What to see in New Athos: list with photos. New Athos (Abkhazia): attractions Sightseeing places in New Athos
The main architect and founder of the monastery is Saint John of Iveron. He built the holy monastery in 980, having previously renounced the position of royal adviser and became a monk. At first, the monastery was considered Georgian, as it appeared under the Georgian king David. A little later, at the beginning of the 14th century, by decree of the Patriarch, it was included in a number of Greek monasteries. But the name remained the same, Georgian, which arose in honor of the state of Iberia.
Before the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery burned down several times. Unreasonable fires completely destroyed the building. And each time Iveron was restored. Several countries helped financially with this. Including Russia and Georgia. The monastery is priceless because it houses a huge number of relics of saints. The monastery has more than 15 chapels, where over 150 miraculous icons are collected. This is not the case in any other temple in the world. Therefore, this wealth is protected like the apple of an eye.
Byzantine tower
The Byzantine tower is the main attraction of the hospitable village of Ouranoupolis, generously blessed by nature. In addition to the fact that the village is known for its famous resident - the philosopher Aristotle, Athos deserves special attention - a unique large monastic state that appeared in Ouranoupolis in the 11th century. The Vatopedi monastery, as part of Athos, built a Byzantine tower in the 14th century in order to protect its courtyard and property.
The Byzantine tower is located in the southwest of the village. In the 19th century, the last floor of the fortress was destroyed as a result of an earthquake, but the tower was rebuilt and restored, and it has survived to this day in its restored original appearance. Today, in one wing of the fortress there is an exhibition of icons and Byzantine antiquities.
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Dohiar Monastery
Dochiar is a Greek Orthodox monastery for men located in Greece on Mount Athos. Dokhiar is tenth on the list of Athonite monasteries. In 1990, 32 monks lived on its territory.
The main temple in Dohiara was founded under Emperor Nikephoros Phocas. Euthymius, the founder of the monastery, first built a church, and then on the site of Dochiar he created the temple of St. Nicholas. Funds for the construction of an Orthodox monastery were given by Patrick Nicholas, who was subsequently tonsured in Dochiara and became hegumen after Euthymius.
In the 14th century, Dochiar was supported by Emperor John Palaiologos and King Stefan Dusan of Serbia. Two centuries later, the Orthodox monastery was revived, since after the pogrom by the Wallachian sovereign it needed restoration. Now tourists can observe the beauty of the monastery, into which a lot of effort was invested by its founder Euthymius and his followers.
One of the oldest monasteries of Athos, founded in the 10th century, mentioned in manuscripts of the 11th century.
Located on the northeastern coast of the peninsula, between the monasteries of Iveron and Caracal. The cathedral church of Philotheus was built in 1746, painted in the 2nd half of the 18th century. Dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In addition to the Cathedral Church, the monastery has 7 churches and chapels:
1) St. John Chrysostom
2) St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
3) Three Saints
4) John the Baptist
5) Holy Archangels
6) Martyrs Marina
7) All Saints.
Outside the monastery there are 17 churches.
One of the most comfortable and well-kept monasteries on the Holy Mountain.
Franks Castle
The only one of the Athonite monasteries accessible to females is the Zigu monastery or, as it is often called, the castle of the Franks.
Strictly speaking, it is located outside the official border of Athos, but only 40 meters from it. The Byzantine monastery of Zigu, one of the oldest on Mount Athos, was first mentioned in the chronicles of 942 AD. The monastery was dedicated to the Prophet Elijah and was one of the most significant monastic monasteries that existed at that time.
The monastery continued its existence until the end of the 12th century. However, around 1206, a Frankish knight and his army settled there. From here they raided the Holy Land of Athos until they were expelled through the intervention of the Pope.
The fortress walls of the monastery with eleven towers, as well as the ruins of the cathedral, built at the beginning of the 11th century, have survived to this day. The most famous monk of the Zigu monastery in history was the Monk Athanasius Athonit, who in the middle of the 10th century founded the most famous monastery of Athos - the Great Lavra. Currently, archaeological excavations are constantly being carried out in the monastery.
Monastery of Xiropotamus
One of the oldest Orthodox monasteries, Xiropotamos, is located on Mount Athos. The monastery is dedicated to the forty Sebastian martyrs. The order for its construction was given by Princess Pulcheria in the fifth century.
