The Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi is one of the oldest sights of Abkhazia. This fortification was built in the X-XI centuries. Archaeological finds made on the territory of the castle allow us to suggest that the first settlements in these places were founded much earlier.
History of the legendary fortress
In the north-eastern part of the city of Sukhum there is an amazing attraction that attracts the eyes of tourists. At the very top of the mountain, among the riot of greenery, you can see the remains of the walls of an ancient military structure. This is Bagrat Castle, built during the reign of the great king Bagrat III.
Official historical documents on the construction of this fortification have not been preserved. According to some experts, the fortress was built a little later, during the reign of Bagrat IV. The fortification was oval and had two towers. It is believed that the Bagrat castle was built to protect the port at the mouth of the Basla River. The river valley is perfectly visible from the top of the hill where the fortress was built.
Castle today
Gradually the fortification lost its strategic importance and was destroyed. The fortress, located on the top of a hill, at some distance from residential buildings, was forgotten by the inhabitants of the city. As a result of such a combination of circumstances, the Bagrat castle fell into disrepair and gradually turned into ruins. Only fragments of the walls surrounding the courtyard, overgrown with grass, have survived to this day. Looking at them, it is difficult to assess the full scale of the fortification. In some places, the walls are up to 8 meters high and up to 1.8 meters thick. Once the fortress was lined with cobblestones. Over the years, the masonry has darkened and overgrown with climbing plants. Many tourists believe that the ruins, covered with vegetation, look much more interesting and mysterious.
Facts and legends about Bagrat Castle
In the 20th century, archaeological excavations were carried out near the ruins of an ancient fortress. Then Byzantine coins of the 12th century, iron nails and knives, shards from clay vessels, kitchen utensils, as well as pithoi, large jugs that were buried in the ground, were discovered. All important archaeological finds have been transferred to the museum collection.
The Bagrati fortress is also known as the Akua (Agua) castle. This is the ancient name of the area. The fortification is located 500 meters from the sea. The place for the construction of the castle was not chosen by chance. The fortress not only protected the port at the mouth of the river, but was also one of the security posts on the way to the Great Abkhaz Wall. The most attentive researchers will noticean ancient underground passage leading from the territory of the fortress to the nearest stream.
Group tour or solo trip
Despite the badly damaged state of the fortress, many travel companies in Abkhazia offer organized trips to this attraction. The cost of excursions seems to be acceptable for vacationers. But in fact, getting to this attraction is not at all difficult on your own. Tour service in the ancient ruins is also not required.
In fact, very few facts are known about the construction and history of this castle. If you want to see many interesting sights during your vacation, organize a trip to Bagrat Castle on your own.
Abkhazia is a country where there are various interesting tourist sites that are more useful to visit with local guides. Here you can dream, admire the picturesque views and take original photos for memory. Bagrat Castle is a place where it is more pleasant to be in a small company.
How to get to the oldest sights of Sukhum?
The ancient fortress is located on the top of the mountain, and it can be seen from many points of the Abkhazian capital. There is no public transport to the ruins, the path is so narrow and unkempt that you will not be able to drive a private car. Where is Bagrat Castle located, how to get to it? Shuttle bus No. 5 and trolleybus No. 2 go from the city center. You need to get to the stop "Sanatorium MVO". Next, you need to go along Akirtava street and turn offher to Gora Bagrat Street. Prepare to walk, the climb is not too high and easy. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, you will see an information board, the ruins of a fortress and an incredibly picturesque panorama of the city. What is especially nice - visiting the attraction is completely free and free.
Reviews of tourists
Bagrata Castle in Sukhumi is a landmark that evokes the most diverse emotions of tourists. Many of these ancient ruins are disappointing. The fortress is considered one of the most ancient and famous sights of the city. After listening to ancient legends, many tourists are preparing to see something completely unusual. In fact, the castle is very badly damaged. But he certainly deserves attention even in this state.
If you have free time, be sure to visit this attraction. The castle has never been restored. The surviving fragments of the walls were indeed built in X-XI. The ancient ruins offer a very picturesque view of the capital of Abkhazia and the sea horizon. Many tourists prefer to visit this place early in the morning or, on the contrary, at sunset. Choose comfortable sportswear for a trip to the castle, the ruins are located in real thickets.
