 40 meters (130 feet) above the surrounding countryside. Atop this narrow pillar is a tiny church and a hermit’s house, where a solitary monk has lived for the past two decades. The hermitage is accessible only by a precarious metal ladder that ascends the sheer cliff face.

The Katskhi Pillar has been a site of religious significance for centuries, and its extreme isolation makes it a perfect location for contemplation and spiritual retreat. For those who visit, the remoteness of the location and the awe-inspiring views of the Georgian landscape make this one of the most unique isolated dwellings in the world.