Since ancient times, Xiropotamus has been one of the richest and most prosperous monasteries on the Holy Mountain. Around the sixteenth century, the monastery suffered a misfortune - it was severely damaged during a powerful earthquake. Subsequently, Andronikos Palaiologos was involved in its restoration.
Today 60 inhabitants live in the monastery. The main relic of the monastery is a cross from the Life-Giving Tree - the same one on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Gregoriate Monastery
The monastery of Grigoriat is located on the southwestern side of the Holy Mountain, next to the monasteries of Dionysiat and Simonopetra. In the hierarchy of Athos monasteries it is in 17th place.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century by a hermit monk named Gregory and his students. Unfortunately, little information has survived about the monastery, since its archives were completely destroyed by fires in 1500 and 1762. Grigoriat was also attacked many times by pirates. In subsequent years, the monastery was periodically restored with donations from Orthodox sovereigns of those times.
Currently, Grigoriat is an active monastery; about 70 monks live in it, who themselves take care of food and everyday needs. The monastery houses 279 manuscripts, about 6,000 printed books, various sacred utensils and vestments.
The pier of the Zograf monastery - Zografskaya Arsana
Zografskaya Arsana is located approximately 4 kilometers from the monastery itself, on the southwestern coast of the island, between the piers of other monasteries - Kostamonita and Hilandara.
The monastery's pier is located among huge rocks that seem to hang over the sea. These rocks point almost vertically upward, and at an altitude of about 300 meters their continuation is the Zograf monastery itself. All this together is a very beautiful sight, and from below the monastery seems like an impregnable fortress that is impossible to reach.
The monastery pier serves as a port warehouse on the pier for unloading and storing various products delivered by ship to the monastery. Vessels loaded with various cargoes from the island (timber, firewood, nuts, olives, etc.) also sail from here.
Ancient resort city of Ouranoupolis
Ouranoupolis is a small ancient resort town located near the sacred Mount Athos, the spiritual center of Orthodoxy, and 132 kilometers from Thessaloniki.
The city has its own port, where pilgrims going to the mountain arrive, and many hotels of different levels.
In Ouranoupolis, on the beaches there are a large number of various restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns, offering, in addition to delicious Greek cuisine, also places under beach umbrellas. There is little entertainment here, but the very atmosphere of the city is imbued with the solemn spirit of holy places and is conducive to peace and spiritual harmony.
Daphne's Pier
The pier is located in the western part of the peninsula and serves as the official port where pilgrims arrive and from where they leave the Holy Mountain. Therefore, there is a police station, customs, coast guard, post office, cafe, shipping service, several shops, a hotel, etc. here. - one might say, this is the main tourist transport hub of Athos.
The nearest monastery is Xiropotamus, 2.5 km away.
Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon on Athos
Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos is also known as Rossikon or New Russik. This is an architectural monument and at the same time one of the 20 operating monasteries in Greece on Mount Athos. In the 19th century, the monastery bells were the largest in Greece.
This monastery, like all other Athonite monasteries, is a patriarchal stauropegy and is subject to the canonical jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. In our time, the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon is in 19th place in the hierarchy of Svyatogorsk monasteries.
The library, which was badly damaged in a fire in 1959, is considered a real treasure of the monastery. Despite great losses, the monastery library has more than 20,000 valuable books and manuscripts.
The most popular attractions in Athos with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places of Athos on our website.
Abkhazia is rich in attractions, and the small Abkhaz town of New Athos, which in past times was called Anakopia, is no exception.
New Athos is a city with an ancient history, one of the most famous resorts in Abkhazia. This small town is located in a small bay, at the foot of the Athos and Iverskaya mountains, 21 km from the capital of Abkhazia - Sukhumi.
The most picturesque nature, mild climate, abundance of attractions attracts a huge number of tourists here. And indeed, there is something to visit here: historical and cultural monuments, ancient monasteries and temples.
Moreover, New Athos is recognized as a land of shrines due to the huge number of holy religious places.
Arriving in New Athos, you can discover something new every day.
New Athos Cave
It is located deep underground, its internal volume is more than 1 million cubic meters. m. For a long time nothing was known about the cave; it was discovered only in 1961. Since 1975, tourists have been allowed into the cave. The length of the tourist route is 2 km. Tours take place on small trains (an underground railway line was opened here in 1975), which depart every 20 minutes into the bottomless depths of the cave. The interior landscape of the New Athos cave is decorated with stalagmites and stalactites. The tourist route runs through numerous halls: “Anakopia”, “Nartaa”, “Moscow”, “Apsny” - this is just a small list of them. In total, there are 11 halls in the New Athos Cave. It is always cool inside the cave; the temperature never rises above 11 degrees.
