Since ancient times, there have been many defensive structures on the territory of Abkhazia. However, it is located in the city of New Athos that is considered the best-preserved historical monument.
The majestic Anakopia fortress, whose coordinates are 43°5"40"N 40°48"29"E, was built on the top. Translated from the Abkhaz language, its name means “rugged”. And the Greeks called the fortress Trachea, which translates as “severe rocky,” so don’t be surprised if you come across the name Trachea-Anakopia in some tourist guides.
Anakopia fortress: history
This land has been attacked by aggressive neighbors since ancient times. Abkhazia has long been famous for its military defense structures. The Anakopia fortress was intended to strengthen the borders and protect against enemies. In the first centuries of our era, Transcaucasia, or rather its western part, was under the rule of the Romans. In the 3rd-4th centuries Colchis was invaded by nomadic tribes of the Huns, Goths, as well as North Caucasian mountaineers.
The Roman forces stationed here during this period are used to control and subjugate the local population and protect the peripheral possessions of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. The Abazgs and Laz were supposed to guard the passes and passages from the north. This was in the interests of the local population.
To carry out such a defense, fortresses and other military-strategic structures were required. At the turn of the early Middle Ages and ancient times, several serious fortifications appeared on the territory of Colchis, among which Anakopia occupied a special place.
The Anakopia fortress was built in the 4th-5th centuries, but, unfortunately, today we can no longer see the beautiful fortress city as it was in the distant past. Merciless time, bloody wars with brutal massacres, of which there were many throughout the life of this building, have done their job.
Description of the Anakopia fortress
Abkhazia was attractive to many neighboring peoples. The Anakopia fortress became a formidable defensive structure, occupying a fairly large area - 70 thousand square meters. It had two defensive lines (main), as well as an external defensive line.
Anacopia Mountain became the site of construction of the first line, which was a citadel 83 meters long and 37 meters wide. It must be said that for the time of construction it was a very powerful structure. The Anakopia fortress, whose height was more than five meters, and the thickness of the walls exceeded a meter, scared off many who wanted to seize these lands.
The main defensive function was assigned to the Roman Tower; from its upper positions the sea and land surroundings were clearly visible. The power of the fortress city grew over time: in the 4th century it was already considered the largest city of Abazgia, and already in the 7th century it became the residence of the Abkhaz rulers, the spiritual and political capital of the country.
Tower and walls
The tower, as well as the fortress walls of the second line, were presumably built in the 7th century. The tower is made of brick, mortar and white stone. The builders used the technique of the Byzantines and Romans, which consisted of alternating brick laying with white stone.
The two lower floors of the structure date back to the 7th century, and the upper superstructures appeared much later - in the 11th-12th centuries. Seven towers were located every sixty meters and protruded slightly from the walls. During excavations in the area of the second line, objects and objects of historical value were discovered. Among them are the remains of a hall-type temple, a kiln in which lime was burned, and eleven burials performed in accordance with Christian rites.
Gates
The Anakopia fortress (New Athos) had a main gate, which was protected by a round tower. They were built from three limestone slabs and were located quite high above the ground. To get into the fortress, it was necessary to use an attached wooden staircase.
Gate tower
This structure is notable for the fact that its location and shape made it possible to fire at the enemy at an angle of almost 290°. On the second floor there are five loopholes, which are located in special niches, and an arched entrance. The combat power of this tower was due to the fact that it reliably protected the approaches to the gate.
East Tower
According to researchers, in the early thirties of the 11th century, Tsarevich Dmitry and Princess Alda took refuge in Anakopia, who surrendered the citadel to the Greek garrison. Thus, the fortress city of Anakopia and the adjacent lands came into the possession of the Byzantines for a long time.
It was at this time that the eastern tower appeared in the fortress. It served as the main command and observation post. It was the last line of defense in the event of the fall of the fortress. The tower has no architectural delights - everything is subordinated to its main functional purpose. It is built from limestone hewn blocks of fairly large sizes, which are held together with lime-gravel-sand mortar. At the base the thickness of the walls is two meters, at the highest point - 1.6 meters. An observation deck was created at the top. Today, after reconstruction, the eastern tower is open to tourists.
Well
Abkhazia attracts many guests from the countries of the former USSR. The Anakopia fortress is included in almost all tourist routes. Pilgrims are drawn here by a well with life-giving Anacopian water. It is adjacent to the temple. It is believed that this container, carved into the rock, is inexhaustible, and the water that fills it is life-giving and healing.
The well is carved into the rock and lined with limestone. In ancient times, rainwater from the roofs was collected in it, but today water flows due to the appearance of condensation on the cold walls of the “bathtub”.
The water conduit to this wonderful well was built in ancient times by the builders of the fortress. It operated on the principle of communicating vessels. Presumably, such a water pipeline could be installed in a ditch dug on the slopes of the Iverskaya and Athos mountains. It passed through the valley located between them under the river, and was later disguised by earth.
