Sights of Gudauta: what to visit in the city and surrounding area. Entertainment Gudauta Rock monastery in the village of Otkhara

Gudauta is a seaside resort in Abkhazia, located on the shores of a Black Sea bay. Thanks to its favorable location (on a plateau between the sea coast and the Caucasus Mountains), it delights tourists with a mild climate, plenty of sunny days and wide beaches
Fans of beach tourism from different parts of Abkhazia and Russia, as well as travelers interested in visiting such famous sights of the country as Lake Ritsa and the Musser Temple, come to Gudauta on vacation. The Bzyb mountain range runs through the Gudauta region, through which there are a number of hiking routes (including multi-day ones), which are in demand among fans of active tourism.

Tourists visiting Gudauta have access to not only a relaxing beach or educational excursion holiday, but also various medical and health procedures. Medical and health holiday in Gudauta became possible thanks to the presence of mineral springs in the vicinity of the resort. Over time, the city, next to which the best iodine bromine, sodium chloride and hydrogen sulfide healing springs are located, is planned to be turned into a climatic and balneological resort.

Sights of Gudauta

Not far from the resort there are a number of famous historical attractions. Among the historical sights of Gudauta stand out medieval architectural complex in the village. Lykhny, the fortresses of Abakhvatsa and Khasanata-Abaa, the ruins of the ancient palace of Chachba-Shervashidze and the ruins of the Myusser temple.

There are no natural attractions directly in Gudauta, but there is a biosphere reserve nearby, as well as Lake Ritsa, which every tourist should visit first.

Beaches in Gudauta

The beaches in Gudauta are mostly pebble and quite spacious - their width can reach 200 meters. Only in the eastern part of the resort are there sandy beaches, which are very popular among tourists.

The central city beach of Gudauta has a pebble surface and is equipped with cabins, sun loungers and sun canopies. The beaches furthest from the city are less well-maintained; some of them have a rather steep slope. One of the best beaches located in the resort area is the sand and pebble beach “Golden Sands”.

Village of Lykhny: Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Chachba-Shervashidze Palace

The nearest attractions that tourists who come on holiday to Gudauta can visit are located in the village of Lykhny, which is the historical center of Bzyb Abkhazia. On its territory there are the ruins of the princely palace of Chachba-Shervashidze, as well as one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Abkhazia.

From the two-story Chachba-Shervashidze palace (XI-XIX centuries), which at one time was considered an impregnable stronghold, only walls remain in the village of Lykhny, since since 1866, when military officials tried to hide in the palace, it has not been repaired or restored.

But the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary delights many tourists with the opportunity to admire the 14th-century frescoes in the Byzantine style and the unique icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary also houses the tomb of Prince George Chachba-Shervashidze.

Myussersky Temple in the Myussersky Nature Reserve

One of the most famous monuments of medieval Abkhazia is the Myussersky temple, which is located in the Myussersky reserve not far from Gudauta. A visit to the Musser Temple is included in almost every excursion program, despite the fact that only part of it has survived - the majestic stone walls overgrown with ivy.

In addition, the Myussersky Nature Reserve itself is quite worthy of a visit, because relict species of trees and shrubs grow on its territory.

Lake Ritsa (Big Ritsa)

In the Ritsinsky relict national park, which is located on the territory of the Gudauta region, there are many natural attractions, the most significant of which is the mountain lake Ritsa (Big Ritsa).

Bolshaya Ritsa is a lake of glacial-tectonic origin, which is located in the gorge of the Lashipse and Yupshara rivers and is surrounded on three sides by massive mountain ranges. The water in it is clean (the bottom is visible to a depth of 8-10 m), but changes its color depending on the season. So, in spring and summer, the surface of Lake Ritsa is greenish-yellow, and in the cold season it becomes blue-blue.

Tourists can admire the lake from the shore or take a catamaran ride. Ritsa is home to trout, which is served in small restaurants located next to the lake.

Hotels in Gudauta

One of the reasons why Gudauta can compete with a resort like Gagry is its relatively inexpensive accommodation prices. The tourist infrastructure of the resort is developing, but the range hotels in Gudauta, capable of satisfying particularly demanding residents, is still small.

In the city, hotels from Soviet times are being restored and renovated, and small hotels with 2-3 floors are opening, offering economy and standard rooms. Most hotels in Gudauta are located near the sea and offer their guests a small range of additional services - meals, transfers, laundry and organization of excursion tours.

The site presents all the sights of Gudauta, theaters, museums, streets, architectural monuments, temples, cathedrals, galleries, bridges.

