Cultural heritage in one of the ancient cities of Georgia. The natural beauty of Adjara. The ancient treasure of Adjara is the Gonio Fortress.

A unique complex dedicated to the ancient and medieval periods of the fortress history has been created in Gonio. There are not many ancient buildings here. Those that have survived prove that Gonio was a well-developed city.

It had a large hippodrome, a theater and Roman baths at that time. During the Ottoman Empire, the baths were converted into a Turkish hammam.

Now only the foundations remain of them. In places, a mosaic of dark and light stones in the form of geometric ornaments has been preserved on the floor.

A place was allocated in the fortress for training war horses. This is confirmed by the findings of archaeologists: horse harness, uniforms and helmets of Roman soldiers.

In some places, the stone pavement, the remains of the city sewer system have been preserved. There are wells in fairly good condition, from which water was supplied to thermal baths and rich houses. The arms of the viaduct have been partially reconstructed, which can be viewed and admired by the scale of the engineering ideas of the ancient Romans.

During the siege of the stronghold, the enemies tried to destroy the water supply and leave the defenders without water. But some of the pipes were safely hidden, they could not be found.

Archaeological excavations are constantly being carried out on the territory of Gonio. A small historical and architectural museum has been created, where some of the things found are kept. The main part of the artifacts is in the Batumi Archaeological Museum.

Tours of the citadel usually begin at the museum. In addition to valuable finds, here you can see the reconstruction of the barracks of Turkish soldiers and other models that clearly show the appearance of the fortress in different eras.

In the pavilion near the museum there are medieval combat vehicles — a ballista and a catapult, recreated according to ancient drawings.

The fortress still holds many secrets and riddles. For example, it is assumed that the Apostle Matthew is buried here. There is no data confirming or refuting this fact. According to other versions, the body of the apostle rests in the city of Sorrento (Italy) or in Kyrgyzstan, on the shore of Issyk-Kul.

The Georgian government and the official church authorities forbid excavation and opening of the sarcophagus, so as not to create a religious conflict.

A marble gazebo was erected over the burial. And nearby there is a platform where solemn services are held.

The presence of the Ottomans in the fortress is indicated by the ruins of the mosque in which the Turkish wars prayed.

From Batumi to Gonio is about 15 km. The ancient bastion stands right next to the road leading from Batumi to the village of Sarpi and the Turkish border. You can get there by public or rented transport.

1. Bus No. 16 runs from the Tbilisi Square of Batumi, the fare in which costs 80 tetri (0.8 lari). The stop where you need to get off is called "Apsaros Highway".
2. A minibus going to Sarpi, the fare in it is 1 GEL (≈ 0.3 $ or 23 rubles).
3. Taxi ride it will cost 10 lari (≈ 3$ or 230 rubles). It is better to order a car in advance, otherwise the price may be much higher.
4. A visit to the fortress is included in the program sightseeing tour of mountainous Adjara. The whole trip will take about 7 hours, the cost is 25 lari per person (≈ 7$ or 600 rubles). 40 minutes are allocated for acquaintance with Gonio.
5. You can come from Batumi by bicycle, but entry to the territory of the fortress is prohibited. You will need to find a place where to "park" your two-wheeled vehicle.

By the way, there is a good parking lot near the fortress.

• The entrance to the fortress costs 2-3 lari (≈ 0.7–1$ or 45-70 rubles). Children's ticket — 1 GEL.
• All objects are provided with information in Georgian, Russian and English. The time of acquaintance with the ancient structure is limited only by the working day.
• You can take an audio guide for two for 5 GEL.
• A walk with a guide lasting an hour and a half is 10 GEL, regardless of the number of people in the group.
• If you travel in the summer, take care of your headgear, take water with you.
• There are few shady places in the fortress, although alleys are equipped, there are benches where you can sit down and rest.
• It is better to go here in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the sun will not be too hot. The fortress is open from 10:00 to 18:00.

If you plan to climb the walls, you need comfortable shoes and clothes.

In some places, climbing the walls is prohibited. Time is merciless to them, and tourists often contribute to the destruction of historical structures.

Perhaps because of the proximity to Batumi, Gonio-Apsaros Fortress very popular with tourists. On the territory of Adjara, this is the largest historical object with such a centuries-old history.

When making a travel itinerary, choosing what to see in Georgia, pay attention to the ancient citadel. It's really worth watching it.

Six kilometers from the fortress are waterfall and sculpture of St. Andrew the First-Called.

In addition, there is a clear sea here. In the summer season, you can combine a beach holiday with a tour of historical attractions and the most beautiful natural monuments.