What to see and where to go in Gagara for free

There are quite a few places in Gagra and near it that you can visit on your own and completely free of charge. We have made a selection of the most interesting free attractions and entertainment in Gagra:

The Castle of the Prince of Oldenburg

The castle of the Prince of Oldenburg, or rather its ruins, is an architectural landmark of Gagra. It was erected in 1902 in the Art Nouveau style by Prince A. P. Oldenburg, who was the founder of the resort. A seaside park was set up nearby, which is still one of the most beautiful and green places of the resort. In Soviet times, the castle was converted for recreation of the Soviet elite, and later renamed the sanatorium "Chaika". Unfortunately, during the war in 1991-1992, the castle suffered greatly from the fighting, and is now closed to the public, it can only be viewed from the outside. Read more about the castle here.

Abaata Fortress and St. Hypatius Church

The Gagra fortress of Abaata is the most interesting historical landmark of Gagra. It was originally built in the 5th-6th centuries AD, but was destroyed several times and rebuilt again. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Prince of Oldenburg (the founder of the resort of Gagra) ordered the destruction of part of the fortress wall, and built a hotel on the territory. Only some remnants of the fortress walls and towers have been preserved, and as such the fortress is no longer there, the hotel is still operating today. But on the territory there is the oldest church of St. Hypatius (6-7 century AD), as well as the museum of the Abaata fortress. Read more about the fortress here.

The Cave of St. Hypatius

It is believed that the monk and recluse Hypatius (also Eupatius) lived in this cave. According to one historical version, it is believed that the same monk became a bishop, in whose honor the church of St. Hypatius was erected in the fortress of Abaat. But there is an opinion that these were different monks who lived at different times, but both are very revered by the local population.

Anyway, the cave is an interesting place and worth a visit. Inside you will see two man-made rooms, but apparently there was one more or even more. Donations can be left at the entrance. Learn more about the cave here.

Independence Memorial

The Independence Memorial is located on the main city square (Glory Park), and it is the cleanest and most well-groomed place in the city. The memorial was built in memory of those killed during the armed Georgian-Abkhaz conflict in 1992-93, the names of some of them are immortalized on the memorial. There are always fresh flowers and wreaths.

As for this place from a tourist point of view, it cannot be said that it is a particularly attractive and interesting place, but it is the only clean and tidy place in the city, in fact its center. Nearby there is a small area of a clean renovated promenade, a children's amusement park on the beach, and a water park within walking distance. Read more about the memorial here.

Abandoned railway station Gagripsh

This is one of the interesting places in Gagra, which, although difficult to attribute to a historical or architectural landmark, is nevertheless worth a visit. The station has its own history, and it looks photogenic today. The history of this station began in 1943, when the Gagra-Passenger stop of the Adler-Sukhum railway was equipped here. It was the main station of the resort until 1951, until the new Gagra-Novaya passenger station was opened. It was renamed twice: the first time in the 70s it was given a new name "Gagra Pavilion", and in the 90s it was called "Gagripsh". Read more about the memorial here.

Seaside Park

The park stretches for about a kilometer along the beach in Staraya Gagra. It was founded in 1902 to decorate the resort on the initiative of the Prince of Oldenburg. To fill it with a variety of amazing plants, all kinds of exotic species were brought here from all over the world. Unfortunately, over the years of Abkhazia's independence, the park has fallen into disrepair, and today it is in a neglected and dilapidated state. On the territory there is a playground with very simple old attractions, a tennis court, a rope park, a mini zoo (zoo corner), and of course several cafes. Learn more about the park here.

Gagripsh Restaurant

Gagripsh restaurant is not just a restaurant with the best interior and exterior, perhaps in all of Abkhazia, but also a historical place. It appeared here in 1902, and it was not built, but assembled, since the building was brought disassembled from Holland. It was acquired in Paris at an exhibition by the Prince of Oldenburg, who is considered the founder of the resort. Before the revolution, Nicholas II, later Stalin, Maxim Gorky, Bunin and other historical figures visited here. The restaurant managed to appear in the cinema, in particular, the Soviet film "Winter Evening in Gagra" was shot here. Learn more about the restaurant here.

