The city of New Athos today isone of the most popular destinations for lovers of good rest. This resort is located on the Black Sea. It combines a picturesque sea coast, ancient architecture and mountains.
The sights of New Athos are of historical and cultural value, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Everyone here can find something interesting for themselves.
Architecture
Давайте остановимся на этом более подробно.What is so remarkable New Athos? Abkhazia is a country with a rich history. This could not affect the architectural image of the city. There are unique buildings that have been preserved here since ancient times. Some of them were almost completely destroyed and rebuilt from scratch. Restorers managed to keep them almost intact.
In the annals of the first mention of these placesdated III century. The city at that time was characterized by a developed trade infrastructure. It was here that the largest port on the Black Sea coast was located. The results of the excavations confirm that the culture of the locals was well developed. Somewhere in the V century, the Iberian fortress was built on the mountainside.
Пару столетий спустя здесь появилась стена, which was supposed to protect the fortress from the conquerors. At different times, the city was owned by Turks, Genoese, Byzantines. This period had a great influence on the architectural image of the city. At one time the city belonged to the Russians. During this time, a majestic monastery and beautiful gardens appeared here. Their creation involved the monks who came here from the shores of Greece.
What to see in New Athos? Monuments of architecture here are mainly represented by numerous religious buildings. Next we look at the most interesting and beautiful of them.
Novy Afon Monastery
What is its feature?This is the most famous landmark of New Athos. The temple complex includes the Panteleimon Cathedral. It is the largest temple in the whole country. Tourists are attracted by the beauty and significance of the building. Thousands of pilgrims come here every year. The building itself is beautiful and large-scale. Bright walls and brilliant domes surrounded by the green of cypress forests look very solemn. Admire the beauty and grandeur of the temple attracts tourists from around the world. The entrance to the monastery is free, the main thing is to follow the rules of conduct on the territory of religious buildings.
Anakopia fortress
How does it attract tourists?Another interesting attraction of New Athos is Anakopia fortress. This is the largest fortification of the city, preserved to our days. It was reconstructed, but it did not fully recover. It does not spoil the look at all, but even gives the fortress refinement and attractiveness. Ruins help create an atmosphere of antiquity. You seem to be transferred to the era of the founding of the city. It was from here that the story of New Athos began. The fortress attracts tourists not only for its historical value. Here is the famous well, which never runs out of water. In ancient times, the watchtower also served as an observation point. From here it was possible to see the whole city, starting from the center and ending with the surroundings. Today there is an observation deck.
Grotto of St. Simon Canonite
What can you say about him? Another attraction of the city of New Athos is the cave of Simon Canonit. The walls are carved in the gorge, the faces of saints and other ritual images are depicted on them.
Nearby is one of the most important religiousmonuments. The temple is a majestic strict building of white stone. Called it in honor of the saint who could heal people. Unfortunately, many unique frescoes could not be restored. It currently holds worship services, religious ceremonies, baptisms and services.
Dranda Monastery
Какие еще достопримечательности Нового Афона worth seeing? Of course, this is the Dranda Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God. Locals use it for services, ceremonies and worship services. The cathedral attracts tourists due to its unusual architecture. The building has the shape of a polyhedron. It has interesting pentahedral protrusions. The walls are made of red brick and finished with plaster. The building as a whole looks rather unusual, but at the same time restrained and modest.
Museums and Sculptures
In terms of tourists, no less interesting.are places with antique exhibits. What are they? Not far from the New Athos waterfall there is the Museum of Local Lore. Here is a large collection of ancient archaeological finds that reflect the antique life of the local population. Tourists may also be interested in a large collection of ancient weapons, presented at a permanent exhibition.
At the entrance to the famous Novy Afon cave of touristsmeets the sculpture "Golden Fleece". This landmark has received great popularity due to the world famous celebrity of this myth. Fans of history and legends from all over the world come here to look at it.