Three boilers
How to get there: Address: Gudauta district, Abkhazia
GPS coordinates: Latitude 43.094557 / Longitude 40.807208
Not far from the famous New Athos cave, in the bed of a mountain river, there is a picturesque place where there are three lakes - “three cauldrons”. This name arose due to the similarity of these small natural reservoirs with boilers. Despite their small size, the reservoirs are quite deep and cold (13-14 degrees). The reservoirs are karst pits with a smooth, mirror-like surface.
Sculpture "Golden Fleece"
How to get there: on foot
At the entrance to the New Athos cave there is a sculpture “Golden Fleece”, which has a symbolic meaning. The Golden Fleece is a sign of prosperity; it was for it that, according to ancient legend, the Argonauts swam. The sculpture itself reflects the myth of a sister and brother who went on a long journey on a golden ram. There is a legend that whoever touches the sculpture will have good luck and untold wealth in the near future. “The Golden Fleece is very popular among tourists.
Waterfall in the center of New Athos
In the very center of the city there is an amazingly beautiful waterfall.
Museum of the Abkhazian Kingdom
How to get there: GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 43°5’26” / Longitude 40°48’59”
A small local history museum, which consists of one room. The exhibition includes paleontological and archaeological finds telling about the culture of the Abkhazians. Here you can get a lot of information about the emergence of the Abkhaz state. The museum is interesting because in the center of the hall there is a restored Abkhazian estate and a boat that was used to go to sea in the 19th century. The museum building is located in the national reserve of New Athos - “Anakopia” near an artificial waterfall.
Iverskaya Mountain
Iveron Mountain is famous for the Anakopia fortress, the ruins of which are located on its top.
How to get there: GPS coordinates: Latitude 43°5’36” / Longitude 40°48’26”
In the distant past, the fortress served as an ancient fortification. The Anakopia inexhaustible well is another miracle of the mysterious fortress. Tradition says that it was here, on Mount Iverskaya, that the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Anakopia appeared. Since ancient times, the Iveron Mountain has been considered the Mountain of the Virgin Mary, so the chapel of the Iveron Mother of God was erected here. A huge number of legends and traditions are associated with this place. From the top of the mountain there is a fabulous view of the sea coast. Iverskaya Mountain is not high, the maximum height is about 300 meters. The mountain contains many caves in its depths, one of which is the famous New Athos Cave.
Anakopia fortress
The Anakopia fortress is an ancient fortification of the city of Anakopia that once existed here; the building was erected in the 7th century on Iveron Mountain. In Greek style, the fortress is called a “trachea”. This ancient structure is quite well preserved - fragments of walls, towers, and arched entrance gates remain. Archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of the Anakopia fortress, during which ancient weapons were found: spears, shields, swords. Another attraction of the fortress is the inexhaustible spring, where water flows through a natural channel. The Anakopia fortress was restored in 2008, as a result of which the watchtower and the road leading to it were restored.
Place of execution of the Apostle Simon the Canonite
In the Anakopia National Park there is a holy place revered by Orthodox people - this is the cell of St. Simon the Canaanite, located in a cave near the Psyrtskha River. During his lifetime, Simon healed ailments with the touch of his hands, lived in prayer, protected people, and baptized local residents. Simon the Canaanite was martyred. During the persecution of Christians, the Roman pagans executed the holy martyr alive, depriving him of his head. The Grotto of St. Canaanite is visited by pilgrims, and this place is also popular among tourists. Near the grotto there is the so-called place of execution of St. Canaanite. It’s as if a large stone has frozen here, containing the imprint of the foot of the holy martyr Simon. According to legend, it was at this place that the Saint was brutally killed.
New Athos waterfall
An artificial waterfall adorns the landscape of New Athos. The waterfall is located in the very center of the city. It was erected by monks in the 19th century in order to protect against floods caused by the flood of the Psyrtskhi River. The height of the New Athos waterfall is more than 9 meters. These places were visited by Emperor Alexander III, as evidenced by a sign installed on the observation deck. The picturesque place, created by human hands, harmoniously combines with the surrounding nature and delights the residents and guests of New Athos.
