Bagrat Castle - one of the oldest sights of Abkhazia

Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi is one of the oldest sights of Abkhazia. This fortification was built in the X-XI centuries. Archaeological finds made in the castle make it possible to suggest that the first settlements in these places were founded much earlier.

History of the legendary fortress

In the north-eastern part of the city of Sukhum there is an amazing sight that attracts tourists. At the very top of the mountain, among the riot of greenery are the remains of the walls of an ancient military structure. It is the castle of Bagrat, built during the reign of the great king Bagrat III.

Official historical documents on the construction of this fortification was not preserved. According to some experts, the fortress was erected a little later, during the reign of Bagrat IV. The fortification was oval, it had two towers. It is believed that Bagrat Castle was erected to protect the port at the mouth of the Basly River. The river valley is excellently visible from the top of the hill where the fortress is built.

Castle today

Gradually, the fortification structure lost its strategic importance and was destroyed. The fortress, located on the top of the hill, some distance from residential buildings, was forgotten by the inhabitants of the city. As a result of this confluence, Bagrat's castle was decrepit and gradually turned into ruins. Up to now, only fragments of walls that surround the courtyard, overgrown with grass, have reached. Looking at them, it is difficult to assess the full scale of the fortification. In some places, the walls have a height of up to 8 meters, and a thickness of up to 1.8 meters. Once the fortress was faced with cobblestone. Over the years, the masonry has darkened and overgrown with curly plants. Many tourists believe that the ruins, covered with vegetation, look much more interesting and mysterious.

Facts and legends about the Bagrat castle

In the XX century, near the ruins of an ancient fortress, archaeological excavations were conducted. Then, Byzantine coins of the 12th century, iron nails and knives, pottery clay pottery, kitchen utensils, as well as pythos - large jugs that buried in the ground were discovered. All important archaeological finds were transferred to the museum collection.

The Bagrat fortress is also known as Akua Castle (Agua). This is the ancient name of the area. The fortification is 500 meters from the sea. The place for building the castle was not chosen by chance. The fortress not only protected the port at the mouth of the river, but also was one of the security points on the way to the Great Abkhazian wall. The most attentive researchers will notice an ancient underground passage leading from the fortress to the nearest stream.

Group excursion or independent travel

Despite the severely damaged state of the fortress, many travel agencies in Abkhazia offer organized trips to this landmark. The cost of excursions seems to be acceptable. But in fact, to get to this attraction is not difficult on your own. Excursion service in ancient ruins is also not required.

In fact, few facts are known about the construction and history of this castle. If you want to see during the vacation a lot of interesting sights, organize a trip to Bagrat castle.

Abkhazia is a country where there are various interesting tourist sites, which are more useful to visit with local guides. Here you can dream, admire the picturesque views and make original photos for memory. Bagrat Castle is a place where it's more pleasant to be in a small company.

How to get to the oldest sights of Sukhum?

The ancient fortress is on the top of the mountain, and it can be seen from many points of the Abkhaz capital. There is no public transportation to the ruins, the path is so narrow and groomed that you will not be able to drive by private car. Where is Bagrat Castle, how to get to it? From the city center there is a fixed-route taxi No. 5 and a trolleybus No.2. It is necessary to reach the stop "Sanatorium MVO". Then you need to go along Akirtava Street and turn from it to the Bagrat Mountain. Prepare to walk, the climb is not too high and uncomplicated. Having reached the top of the mountain, you will see an information board, the ruins of the fortress and an incredibly picturesque panorama of the city. What is especially nice - sightseeing is completely free and free.

Reviews of tourists

Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi is a tourist attraction, which evokes the most diverse emotions of tourists. Many of these ancient ruins are disappointing. The fortress is considered one of the most ancient and famous sights of the city. After listening to the old traditions, many tourists are preparing to see something completely unusual. In fact, the castle is destroyed very much. But he certainly deserves attention, even in this condition.

If you have free time, be sure to visit this landmark. The castle has never been restored. The surviving fragments of the walls were indeed built in X-XI. From ancient ruins a very picturesque view opens up to the capital of Abkhazia and the sea horizon. Many tourists prefer to visit this place in the early morning or, on the contrary, at sunset of the day. Choose comfortable sports clothes for a trip to the castle, the ruins are in the real thickets.