Temple of Theodore Tyrone
Abkhazia is famous for its many ancient religious buildings. The Anakopia fortress had its own temple, which was located on the top of the Anakopia mountain. The temple was built in the 6th-7th centuries in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the chronicles of the 11th century, which describe the battle with the Arabs near the walls of Anakopia in the thirties of the 8th century, it follows that the Anakopian icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary had miraculous powers that protected the inhabitants of the fortress.
There is an assumption that there was another temple on the slopes of the mountain, but it has not survived. In the 11th century, the temple was rebuilt and consecrated in the name of This is confirmed by the epigraphic monument discovered in the fortress. Abkhazia (Anakopia fortress) still attracts historians. In our time, the remains of the temple buildings of the fortress from different times have not yet been fully studied, due to the lack of comprehensive large-scale architectural and archaeological research and written evidence. In this regard, numerous scientific disputes arise, but all experts agree that the temple was rebuilt many times.
Scientists are sure that the latest changes in the temple were carried out by the monks of the New Athos Monastery. This happened at the beginning of the 20th century. He cleared the rubble of the southern aisle of the cathedral, as well as the adjacent room (on the eastern side). Its purpose has not yet been clarified.
A small chapel was built inside the temple. In addition, minor changes affected the layout of the surrounding area. Some sections of the walls were completed.
Facade
The facade of this early Christian structure was decorated with only one slab, on which three crosses were depicted. It was located under the arch. Three crosses symbolized the Great Trinity. Some researchers believe that these are symbols of Christ, John the Baptist and the Mother of God.
Reconstruction
In 2008, the reconstruction of the fortress was completed. As a result, the watchtower was restored and an observation deck appeared on it. True, many tourists believe that after restoration work the tower began to resemble a remake. The slopes of Apsara Mountain and the hiking trail leading to the top were put in order.
How to get there?
We hope that you are interested in the Anakopia fortress (Abkhazia). How to get here? Quite simple. Today, from New Athos to the fortress, a landmark for travelers is a stop in the form of a huge shell, by the way, it is called “Shell”.
Near it, turn towards Iveron Mountain and follow the asphalt serpentine road past the famous one. Then you should turn onto Chanba Street and continue driving uphill. Soon you will see an observation deck and a car park with a seating area. Here you can leave your car, buy tickets at the box office and join a tour group. A professional guide will accompany you on the excursion, which will last one and a half hours.
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I hereby acknowledge and confirm that, if necessary, Media Travel Advertising LLC has the right to provide my personal data to achieve the above-mentioned purposes to a third party, including when engaging third parties to provide services for these purposes. Such third parties have the right to process personal data on the basis of this consent and to notify me about service rates, special promotions and site offers. Information is provided by telephone and/or email. I understand that by placing a “V” or “X” in the box to the left and clicking the “Continue” button or the “Agree” button below this agreement, I agree in writing to the terms and conditions described previously.
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Hotel "Anakopia Club" in Abkhazia is located in the village of Primorskoye, 3 km from the city of New Athos, on the very seashore. The hotel has its own fenced area with 24-hour surveillance. In 5-7 min. Drive away there are the main attractions of New Athos, as well as many cafes, restaurants, and a souvenir market.
Accommodation: two 3-storey buildings and three 2-storey cottages (2 rooms each).
- 2-bed 1-room standard;
- 3-4-bed 2-room standard;
- 3-bed 1-room without balcony;
- Double, 1-room in a cottage - two rooms in each cottage, has its own parking space and veranda.
All rooms have: bathroom, shower/bath, refrigerator, TV, air conditioning, telephone (intercom), balcony.
Additional bed - Euro folding bed.
Food: no food. Supplement for 2 meals a day (breakfast + dinner) – 450 rubles. person/day, 3 meals a day – 600 rub. per person/day. Payment for meals when booking a tour.
Infrastructure: bar and restaurant serving European and national cuisine, sports ground, table tennis, children's playground, guarded parking, animation, Wi-Fi Internet, original excursion program, babysitting services. The hotel has an indoor hall for trainings, seminars, and yoga classes.
Wellness: regular flights to hydrogen sulfide springs, massage, consultations with a speech therapist (child psychologist with original author’s methods), speech therapy massage, educational activities and games for children, art therapy for personal growth and development, trainings with a family psychologist-consultant.
Beach: private, pebble, 50 m from the sea, equipped (sunbeds). There are water activities: boat, banana, bun.
Photos of the Anakopia Club Hotel, Abkhazia
Prices for the Anakopia Club hotel, Abkhazia
Children: accepted from any age.
City: New Athos
Abkhazia, New Athos, village. Primorskoe.
General description: The Anakopia Club hotel is located almost on the seashore, not far from New Athos, in close proximity to the main attractions of New Athos. The hotel has all the necessary conditions for sports, recreation, beach and excursion holidays.
Service: The hotel offers guests free Wi-Fi internet; in each building there is a utility room (ironing board, iron); animation; football and volleyball courts; table tennis; playground; guarded parking lot.
Beach: Own pebble beach, 50 meters from the hotel buildings.
Free sun loungers and beach towel on the beach.
