For our tourists, we have selected the TOP 20 sights of Abkhazia with photos and descriptions. We learned what to see from beautiful places in the first place at any time of the year, be it winter or summer. We found good hotels with an ideal location relative to the facilities, made a location map for the most convenient planning of an independent travel route by car.
Picturesque Abkhazia occupies a small territory, however, despite this, it surprises with an abundance of natural beauties, valuable architectural and natural monuments. The stunning Lake Ritsa, the well-known New Athos Monastery, the Prince of Oldenburg Castle and a number of other notable places will surely impress seasoned tourists. Let's further note which are the most memorable sights of Abkhazia with names and descriptions that are definitely worth a visit.
Anakopia fortress
In Abkhaz it means “cut up”. The citadel was erected in the 4-5th century, and it is located on the Iberian Mountain. The fortress has been perfectly preserved and was built to protect its own lands from enemies.
Throughout the history of its existence, the building has experienced numerous battles and massacres. The main defensive function was performed by the Roman tower, rising to the upper floors of which one could observe the land and sea routes. In 2008, it was restored, an observation deck was installed and a hiking trail was arranged on the slopes of Apsarskaya Mountain.
On the territory of the fortress there is a well with healing water.
New Athos monastery
The monastery is one of the most popular sights of Abkhazia. Its golden domes sparkle brightly in the sun, adding even more uniqueness to the amazing mountain landscapes.
For the construction of a new complex in Abkhazia, a significant amount of money was allocated to the monks of the Panteleimon Monastery, located on the Greek Mount Athos. Work on its construction began in 1874. To equip the site, the mountain was partially demolished, tons of land were removed, and access roads were laid.
During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, the construction of the monastery was stopped, then resumed again and completed only in 1900. However, all these years the monastery was financially supported by merchants and traders, and Emperor Alexander III presented him with chimes installed on one of the bell towers.
The monastery is definitely recommended to be visited not only by believers, but also by tourists interested in the historical and architectural heritage of the country.
New Athos cave
What to see in Abkhazia? Of course, this wonderful natural monument on the Iverskaya Mountain. It was discovered by a local artist Givi Smyr, who, together with his like-minded people in the 70s of the last century, was not afraid to go down into the underground to a depth of 135 m. The age of the cave is several million years. It has palaces made of stalactite, lakes, stone ramparts, surprising even experienced travelers.
It is allowed to get acquainted with the underground kingdom only as part of an excursion group.
Lake Ritsa
When planning what to see in Abkhazia on your own by car, be sure to write in the item about visiting the high-mountainous lake Ritsa, located almost 1 km away. above sea level. It is the most famous Abkhaz landmark, it is distinguished by clear transparent water (the color of the water changes, in different seasons you can see other shades) and is located among the stunning beauty of mountain landscapes. On the banks of the Ritsa was Stalin's dacha, and next to it was Brezhnev's dacha. You can swim only if you tolerate the water temperature of +10 degrees in summer, in winter the average values drop to +4 degrees.
If you come on your own, you can put up a tent on the east bank at the tourist base.
For more information about a trip to Abkhazia, see a separate section with travel planning tips.
Monastery of St. John Zlotousty
This stone temple is located in a quiet, prayerful place among the mountains. The tomb of John Chrysostom is installed in the monastery, and its interior is very elegant. The Kamana River flows near the monastery, carrying its crystal clear waters into the distance, so it will be especially pleasant to swim in it during the hot season.
In the church shop, you can buy an icon of John and consecrate it yourself near the tomb. The abbots of the temple will always tell the pilgrims how to do this.
Gagra colonnade
When choosing routes for self-guided excursions, do not ignore this attraction. The structure was built in the old part of the city and is a visiting card of Abkhazia. In front of the colonnade, there is a platform with a panoramic view of the local beach.
The structure consists of arcades separated by towers. Each of the arcades includes 8 arches, and the length of the entire colonnade is 60 m.
Temple of Simon the Canaanite
A small pretty Byzantine style church surrounded by magnificent nature. The temple is very ancient, a special energy emanates from its walls. Now restoration work is underway inside the building, so it will not be possible to get inside.
The temple is located near the New Athos waterfall in a quiet and peaceful place. If you are thinking about what you can see in Abkhazia on your own, include it in your itinerary. Getting to the church will not be difficult.
Castle of the Prince of Oldenburg
Prince of Oldenburg, on behalf of Nicholas II, was engaged in the improvement of the Black Sea. In 1902, an Art Nouveau residence was erected for the prince, which can be entered through the Seaside Park.
Now the attraction has preserved only traces of its former beauty, although at one time it pleased the eye with white walls, towers, decorative railings and a number of other attractive details. We recommend going on an excursion on your own only for a beautiful view from the windows of the castle, there is little left inside, but a lot of construction waste. The entrance fee is 250 rubles.
Seaside park
It is one of the most beautiful places in Abkhazia. The park, founded at the dawn of the 20th century, is home to typical tropical vegetation, among which it is good to hide in the summer heat.
To create this amazing reserve, the best varieties of plants were brought from all over the world, the number of which exceeds more than four hundred. The workers of the park had to work hard so that its guests could now admire exotic trees and shrubs.
Beaches of Abkhazia
If you do not know where it is better to relax in Abkhazia with children, we advise you to just watch a video review of all the beaches on the Black Sea coast. So you can visually imagine a vacation and choose a resort according to your needs, as well as visit the places you like as a trip to the Caucasian ridge region.
Abaata fortress
Going to the mountains of Abkhazia, take some time to see the Abaata fortress. It is a very ancient structure, built in the 5-6th century. The stronghold was created with the aim of protecting against enemies trying to penetrate the territory from the Zhoekvarsky gorge. Throughout the entire time, the fortress was repeatedly destroyed and restored, Abkhazians, Russians and Genoese tried to take possession of it.
Today, the fortress is dilapidated and is part of an architectural composition that includes a hotel, restaurant, church, beach and park.
Sukhumi Botanical Garden
The reserve is one of the oldest in the Caucasus. It was founded in 1838 and destroyed twice. The first time it was destroyed by the Turks in the Russian-Turkish war, the second time it was damaged in 1992-1993 due to the deterioration of Georgian-Abkhaz relations. Many rare plants perished as a result of the conflict.
After the onset of peace, the workers of the botanical garden began to restore the plantings, the number of which now exceeds five thousand. Therefore, flora lovers will probably not have to wonder what to see in Abkhazia in winter, because it is beautiful here at any time of the year.
Entrance fee is 250 rubles for adults, for children the Sukhumi Botanical Garden is 50 rubles, up to 7 years old is free. Opening hours from 9 am to 7 pm.
Abkhaz State Museum
The institution was opened at the beginning of the last century to revive and preserve the heritage of the peoples of the Caucasus. Over the entire period of its existence, its collection has increased to 170 thousand exhibits. Today the museum is very famous not only in Abkhazia, but also far beyond its borders.
The museum is an important cultural and historical site. It contains specimens that are thousands and millions of years old.
Ticket price - 100 rubles, working hours from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Museum of the Abkhazian Kingdom
Where to visit in Abkhazia to plunge into different eras? Of course, in this museum, which is part of the New Athos Historical and Cultural Reserve "Anakopia". The institution has been operating since 2010, it tells its visitors about the history of the Abkhaz people and their way of life.
The exhibits are arranged in a cozy hall in chronological order, showing guests the history of the region's development from the Stone Age to the present day. The museum contains paleontological and archaeological finds, household items, arts and crafts, old photographs and a number of other unique things.
New Athos waterfall
Visiting the New Athos Monastery with an excursion, you will certainly be interested to see this man-made waterfall (dam), erected by monks in 1882 on the Psyrkhtsa River. The monks actively used its water to irrigate their gardens, and also built a dam and installed a mill on it.
During the Soviet era, the dam was destroyed. It was restored in 2012, having received the opportunity to provide the monastery with electricity.
The waterfall is eight meters high and twenty meters long. Not far from it is the temple of Simon the Kananit, souvenir shops and cafes with a chic assortment of aromatic Abkhaz wines.
Psyrtskhinskaya tower
What else to see in Abkhazia from ancient sights? Of course, the tower, which got its name from the river on which it is located. It is the only structure left from the defensive fortifications. In the Middle Ages, they stretched along the coast, providing protection to Anakopia from the sea.
The tower was built in the 11-12th century and collapsed over time. Since the last century, the structure has been part of the "Abkhazia" sanatorium and contrasts expressively with its facade. The interior decoration of the building, except for the floor, has been completely restored. The exterior of the tower has also been restored, but stones from the destroyed part were used to give the walls a historically accurate look.
Restaurant "Gagripsh"
An excellent place to go to in Abkhazia, especially for lovers of gastronomic travel. The institution was acquired by the Prince of Oldenburg, being at an exhibition in Paris in 1902. A year later, the structure was brought to Abkhazia and assembled without a single nail.
The external and internal decoration of the restaurant is fully consistent with the spirit of the past era. Such celebrities as Gorky, Bunin, Chekhov, Chaliapin and others loved to dine here. Emperor Nicholas II was also a frequent guest of the restaurant. They say that it was from the moment of its opening that the Gagra gained fame as a seaside resort.
And now a few facts about visiting the institution: get ready to pay an additional 10% for the service; avid gourmets will not like it here, ordinary European cuisine; the average check per tourist is 1600 rubles.
Patriarchal Cathedral in Pitsunda
When thinking about where to go in Abkhazia to get acquainted with its ancient architecture, pay attention to the Patriarchal Cathedral. The temple was built in the very center of the city, and a huge number of tourists visit it every year.
The cathedral is decorated with unique mosaics and frescoes. On its territory are kept the holy relics of Andrew the First-Called and Simon the Canaanite. There is also a concert hall with a rare German organ.
The pavilion of the psyrtskha railway station
Among the interesting places of the region, this pavilion is also worth noting. The platform is made of iron, was created in 1944 and was originally called Dacha. The present name was given to it in 1967. It is located in a beautiful park, which you will probably want to walk through.
Sculpture "Divers"
What else to visit in Abkhazia, namely in Pitsunda? Sculpture fountain "Divers". The composition is installed on the beach near the Pitsunda Seaport, and its creator is the Georgian sculptor Ochiauru. The fountain is distinguished by its original design, mysteriously shimmering in the rays of the bright sun.
Fountain Griffins
A modern landmark located in the center of Sukhum and is a great place for photo shoots. In the dark, the fountain is beautifully illuminated. The composition consists of 14 concrete griffins, painted with gold paint. In the heat, relaxing by the fountain and feeling the fine splashes of cool water on yourself is an indescribable pleasure.
Attractions in Abkhazia on the map
Where to stay in Abkhazia inexpensively?
Our review with a selection of good options for resorts will help independent tourists to rent a house in Abkhazia. Here you can find both information on the resort, where it would be better to stay for sightseeing, and simply rent an apartment for rest in the center of Sukhum, overlooking the sea in Gagra, and other offers.
