The most popular resort of Abkhazia - Gagra - attracts many tourists every year. From June to October, both families with children and young people come here. What attractions of Gagra are worth seeing, read in 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 construction of many arches in the Moorish style. 4 towers are interconnected by arcades of 8 arches. The length of this structure is 60 meters. It is this attraction of Gagra that tourists see first after crossing the border.
After admiring the beauty of the colonnade, a tourist can pay attention to the many shops and souvenir stalls located nearby. Also here you can 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.
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 Oldenburgthe Norwegian pine building was brought from Paris disassembled. 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. Fyodor Chaliapin performed on the local stage.
This attraction of Gagra (photo in the article) has been reconstructed more than once, but the exterior and interior have not suffered from this. The facade of "Gagripsha" is decorated with a mechanical clock, which is still wound by hand.
The restaurant's menu includes dishes prepared according to old Abkhazian recipes. Here they serve khinkali, satsivi, tobacco chicken, chakhokhbili. Prices in "Gagripsha" are higher than in other institutions of the city, but it's worth coming here at least once.
Sights of Gagra (Abkhazia): castle of 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 was the summer residence of the prince, and he dreamed of improving 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 a certain private person has plans to restore it. 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 wonderfulcity view.
Gagra landmark is located near the final stop of local minibuses, so getting here is easy. You can visit the castle both on your own and as part of an organized tour with a guide. When visiting on your own, be careful, the ruins can be dangerous.
Ancient architectural monument: Abaata fortress
The fortress, built in the 5th century, 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 Zhoekvarsky gorge. The territorial location of the fortress of Abaata is beneficial, so it was captured by the Romans, and the Russians, and the Genoese. All peoples made their own changes to the fortress, so its appearance became so atypical for Abkhazia.
The fortress is a whole complex, which includes the Church of St. Hypatius (a story about it below), a museum of weapons, which exhibits axes, swords, chain mail and much more. The hotel "Abaata" is also located here, previously it was a vacation spot for we althy gentlemen, but now it needs to be renovated.
Leaving the gates of the complex, the tourist will find himself in a beautiful park founded by the Prince of Oldenburg. Rare trees and flowers, shady paths and a beautiful fountain contribute to relaxation and rest on comfortable benches.
Church of Saint Hypatius
The temple, located on the territory of the Abaata fortress complex, is a local legend. A picturesque road leads to the sights of the city of Gagra.alley of cypresses. The temple itself is a simple and unpretentious building of gray blocks. All of them are of different sizes. The mystery of the erection of the building has not yet been solved: some scientists believe that it was built in the 6th century and it was then that St. Hypatius of Gagra lived in a cave nearby, others claim that the temple was built later, in the 10th century.
The interior of the ancient building does not differ from the exterior, the same gray floors and stone walls. Only the altar and the iconostasis are noteworthy, and the chandelier is gilded.
There are vases filled with sand on the floor, in which parishioners stick lighted candles.
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 flower beds, and in the evening the backlight is turned on. There are always people in this place, there are always wreaths and fresh flowers at the foot of the monument. 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 crew of the T-55 "Mustang" is dedicated to the tank burned during the Abkhaz-Georgian conflict.
Gagra Canyons
After seeing the sights of the city of Gagra (Abkhazia), you definitely need to go to the area. The natural beauties of Gagra are magnificent.
CanyonKhashupse is a very picturesque place. Here the Khashupse river enters a narrow narrow corridor of rocks. Tourists who advocate active and extreme recreation can kayak along the river and look at the canyon from a different angle.
When going to the canyon, wear shoes with thick soles, as the path is thorny, often come across sharp stones, boxwood thickets, slippery moss.
Yupsharsky 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: all overgrown with ancient boxwoods, moss, ivy. The gorge is long, its entire length is 8 km.
The narrowest place in the gorge is called the Yupshar Gate. The rocks here almost came together, 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 wonder of Abkhazia: Lake Ritsa
Located high in the mountains, Lake Ritsa attracts tourists with wonderful mountain views and clear waters. The lake is so transparent that it can be seen at 10 meters. It is 2 km long and 150 meters deep.
It is best to go to the lake from the city of Gagra by sightseeing bus or taxi. At the entrance to the park, an environmental fee is charged in the amount of 350 rubles per adult, 150 rubles per child from 8 years old.
The lake is located between the mountain slopes, which makes the picture very picturesque. Swimming is prohibited here, but you can rideon a catamaran. You can also go fishing by renting equipment, or relax on a lounger.
On the way to the lake there are no less interesting sights. The blue lake has a rich blue tint to the water.
Abkhazian legend says that the eyes of an old man who lived in a cave nearby were of this color. One night robbers attacked him and killed him. Since then, the lake has become blue. In fact, everything is more prosaic - there is a lot of lapis lazuli at the bottom of the lake, and it gives the waters such a rich color.
Small waterfall "Girl's Tears" - it's 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.
Rest in Gagra with children: water park
In Gagra (Abkhazia), there are attractions and entertainment for tourists traveling with children. Gagra Water Park, located on Demerdzhipa Street, is the only one in this country. There are several pools with fresh and s alt water, slides of different heights and with different angles of inclination. Those who like extreme sensations should take a ride on the "Bend" slide (101 meters). There is also a pool for kids, its depth is 50 meters. Children are looked after by experienced staff. There are also places where you can dine in the park.
The water park in Gagra has been open since June 1. Ticket price for an adult is 900 rubles, for a child from 4 years old - 600 rubles.
Sights and entertainment of Gagra will help travelers 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 you a lot of positive emotions.
