Interesting places and entertainment in the new Mount Athos. Sights of New Athos: natural and man-made. New Athos in summer

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 become 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 guarded 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 Dohiara 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 ancient monasteries 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 Athonite, 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, the Gregoriat is 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 sacred mountain 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.

Works on the beaches in Ouranoupolis a large number of all kinds of 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. - we can say this is the main tourist transport node 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 best places for visiting famous places Athos on our website.

Abkhazia is rich in attractions, and the small Abkhaz town is no exception New Athos, which in past times was called Anakopia.

New Athos is a city with an ancient history, one of the most famous resorts in Abkhazia. This small town 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 huge amount 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. A 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 this that they swam, according to ancient legend, Argonauts. 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 amazing 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 national reserve New Athos - “Anakopia” near an artificial waterfall.

Iveron 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, 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 building 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 national park“Anakopia” 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 Orthodox world, since the Holy Apostle Canaanite lived on its shore. 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 ancient 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 returned to its previous 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 human hand holding a cross. 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 there 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 favorite place for walks for both citizens and guests of the city.

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

Temple of Simon the Canaanite – historical monument ancient architecture(VI – VIII centuries), located at the New Athos waterfall. 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.

Detailed photo article about seaside holidays in the resort of New Athos in Abkhazia in 2019. Attractions, beaches, map with GPS coordinates, where to stay, how to find accommodation, excursions, ways to get there on your own and more helpful information for tourists.

New Athos – holiday at sea in Abkhazia

New Athos is a calm and cozy Black Sea resort town in Abkhazia. Historically, the area has been known since the 3rd century, when the city of Anakopia (Trachea) existed here. IN late XIX century, monks from Greek Athos formed a monastery here. That's why it happened modern name city ​​- New Athos.

For those who like to combine lying on the beach with interesting forays around the surrounding area, New Athos is an excellent choice. There will definitely be something to see here. If you come to New Athos for a seaside holiday, you can spend 2-3 hours every day visiting one or two attractions within walking distance (enough for a week). The beach infrastructure here is rather poorly developed, so lovers of holidays exclusively on the beach should choose or consider other resorts in Abkhazia.

Map of New Athos (Abkhazia)

New Athos on the map of Abkhazia:

The map is divided into layers that can be disabled/enabled in the settings. After clicking on the mark, the GPS coordinates of the selected object will be displayed.

Sights of New Athos

So, let’s list what you can see in New Athos. All attractions are marked on the map in the corresponding section of this article.

• Description: New Athos Cave is the most popular attraction not only of New Athos, but throughout Abkhazia. Big karst cave with reservoirs, to which you need to go by underground metro.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09065, 40.81001
• Working hours: Summer – daily, seven days a week from 9.00 to 19.00. Autumn - spring - Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00. The tour lasts 1.5 hours.
• Ticket price: Adults and children over 8 years old - 500 rubles, children under 8 years old - free. Photography - 50 rub.

✔ Fortress Anakopia on Iveron Mountain

• Description: The ruins of the medieval fortress of Anakopia rise above New Athos on Mount Iveron at an altitude of 344 m. There is an artificial spring of water on the territory. On the tower - Observation deck. The climb up the mountain is quite tiring; it is better to follow an organized path. With us, my grandmother tried to take a shortcut along steep slopes and injured her leg (by the way, don’t forget before traveling to Abkhazia). The ascent takes about an hour. In the hot season, it is better to go in the morning or in the evening.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09459, 40.80807
• Ticket price: Entrance - 150 rub. Parking - 100 rub.

✔Stalin's Dacha

• Description: There are only a few rooms in the house. It felt like someone was even spending the night in the bedroom. Of all Stalin’s dachas in Abkhazia that are allowed for tourists to see, this is the only one we weren’t given a tour of. I liked it the least.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.08872, 40.82626
• Ticket price: 100 rub., access by car – 50 rub./person.

Stalin's Dacha

• Description: The monastery was founded in the name of Simon the Canaanite in 1875 by monks from Athos (Greece). Hence the current name of the city - New Athos.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.08816, 40.82087
• Ticket price: for free.

