Kamany, Abkhazia

Had any of you heard of a place like the Kamans? Abkhazia has many interesting cities and rural settlements, among which there is this village, located 15 km from the city of Sukhum.

The way to Kamany goes through small local villages Shroma and Yashtukha, quite badly destroyed in times of bitter battles of 1992-1993. Here in front of the tourists there is a picturesque view of the deep gorges of Western and Eastern Gumista. And between them proudly rises Mount Gumbich, on top of which is a small medieval temple. In Yashtukha you can visit the old cemetery church and the grave of Abbot of the Glinka desert of Father Seraphim.

A bit of history

Kamans are an ancient place with a rich history, which goes back many centuries to its roots.

Once upon a time, a rural settlement was called Guma. While in 1884, the archaeologist Vrisis from Greece did not come here. After working here for a while, exploring the ruins of the temple, he made an incredible discovery: the place is nothing but the ancient city of Koman, and it is this place that is mentioned in the scrolls! It was on this earth that the famous preacher John Chrysostom and the holy martyr Basilisk died on the way to exile, who is buried here. Since then, Guma village has become known as the Kamany. Abkhazia has many places, about which there are legends and some traditions, but this rural settlement stands out prominently against their background.

According to the legend, in the place where the Basilisk was martyred, the source miraculously appeared. Water from it treated for various diseases and even healed wounds. However, to drink healing water from the source of St. Basilisk come today. Also there is a wooden chapel, built in honor of the Christian martyr, in it are the relics of a saint.

Places of interest in Kamany

In the village there is a church of St. John Chrysostom. Today, the place where John Chrysostom was buried became the center of pilgrimage, and his tomb is now in the church. It was built on the site of the destroyed church of the 11th century, and a curious fact is that in the process of erecting a bell tower for a new church, workers accidentally discovered a sarcophagus with a preacher's body.

Soon the remains of the saint were transferred to Constantinople with all the honors.

Needless to say, is the village of Kamany revered by Orthodox Christians? Abkhazia is an attractive place for tourists, and this settlement is no exception. To the waters of the source of St. Basilisk come not only to drink water, but also to plunge into it with your head. As the ancient tradition says, bathing in this healing water can get rid of diseases, strengthen health and even find the meaning of life.

Beautiful nature, delightful air and many interesting places - all this was collected by Abkhazia. Kamans (photos of the settlement can be seen in this article) impress with their ancient sights and stunning landscapes. And those who decided to visit this village will be able to see all this beauty first hand.

Kamans as a Pilgrimage Center

But still, first of all this settlement is a place of pilgrimage. Dozens of believers come here to touch the shrines. It is not empty here. You can always see at least one or two erected tents.

There is a nearby center for pilgrimage near the church of St. John Chrysostom, which is revered throughout the Christian world. This is the place of the third acquisition of the head of John the Baptist. Many centuries ago this relic was secretly taken from Byzantium and hidden a few kilometers from Kaman.

After some time it was found and returned to Constantinople. To date, Kamansky grotto is considered a sacred place for all Christians.

In addition to all of the above, there are several healing springs that are in the village of Kamany. Abkhazia is rich in its medicinal springs, and this village will also not be an exception. Here you can not only walk and visit various sights and shrines, but also to improve your health and rest in nature in this unique place not only with your body, but also with your soul!