Gagra is a city in Abkhazia between the mountains and the sea. The mountains protect the resort from cold winds, but at the same time retain the incoming warm air. That is why Gagra is the warmest corner of the Black Sea.
Even the Prince of Oldenburg, a relative of Nicholas II, having visited here, decided to equip this place. On his orders, a telegraph was built, electricity was installed, and water supply was established.
If you are taking a child with you to Gagra, be sure to read a detailed story about the experience of a family vacation in this city, as well as tips on traveling with children to Abkhazia.
Today Gagry is a developed Abkhaz resort, interesting not only for its sea and beach activities, but also for its historical buildings and natural attractions. What interesting places to visit and see, where to go in the immediate vicinity in your free time from the beach - read (and look at the photo) below.
What to see in Gagra on your own: TOP 7 places
The list of city attractions is huge. But what to do if you only have one day at your disposal and don’t know where to start getting acquainted with Gagra? These few places will best tell about the historical and cultural heritage of the city. Any excursion in Gagra begins with them.
Prince of Oldenburg Castle
- Address: ave. Ardzinba.
Alexander Petrovich, Prince of Oldenburg, a relative of the last Russian emperor and great-grandson of Paul I, is considered the founder of the resort. It was he, inspired by the example of the “Abkhazian Riviera,” who came up with the idea to create a flourishing oasis from the malarial swamp, which was Gagra at the beginning of the 20th century.
Construction of the resort began in 1901 and lasted two years. Absolutely everything was impressive, but especially the palace of the prince himself, built on the rocks of the Zhekvar Gorge. The luxurious Art Nouveau building, towering over the city, has become the center of the resort's social life. The interior decoration was no less luxurious: Persian carpets, antique dishes with coats of arms, marble fireplaces and collections of ancient weapons.
During the USSR, at one time there was a sanatorium here, but after the collapse the building turned out to be unnecessary to anyone. Since 2010, the palace has belonged to a private individual, and it is planned to build a hotel within its walls. But work is progressing slowly and today the once romantic castle reeks of neglect and devastation.
Abaata Fortress
- Address: Pochtovaya street.
The purpose of the fortification was to protect the Zhoekvar Gorge from enemy attacks. From the very beginning of its existence (V-VI centuries), the fortress was destroyed and rebuilt more than once.
Its appearance most closely resembles Italian buildings, which is not surprising, because for a whole century the fortress was the property of Genoese merchants, who turned it into a distribution point. The Russians came here only in 1830. They built bastions, installed cannons and made an observation post out of the fortress.
Monks were also interested in Abaata, because on its territory is the most ancient Christian church in Abkhazia - the Gagra Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
They petitioned to establish a monastery here, but the Prince of Oldenburg had already begun construction of a resort hotel. Today the fortress is an integral tourist complex, which includes a hotel, restaurant, museum, church and park.
Gagra colonnade
- Coordinates on the map: 43.321300, 40.237142.
The Moorish-style structure is more than 60 m long. It is a semicircular platform surrounded by 24 columns connected by arches. In addition to simple arches, there are 4 more double arches. Next to it is a fountain topped with a figure of a dove. Together they present a complete and harmonious composition.
Its opening took place in 1956 and after that the colonnade fell in love not only with city residents and tourists, but also with people of art. It can be seen in paintings, photographs and even in films. It is against this background that the characters of Karen Shakhnazarov’s famous film “Winter Evening in Gagra” dance.
The Gagra Colonnade is located in the very center of the city, not far from the Primorsky Park and the Gagripsh restaurant. It is a snow-white building that symbolizes the revival of the city as a resort and, probably, the most important attraction of all of Abkhazia.
Independence Memorial
- Address: Severnaya street.
In the center of Gagra there is a monument that occupies an important place in the souls and hearts of every resident of Abkhazia. People come to this 30-meter stele, crowned with a gilded ball, to honor the memory of the soldiers who gave their lives for the independence of their native country.
Military conflicts of 92-93. between Abkhazia and Georgia lasted just over a year, but claimed many lives. The names of all the victims have not been forgotten; the survivors carved them out in marble at the bottom of the memorial.