Psyrtskha
The mountain river Psyrtskha, which translated from the Abkhaz language means “fir spring,” flows along the slopes of the New Athos mountains and flows into the Black Sea. This picturesque river is revered by the Orthodox world, since the Holy Apostle Canaanite lived on its bank. Psyrtskha is often visited by pilgrims, and the waters of the river are considered sacred. There are rope bridges across the river, and cafes have been built along its banks where tourists can relax and have a snack.
Rock Garden
On the banks of the Psyrtskha River there is an unusual garden - a rock garden. It is a kind of path, namely stone steps that lead up the mountain. In the past, Saint Simon the Canaanite walked along these steps; now believers climb them to visit the cell of the Great Saint and pray. From the upper steps you can see a stunning view of the river; from here you can clearly see its transparent bottom. And between the stones grow rare and outlandish plants.
Akhun Tower
How to get there: GPS coordinates: Latitude 43°33’1.2″ / Longitude 39°50’36.2
Akhun Tower is located quite high. It rises more than 600 meters above sea level. The height of the building itself is just over 30 meters. The tower offers a stunning view of the sea and surrounding area. Akhun Tower is the most visited place by tourists. In its appearance, it resembles an old medieval castle, despite the fact that it was built not so long ago, in 1936.
Dranda Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God
How to get there: Address: Gulripsha district, Abkhazia
Coordinates: 42.874103, 41.162322
The Dranda Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is considered one of the most ancient churches in Abkhazia. It was built back in the 6th century. Later, the temple was destroyed and was restored by the monks, who founded a monastery in it. There was a school at the monastery, workshops and forges, a bookstore and printing house, a hospital and a hotel were attached to it. After the revolution, the cathedral was closed. During the restoration work, the temple was restored to its original appearance.
Inside the temple, ancient frescoes and paintings, images of saints have been partially preserved.
Agtsa Grotto
How to get there: Address: New Athos, Abkhazia
GPS coordinates: Latitude 43.085125 / Longitude 40.826125
In the northwestern side of New Athos there is the Agtsa Grotto - a natural corridor 7 meters long and 2.5 meters high. “Agtsa” translated from the Abkhaz language means cliff. And indeed, the grotto is located on a high rock. This place was discovered by archaeologists in 1940. Mysterious rock paintings depicting a human hand holding a cross were discovered in the Agtsa Grotto. In this regard, scientists have come to the conclusion that religious rites were performed in this place in the distant past. Perhaps the grotto served as a temple in ancient times. The Agtsa Grotto has not yet been fully explored.
Inexhaustible Well
The address of the inexhaustible well is the New Athos Anakopia fortress. The well is not that deep, but its dimensions are amazing (5 m wide and 3.5 m long). The spring is replenished from the depths of the Iveron Mountain. The water of the source is considered healing, it is illuminated. Near the source there is a temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For more than 80 years, masses of tourists have been flocking here to see the miracle of nature and drink the miraculous water.
Stalin's dacha in New Athos
How to get there: There are 2 entrances to the territory. First, between the center of Athos and the station you can see a fence and a checkpoint with security and a ticket office. Or you can enter the site from the Panteleimonovsky Monastery.
Coordinates: 43°5’18″N 40°49’35″E
After Stalin's death, this building was a government residence, and now a museum is opened here. The museum building is located near the New Athos Monastery. The house is surrounded by a wonderful landscape; there is a gorgeous park with eucalyptus groves. The interior of the dacha is striking in its luxury; the furnishings of the rooms have not changed since the times of I.V. Stalin; many pieces of furniture from those times have been preserved. The walls of the building are made of different types of wood. You can visit Stalin's dacha only as part of an excursion group. Excursions are held regularly.
New Athos Monastery
How to get there: GPS coordinates: Latitude 43°5’16” / Longitude 40°49’16”
The New Athos Monastery is located at the foot of Mount New Athos - it is a grandiose complex consisting of six temples, the main one of which can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The interior decoration of the cathedrals is decorated with icon paintings by Palekh masters. This is a significant religious center; thousands of Orthodox believers flock here. Tsar Alexander III visited the monastery in 1888; he presented the monastery with luxurious gifts - musical chimes and a steam locomotive for the monastery railway operating at that time. After the revolution, the monastery was closed, warehouses were located in it, later there was a tourist base, and during the Great Patriotic War a hospital was opened within the walls of the monastery. Restoration work began in 1994 and continues to this day. Nowadays it is a functioning monastery, services are held there, and a church choir is organized.