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20 km north-west of Gudauta, in the area between Mysra and the Golden Coast, is located one of the most important architectural monuments of Abkhazia - the Myusser Temple, or as it is also called, Ambara. The temple is rightfully considered the heart of the Pitsundo-Myussersky nature reserve, famous for its relict groves. Built in medieval times, the temple was surrounded by a stone fence, consisted of 12 windows located on the same level as the women's department, had a spherical roof and an altar on the eastern side.

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In the vicinity of Gudauta there is a small village called Otkhara, famous for its ancient monastery located in a steep cliff. Located at an altitude of 50 m above the ground, this local miracle allows only the bravest and most determined to approach it. To get there, modern tourists have to use special equipment.

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Located on the western coast of Abkhazia, a few kilometers from the city of Gudauta, Lykhny is the largest among other villages in Abkhazia and quite popular among tourists. It houses the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the 10th – 11th centuries, and preserved in good condition to this day; It is considered the oldest Abkhaz temple professing Orthodoxy.

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This place is located on the territory of the Gudauta region of Abkhazia, in the village of Lykhny. The basis of this historical complex included the summer residence of the princes Chachba, as well as the palace of the Abkhazian king. These structures were erected in the 10th-11th centuries. According to legend, the construction was initiated by a noble member of the Chachba-Shervashidze family, but at the time the palace building was erected and after construction, it began to collapse. At this moment, the elder said that the building would not be able to stand until a person was sacrificed. And so the inhabitants of the settlement found a beautiful young man and girl, and they were walled up alive in the foundation of the building. After this, the palace stood unharmed.

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Turtle Lake has long been considered a mystical lake that formed on the territory of Abkhazia. At the beginning of the twentieth century, near the city of Gudauta in the village of Primorskoye, after drilling, specialists brought to the surface a certain number of mineral water sources. At the same time, in the immediate vicinity of the hot springs, a small lake was formed, which began to be called Turtle Lake. The path to the lake leads through an amazing grove, past the river bank where buffalos bathe. In the forest, tourists often satisfy their hunger with blackberries, which can be found along the road.

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It starts from an underground cave and flows throughout the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia, near the village of Otkhara. On the territory of the river there is an amazing and most picturesque forest throughout the area. At the very source of the river, on a huge rock, the height of which is about 50 meters, there are the ruins of an ancient monastery, built in the Middle Ages. This area can confidently be called the favorite place of all tourists, even without taking into account the fact that there are signs in this place that warn of possible danger.

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This plant was built in the Abkhaz village of Gudauta. The Gudauta wine and vodka distillery was opened in 1953. But just a few years later, his products became very popular among users. The wines were produced according to a special recipe; the craftsmen put maximum effort into the products, making their taste very original; with their well-coordinated work, approximately 1,500 tons of wine were produced per month. At the beginning of 1980, production increased to 8,000 tons in just one month. At the end of the 80s the plant ceased to exist.

Gudauta is a small town for a wonderful holiday. This place was known back in Soviet times, because people traveled to Abkhazia on vacation with pleasure since ancient times, when abroad was a closed zone for most people. Recently, the resorts of Abkhazia are gaining popularity among the middle class and youth groups, families with children. This affordable resort, set in a great location, is a great place to stay in 2019.
Gudauta is a small town for a wonderful holiday.

Not everyone has heard of this place, but it has an ancient history, and is now a promising coastal resort city.

Brief historical background

Gudauta was inhabited during the Neolithic period. Fishermen and farmers settled on the Kistrik River. The city itself received its name from another river - Gudou. There is a beautiful legend associated with Gudauta: as if the young man Guda and the girl Uta loved each other and were the local “Romeo and Juliet”. As a result, they died in the waters of a stormy river, and their souls still live there, already united.

Since the 11th century, Gudauta was heavily populated: fortifications, temples, and palaces were built. Subsequently, the territory became Russian, then Soviet.

In the 90s, a conflict broke out between Georgians and Abkhazians in the territory. The Russian Federation recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and protects the local territory, and tourism is also developing.

Gudauta on the map

Climate of Gudauta

The subtropical, humid climate of Gudauta contributes to a comfortable holiday - after all, it is a resort near the Black Sea. Winters here are mild and summers are not so hot, but temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. There are almost no strong winds in Gudauta. You can visit the city all year round. The holiday season here lasts from mid-May until the velvet season of autumn.

The city is located on a plateau, next to a picturesque Black Sea bay. Citrus and fruit trees surround Gudauta, adding freshness, and from afar the beautiful snowy peaks of the Caucasus Range are visible, allowing you to take wonderful pictures.