The area around has been landscaped, flowers and shrubs have been planted, and benches have been placed for vacationers. The steps leading to the monument are tiled, as are the paths around it, and there is always a fresh breeze from the sea. For Abkhazians, this is not just a sacred place, but a symbol of tragic events, a protest against the genocide of all peoples of the world.
Seaside Park
- GPS coordinates: 43.323286, 40.230674.
The development of the park began in 1902. It was supposed to form a single composition with Oldenburg Castle. Today it is the largest cultural and recreation park in Abkhazia and one of the most popular places in Gagra.
The park is located on the Black Sea coast, in old Gagra. Here, on an area of more than 14 hectares, many plants brought from all over the world are collected. Next to each other you can see Syrian mallows and Siberian cedars, Chinese fan palms and exotic plants brought from the Canary Islands.
Goldfish and swans swim in the ponds, which are connected by streams, and numerous alleys are shaded by evergreen trees. And the aroma of flowering plants is in the air everywhere.
Visitors especially like the sweetish smell of the candy tree. In addition, the park has its own beach, a small stage and a mini-zoo. It’s also quiet and cozy here even at the height of the tourist season.
Restaurant Gagripsh
- Address: 16th March Heroes Street.
This ancient building - one of the symbols of Gagra - has reached us almost unchanged. And although it has been reconstructed several times, the restaurant continues to fill the resort town with a cozy atmosphere of the early 20th century. Even the famous mechanical clock on its facade is still in working order and shows the time as accurately as it did 100 years ago.
The wooden building of the restaurant was brought disassembled from Norway in 1902 and assembled without a single nail. Later, the opening of the resort took place in its hall, and throughout its existence it has seen many famous personalities.
His guests at different times were Nicholas II, A. Chekhov, F. Chaliapin, I. Stalin. Film shootings and important meetings took place there, and the interior inspired various authors to literary exploits. Today, every tourist can feel like a nobleman by booking a table in this historical place.
Medea
- Address: Primorsky Park.
The sculpture of Princess Medea, which is considered the most beloved mythical character in Abkhazia, is installed in the Primorsky Park. Two sculptors worked on it: F. Azamatov and, presumably, Z. Tsereteli. The installation date remains unknown.
The lower part of Medea is carved from stone, and the bust is made of wood. She holds her hands in front of her as if she wants to clap her hands, but her eyes are filled with sadness. Most of all, she resembles a mermaid washed ashore. In fact, that’s what tourists called it, among whom it is extremely popular.
Abaata Fortress
The Abaata fortress served as a barrier for enemies crossing the Zhoekvar Gorge. It was built in the 5th-6th centuries, periodically destroyed and rebuilt. Over the years of its existence, it passed into the hands of various troops. At the beginning of the 20th century, by order of the Prince of Oldenburg, one of the fortress walls was eliminated and the Abaata Hotel was built.
Now the Abaat fortress is a historical and tourist complex and includes the following objects: the operating temple of St. Hypatius of Gagra, or simply the Abaat temple, a restaurant, a hotel and a local history museum.
Temple of St. Hypatius
The small church of St. Hypatius was formerly called the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God. It is a three-church basilica, the walls of which are made of hewn limestone blocks. The church was built presumably in the 6th-8th centuries and is one of the oldest buildings in Abkhazia. The Temple of Abaat consists of three oblong halls connected by doors. A cypress alley lined with limestone slabs leads to the entrance.
The Church of St. Hypatius was restored several times, most recently in 2007: electricity was installed and an iconostasis was erected.
Gagra architectural monuments
Gagra is a city with unique architecture. Here, Soviet modernism is successfully intertwined with Caucasian luxury. Most of the buildings are abandoned today, but still attract tourists with their splendor.
Sanatorium Georgia
- Address: ave. Ardzinba, 24.
Built in the 60s. last century, the building of the former sanatorium amazes with its truly royal scale. It is not surprising that only senior party leaders received tickets to it. Even though the building is abandoned today, it is considered a true masterpiece of architecture.
Four floors, a facade decorated with columns, wide terraces and balconies, offering a wonderful panorama of the city and the sea coast. The interior decoration is dominated by the Stalinist Empire style. These include stucco ceilings, wide spiral staircases, and parquet floors. Even today, the atmosphere of luxury inherent in those times reigns here.