• Description: IN ancient church the relics of the Apostle Simon Kakanita rest.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09051, 40.8163

• Description: A hydroelectric power station and a waterfall were created in 1882 to provide water to the inhabitants of the monastery.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09104, 40.81641

• Description: A beautiful half-abandoned railway station with a pavilion above the lake of the same name Psyrtskha.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09189, 40.81575

✔

• Description: Picturesque walking trail along the Psyrtskha River with iconic places stay of the Apostle Simon the Canaanite.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09216, 40.81424
• Ticket price: ?

• Description: The seaside park in New Athos is located across the road from the sea, notable for its pond and swans.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.08482, 40.81533

✔

• Description: A memorial museum dedicated to the memory of those killed in the Georgian-Abkhaz War.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.0847, 40.8125
• Working hours: ?
• Ticket price: for free.

✔Waterfall in the Armenian Gorge (near Iverskaya Mountain)

• Description: Small picturesque natural waterfall. If you look at the waterfall, to the left of it you can climb the path and find a small artificial cave.
• Coordinates GPS : 43.09157, 40.79942

✔

• Description: - a natural attraction to the west of New Athos. It consists of depressions in the rock in the riverbed, which are shaped like three containers, which is where the name comes from. A picturesque place, nearby there is a canyon (the so-called “green”), along which you can take a walk. Attention - slippery!!!
• Coordinates GPS : 43.1009, 40.804708
• Ticket price: 100 rub.

⚠ If you come to New Athos from other resorts in Abkhazia public transport on one day, then for sightseeing you can use such a sequential route: Seaside Park – New Athos Monastery – Temple of Simon the Canaanite – artificial waterfall – Psyrtskha station – grottoes of Simon the Canaanite – New Athos Cave.

If you come by car, you can also capture the “Three Cauldrons”, the Anakopia fortress on Iverskaya Mountain and Stalin’s Dacha (from which you can easily get to the New Athos Monastery directly, avoiding extortions from local entrepreneurs and walking up the mountain, saving energy and time and money).

Excursions to New Athos

From other resorts in Abkhazia

✔Group . Excursions are sold everywhere in resort area. Cost for adults and children – 400 rubles. + ticket to New Athos Cave 500 rub. (optional).

✔ Individual , that is, with personal guide by car. The cost of such an excursion will cost around 3,500 rubles. for a group of tourists (1-3 people) or 900 rubles. per person (if the group is more than 3 people). You can see the description.

From Sochi (Adler)

✔Group . You can go to New Athos from Sochi (Adler) for one day group tour. Ask for prices and programs at tourist kiosks.

✔Individual . Cost – from 2400 rub. per person depending on the program and number of people (example).

Excursions around Abkhazia from New Athos

From New Athos you can travel by train.

✔Group . Public excursions are sold in crowded tourist areas.

✔Individual . Excursions with a personal guide in his personal vehicle (usually an SUV). Convenient if you are relaxing with a group/family of 3-4 people. You can order on specialized websites or based on recommendations from friends. Examples are presented below.

Where to stay

Residential areas can be divided into three zones:

Housing areas in New Athos on the map

✔Residential area , where the main (most populated) part of the city is located - east of the historical part of New Athos. There are cafes, a market, shops, and a railway station. Housing is represented by numerous boarding houses, hotels and guest houses of various levels in the private sector. On the map at the beginning of the article the area is indicated in blue.

The best offers for hotels and guest houses in a residential area:

• Guest house “Wonderful Garden” – rating 9,2 out of 10. Modern, clean guest house. The rooms have a private bathroom, free internet (weak), air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, hairdryer, kettle. The sea is a 2-minute walk away. There is a restaurant on site.
• Guest House "Athos" – rating 8,5 out of 10. New guest house. The rooms have fast, free internet, air conditioning, TV, kettle. Private bathroom with hot water. The sea is across the road.