Sculpture "Mermaid"
In New Athos there is an unusual sculpture in the recess of the rock - “Mermaid. Streams of the New Athos Falls flow down the statue. The “mermaid” hides in them and then appears again. The sculpture is popular among tourists who enjoy trying to photograph the mysterious Mermaid hiding in the waters.
Restaurant "Griffin"
The Griffin restaurant occupies the first floor of the hotel of the same name. The restaurant serves dishes of Georgian and European cuisine, the menu is updated several times a day. The restaurant's interior is designed in simple colors with subtle national notes. In this cozy, hospitable place you can not only have lunch, but also listen to live music. Not only tourists, but also city residents love to visit the “Grifon” restaurant, because the most delicious dishes are prepared here.
Seaside Park
In the center of New Athos is the Seaside Park. It was founded by the same monks who were involved in the construction of the New Athos Monastery. The official opening took place in 1910, timed to coincide with the arrival of the royal family. There are picturesque ponds with clear water, the main inhabitants of which are swans, plaster sculptures, and flower beds. The park is planted with cypresses, cedars, willows, and magnolias. On the outskirts of the park, a chapel was built in honor of the stay of Emperor Alexander III in this place, who arrived for the ceremony of illuminating the throne of the New Athos Monastery. Beautiful nature, wonderful landscapes, walking alleys make the park a favorite place for walks for both citizens and city guests.
How to get there: Address: New Athos, Abkhazia
Coordinates: Latitude 43.094109 / Longitude 40.815235
Simon the Canaanite is one of the twelve apostles of Christ. He settled in a cave not far from the Psyrtskhi River, where he treated people and preached the Christian faith among the population. The Saint descended into his cell by rope. Simon the Canaanite was executed, but, according to believers, he is invisibly present in the small grotto cell where he spent his last years, and provides his gracious help to everyone who comes here. Hundreds of pilgrims flock here every year. The Grotto of Canaanite is equipped in the form of a church, a cross is carved on the walls, and the faces of saints are laid out from the mosaic. At the beginning of 2000, the grotto was restored, and nowadays excursions are organized here.
Temple of Simon the Canaanite
The Temple of Simon the Canaanite is a historical monument of ancient architecture (VI – VIII centuries), located at the New Athos Falls. It was erected on the relics of St. Simon, who was brutally executed by the persecutors of the Christian faith. The cathedral is a small church built of white stone. The temple preserves two inscriptions in Greek dating back to the Middle Ages. The walls are painted by master icon painters. The temple is still in operation today and services are held here.
In Abkhazia, at the foot of the mountains, on picturesque hills, is located one of the most beautiful cities in the region - New Athos.
The first information about the city here dates back to the 3rd century AD. Now New Athos attracts tourists with its harmonious combination of natural conditions (mild climate and warm sea) and man-made, as well as partially man-made natural attractions.
The most interesting historical monuments and beautiful places of New Athos are in our material.
If you are going to relax in New Athos, definitely from those who have already been here with a small child.
Attractions marked on the city map:
Address: New Athos Monastery (you can reach it along Kurortnaya Street)
Telephone: +7 (840 442) 2-40-23, 2-40-26
Operating mode: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Price: Free admission
One of the most famous monasteries in the CIS was founded in 1875. It was built with the support of monks from Greece, from Old Athos. In general, the monastery took about 15 years to build, the reason for which was the lack of competent infrastructure and the war with Turkey.
Now the New Athos Monastery is one of the main Orthodox shrines. The complex of 6 temples with the main Panteleimon Cathedral annually becomes a place of pilgrimage for many believers and ordinary tourists. The main cathedral is the largest temple in Abkhazia.
When planning to visit a monastery, familiarize yourself with the rules of behavior inside existing religious sites. In addition, it is important to be mindful of your appearance.
New Athos stands at the foot of two mountains. The smaller of them, Iverskaya, 344 meters high, is interesting for the objects it contains. So, on the top of the mountain there is the old Anakopia fortress, and inside the mountain there is the famous New Athos cave.
From the top of the mountain a panorama of the Black Sea coast opens. The climb to the top can be done on foot (there is a convenient serpentine route that takes about an hour to climb), but it will be much more interesting to climb to the top on horseback. Even an inexperienced rider can handle the horse climb.