Surprisingly, the residents of Gagra do not consider the former sanatorium a landmark, nor do they consider its restoration possible. It’s a pity, because there could be another hotel here, attracting tourists with its splendor.
Cave of Saint Hypatius
- Address: Cherkesskaya street.
In the gorge of the Tsikhevra River you can see another interesting place - this is a cave consisting of three rooms, in which Saint Hypatius of Gagra could have lived when he was hiding from the persecutors of Christian teaching.
Many researchers who have studied not only the grotto itself, but also descriptions of the saint’s life are convinced that this is it. The artificial origin of the cave was also revealed. Previously it was believed that it was formed by washing away rocks.
In addition, it was discovered that the cells were actually larger, but today they are completely covered. The cave is considered one of the main attractions of all of Abkhazia and is very popular among tourists, even those who are far from religion.
Marlinsky Tower
- Address: st. Russian Volunteers, 68.
Another popular attraction of the city, or rather what remains of it, is the Marlinsky Tower. It is named after the famous Decembrist, who served in the Gagra garrison, and its construction was led by Colonel Danzas, Pushkin’s second in that fateful duel.
It was originally planned that this would be a defensive and guard point, so the material for construction was stone boulders. The building did not stand for long, just over a century. After the severe flood that hit it in 1940, the tower was not restored.
Today its ruins can be found not far from the Abaat fortress, near the mouth of the Zhoekvara River. And although the tower has not preserved its historical appearance, there are many people who want to take pictures against the backdrop of the ruins of a truly unique place that has become symbolic.
Train Station
- Address: Vokzalnaya Square.
The station building in Novaya Gagra was built in 1943. At first only freight trains passed through it, but later it became the main link between Abkhazia and the Russian resorts of the Black Sea coast.
The project was chosen very well; thanks to it, the building in the Stalinist Empire style looks very beautiful and light. Three arched windows located in the central part of the station, columns on both sides, railings on the roof - all this gives it a romantic look.
Today the station practically does not perform its functions, and its building is in desperate need of reconstruction. This is to blame not only for the military actions that took place here at the end of the 20th century, but also for natural destruction, which is impossible to resist.
Trade
The shopping mall was built in the 70s of the last century on Gagarin Square, named after the river flowing nearby. Once upon a time, life was in full swing here, there were shops and a restaurant, discos were held on the roof, and many tourists came here. The Three Graces fountain worked on the square. During the Georgian-Abkhaz war, the shopping center was destroyed and is now abandoned.
The most beautiful places in the vicinity of Gagra
The nature in the vicinity of Gagra is charming and unique. It is simply impossible to leave here without visiting the natural attractions surrounding the city - mountains, rivers, waterfalls and caves.
Mount Mamdzyshkha
- Coordinates on the map: 43.305068, 40.335269.
This mountain is located a few kilometers from the city. In addition to the fact that it is very beautiful, it is also important for the whole country, because you can only get to Russia through it. Its height above sea level is 1873 m, and a phaeton serpentine was laid to the top at the beginning of the 20th century.
In Soviet times, it was covered with asphalt, because a grandiose construction project was planned to open at the top. The plans were not destined to come true, so today, like 100 years ago, this hill delights tourists with its unique nature.
Its slopes are green massifs, and the top, covered with snow most of the year, is alpine meadows. It is almost always windy here, but in clear weather the mountain offers a wonderful view of the entire Black Sea coast - Sukhum, Gagra, Pitsunda, Sochi, the Colchis lowland and the Arabica mountain range. To see all this, you don’t have to climb to the very top, because there are observation platforms along the road.
Lake Ritsa
- GPS coordinates: 43.480124, 40.542038.
This glacial lake, located at an altitude of 950 m above sea level and hidden from human eyes by mountain peaks, is called the main pearl of Abkhazia. The water in it is as clear as rock crystal and does not freeze even in winter. Only in the most severe frosts does the surface become covered with a thin crust of ice.
Depending on the time of year, the waves of the lake can change their color from pale blue to olive. Here you can also see a rare phenomenon - clouds directly on the water surface.