Rooms: the Anakopia Club hotel has two 3-story buildings and three cottages with rooms:
Double rooms
in the room: 2 double/two single beds, TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, telephone, balcony, shower, toilet.
3-bed 2-room standard rooms in the room: 2 double and 1 double beds, TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, telephone, balcony, shower, toilet.
4-bed 2-room standard rooms in the room: 2 double beds and two single beds, TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, telephone, balcony, shower, toilet.
2-bed cottages in the room: 2 double bed, TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, telephone, balcony, shower, toilet.
Additional place: For children under 14 years old, a folding bed is installed.
Meals: 3 buffet meals a day (from May 1 to September 30) in our own restaurant and outdoor summer cafe by the sea. During the rest of the period without food.
The diet will always include delicious soups and hot dishes of meat and fish, fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits and baked goods. Meals are provided only from fresh, natural, local products.
Check-out time: On the first day, check-in is at 14.00, on the last day, check-out is before 12.00.
Additional Information: The hotel organizes the sale of homemade natural products: homemade cheese, matsoni, homemade preparations, wine, chacha, real Abkhazian honey and Abkhazian fruits.
For a fee: regular flights to hydrogen sulfide sources; author's excursion program; bar and restaurant serving European and national cuisine, evening cafe; water sports: boat, banana boat, “bun”, wake board, windsurfing with an instructor; consultations with a speech therapist (a child psychologist with extensive experience and original author’s methods), speech therapy massage, developmental activities and games, exciting and useful trainings with a family psychologist-consultant; babysitting services; laundry service; massage; transfer.
Children: All ages are accepted. A child under 5 years old without a separate bed can be accommodated in a double room with parents, with meals (from 01.05 to 30.09) free of charge.
Animals: Bringing animals is prohibited.
Address: Republic of Abkhazia, New Athos, village. Primorskoe.
Operating period: All year round.
Required documents: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF THE RF: Travel voucher, passport (general civil or foreign), for a child under 14 years old - a birth certificate with a mark on citizenship. Children from 14 to 18 years old - a general internal passport or international passport. Medical insurance policy (purchased at the border). For a child under 18 years of age - an epidemiological certificate. surroundings.
For a child under 18 years of age traveling without parents, a notarized power of attorney from both parents is required to take the child from the Russian Federation to the Republic of Abkhazia, indicating the date of departure and the state they intend to visit.
For a child under 18 years of age traveling with one of the parents, a notarized power of attorney from the second parent is required to export the child from the Russian Federation to the Republic of Abkhazia. However, such consent is not required in the actual absence of the second parent, which is confirmed by the following documents: a maternal record book, a death certificate, a document on deprivation of parental rights, an application from the second parent to abandon the child, a document from the court indicating that the whereabouts of the second parent cannot be determined.
Crossing the border with temporary identity cards is not possible.
Laminated birth certificates are not accepted at the border!!!
Crossing the border for citizens of the former CIS countries and neighboring countries is carried out only with visa confirmation, a foreign passport and a migration card.
Attention! Additionally, a one-time resort fee of 40 rubles is paid. for 1 person, accident insurance in the amount of 250 rubles. for 1 person. Fees and insurance are paid on site upon check-in to the health resort.
Included in the price: Accommodation in a room of the selected category, 3 meals a day from May 1 to September 30, use of a private beach (lounger, beach towel); Internet Wi-Fi, guarded parking.
Prices: of the hotel "Anakopia Club" (New Athos) are indicated for 1 person. per day for 2019:
room category | 11.01- 28.02 |
01.03- 31.03 |
01.04- 30.04 |
01.05- 31.05 |
01.06- 30.06 |
01.07- 31.08 |
01.09- 30.09 |
01.10- 15.10 |
16.10- 31.10 |
01.11- 30.11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2-bed "Standard" building No. 1, 2 | 450 | 450 | 500 | 1650 | 2500 | 2900 | 2150 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Double in a 1-storey Cottage | 500 | 500 | 750 | 1700 | 2700 | 3300 | 2650 | 550 | 550 | 550 |
2 PC beds in a 2-storey Cottage | 500 | 550 | 600 | 1850 | 3000 | 3700 | 2850 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
3 places. "Standard" building No. 3, 2-3 floor | 300 | 350 | 450 | 1600 | 2000 | 2400 | 2000 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
3 places. "Standard" in 2 floors. "cottage +" | 400 | 500 | 600 | 1800 | 2400 | 2800 | 2400 | 600 | 500 | 500 |
3 places. "Improved" in 2 floors. "cottage +" | 450 | 500 | 600 | 1800 | 2600 | 3000 | 2600 | 600 | 500 | 500 |
3 places. "Standard Plus" building No. 2 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 1800 | 2400 | 2800 | 2400 | 600 | 500 | 500 |
4 places 2 rooms "Standard Family" room No. 1 | 400 | 500 | 650 | 1625 | 2200 | 2600 | 2150 | 500 | 550 | 550 |
4 places 2 rooms "Standard Family +" | 400 | 450 | 550 | 1700 | 2300 | 2800 | 2300 | 550 | 600 | 600 |