Address:
Price: Free admission
The largest surviving fortress in Abkhazia is Anakopia. Located on Iverskaya Mountain, this fortress is rather a remnant of its former greatness. Despite the reconstruction, it was never possible to completely restore the structure.
The structure was erected in the 7th century with the support of Byzantine craftsmen. In the south, the fortress is fortified with 7 towers, round and square. The walls of Anakopia are built with powerful limestone blocks. The gates to the complex were specially raised above the ground, so that one could only get inside by using the stairs. There is still a healing well near the fortress, which never runs out of water.
Address: Iverskaya Mountain (ascent along Khazaria and Chanba streets)
Operating mode: daily (May - October) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (October - May) - from 09:00 to 18:00
Price: adults – 500 rub., children under 8 years old – free
In the depths of Iverskaya Mountain there is one of the largest caves in Abkhazia. The New Athos cave is composed of limestones, the formation mechanism is karst. The total length is almost 2 kilometers, the maximum depth is 180 meters. In general, the volume of the cave exceeds 1 million m3.
The entrance to the cave was found in 1961, and tourists have been able to visit it since 1975. There are 11 halls in total, 6 of which offer excursions daily (another 2 every week). It offers visitors underground railroad with a total length of 1300 meters with 3 stations.
Tourists should look at various deposits (stalactites, stalagmites and helictites - formations growing in various directions), underground galleries, flooded grottoes and lakes.
Address: st. Eshba
Operating mode: from 09:00 to 18:00
Price: Free admission
The legend of Simon, who healed people with touch and prayer, has become firmly entrenched in the folklore of Abkhazia. According to it, Simon the Canaanite lived in the fifties from the birth of Christ on the banks of the Psyrtskha River in the town of the same name. He was the first to baptize the inhabitants of this area, who became the ancestors of modern Abkhazians.
After Simon's death, a temple was built at his resting place in the 9th century. After its destruction by Muslims, the temple was rebuilt a century later.
Now the temple of Simon the Canaanite is one of the main ones in New Athos. The unique frescoes were only partially restored after the period of Soviet rule. Services, baptisms and other ceremonies are held in the temple, during which the building is closed to all outsiders (according to the old Abkhaz tradition).
A path leads from the temple to the river gorge. Along it you can get to the Simon's grotto, restored in our century. Along the way you can come across a spring with healing water. In the cell (grotto) itself there is a cross carved, and its walls are very smooth, as if man-made.
Address: platform Psyrtskha, st. Labaria
Price: Free admission
The Grotto of Simon the Canaanite, mentioned above, is located on the territory of the natural complex - the Psyrtskha Nature Reserve. It is located on the banks of the Psyrtskha River, and you can get to it along the path from the same name railway station(this is also a remarkable building - the central hall of the station is located above the river itself, and its architecture is reminiscent of traditional buildings in Georgia and Abkhazia).
Fir forests grow near the station. Located in the reserve healing spring and small waterfall. In addition to this and the river itself, in the reserve you can admire the almost untouched nature of Abkhazia.
Seaside Park of New Athos
Address: st. Khazaria
Price: Free admission
The monks from Greece who built the New Athos Monastery also laid out a unique park in New Athos.
Here in 1880 a system of seven ponds was created. The bottom of each pond is tiled, the depth of each of them is from 1.5 to 2 meters. The monks developed the park for their needs; they raised fish here.
In 1910, the park was officially opened to citizens. Openwork bridges and plaster sculptures appeared here. Now on the banks of the ponds there are trees and shrubs of the subtropical zone and there are benches. The park is home to a family of black swans and fish can also be found.
Embankment of New Athos
More likely not even a street, but a large garden stretching along the seashore. The length of the embankment is 6 kilometers, the average width of the street is 35 meters.
On the right side there are tall palm trees and low bushes. On the left side there is a fence that separates the plant area from the pedestrian area. The uniqueness of the street lies in its competent layout - all the noise of strolling tourists is behind the fence, so those seeking silence can calmly walk near the plants and the sea.
In the evening, the lanterns are lit on the embankment and street musicians perform. Every morning the street is thoroughly cleaned.
For entertainment, it’s worth going to Adler, right on the border with Abkhazia - there is a large concentration of water parks, dolphinariums, oceanariums and other interesting things for adults and children.
