The most popular resort of Abkhazia - Gagra - attracts many tourists every year. From June to October, both families with children and youth come here. What sight of Gagra is worth seeing, read the article.
Gagra Colonnade
The most famous and recognizable landmark of the city is the colonnade. It is located in the center of old Gagra and is a structure of many arches in the Moorish style. 4 towers are interconnected by arcades of 8 arches. The length of this structure is 60 meters. This is the attraction of Gagra that tourists see first after crossing the border.
While admiring the beauty of the colonnade, a tourist can pay attention to the many nearby shops and tents with souvenirs. Here you can also order various excursions, have a snack, take pictures with animals and birds, take a taxi. The square in front of the Gagra Colonnade is always crowded and noisy.
The cult restaurant "Gagripsh"
Restaurant "Gagripsh" is considered a symbol of the birth of the city of Gagra as a resort. By order of the Prince of Oldenburg, the building from the Norwegian pine was brought in from Paris unassembled. In 1902, the restaurant was assembled without using a single nail. At one time, the legendary place was visited by A.P. Chekhov, I. Bunin, M. Gorky and Nicholas II himself. Fedor Chaliapin performed on the local stage.
This attraction of Gagra (photo in the article) was repeatedly reconstructed, but the appearance and interior were not affected by this. The facade of "Gagripsha" is decorated with mechanical watches, and they are now manually wound.
The restaurant menu includes dishes prepared according to old Abkhaz recipes. Khinkali, satsivi, chicken, tobacco, chakhokhbili are served here. Prices at Gagripsha are higher than at other places in the city, but it’s worth it to come here at least once.
Sights of Gagra (Abkhazia): Castle of the Prince of Oldenburg
The castle of Prince Oldenburg, built in 1902, is considered one of the most beautiful architectural structures of the resort city in the Art Nouveau style. The building housed the summer residence of the prince, and he dreamed of landscaping the coast, turning it into an elite resort area. The war prevented his plans; the prince never returned to Abkhazia. The castle managed to serve as a boarding house, and when the USSR collapsed it survived both robberies and a fire.
Now the castle of the Prince of Oldenburg is abandoned, but some private person has plans for its restoration. And tourists come to the dilapidated castle to admire the beautiful building in the past and climb to the second floor, from the balcony of which a wonderful view of the city opens.
The attraction of Gagra is located near the final stop of local minibuses, so it is easy to get here. You can visit the castle on your own or as part of an organized guided tour. With an independent visit, be careful, in the ruins it can be dangerous.
Ancient architectural monument: Abaat fortress
Built in the V century, the fortress surprises tourists with an atypical structure for the area. The answer is simple: the fortress served as a bastion, which did not allow the enemy to go deep into the Joekvari Gorge. The territorial location of the fortress of Abaat is beneficial, therefore, it was captured by the Romans, and Russians, and the Genoese. All peoples brought their changes to the fortress, therefore its appearance became so atypical for Abkhazia.
The fortress is a whole complex, which includes the Church of St. Hypatia (a story about it below), a weapons museum, which displays axes, swords, chain mail and much more. The Abaata Hotel is also located here . Previously, it was a resting place for wealthy gentlemen, but now it needs to be renovated.
Going beyond the gates of the complex, a tourist will fall into a beautiful park laid down by the Prince of Oldenburg. Rare trees and flowers, shady paths and a beautiful fountain contribute to relaxation and relaxation on comfortable benches.
Church of St. Hypatius
The temple, located on the territory of the complex of the Abaat fortress, is a local legend. A picturesque cypress avenue leads to the sights of the city of Gagra. The temple itself is a simple and unpretentious building of gray blocks. They are all of different sizes. The mystery of the construction of the building has not yet been solved: some scientists believe that it was built in the VI century and it was then that St. Hypatius Gagra lived in a cave nearby, while others claim that the temple was built later, in the X century.
