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AbkhaziaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
Dolmens of Otkhar or Otkhar dolmens is a dolmen complex with a circular structure in the village of Otkhara in Abkhazia. The place is not very famous, hence it is little visited by tourists. But at the same time it is interesting and mysterious, and in combination with the natural surrounding views, it is recommended to visit all lovers of places of power and ruins. Time and nature are gradually destroying this ancient monument, and if there is time and desire, then be sure to include it in your itinerary.
Ancient stone structures dolmens are still considered mysterious structures, and it is not known for certain why they were built in ancient times. According to some estimates, they were built in the II millennium BC and were used as a burial place where the dead were put. There are other versions that they were used for storing grain, keeping pets, etc.
There used to be several dolmens on the territory of the complex, but traces of some of them are barely visible today among the thickets of ferns and brambles. Only one large dolmen has been well preserved. It is visible from the road and you can inspect it in more detail. According to some estimates, it is considered the largest in Abkhazia and one of the largest in the whole Caucasus.
Unfortunately, the upper part of this dolmen has not been preserved, but there are parts of the side walls that can be used to judge its size in the past. The peculiarity of this dolmen is that a contour of large stone blocks is laid out along the outer circle of the building, and part of this chain of stones is adjacent to the main building. Therefore, it is also sometimes called a dolmen with a circular structure. A chain of stones resembling a fence is called Atsanguar, which translates from Abkhaz as "dwarf fence". According to local belief, dwarf atsans lived in these places, with whom such protective structures are associated.
Atsans (abh. aҵagaa) are mythical dwarf creatures, according to legend, who inhabited mountainous Abkhazia in ancient times. They had a wide chest and powerful shoulders, and were distinguished by great physical strength.
Source: wikipedia.org
Tips for visiting
- There are no signs to the dolmens, so it's better to use the navigator (Yandex.yandex. Navigator, Maps.me or Organic Maps).
- Not far from the dolmens on the Kushchurta river there is a small beautiful waterfall, you can stop by it (43.217610, 40.530390)
- In the same area there is another interesting attraction very close by - Otkhara Rock Monastery.
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
Dolmens are located on the outskirts of the village of Otkhara (dolmens on the map). Public transport does not go here and excursions are not offered, at least we have not met. Therefore, you can only get here by car or taxi, using the navigator, there are no signs. The road to the center of the village is asphalt, quite decent. Only the last 200 meters will remain to drive along the dirt road directly to the dolmens, but they can be easily walked.
💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites: