The incredibly popular unique caves in Abkhazia were formed millions of years ago. It is not for nothing that the country of picturesque resorts and snow-capped peaks is called a paradise for all lovers of the underworld, because there are slopes for beginners and professionals. Today our story will be about the famous sights of the region, which attract a huge number of tourists.
Natural wonder
Perhaps the most famous is the largest cave in the republic discovered in 1961. Athos (Abkhazia), located on the Black Sea coast, is famous not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for its spiritually significant monastery and amazing natural wonder.
The landmark located in the bowels of the Iverskaya Mountain was unknown to the general public for a long time, although the locals knew about the frightening bottomless well, where not a single daredevil dared to go down. And only 55 years ago the world-famous cave was discovered.
At first, scientists suffered a terrible disappointment. Having reached the bottom, the researchers found unremarkable clay walls, but later a hall of stunning beauty was found, which delighted cavers who had seen a lot. As it turned out, the Athos caves in Abkhazia hid real treasures that everyone can see today.
Fascinating excursion
It took fourteen years to equip the New Athos cave and provide a comfortable descent underground. Four entrances lead to the natural creation, three of which are artificially created, and the only natural opening is in the vault of the Anacopia hall.
Now the entrance to the underworld is located in the administrative building, where you can buy souvenirs with the symbols of the most famous cave in Abkhazia (the photo is presented in the article), CDs with stories about the unique world and eat in the dining room before starting an exciting journey.
It is interesting that an electric train delivers tourists to the underground halls through a special transport tunnel. The length of the route is about two kilometers, but not all grottoes are available for viewing by unprepared visitors.
It should be noted that after the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict the names of the halls were changed.
"Anakopiya" ("Abkhazia")
The first hall available for viewing is the deepest. The length of the Anacopia, which has the shape of an elongated bag, is about 150 meters. Of interest is the unusual bottom, covered with powerful boulders and clay pieces formed afterlimestone destruction.
This gray hall will not surprise with colors, and the strict tones of the walls and the vault of the grotto are enlivened only by a spotlight with a greenish tint. Under its light, the muddy waters of underground lakes, hiding in the dark, play with emerald colors. Often this hall was flooded with seething water, which overflowed the banks and reached the limestone vault, which made it impossible to visit the cave in Abkhazia, and only after the construction of the drain was the problem solved.
Hall of Mukhajirs (Hall of Georgian speleologists)
The largest hall, once named after the discoverers, stretches for 260 meters. Divided into several parts by huge boulders, it will surprise you with clay ravines and a funnel of unknown origin, filled not with water, but with liquid mud. Periodically, the basin opens, and a muddy lake rises from there, going down after a few hours.
In the middle of the funnel is a mountain of white calcium that looks completely unreal. The hall differs from others in its fantastic landscape, reminiscent of the surface of another planet. There is also a long and high cave bridge built for the safety of visitors. People pass along the 120-meter flyover during floods, and after viewing the hall, an illuminated observation deck opens up, where you can take beautiful photos and relax under the flowing quiet music.
Narta (Clay Hall)
In the next room, living beings have been discovered, which makes it different from the others. The waters of the underground lake are inhabited by translucent crustaceans and trius - a beetle withoutan eye that does not interfere with the lack of organs of vision to swim nimbly and climb uneven walls.
All interconnected cave lakes form a single system with the Mtsyrkha River. And through this hall, covered with clay layers, the main flow of water enters, which floods part of the cave in Abkhazia.
Apsny (Tbilisi)
Colors of the underworld become brighter closer to the surface. The light of the lanterns falls on the crystals, acquiring the most incredible shades. The bright hall, reminiscent of a fairy-tale palace, is famous for its accumulations of stalactites. The magical landscape of the unique grotto, shimmering in different colors, leaves an indelible impression.
In the center of the beautiful "Apsna" there is a frozen calcium waterfall, only a few meters below the floor. From the stunning sight of the visitors, who are imbued with the majesty of mother nature, the spirit freezes with delight.
For more than two million years, few have known about the natural wonder of New Athos, and now tourists from all over the world are rushing to enjoy the underground beauty of the largest cave in Abkhazia.
The world's deepest cave
Not all natural masterpieces can be viewed without special equipment. The republic has some of the most difficult caves for explorers, and one of them is a local landmark, discovered in 1960.
The underground kingdom located in the Gagra Range is a whole system of vertical wells connected by galleries. There are no paved tourist routes here, so go downrecommended only as part of a professional group.
The branched Voronya cave in Abkhazia, a large-scale study of which began at the beginning of this century, is recognized as the deepest in the world. For many years, this title was worn by the French dungeons, going into the bowels of the earth at 1600 meters.
Speleological expeditions on the Arabica massif were carried out several times a year, and after each study, scientists announced that they had reached a new depth. The entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of approximately 2200 meters above sea level.
Abrskila
Another popular mountain beauty is located in the village of Otap. Far from the main tourist routes, it still attracts thousands of travelers who admit that this is the real kingdom of lime growths. Stalactites stretching to the floor, columns of stalagmats and magical galleries of stalagmites make a lasting impression. It seems that the guests of Abrskila got into a wonderful fairy tale, from which they do not want to get out.
Vorontsov caves
Sunny Abkhazia is famous for its underground system with 14 entrances located in the Khostinsky district. Caves connected to each other abound with archaeological finds. At different times, scientists discovered here the sites of ancient people and the bones of primitive man. Many grottoes will delight with multi-meter stalactites and underground waterfalls.
Excursions to the underground fairy tale
Unfortunately, a huge numbernatural masterpieces go unnoticed, and many unique caves are known to a small circle of specialists. Many of the bottomless wells are unsafe to go alone, and those who want to try their hand should be aware of the high humidity and low temperature.
The best way to see with your own eyes the numerous caves of Abkhazia is an excursion that can be booked in advance. Entertaining and educational programs for vacationers include visiting the most interesting sights of the country.
A trip to the caves equipped for visiting will open the door to an unknown world, which will give vivid impressions of a close acquaintance with the underground fairy tale.