The interior of the ancient building is no different from the exterior, the same gray floors and stone walls. Only the altar and the iconostasis are remarkable, and the chandelier is in gilding.
There are sand vases on the floor, parishioners stick burning candles in them.
What to see in Gagra: Landmark Victory Monument
The Abkhaz-Georgian war of 1992-1993 claimed several thousand lives. In memory of this mournful event, a monument was erected at the expense of the authorities and patrons. It looks like a pillar divided into 4 parts and crowned with a golden sphere. This sphere is a symbol of peace between Abkhazia and Georgia. The height of the monument is 30 meters. The monument is decorated with beautiful and well-groomed flowerbeds, and in the evening the lights turn on. There are always people in this place, at the foot of the monument there are always wreaths and fresh flowers. And having arrived here, the tourist receives an additional bonus - wonderful views around.
This is not the only monument in the city. The monument to the T-55 Mustang crew is dedicated to the tank burned during the Abkhaz-Georgian conflict.
Gagra Canyons
Having seen the sights of the city of Gagra (Abkhazia), you must definitely go to the area. The natural beauties of Gagra are magnificent.
Khashupse Canyon is a very picturesque place. Here, the Khashupse River enters a narrow narrow corridor of rocks. Tourists who advocate active and extreme relaxation can swim on the river in kayaks and look at the canyon from a different angle.
Going to the canyon, wear thick-soled shoes, as the path is thorny, sharp stones, boxwood thickets, slippery moss often come across.
Jupshar Canyon will meet tourists on the way to one of the main natural attractions of Gagra - Lake Ritsa. The canyon, sometimes called the "stone bag" is very picturesque: the whole overgrowth with ancient boxwood, moss, ivy. The gorge is long, its entire length is 8 km.
The narrowest place in the gorge is called Yupshar Gate. Rocks here almost converged, the distance between them does not exceed 20 meters. At the bottom of the gorge flows the mountain river Yupshara with crystal clear water. Nearby are waterfalls (Gegsky, Men's tears).
Natural Miracle of Abkhazia: Ritsa Lake
Located high in the mountains, Lake Ritsa attracts tourists with wonderful mountain views and clear waters. The lake is so transparent that it is visible at 10 meters. Its length is 2 km, the depth is 150 meters.
It is best to go to the lake from the city of Gagra on a sightseeing bus or taxi. At the entrance to the park, an environmental fee of 350 rubles per adult is charged, 150 - for a child from 8 years old.
The lake is located between the mountain slopes, which makes the picture very picturesque. Swimming is prohibited, but you can ride a catamaran. You can also go fishing by renting equipment, or sit quietly on a sunbed.
On the way to the lake there are no less interesting sights. The blue lake has a deep blue tint of water.
Abkhazian legend says that the eyes of an old man who lived in a nearby cave were exactly that color. One night he was attacked by robbers and killed. Since then, the lake has turned blue. In fact, everything is more prosaic - at the bottom of the lake there is a lot of lapis lazuli, and it gives the waters such a rich color.
The little Maiden Tears waterfall is just trickles of water oozing from the mountain walls. Many legends are associated with this place, and tourists who come here make wishes and tie ribbons in a specially designated place.
Holidays in Gagra with children: water park
In Gagra (Abkhazia), attractions and entertainment are also for tourists traveling with children. Gagra Water Park, located on Demerdzhip Street, is the only one in this country. There are several pools with fresh and salt water, slides of different heights and with different angles. Those who like extreme sensations need a ride on the Virage hill (101 meters). There is also a pool for kids, its depth is 50 meters. Experienced staff looks after the children. There are also places where you can dine in the park.
The water park in Gagra has been operating since June 1. The ticket price for an adult is 900 rubles, for a child from 4 years old - 600 rubles.
Sights and entertainments of Gagra will help travelers to plunge into the world of Abkhazian culture, history, and also admire the local natural beauties. Gagra is a rapidly developing resort, so a trip here will give a lot of positive emotions.