The age of the natural attraction, according to scientists, is more than 250 million years, and the lake owes its formation to an earthquake, as a result of which Mount Pshegishkhva collapsed and dammed Lashipsa. The surrounding area of Ritz is also extremely picturesque and popular among tourists.
Geg waterfall
- Coordinates: 43.435251, 40.442086.
This waterfall is rightfully considered not only the most beautiful, but also the most unusual in the Republic of Abkhazia. It originates at an altitude of 530 m above sea level - not far from the Arabica mountain range. However, the stormy Gega River makes its way not only in the valley. At one fine moment she rushes down, making her way through a narrow crevice of a karst cave.
Bypassing all underground obstacles, Gega finds a way out to the surface - a small crack in a huge rock - and falls from a 70-meter height, breaking into crystal drops, through the prism of which small shining rainbows are visible. The water here is icy even in summer. But despite this, the waterfall and its surroundings are very popular among tourists, and at the height of the season it is especially crowded.
Krubera Cave
- Coordinates on the map: 43.409722, 40.362222.
Located 15 km from Gagra, the Krubera cave, or Voronya, as Kyiv speleologists called it, is a real sensation. Its depth is 2199 m. Until 2022, it was considered the deepest in the world and competed only with Verevkina Cave, located in the same places. Its research has been carried out since 1960 by speleologists from three countries - Russia, Ukraine and Georgia. What is also unique is that it is completely vertical, like a well going to the center of the Earth.
The depths of the Crow Cave are also of interest to biologists, because representatives of the fauna previously unknown to science were discovered there - annelids, several species of fish, sponges, a strange tailed amphibian and many species of arthropods. You can get into it only with a group of climbers and the necessary equipment. For ordinary people, the cave is closed and you can only explore the picturesque surroundings.
Blue Lake
- GPS coordinates: 43.350982, 40.412070.
The whirlpool scene in the film “Sannikov Land” was filmed on this unusual lake. It is also called the miraculous miracle of Abkhazia. And not only because of the rich blue color, which it owes to the mineral lapis lazuli, which covers the walls and bottom of the reservoir. Its waters are dead, fish do not swim here, algae do not grow, and even plankton has no place in the sapphire lake.
The water temperature rarely rises above +10 °C, and the surface is calm and smooth as a mirror at any time. It is located on the right bank of the Bzyb River and has a depth of 76 m. And it is filled by an underground river that flows from the foot of Akhtsykh. Its water is believed to rejuvenate, so many tourists visit Blue Lake not only for its beauty, but also to wash in it.
Reprua River
- Address: Sportivnaya street.
Drinking water in Gagra comes from the smallest river in the world. Its length is only 18 km, and this is several times less than that of other rivers that have the status of the shortest. But despite this, it is quite full of water. It contains both fish and plankton, and algae grow.
In fact, Reprua is an underground river that has come to the surface. Having passed its short path, it flows into the Black Sea, and is fed by collecting water from caves. That is why it is also one of the coldest. The water temperature here rarely rises above +11 °C. The first records about it appeared back in 1900, during the construction of a climate station, and its name is translated from Abkhazian as Rain Stream.
There are also local legends about it, according to which Reprua are the tears of the daughters of the Underground Spirit, whom people imprisoned in a dungeon. Since then they have been crying, and the tears accumulate and break through the rubble to the surface.
Waterfall Maiden's Tears
- Coordinates: 43.260267, 40.394737.
Waterfalls with this name are found in different places, but only in Abkhazia does it actually live up to its name. As you can see even from the photograph, these are many small silver streams that fall from a rocky ledge, forming a continuous curtain of water. Shimmering in the sun's rays, they present a fantastic sight and are visible even from the road.
According to legend, the waterfall is the tears of a beauty who fell in love with the Mountain Spirit. The Witch did not like this love, and she decided to throw the girl off the cliff. The beauty began to cry, and her bitter tears turned into ringing streams falling down. Since then she has been grieving, unable to give up her love. Among the locals this place is considered sacred; this is where they make wishes. To make wishes come true, they tie a bright ribbon to the rock.
Lake Mzy
- Coordinates: 43.520752, 40.577952.
This reservoir is not the largest in Abkhazia, but undoubtedly the coldest. Even in hot weather, the water temperature does not rise above +4 °C, and snowdrifts lie here and there on its banks. The lake is located at an altitude of 2000 m, not far from the mountain village of Auadhara.