The route through the residential area of ​​New Athos

✔Historical part the city where the main attractions of New Athos are located. Housing is represented by hotels and small private sector. Guest houses are mainly located on a hill, so returning from the beach every day will not be pleasant for everyone. There are cafes and restaurants in the area. On the map at the beginning of the article the area is marked in red.

The best housing offers in the historical part:

• Guest house "Riviera" – rating 8,9 out of 10. New guest house with friendly owners. The rooms have free internet, air conditioning, TV, kettle. Walking distance to the sights of New Athos.
• Hotel Afon – rating 8,8 out of 10. New hotel with spacious clean rooms, pleasant service. Located near the sea. The rooms have free internet, air conditioning, TV, hairdryer. Free private parking is available on site.

✔Armenian Gorge (area of ​​Topchana street) – west of the historical part. Represents a small private sector. On the map of New Athos at the beginning of the article, the area is indicated in yellow.

The best housing offers in the Armenian Gorge:

• Guest house "Gladiator" – rating 9,3 out of 10. Guest house on the seashore with responsive owners. The rooms are clean, have a kettle and air conditioning. Shared bathroom with hot water, toilet and kitchen. In the courtyard there is a dining area, barbecue and private parking. Nearby there is a cafe and a shop.

How to find housing

Housing in New Athos, as in other places in Abkhazia, can be found in the following ways:

• Search on site.
• Search in advance via contacts from friends.
• Search via communities on social networks.
• Search and guaranteed booking through specialized sites: booking.com/novyj-afon (hotels and guest houses), airbnb (guest houses and private sector).
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Sea and beaches of New Athos

The resort of New Athos washes the Black Sea. If there is no storm, then the sea in New Athos is transparent and clean. In the mornings you can spot dolphins.

The beaches are pebble. Going into the water and sunbathing on pebbles is not a pleasant pleasure, so it is advisable to stock up on special rubber shoes and thick mats.

In general, all the beaches of New Athos are relatively clean and not crowded with vacationers. But the infrastructure is poorly developed. There are locker rooms and showers in some places, but their condition leaves much to be desired. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be found nearby large hotels(boarding houses). During the season, there are cafes on the shore in some places.

✔ Beaches to the east from historical district(from the side) the most popular, as they are located in a residential area of ​​the city. All coastline divided by breakwaters. The beaches are pebble.

✔ Beaches in the historical area . The beaches of the historical part of the city are pebbly with small infrastructure in the form of changing rooms and showers. Parking for cars is paid - they ask for 150 rubles.

Beach view of the historic district

✔ Beaches to the west from the historical area (from Gagra, Gudauta). The sand and pebble beaches of New Athos are located here: pebbles at the water's edge, and sand in the sea.

How to get to New Athos

There are several options to get to New Athos on your own from other regions of Abkhazia:

• By personal car . The main asphalt highway of Abkhazia leads from Sukhum, Gagra, Gudauta and other resorts to New Athos.
• By public transport . Minibuses run regularly from (≈150 rubles), Gagra (≈120 rubles), Sukhum (≈50 rubles) and other resorts in Abkhazia.
• By taxi . As an example, the cost of a trip from Gagra to New Athos will cost 1200-1300 rubles.

Details for help:

✔ Tinkoff map 4377 7237 4260 2448 Samorosenko Konstantin Igorevich (Elisha’s dad)

✔ Yandex money 410012258423394 Samorosenko Konstantin Igorevich (Elisha’s dad)

New Athos is rich not only natural beauties. This Abkhazian city has ancient history, leaving behind many interesting sights.

From time immemorial, different peoples have lived on this beautiful piece of land. Greek monks built their monasteries here, major political activists and representatives of the royal family, many famous writers and poets rested here.

Defensive structures were built here with the help of the Byzantines already in the 7th century AD, but traces of ancient fortresses have been perfectly preserved to this day.

Rock paintings and traces of ancient sites were discovered in grottoes near the foothill villages of New Athos, which scientists attribute to the Paleolithic era, as well as inscriptions made in the Middle Ages. Guests really have something to see in New Athos.