If you have not yet chosen where you will live and want to save money when booking, we recommend using the RoomGuru service. Firstly, it contains hotels, apartments and guest houses from many different booking systems, so you won’t miss out on a worthwhile option. Secondly, you can immediately compare prices for one place in different services and book where it is cheaper (this is not always Booking!).
I vacationed in New Athos in September 2017. I was lucky: I found myself in the company of a man who walked this city far and wide. He showed me all the sights and simply beautiful places of New Athos. And I, in turn, will try to tell you about them.
The most famous sights of New Athos:
- New Athos Cave (entrance 500 rubles). I highly recommend visiting. The cave is huge, the tour lasts more than an hour. By train you will go down into the cave and it will take you to the surface. You will need to walk about 1.5 kilometers. It's quite cool and damp there. Therefore, you need comfortable shoes and something warm (jacket, jacket).
- Anakopia fortress. Located on the top of Iverskaya Mountain. The only restored tower of the fortress offers magnificent views of the city, sea and mountains. On the territory of the fortress there is an inexhaustible well from which you can draw water and the chapel of Our Lady of Iveron.
- New Athos Monastery. A very beautiful view of the monastery opens from the New Athos cave. The inside of the monastery is generally nothing special.
- Abandoned railway station Psyrtskha.
- Novoafonskaya hydroelectric power station is a huge waterfall in the city center. Located on the road from Psyrtskha station to Primorsky Park.
- Gorge of the Psyrtskha River. The route starts from the stone turtle and ends with the cell of Simon the Canaanite.
- Seaside Park is a wonderful place for walking. Ponds with fish, bridges, flowers, statues from Soviet times. White and black swans, ostriches, peacocks, horses. Try to find the owls - this incredibly cute couple is sitting in a hollow next to one of the cafes in the park.
- Stalin's dacha stands next to the monastery. If you have free time, you can go.
All these attractions (except for the fortress) are located close to each other, almost in the city center. It may seem that it is very far to walk to the fortress and climb very high. But that's not true. Of course you will have to walk, but it’s not that scary.
About 2 kilometers from the city there are Three Cauldrons. At the bottom of the gorge there are three stone “baths” with the purest emerald water. The gorge itself is very picturesque. They go down the stairs into the gorge. To the left are the boilers, to the right is the waterfall. I didn’t see the waterfall, because there had been no rain for a long time and it simply dried up.
To get closer to the boilers, you need to climb down using a rope. If you are not in good physical shape, I think it is better not to do this. You will have to climb using the same ropes.
In the Armenian Gorge next to the railway tunnel there is a lake with a waterfall. They swim there, although the water is very cold, and they get water from a spring. You will have to swim to the spring. Water flows through a pipe directly from the rock above the lake.
The bravest ones dive into the lake after climbing up a rock. But the depth of the lake is different - somewhere deep, somewhere shallow. So before diving, check the depth.
New Athos is the richest city in Abkhazia. There are places to walk and things to see. But the most important thing in Abkhazia is nature: mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls.
I advise you to go on an excursion, for example to Lake Ritsa. The road to the lake and the lake itself make a strong impression.
The small resort town of New Athos has been widely known since Soviet times. It is nestled among fragrant subtropical groves and surrounded by a ring of wooded hills. The history of this place begins in the first centuries of our era, when the prosperous ancient city of Anakopia was the largest and most important center of the entire region.
In the 20th century, New Athos continued to develop as a resort area and gradually gained all-Union fame. Of course, after the unrest of the 1990s and 2000s, its glory and popularity faded, but local hotels and motels still welcome tourists, and the historical and natural attractions have not lost any of their appeal, although some of them are in a slightly neglected state.
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What to see and where to go in New Athos?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The New Athos monastery is one of the most famous in the Caucasus; until 1917 it served as the main spiritual center of the region. It was founded by monks who came from the Greek Old Athos. Just two years after the formation of the community, the Russian-Turkish War began and the Turks who invaded the Caucasus plundered the monastery. The restoration, which began in 1880, continued for a couple of decades with the personal participation of Alexander III.
A mountain 344 meters high, on the top of which in ancient times there was the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom, and now the ruins of the Anakopia fortress. It is under the Iveron Mountain that the famous New Athos Cave is located. From the highest point there is a view of the Black Sea coast from Sukhum to Pitsunda. Despite its modest size, the journey to the top along the serpentine road will take at least an hour.