Having overcome the path up the mountain, passing through alpine meadows, fragrant fir groves and thickets of ancient boxwood, no one will be disappointed.
The bowl, filled with crystal clear waters, the surface of which is covered with a haze of fog, is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks with clouds dormant on them. And the air, which has absorbed the aromas of herbs and flowers. This sight is worth seeing at least once in your life.
Prince of Oldenburg Castle
The beautiful castle of the Prince of Oldenburg in the Art Nouveau style was built by the architect I.K. Lutseransky in 1902. A huge window in the shape of a water lily leaf, a high chimney of the main fireplace, a red tiled roof, graceful balconies and the Falconer's Tower make the castle unlike other buildings. During Soviet times, it turned into an elite holiday home named after Stalin, later renamed “Chaika”.
During the Georgian-Abkhazian war, the castle was badly damaged; traces of bullets and shells remained on its walls. The building has been abandoned for many years and no restoration work has been carried out. For 150 rubles per person, the “guard” allows you inside to walk around the grounds and the castle.
Gagra for tourists with children: the best things to do
A family with children also has the right to a decent vacation. Here, in Gagra, there is every opportunity for this. Entertainment will appeal not only to the child, but also to his parents.
Gagra water park
- Address: Abazgaa street.
The Gagra water amusement park is the only one in Abkhazia. There is not as much variety here as in the water parks of the largest Black Sea resorts - in Gelendzhik, Anapa or even in Yeisk, but there is something to suit every category of visitors who decide to come here with children.
Kids will love the shallow pool with fountaining mushrooms and mini slides. Older children, together with their parents, can compete on the Multislide slide, divided by sides into several parallel slopes, or ride on a large cheesecake along the orange Wave.
The highest slide is considered to be Virazh. Its height is 101 m, and the descent, during which a breakneck speed develops, takes place inside a closed pipe. In total, the park has 9 attractions and 5 swimming pools. Children are not allowed in everything. For example, Kamikaze is entertainment only for adult extreme sports fans.
Rope Park Jungle
- Address: Komsomolsky Park.
An amusement park, the main attraction of which is a multi-level rope course, appeared in Gagra in 2022. Today it is already quite famous and popular among locals and tourists.
The park is located in Komsomolsky Square. All of its routes run right between the trees. Each of them has several levels with different difficulty levels, so the entertainment is suitable for both children and adults.
White Rocks Beach
- Address: Sukhumi highway.
The beach with such an interesting name is located very close to the Russian border, in the village of Tsandripsh. Unlike others, covered with gray pebbles, here you can see snow-white mountain limestone stones that go straight into the azure water.
Tourists call them marble, and they really look like this smooth ornamental stone. Polished by sea water and patterned from constant weathering, the stones also tend not to absorb sunlight and remain cool on the hottest days.
Some boulders reach a height of 4-5 m, truly representing a grandiose spectacle. Despite its popularity, this beach is a paradise, because it still retains its wild appearance and pristine tranquility.
Abandoned sanatorium "Georgia"
Sanatorium Georgia in Gagra
During the Soviet years, the Georgia sanatorium was built in Gagra (1958) - a beautiful building with picturesque views of the sea. It was considered an elite vacation spot for Soviet citizens. In 1993, the Abkhazians renamed the sanatorium “Gagripsh” so as not to be reminiscent of the Georgians. Now abandoned, crumbling and in disrepair. To this day, the sanatorium building amazes with the beauty of its white columns, stucco moldings, arched windows, and spiral staircases. The windows of the sanatorium offer the best panoramas of the sea.
Museums and theaters of Gagra: where to go on vacation
The cultural life of the resort is not very diverse and eventful. There are only a few establishments in the city that relate to this area. However, they also have something to show visitors.
Cinema Gagra
- Address: Primorsky Boulevard.
This building is called the Winter Theater - another fragment of a bygone era. It was built by German prisoners of war in the 50s. last century, first as a theater venue, and when cinema began to rapidly develop in the USSR - as a cinema. But after the collapse of the Union, the dilapidated building, like many others, turned out to be unnecessary.