What to see

One of the main attractions of New Athos is, of course, one of the largest and most interesting caves in the world, New Athos Cave (all details).

Tours take place here all year round , on a specially equipped underground train, which takes tourists through the underground halls.

The depth of the cave in some places reaches 180 meters.

Stalagmites and stalactites merge here into bizarre stalagmata.

Underground lakes, various mineral formations of the cave, skillful lighting in the background of music, and after the excursion leave a stunning impression for a long time.

This excursion is worth it 500 rubles, plus 50 rubles for permission to take photographs in the cave.

The road to the cave goes from main square historical center city, the second road from the same square will lead you to another attraction - the New Athos Monastery.

Simono-Canonite Monastery

The monastery was built at an altitude of 75 meters above the sea, near Mount Athos.
The monks of Old Athos began to build it with subsidies from the royal family in 1875, into which a lot of effort and labor was invested.

The monastery had to be restored after it was plundered by the Turkish conquerors, but from 1880 it began to be actively completed and gradually became a major religious center on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, until the revolution of 1917.

On the territory of the monastery complex there are 6 temples, each of which is an example of church architecture and is a separate attraction.

The holy monastery rises majestically above the city and is visible from almost everywhere.

Path of Sinners

The road leading to the monastery is called the “path of sinners”.

It starts from the Church of the Intercession near the Primorsky Park. They say that If you go all this way on your knees, you can receive absolution.

But not everyone can decide to do this : The path is quite long, made of stones and leads up to the monastery, running along cypress trees.

Behind them lie well-tended citrus and olive orchards, which were planted here by the monks of the monastery and then spread along the entire coast.

New Athos waterfall

Hearing the phrase “New Athos waterfall”, unknowing people imagine first of all a natural attraction, but in reality it is an artificial structure.

In 1903, the monks of the New Athos Monastery built a hydroelectric power station on its territory, on the picturesque Psyrtskha River, providing the monastery with electricity.

The erected dam formed an arched slab more than 20 meters long, from which it falls from a height of 8.6 meters

Several outlets extend from it, intended for watering nearby gardens and operating the mill. The rooms located in the wall under the waterfall are used by the monks as refrigeration chambers.

Seaside Park

The seaside park of New Athos is located in the very center of the city. It was once built here by the monks of the New Athos monastery, back in the late 19th century. They dug 7 ponds up to 2 meters deep here, and the bottom of each of them was lined with stone tiles.

They were used for the fishing needs of the monks; they raised fish in them. And it was officially declared a Primorsky Park in 1910, when the royal family arrived in New Athos.

Now the main attraction of the park is black and white swans living in ponds.

The park is decorated with well-groomed flower beds and palm trees. It’s very nice to relax here in the summer, on cozy benches in the shade of weeping willows.

The famous sculpture “Eagle Tormenting a Snake” is located on the territory. You can find her near three large plane trees, near a pond with black swans.

The eagle's wingspan reaches 1.5 meters; vacationers love to take pictures near it.

Anakopia fortress

The Anakopia fortress is located on Iverskaya Mountain, which has been perfectly preserved to this day.

In ancient times, Anakopia was the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom. Significant trade routes passed here, which made the city the subject of intersection of interests of the Romans, Byzantines and Turks who ruled in the 8th-9th centuries.

Residents of the city were forced to strengthen their defenses, for which the Anakopia fortress was built. Loopholes ran along the entire defensive perimeter of the fortress, helping to fire back from the enemy in all directions.

The Byzantines began to build the main line of walls in the 7th century, concerned about the increasing frequency of Arab raids.

The fortress adequately defended the townspeople from the army of the Arab commander Suleiman ibn Isam, but the siege of the fortress by Murwan ibn Mohammed in 736 was able to break its defenses and the residents suffered enormous damage from this invasion.

You can climb Iverskaya Mountain on foot, but it will be much more interesting to take a horse ride to the fortress. Even people who are not experienced in horse riding can handle the climb.

Chapel of Our Lady of Iveron

On the top of Mount Iveron, the New Athos monks built a chapel, which today houses An ancient copy of the miraculous icon of the Iveron Mother of God.

