Top 10 most interesting temples of Abkhazia

We present you a selection of the 10 most interesting and spectacular temples of Abkhazia, which every guest of the "Land of the Soul" should visit. For each temple, we told you how to visit it and how and by what you can get there on your own:

Novo-Athos Simono-Kananite Monastery

This is the largest and most famous temple complex in Abkhazia. There are six temples at once, forming a courtyard and central buildings. In the very center is the Panteleimon Cathedral – the largest in Abkhazia, very spacious and bright, and notable for the frescoes on the walls and ceiling. Founded in 1875, construction was completed in 1900.

It is interesting for tourists as one of the most important architectural and iconic sights of Abkhazia. The complex, though not ancient, looks very attractive and unusual, as it is surrounded by palm trees. You can freely walk around the territory, take pictures, including you can inspect the Panteleimon Cathedral inside, the main thing is not to disturb the faithful. Read more about the New Athos Simon-Cananite Monastery here.

Ruins of the Bzyb temple

The Bzyb temple (basilica) and the fortress were built approximately in the IX-X centuries AD (the era of the Abkhazian kingdom), the exact dates of construction are unknown. It is a protected cultural monument, one of the few preserved in Abkhazia. The fortress was built to protect the road to the Northwestern Caucasus, and belonged to a powerful feudal clan. Unfortunately, in 1914-1916, during the construction of the railway, part of the monument was destroyed and not restored after that. The fortress walls were then dismantled in order to use their stone to build the supports of the railway bridge. You will see these pillars on the site in front of the ruins and one unfinished one on the other side of the river. By the way, the bridge itself was never built as a result. Read more about the Bzyb temple here.

Mokva Temple

Mokva Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a very old operating temple and architectural landmark. It was built in the 10th century A.D. by the Abkhazian king Leon III in honor of the Assumption of the Mother of God. In the 17th century it was abandoned and looted by the Turks, all valuables were taken out of Abkhazia. Reconstruction of the temple began only in the middle of the 19th century, as a result of which the general shape of the temple was preserved, but all the ancient elements, paintings, mosaics, were removed. In Soviet times, the temple was again closed and looted. He returned to the church only in 2002, and today it is a functioning church. Read more about Mokva hra here.

Church of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called

The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called in Pitsunda or simply the Patriarchal Cathedral of Pitsunda dates back to the 10th century, and its construction is attributed to the Georgian tsar Bagrat III. From the XI to the XV centuries, the cathedral was repeatedly updated, and in the XVII century, due to the threat of a Turkish attack, it was completely abandoned. It was restored only in the second half of the XIX century.

The cathedral has very good acoustics, and therefore, in 1975, German craftsmen installed an organ here that works to this day. Organ music concerts are held here on certain days according to the schedule, which anyone can attend. Read more about the temple here.

Temple of Simon the Canaanite

The temple of Simon the Canaanite (Zealot) is one of the most important religious sights of New Athos and Abkhazia as a whole. It is believed that it was built on the place where one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ, Simon the Canaanite, is buried. Sometimes you can hear that the ashes of the saint rest in the temple itself, but this is not true, since the temple was built almost ten centuries after his death, namely, during the heyday of the Abkhazian kingdom in the IX-X centuries. Today it is an operating temple, and a protracted restoration is being carried out in it, which is why you get inside it is impossible, but you can inspect the outside at any time. After the inspection, it is worth continuing along the tourist route to the cave / grotto of Simon the Canaanite. Read more about the temple of Simon the Canaanite here.

Ilorsky temple or the Church of St. George the Victorious

This is an ancient Christian church in the village of Ilor near Ochamchira, one of the most significant examples of Western Georgian architecture of the XI century. This is an active temple, especially important for the faithful Christians of Abkhazia, a place of pilgrimage. The complex of the Ilora Church consists of a church building and outbuildings, there is a holy spring here. Excursion groups of tourists and vacationers from all over Abkhazia are brought here, you can come here on your own. But we try to be objective, and to be honest, we think that its tourist attractiveness is too exaggerated by tourist sites and sellers of excursions. With all due respect to its significance and rich history, there is really nothing to see here. It is not distinguished by any special architecture (unless only specialists and special lovers of temple architecture will find differences), nor by picturesque views, nor by a beautiful well-groomed territory, nor by any artifacts or ruins. Read more about the Ilora temple here.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Cathedral and Monastery

This is one of the oldest Christian churches in Abkhazia, which has not only survived to this day, but is also operational and in good condition. In our opinion, among the many ancient temples on the territory of the republic, the Dranda temple is one of the most interesting, and we definitely recommend visiting it if you are vacationing in Sukhum or Ochamchira. In principle, you can go here from more remote resorts, especially since this can be done with the help of inexpensive group excursions. Read more about the Dranda Cathedral here.

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Lyhnensky temple

This is an ancient Orthodox church, one of the most important in Abkhazia, a cultural monument of national importance. It dates back to the X century. The church is interesting not only for its history and significance, but also for its ancient frescoes, some of which have been preserved since the foundation of the temple, and the main part dates back to the XIV century. Here is the grave of Prince Safarbey from the powerful Chachba-Shervashidze dynasty, and cornet Lakrebai Konstantin Shakhanovich, famous for his military exploits during the First World War. Read more about the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary here.

Kaman Monastery and the Church of St. John Chrysostom

This is the main place visited by tourists and believers in the village of Komany, a place of power and pilgrimage. Here is the restored church of St. John Chrysostom with presumably the tomb of the saint. It was originally founded in 1898 as a convent, built on the foundation of an ancient temple. In Soviet times it was closed, the temple was destroyed, and the buildings were used for various economic needs. In 1986, under the already fading Soviet power, the monastery was revived, the temple was restored.

During the war in Abkhazia in 1993, tragic events took place here, as a result of which both priests and nuns were killed (at least, this is how the events are described by public sources on the Internet). In 2001, the monastery was revived again, but now as a men's monastery.

Today it is a quiet peaceful place with a neat, well-groomed territory and beautiful views of the surroundings, a monastery shop is open.

The place of the third finding of the head of John the Baptist

Another holy place to which tourists with group tours are usually not taken, because it is a little more difficult to get to it, you will have to walk. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus Christ, predicted his appearance and baptized him in the waters of the Jordan River. Around 30 A.D. John was arrested for crimes against righteousness, and subsequently executed by beheading. Head (head) St. John is a sacred relic and was kept in Byzantium, but in the 18th century it was stolen and secretly taken to Abkhazia. According to legend, she was hidden in a grotto near the Kamans, where she was discovered a hundred years later, and now this place has become especially revered and holy.