The sculpture “Eagle tearing a snake” is also very popular. Previously, it was located near Navoathon waterfall. Now she was transferred to a park near a pond with black swans.
The “Mermaid” sculpture is interesting because it is hidden by the waterfall jets. Seeing it all will be quite difficult.
A few words about nature
In addition to architectural and cultural values,The natural sights of New Athos became very popular. They must enter the tourist route. No doubt worth a visit to the Iver Hill. At its top is located Anakopia fortress. Here you can find the entrance to the New Athos Cave. For tourists, this is one of the most remarkable natural attractions of Abkhazia. You can climb to the top both on foot and on horseback. From the height there opens a stunning panorama of the Black Sea coast.
There is also a huge mountain on Iverskaya.cave length of almost 2 km. Its huge grottoes with bizarre stalactites and underground galleries are simply amazing. How to get here if you are going to New Athos? Cave tours are conducted regularly. There is even a special train from which you can view everything.
Another amazing naturalAttraction awaits you near the temple of St. Simon Canonite. New Athos waterfall belongs to the best natural monuments. However, it is worth noting that the dam was created by human hands. It was built by the monks of the monastery to use water from the floodplain of the river. Due to the lack of outflow, she swamped. After the construction of this dam, the New Athos waterfall became one of the most interesting places in Abkhazia.
For walks with children, Psyrikhinsky reserve is perfect. Here you can just take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air.
Other interesting sights
What else is interesting in New Athos? There are several unique places that you should definitely visit if you are planning a vacation in Abkhazia.
Here are some of them:
- Stalin's dacha:in New Athos there was a personal plot of the leader. Although the house is small, its decoration is very rich. Inside the finish is made of different types of wood. The area surrounding the house is also of interest. Here grow olive trees, eucalyptus and roses of various varieties.
- Seaside Park:near the Athos monastery is a unique natural reserve. In addition to many rare trees, shops and sculptures, there are several artificial reservoirs. In them, the monks were engaged in breeding fish. Ponds and the park are famous for their unique black swans.
- The quay of the city of New Athos:reviews of travelers confirm that this is one of the best walking areas on the Black Sea coast. It is perfect for measured hiking. Along the cobbled long street palm trees grow. It offers a gorgeous view of the sea.
- Грот Агиа:This is a holy place, on the walls of which you can see drawings dated by different eras. Many of them have a religious meaning. The length of the corridor is approximately 7 meters. The researchers did not manage to fully disclose the meaning of all the images, but there is some similarity in them.
Infrastructure
Новый Афон (Абхазия) сегодня является достаточно popular tourist destination. For a comfortable rest all conditions are created here. The city is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure: there are cafes, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment facilities. Most hotels are located near cultural and historical attractions.
Новый Афон – это прекрасное место для путешествий.The city has absorbed everything: here you will find numerous architectural monuments and natural attractions. You can stroll through the ancient shrines, take part in exciting excursions, and in the free time to relax on the sea.
Attractions map
Abkhazia is perfect for travel.But in order to efficiently use your time, you need to decide in advance what are the sights of New Athos you still want to explore. To do this, you can look at the photos of architectural monuments with their descriptions before the trip, as well as draw an approximate route using the map.
Reviews of tourists
Что же может предложить туристам в качестве Amusement Town New Athos? Museums, parks, reserves, restaurants - just enough. Basically, they come here for a measured peaceful rest. It is here that you can restore your nervous system from constant urban stress. A mild climate, sunbathing and swimming in the sea will help you gain new strength a year in advance. Guest reviews confirm this. Of course, someone may not like that there are no nightclubs and discos. But for most tourists visiting New Athos, this is not necessary.
Conclusion
New Athos is a small resort townlocated in Abkhazia. It has everything you need for a good holiday: attractions, beautiful nature and the coast. In addition, there are many religious shrines. Pilgrims from all countries come here to look at these places with their own eyes.