It was believed that the Iveron Mother of God protected the fortress and the mountain, because for so many centuries no one was able to finally conquer this fortification.

Among the Arabs who besieged the fortress at the end of the 6th century, an epidemic of gastric disease suddenly broke out, killing 35 thousand conquerors in a few days.

In front of the icon in the chapel, a lamp is burning all the time, people bring their gifts, and the clergy conduct singing and services.

Next to the chapel there is an ancient spring where you can get water, which is considered healing.

Agtsa Grotto

Agtsa Grotto is a unique ancient monument and is located behind Iverskaya Mountain, near the northern side of the ancient village of Anukhva. The entrance to the grotto is located at an altitude of 30 meters, in a rock made of red limestone.

This is a seven-meter corridor with many rock paintings and inscriptions. It is noticeable that the walls of the grotto were leveled by hand, and the grotto itself served as a place for some kind of religious rituals.

It was discovered in 1940 by archaeologist L. Solovyov, who also found a nearby site of ancient inhabitants of the Paleolithic era.

Excavations were carried out that prove that the “Sanctuary of Fire” was once located on the territory of this village, and the ancient inhabitants already in those days revered the cult of the cave, characteristic of the population of mountainous regions.

Embankment

One of the most beautiful places New Athos - this is his embankment, which looks more like a garden than a regular seaside boulevard. It is especially beautiful in August, when pomegranates bloom and the aroma of blooming magnolias fills the air.

The length of the embankment is about 6 km, width is 35 m. . Palm trees are planted closer to the shore; on the other side, the boulevard is decorated with well-groomed flower beds and beautiful shrubs. Exotic plants are found everywhere here. The embankment is thoroughly cleaned every morning.

All the main infrastructure is located behind a small decorative fence, and the embankment itself is intended more for walking among picturesque nature near the seashore, musicians play on benches, couples in love relax.

In the evening, decorative lighting is turned on here, creating a romantic atmosphere of relaxation by the coast.

New Athos – resort town in the Gudauta region of Abkhazia. Despite its modest size, this place is one of the most famous and visited by tourists. Pilgrims come here from different countries world, to touch the holy lands, where one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, Simon the Canaanite, preached and died a martyr’s death.

Story

The first mention of the settlement of Anakopia on the site of present-day New Athos dates back to the 3rd century. They are connected with the developed trading activities of the city, which at that time was one of the main trading ports Black Sea coast. During the excavations, much evidence was found that the culture of the local residents was well developed.

In the 5th century, the Abkhazians built the Iverskaya fortress on the slope of the mountain. Two centuries later, a wall was erected to protect the fortress from the attacks of conquerors. By the end of the 8th century (during the period of troubles in Byzantium), Leon II arbitrarily declared himself king of Abkhazia. It is worth giving him his due; for these lands and the people of Abkhazia, he did everything in his power. Under his leadership, Anacopia was declared the capital of the country and flourished.

Later, the city was owned by the Byzantines, Genoese, and Turks. All of them, except the Turks, left a mark on this land in the form architectural structures that time. Then the Russians came, thanks to them, today we can admire the majestic monastery and the unique man-made gardens (with a system of artificial ponds) adjacent to it. All structures were erected by Russian monks who arrived on these shores from Greece.

Entertainment in New Athos

New Athos offers tourists little in terms of entertainment. This place is, first of all, the center of spiritual life. There are no nightclubs and restaurants, noisy discos, or drunken cheerful groups on the streets. People come here for a peaceful and measured holiday, which heals the soul from city stress and helps restore the nervous system.

Swimming in the clear sea, sunbathing and educational excursions - these are the entertainments that New Athos offers its guests. Local kitchen will also not leave vacationers indifferent. Hospitable local residents they sell aromatic delicacies of their own production, restaurants and cafes invite you to taste amazingly tasty Caucasian dishes.

