Religious sites of New Athos

In sunny Abkhazia, near the city of Sukhumi, there is a picturesque resort called New Athos. He attracts tourists from the CIS countries and Europe with a unique natural world, mild climate and national local color. There are many architectural monuments on its territory, which are of great importance for the whole of Abkhazia, and are also its decoration. Therefore, now briefly look at the sights of New Athos and in advance we will think over the tourist route, which must be overcome.

The main property of the town is the Novy Afon Monastery, in honor of which this village was named. It was built by Greek priests who arrived on the Black Sea coast in the 19th century. The highest tower of the monastery reaches 50 meters, and from its top offers a beautiful view of the mountains, the sea and all around. Therefore, it is very convenient to inspect all the sights of the New Athos in miniature, and after that it will be interesting to go on a "live" excursion.

The natural heritage of the town is the Iberian Mountain. At its top are the ruins of the Anakopi fortress, which was built here in the Middle Ages. The very surface of the mountain slope is covered with subtropical plants. Climb to the top like many tourists, because from here a beautiful view opens. It is believed that all the sights of the New Athos originate from this mountain, since most of them are towers and observation platforms. By the way, inside this mountain is Novoafonskaya cave, in which, according to legend, Simon the Canon himself prayed.

Secrets that are enclosed one in another, filled with New Athos, Abkhazia. The sights of this city are hidden in each other, and the Anakopia fortress, which is located on the Iberian mountain, is a direct proof of that. In the walls of this ruined structure is still kept the icon of the Iberian Virgin Mary, which was brought here in the 19th century from Greece. In honor of her, the mountain was named, as well as the western chapel of this very fortress, where the Holy Face is now located. Another secret of these ancient ruins is the deepest well, the water in which never ends.

The lands of Abkhazia are famous for their legends about St. Simon the Canon, which could save any ills only by touching the hand. He settled in this place in the 50-ies of our era and actively preached the innovative in those days religion - Christianity. It is believed that he was one of the secret apostles of Jesus and for the dissemination of his dogmas came to New Athos. The sights of the city that bear witness to it are an Orthodox church named after him, as well as a grotto that is nearby. It should be noted that this cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox sanctuaries located in the Caucasus.

As we can see, the sights of New Athos mainly represent religious buildings, which are very harmoniously complemented by natural wonders. There are beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and the famous river Psyrchtsa, over which a railway station has been built.