The style of the building is similar to all buildings of that time: division into central and side parts, powerful columns, arched windows. One of the main decorations is the gilded lions guarding the entrance to the theater. Today it is abandoned and only tourists come to take a souvenir photo against the backdrop of this landmark of Gagra.
Stalin House-Museum on Kholodnaya Rechka
- Address: Bagripsh village, Gagra district.
This dacha was Stalin's favorite Abkhaz residence. Here he did not work, but actually rested and, unlike others, visited about 20 times. The location for it was chosen not only because of the special Black Sea climate, but also based on security considerations.
It was built on a cliff 330 m high, which drops steeply down from the sea. The house, painted green, is hidden from prying eyes by thickets of Pitsunda pine. Not far from it stands another, small one, belonging to the leader’s daughter, Svetlana. A fountain was installed next to the house, but it is currently not working, and Stalin himself planted a lemon tree. You can go down the stairs to the sea, overcoming 850 steps.
According to the idea of the author of the project, architect M. Merzhanov, the two-story country house resembles a ship in its entire appearance. The hall for watching films was decorated like a deck, and tea parties took place on the captain's bridge. Even the windows are stylized as portholes. From the moment of its construction (1932-1933) until now, repairs have never been carried out here and the situation has not changed.
According to Stalin's wishes, each room was decorated in a different style. For this, almost 40 valuable types of wood were used: walnut, Karelian birch, boxwood, beech, etc. All furniture was made from the same wood. Instead of glass, crystal was inserted into the window frames, and bronze chandeliers gave the rooms a finished and monumental look.
At this time, visitors are only allowed to view the ground and first floors. On the second floor there are rest rooms for members of the government of Russia and Abkhazia. At this time, the Dacha on Kholodnaya Rechka is completely closed for excursions.
Seaside Park
To get to the next attraction of Gagra you need to go down the stairs from the Gagripsh restaurant and cross the road. The seaside park on the seashore was founded by Prince A.P. Oldenburgsky in 1902-1903. They brought tropical plants, not all of them took root, but the park grew and became a decoration of the city. Now it looks rather neglected and overgrown, nevertheless it is the largest and most beautiful park in Abkhazia. There are more than 400 species of plants: agaves, oleanders, coffee trees, cedars, palm trees, magnolias, mallows and many others.
Mosaic labyrinth
The park stretches along the coastal strip from the Abaata fortress to the Colonade for a distance of approximately 1 km. The park preserves a mosaic labyrinth built in the 1970s, several ponds with sculptures, and fountains. Behind the Seaside Park is the Abaata Fortress.
Train Station
The railway station building at the Gagra station was heavily damaged in the battles for Abkhazia, and has not yet been repaired and is abandoned. But Russian Railways trains arrive and depart from the Gagra station despite the station being closed. As you know, the station is the face of the city; those who come to Gagra by train also see the station first and are most often shocked by its unsightly appearance and the devastation reigning in it.
A two-story station with arched windows and a colonnade was built in Gagra in 1951 according to the design of the architect Zaya Pochentsova-Orlinskaya. In Soviet times, a large number of trains, both passenger and freight, passed through the station, and a huge number of passengers were served.
Where to eat
Gagra has a decent number of canteens, cafes and restaurants. For regular breakfasts/lunches/dinners, everyone will find an establishment in their area of residence. But for going out, you might want something special. We didn’t manage to visit all the restaurants in Gagra, so we will share a brief opinion only about those we visited ourselves.
✔ Restaurant “Gagripsh” - yes, this is the same old restaurant that was mentioned earlier in the section about the sights of Gagra. Moderately tasty. More expensive than other eating establishments in Abkhazia, but quite affordable.
Restaurant "Gagripsh"
✔ Restaurant “Colonnade” - a restaurant near the famous Gagra colonnade. Prices are slightly lower than in Gagripsha. The food is delicious, the portions are large.
Restaurant "Colonnade"
✔ Apatskha “Apsny” is a restaurant of Abkhazian cuisine on the outskirts of Gagra, which is mainly visited by local residents. Inexpensive, very tasty and soulful.
Apatskha "Apsny"
The location of these restaurants is marked on the map of Gagra in the corresponding section of this article.