New Athos is rich not only in amazing man-made attractions, there are many unique natural places. Among the must-see attractions when you come on vacation:

• New Athos Simon-Kananitsky Monastery;
• New Athos Cave;
• grotto of Simon the Canaanite;
• Novoafonskaya embankment.

At the end of the 19th century, Russian monks settled in the Psyrtskhi valley, having moved from the opposite shores of the Black Sea. In 1875, they began the construction of a monastery at the foot of the mountain, which is to this day the main attraction and pride of Abkhazia. The war with the Turks played a fatal role in its construction. The partially built buildings were destroyed by the Turks, and only a year after the end of the conflict the construction of the monastery was resumed.

In addition to the buildings of the monastery itself, the monks built a narrow-gauge railway here, which facilitated the construction process, cable cars to Mount Iverskaya and Mount Athos, a dam with a hydroelectric power station on the river. The surrounding area was cleared and landscaped, and a beautiful park with artificial ponds and canals was laid out. The monks bred carp and mullet in them. The mountain slopes were planted with fruit trees, regularly producing juicy apples, olives, and tangerines.

The monastery buildings were erected for about 20 years; Emperor Alexander III took an indirect part in this. Upon completion of construction, the monastery was presented with chimes placed on the very high tower bell towers. In 1888, a chapel was built and an alley called Tsarskaya was laid out.

The Soviet period became critical for the monastery; its activities were suspended for anti-Soviet agitation. For almost 70 years, the monastery buildings were used by the Land of Soviets as a boarding house. Five years before the beginning of the new century, Russian Orthodox Church carried out restoration work and restored the activities of the monastery. Today New Athos is the largest religious center on the Caucasian Black Sea coast.

In the Primorsky Park, in addition to the abundance of subtropical vegetation, there is a system of ponds. Previously, monks bred mullet, carp and crucian carp here; today their main inhabitants are beautiful swans. From the times of the Union, sculptures remained that symbolize Soviet time. This mixture of styles and times reflects the history of the park. You can admire the picturesque landscapes by sitting on benches located throughout the park for the convenience of tourists. Here you can take a photo, capturing this amazing romantic atmosphere as a memory.

Cave in New Athos

The New Athos cave is located in Iveron Mountain, the entrance is located near the monastery. It was opened in 1975 and immediately became a place visited by tourists. The cave stretches almost 2 km deep into the mountain; for ease of movement there is Railway, which can take tourists to halls located 1.3 km from the entrance. There are 11 halls in total with many grottoes and galleries, there are even underground lakes. Electric lighting was installed in the halls, and all conditions were created for the convenience of 2 thousand tourists who visit this amazing attraction in one day.

Grotto of Simon the Canaanite

Simon the Canaanite is an apostle at whose wedding Christ turned water into wine. The shock from the influence of the personality of the God-man was so strong that Simon became one of the twelve followers of Christ and followed him, leaving his family. In the middle of the first century AD, he and Andrew the First-Called came to these places and preached the Word of God. Then Andrei followed further and reached the island of Valaam, and Simon remained in Anakopia, settled in a grotto and lived in it until the embittered Roman legionnaires killed him. A stone cross was erected at the site of the martyrdom of the apostle. The grotto of Simon the Canaanite has been preserved almost intact in its original form, the passage to it was modified by the monks for ease of visiting. They installed a staircase and laid out mosaics depicting Jesus, the Mother of God and the Apostle Simon.

The embankment is especially beautiful in August, when pomegranates, acacias and magnolias bloom. It stretches for 6 km in length and its width is 35 meters. Tall broad-leaved palm trees are planted along the entire embankment, creating life-saving shade in the heat. It is always lively and noisy here, in the evening the lights turn on, the embankment acquires a special charm and mystery.

In addition to the attractions described, there are many more interesting places in the city and its surroundings for the inquisitive tourist. Among them are the Inexhaustible Well, Iverskaya Mountain, the Rock Garden, Stalin's dacha and about 30 more architectural and natural monuments.

By visiting the main spiritual shrine of Abkhazia, you will not only receive an incredible healing effect and many vivid impressions from rest, but also put your thoughts and feelings in order.