A defensive structure of the 4th–5th centuries, which survived many attacks over such a long period of time. During the Early Middle Ages, it was an entire fortified city; from the 8th century, the rulers of the Abkhazian kingdom settled here. The building is well preserved, considering its advanced age. In 2008, an observation deck was installed in the restored watchtower and a hiking trail was put in order.
The seaside park was laid out by the monks in 1880. At first, the inhabitants of the monastery organized ponds here, where they began to breed fish for their own needs. After the royal family visited these places in 1910, it officially became considered a recreational area. There is a chapel in the south-eastern part of the park, several sculptures from the Soviet period are scattered around the territory, and black and white swans are found in the lake located among cypresses and palm trees.
The temple was built during the heyday of the Abkhazian kingdom in the 9th–10th centuries; it is a unique monument of church architecture, formed under the direct influence of the Byzantine style. According to legend, in the lands of Abkhazia in the 1st century, the Apostle Simon the Canaanite suffered martyrdom from the Romans. Several centuries later, a church was built on the site of his supposed burial. The temple was repeatedly destroyed, but each time it was restored.
Nowadays, the cave is one of the points of religious pilgrimage. In the 1st century AD, the Apostle Simon the Canaanite lived in it for two years until he was captured by Roman legionnaires. In the 19th century, the grotto was consecrated and turned into a chapel, which attracted even more pilgrims. The cave is located on the territory of the Psyrtskha Nature Reserve; on the way to it there is a holy spring where you can get water.
The museum was opened in 2010 as part of the New Athos historical and cultural reserve "Anakopia". The small exhibition is a collection of household and art objects, paleontological and archaeological finds, weapons, products of local artisans, maps and documents belonging to different historical eras. The earliest exhibits date back to the 7th–8th centuries.
The museum collection is dedicated to the memory of those killed in the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992–93. The shape of the building resembles a mound, on top of which there is a small belfry. The exhibition consists of photographs of people, books and documents. Anyone can visit the institution for free, but you need to time your visit around the unique work schedule, since the museum is not open every day.
The former residence of the Soviet leader (in total, several dachas were built for him on the territory of Abkhazia), which today can be considered a museum, although little of the original furnishings has been preserved inside. It is known that Stalin stayed here several times in the period 1947–1953, that is, already at the end of his life. Interestingly, in the 1990s, the dacha was used as an elite hotel where political figures stayed.
The small platform of the Abkhazian railway is, first of all, interesting for its unusual architecture. The station pavilion is designed in the form of a rectangular canopy supported by columns, located above the glazed part. The roof and openings are decorated with intricate patterns. The passenger platform is decorated with forged lanterns and a fence. Psyrtskha stands on the shore of a small picturesque creek.
The tower is part of the destroyed defensive fortifications that protected the Abkhazian kingdom from the sea. Presumably, the structure was erected in the 11th–12th centuries. In the 19th century, a hotel for wealthy pilgrims (where Chekhov and Paustovsky stayed) was attached to the tower; in the 20th century, it became part of the Abkhazia sanatorium complex. Only the original walls remain of the building; the roof was replaced during restoration.
“Three Cauldrons” are three reservoirs of karst origin, filled with water from the Psyrtskhi River. The lake surface has an amazing emerald color, which fades only during the rainy season and during the spring flood. Even in the hottest weather, the gorge is cool and fresh, and the water is very cold, but there are still many who want to swim here. “Three Cauldrons” is one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the vicinity of New Athos.
The abyss in the depths of Iverskaya Mountain has been known since time immemorial, but local residents were afraid to look into this place until in 1961 a 16-year-old boy, who later became a famous Abkhaz speleologist, descended to a depth of 35 meters. Today the New Athos Cave is a popular tourist attraction. It is a real underground kingdom, consisting of nine palace halls with fabulous stalactites and stalagmites.
The water cascade is a man-made structure erected by monks in 1882 for household needs. With its help, the brothers maintained the irrigation system for the gardens. The impressive waterfall reaches 8 meters in height and 20 meters in width. Its jets roar into the reservoir located at the foot. Nearby there is a staircase that leads to the Psyrtskha railway platform.
Almost all the beaches of New Athos are covered with pebbles of various sizes, and in some places there are admixtures of sand. The bathing areas are surrounded by eucalyptus and pine groves, creating a unique climate and atmosphere. It should be noted that most beaches do not have any infrastructure; only sanatoriums and hotels are equipped. You can rent a sun lounger on them and sit comfortably on the shore.
