Gonio beach resort, ancient Roman fortress on the seashore, quiet bay in Georgia

The Black Sea coastal strip, which is located south of Batumi, is separated from the Turkish border by several kilometers. During the Soviet period, the local population was mainly engaged in agriculture – the cultivation of citrus crops, tobacco and tea. At the same time, the Gonio-Kvariati-Sarfi zone is a popular resort place. Vacationers are attracted by the embankment surrounded by mountains, magnificent nature, warm and clear sea water, a quiet bay and a beach with a deep bottom.

At the entrance to Gonio stands one of the largest fortifications in Georgia – the fortress of the ancient era Gonio-Apsaros (area 195 x 245 m). For the first time in historical sources, under the name of Apsarunt, the fortress is mentioned by Pliny Secundus (I century). He notes that the structure was a well-fortified and well-maintained fortress, in which 5 Roman cohorts (3,000 soldiers) stood. Since the XII century. the fortress is called Gonio..

Despite repeated restoration, the Gonio fortress has preserved the layout of the oldest Roman citadels to this day. The height of the preserved walls is 5 M, and the height of the towers is 7 m. Their lower parts are built with hewn stones, interconnected with lime mortar.

The average size of the stone is 0.8 x 0.7 m . There are 18 towers and 4 gates in the fence. The gates are located in front of each other. According to the classical rules of the construction of Roman military fortifications, two lines of road (Via Principalis and Via Praetoria) pass through the territory of the fortress, which intersect each other and divide the inner area into four equal parts. On the territory of the fortress there were baths, barracks, a praetorium (tent of the commander), sewage and water supply systems, wells.

According to legend, it was here that the legendary king of Colchis Eet buried his son Apsirt, who was killed by Jason. One of the twelve apostles of Christ, Matata (Matthew), also rests here