New Gagra Embankment

The New Gagra Embankment is one of the few places for quiet walks in this part of the resort. The total length of the entire embankment here is about one and a half kilometers, but the equipped and renovated part is about a kilometer long. Restaurants and cafes work on the embankment and along it, there are budget canteens, excursions to all corners of Abkhazia and even to Sochi are sold, there are souvenir shops. Here breedentertain tourists tormentors photographers with animals, fortune-tellers, sometimes street performers perform. Read more about the New Gagra embankment here.

Old Gagra Embankment

The Old Gagra Embankment is a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of the city, especially those who rest in this area of the resort. Its length is 2 kilometers, it stretches along the coast and the Seaside Park, paved with new paving slabs. It has been updated not so long ago and looks very well-groomed, which, to be honest, is a rarity for Abkhazia. It will be pleasant to walk along it both in the afternoon and in the evening, when it is beautifully illuminated by lanterns. The central part of the promenade along its entire length is decorated with a flowerbed with palm trees and ornamental shrubs, there are benches for relaxation. Read more about the Old Gagra embankment here.

Hasan-Abaa Fortress

Hasan-Abaa Fortress is one of the few historical sights that tourists encounter on their way to Lake Ritsa. The fortress was built in the 9th-10th century A.D. in order to control the approaches to the gorge. Indeed, the fortress is very well located on a high hill, and it is clearly visible from the road, though very far away.

Today, the ruins of the fortress are about 10 meters high with very thick walls, and a stone fence around. It is impossible to get inside, except with the help of climbing equipment or stairs. This is not to say that this place is definitely worth a visit, but if you love all sorts of antiquities, and besides, they are also free, then you can take a closer look at the fortress. Read more about the fortress here.

Mamzyshkha Mountain

The peak of Mount Mamzyshkha (Mamdzyshkha, Mamzyshka) is located just five kilometers from Gagra at an altitude of 1876 meters, but the serpentine road leading to it has a length of 30 kilometers. This is the distance traveled by jeeps along one of the most interesting mountain routes in Abkhazia. Along the way there are two observation platforms, from where spectacular views of beautiful Alpine meadows, mountains, the sea open, and in good weather Sochi can even be seen from the top. At the top there are several old shepherd's houses (booths) and a tiny lake. From above, you can go down on a paraglider (descent from 3000 rubles, available to everyone without preparation), and land directly on the beach in Gagra. Read more about Mamzyshkha Mountain 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.

The shortest river in the world is the Reprois

Reprua is a unique natural landmark in Abkhazia, unofficially considered the shortest river in the world. At least, this is how the Abkhazians themselves position it, because its length is only 18 meters. The fact is that officially the world record for the shortest river in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, belongs to the Dee River in the USA, whose length is 36 meters, and it is a real giant compared to the Reprois. However, the official recognition of the Reprua as the shortest river in the world is now impossible, since the Republic itself is not recognized by most of the world community. Learn more about the Reprois River here.

The ancient temple in Tsandripsha or Tsandripsha Basilica

This is one of the famous historical and architectural sights of Abkhazia. The temple was built in the Byzantine era, presumably in 543 A.D., i.e. now it is almost one and a half thousand years old, and this, by the way, is one of the oldest temples in Transcaucasia. Initially it was a small wooden temple, but over the centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt during the VIII—X centuries. Today, only ruins remain of the temple, resembling its contours, and, of course, there is no question of any beauty. Learn more about Tsandripsha Basilica here.

White Rocks

This is a beautiful natural landmark on the Black Sea coast near the village of Tsandripsh, formed by the exit from the white marble rock. For millions of years they were sharpened by sea water, making the surface smooth and the shape a little wavy. You can come here or come and just take a picture against the background of beautiful rocks, or meet the sunset. And in unusual forms of stones, for fun, you can guess the images of animals and people. Well, if you are relaxing in Tsandripsha itself, then this is also a great place to go for a beach holiday. Learn more about the White Rocks here.

Hashupse Fortress and Basilica

It is believed that the Hashupse fortress or the Hashup fortress was built in the VII – X Centuries AD, but there is no reliable information about the history of this place. According to some stories and scanty sources, it was possible to establish that it was one of the largest strongholds on the territory of Abkhazia, and was intended to protect the Khashupse gorge from attack from the Black Sea. Today this place is practically abandoned, and there is not even a normal trail leading here, not to mention an equipped tourist route. Nevertheless, if you are an inquisitive traveler or tourist, and have already looked at everything in Abkhazia, you can discover a new place for yourself. Read more about the Hashupse Fortress and the basilica here.