17 Attractions in New Athos You Should See

New Athos is a small town in Abkhazia located on the Black Sea coast. In the 3rd century, it was a major trade center, and by the 8th century, it had become the capital of the Abkhaz Kingdom. Today, the history of New Athos is reflected in its attractions: ancient fortresses and temples.

Tourists also come here to admire the picturesque surroundings of the resort: the coastal beaches, mountain caves, subtropical forests, and man-made groves.

Iverskaya Mountain, which can be seen from any area of the town, rises to 344 meters. It features several attractions of the resort, including the ancient Anakopia Fortress, built in the 5th century, and the deep New Athos Cave.

Why visit:

People visit Iverskaya Mountain not only to see its natural and historical attractions but also for the stunning views. From the top, one can see a large stretch of the Black Sea coastline, from Cape Pitsunda in the west to Sukhum in the east.

You can ascend to the summit via a winding road along the slopes. Walking will take about an hour, and horse rides are also available.

Address: Iverskaya Mountain, New Athos, Abkhazia.

Under Iverskaya Mountain lies the New Athos Cave, one of the largest karst cavities in Abkhazia. The total volume of the chambers in the cave, discovered by a local resident in the 1960s, is about one million cubic meters.

Why visit:

The cave is equipped for tourists. A small railway line was built for visitors, running through a tunnel in the rock, allowing access to the cave's entrance in just a few minutes.

Guided tours are conducted through the underground halls, where visitors can see several lakes, picturesque stalactite formations, and whimsical stone piles. A standard tour lasts about one and a half hours, and it's recommended to bring warm clothing (even in the height of summer, the cave does not exceed +14 degrees Celsius).

Address: New Athos Cave, Chabna Street, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In 1875, a large area next to New Athos was handed over to Orthodox monks who founded a monastery there. The construction of the complex continued for several years, and by the early 20th century, it had become a major Christian center. However, in 1924, the monastery was closed by Soviet authorities. The revival of the monastery began in 1994.

Why visit:

The New Athos Monastery is an active monastery, but it is open for tours. The monastery is located in a picturesque place on a hill next to the coast, surrounded by forests and groves. However, the main attractions of the complex are architectural and religious.

The jewel of the complex is the Panteleimon Cathedral, built in the late 19th century. This majestic structure in the neo-Byzantine style is topped with five gilded domes. Inside, the walls of the cathedral are adorned with frescoes. During the tour of the monastery, visitors can also see the residential and economic buildings surrounding the main temple.

Address: New Athos Monastery, New Athos, Abkhazia.

The Path of Sinners is sometimes referred to as Cypress Alley, leading to the New Athos Monastery. According to a local legend, to earn forgiveness for sins, one must ascend this stony path on their knees.

Why visit:

The Path of Sinners runs through picturesque spots: it's surrounded by park areas with cypress, lemon, olive, and other trees. This alley is often visited by tourists, so you might encounter street vendors selling souvenirs, homemade wine, and produce along the way.

Address: Cypress Alley, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In the 4th-5th centuries, a fortress was built on the summit of Iverskaya Mountain to protect the settlement of Anakopia from raids. This well-fortified citadel faced many attacks but has relatively well preserved to this day. In 2008, the complex underwent partial reconstruction.

Why visit:

Anakopia Fortress is one of the most popular historical attractions in all of Abkhazia. Fragments of strong stone walls and several towers remain, one of which was recently reconstructed. The fortress also features an Endless Well, a complex system of vessels that collected dew and rainwater, which is still functioning today.

Guided tours are conducted around the fortress, which can be ordered at the ticket office located on the road below the complex. There is a paid parking area and an observation platform near the ticket office.

Address: Anakopia Fortress, New Athos, Abkhazia.

The Psyrtskha River flows through New Athos, and along its banks lies a nature reserve. The territory of the reserve features both natural and historical attractions.

Why visit:

In the reserve, not far from the Psyrtskha railway station, there is a grotto of Simon the Canaanite-an isolated monastic cell that can be reached via a mountain path. Tourists also come here to breathe in the clean air of the coniferous forest, sample water from local springs, and admire the beautiful mountains and waterfall.

Address: Historic Gorge of the PSYRDZHA River, New Athos, Abkhazia.

Along the Black Sea coast, there is a 6 km long embankment in New Athos. Flowerbeds and palm trees have been planted here, alongside a walking area.

Why visit:

The New Athos embankment is a great place for walks. Locals and tourists alike come here to enjoy the sea views and take photographs. The embankment is well-lit, and the main tourist infrastructure of the resort is nearby, so it's also popular in the evenings.

Address: New Athos Beach, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In 1882, a hydroelectric plant with a dam was built on the Psyrtskha River for the needs of the construction of the New Athos Monastery. As a result, an artificial waterfall appeared, which was used for irrigation and other economic needs. After the monastery closed in the 1920s, the hydroelectric plant ceased operations, but it was restarted in 2012.

Why visit:

The waterfall is over 8 meters high with a length of about 20 meters. It can be viewed during a tour of the New Athos Monastery or included in walks around the surroundings. Nearby, there's a charming railway station, a church dedicated to Simon the Canaanite, souvenir shops, and cafes.

Address: New Athos Waterfall, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In New Athos, there is a place where the Christian apostle Simon the Canaanite was killed in the 1st century AD. This saint was one of the first preachers of Christianity in Abkhazia, so he has been venerated by locals for ages. In the 9th-10th centuries, a temple was built on the site of the apostle's death. Next to it is a cell where, according to legend, the saint lived.

Why visit:

The Temple of Simon the Canaanite is a small building in a simplistic Byzantine style typical of ancient Abkhaz churches. Its walls are made of white limestone, and above the entrance, ancient inscriptions in Greek, dating back to the early Middle Ages, have been preserved.

The apostle's cave cell is located in a gorge within the Psyrtskha Nature Reserve. It can be accessed via a trail that starts near the temple and leads up the slope. On the way, you'll find a spring and many convenient viewing platforms.

Address: Temple of Simon the Canaanite, New Athos, Abkhazia.

At the end of the 19th century, during the construction of the New Athos Monastery, a large park was laid out next to it. The territory featured artificial ponds that were stocked with fish, and fruit trees and shrubs were planted. The park was not neglected during Soviet times-new sculptures were installed, and local residents and tourists continued to stroll along the green alleys.

Why visit:

Seaside Park remains a popular spot for a tranquil retreat. There are many beautiful shady alleys, pedestrian paths, flowerbeds, and benches. You can also stroll around the artificial ponds, which are often visited by swans.

Address: Seaside Park, New Athos, Abkhazia.

The museum dedicated to the ancient Abkhaz Kingdom opened in New Athos recently-in 2010. Its exhibition covers various periods of the state's development and discusses both significant historical events and the everyday life of ordinary residents.

Why visit:

The museum's collection includes samples of weapons, household items, agricultural tools, documents, and other exhibits. On a tour, you can see an ancient wine press, a reconstructed boat from the 19th century, and a large exhibit dedicated to the construction of the New Athos Monastery.

Address: Local History Museum, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In the 13th-14th centuries, New Athos was home to a Genoese colony. The ancient Psyrtskha Tower dates back to this period; it was part of a defensive wall that ran along the coast. Later, the fortifications were destroyed, and a new building was added to the remaining ruins of the tower in the 19th century.

Why visit:

The Psyrtskha Tower has survived surrounded by later constructions. It stands out among neighboring buildings: in its walls, made of rough stone, there are arrow slits reminiscent of the tower's military past. The roof over the structure is modern, and the ancient interior (except for the floor) has also not survived.

The tower can be viewed while walking through Seaside Park. A fragment of the ancient fortifications is located on Lakoba Street.

Address: Lakoba Street, New Athos, Abkhazia.

The Three Basins refer to the karst pools located at the bottom of a gorge about 2.5 km from the New Athos Cave. These natural cavities, formed here many years ago, are filled with clean river water.

Why visit:

The area around the Three Basins is perfect for picnics and other outdoor activities. The water in them is almost always clear, and you can see streams cascading into the karst basins as beautiful waterfalls. Additionally, breathtaking views of the picturesque canyon filled with vines and trees can be enjoyed from here. There is also a café nearby where you can grab a bite after a walk.

Location: 2.5 km from the New Athos Cave.

In the vicinity of the New Athos Monastery is a government residence built at Stalin's request. From 1947 onwards, Soviet General Secretaries and their guests regularly stayed here. After the Soviet Union's collapse, the complex was used infrequently.

Why visit:

Now, Stalin's Dacha has been turned into a museum. Join a tour to see the restored interiors of the office, bedroom, reception room, bathrooms, and other areas. Much of the furnishings were lost in the 1990s, but the site is gradually being reconstructed.

Address: Stalin's Dacha, Abkhazia, New Athos, Abkhazia.

Iverskaya Mountain in New Athos is named after the icon of the Iberian Mother of God, which was kept in a small temple at the summit built in the 7th century and later destroyed. In 1913, local monks built a new chapel using ancient reliefs found during excavations at the Anakopia fortress.

Why visit:

The small stone chapel is open to visitors, and anyone can enter. Inside, it houses the icon of the Iberian Mother of God. Next to the church, there is a spring, the water of which is considered to have healing properties.

Address: Anakopia Fortress, New Athos, Abkhazia.

In Heroes Square in New Athos, there is a memorial dedicated to the Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-1993. The complex consists of a snow-white structure with a bell tower and a museum.

Why visit:

The Museum of Military Glory features a small permanent exhibition that can be viewed for free. The collection includes photographs and documents; you can also learn about local residents who perished during the conflict. On September 30, the day marking the end of the war, commemorative events are held near the memorial.

Address: New Athos Museum of Military Glory, Tbilisi - Senaki - Leselidze Highway, New Athos, Abkhazia.

When considering what to see in New Athos, pay attention to the surroundings of the city. Just 7 km away is the village of Tskvara, a well-known balneological resort.

Why visit:

In Tskvara, there is a hydrogen sulfide spring whose water is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and other ailments. A preventive or therapeutic course can be taken at the local sanatorium. Healing mud is also used at the resort, along with massage treatments.

The surroundings of the village are very picturesque. A rushing mountain river with a waterfall flows near the resort, and you can find spots for picnics or walks.

Address: Tskvara, Abkhazia.