Safety in Gudauta

Despite the fact that the city has not been fully restored, Gudauta is now safe for tourists. It is worth adhering to certain rules of behavior:

• avoid conflicts on a national, political basis;
• be friendly to the local population;
• visit only equipped beaches and do not swim far into the sea;
• It is better to drink bottled water;
• Beware of coastal jellyfish during this particular season.

Visa to Gudauta for Russians

At the moment, relations between countries are so friendly that even a foreign passport is not required; an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation is sufficient. However, you need to take care of insurance and resort fees - this is best left to travel companies. You should still have all the necessary documents and their copies with you, and also know where to go in an emergency.

How to get to Gudauta and travel around the area

The closest airport to the city, convenient for Russians, is the airport. Many well-known airlines fly here from Central and not only Russia. From the airport you can take a bus or minibus to the border with Abkhazia. There you will have to cross the checkpoint on foot and on the other side take the regular bus or minibus again. The cost of transport is from 30 to 100 rubles. You can read about how easier it is to get from Adler to Abkhazia.

You can get to Psou (border) by taxi. Taxi drivers will ask for 1000, but you can negotiate. It is convenient to order a transfer, although it will be more expensive, but you will comfortably cover all the points and points of the route.

Trains also go to Gudauta - from and. The fare is around 5,000 rubles in a reserved seat car, but the ride is long, stuffy, and hot. However, many people love traveling by rail.

There is no public transport in Gudauta itself. But there are buses and minibuses to other cities - near the station. So those who wish can travel around the surrounding area: Lykhny, Gagry, New Athos, Ritsa. An adequate amount for travel in a minibus taxi will be within 100 rubles.

Taxis are much more expensive: in the city - 100 rubles, in other cities - from 500 rubles.

Hotel infrastructure in Gudauta

After the destruction of the city, it was slowly restored, and now there is a tourist infrastructure there: boarding houses and mini-hotels. There is practically no luxury housing here, but the settlement is aimed at travelers in the middle price category. It’s not a bad idea to rent a house in the private sector: a kind owner will give you advice and help, and you will come closer to understanding the local mentality and flavor.

Small hotels, even with meals, can cost approximately from 1500 to 3000 per day per person. Such hotels deserve three stars. Guest houses - within 1000 rubles, and they will have a bathroom, air conditioning, and communication. Luxurious apartments will cost 7,000 rubles; the resort has an all-inclusive camp site called “Golden Coast”.

If desired, an economical tourist can find accommodation for the night even within 500 rubles - Gudauta is a very economical city!

What is Gudauta like now?

We are all looking for the perfect place to relax near the sea. The city of Gudauta is a fairly large administrative center with all the necessary communications. On one side there is a clean and warm sea, on the other there are mountains that protect you from cold winds and drafts.

City embankment from above:

The tourist infrastructure is actively developing, new hotels are being built and destroyed ones are being rebuilt, so you will not have any problems with accommodation. Among the housing offers, the private sector still predominates, and prices are significantly lower than in neighboring, more popular resorts. The town is relatively small; from almost any part of it you can walk to the sea. The hospitality and friendliness of the Abkhazians is pleasantly perceived; they are very warm and friendly people. Be polite to the locals and you will be appreciated as a cultural tourist.

The beach line is quite large and wide - 4 kilometers long and about 200 meters wide. All beaches are covered with pebbles and resemble wild ones. The central city beach is considered the most well-groomed. The beaches are gentle, the entry into the sea is good and convenient for little travelers. The water here is very clear. The good thing is that the beaches are rarely so full that someone is lying on each other’s heads, but it is clean here, there are changing cabins and cafes. There are trees near the beach, which will help you find shade during the hot season.

In the vicinity of the resort there is another excellent place: the pine forest of Musser. This place belongs to a boarding house, and if a tourist stays there, he will receive the full level of comfort: sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, water equipment.

Sights of Gudauta and surrounding areas

There are quite a lot of attractions near the city that will allow you to relax not only physically, but also mentally, visiting new places and getting acquainted with their interesting history.

So, just 4 kilometers from Gudauta, in Lykhny, there is a medieval architectural complex, upon visiting which you will see the ruins of a palace, bell tower and temple built in the Middle Ages. The painting of the local temple is unique. And when leaving the city you can enjoy the unique karst caves.

The Abkhazia Museum-Reserve is located in Gudauta. Fans of archeology and ethnography will enjoy it there; you can learn a lot about the history of the region, including its sad pages.

The Ambar Temple is located in the village of Musser. It was built in the 10th century AD and is one of the most popular attractions in Abkhazia. Today it is overgrown and darkened, but this even gives it some kind of mysterious atmosphere. In the same village there is Stalin’s dacha, which will be interesting to visit for lovers of the Soviet period of history.

In the village of Othara there is a beautiful natural-human monument. This is a monastery carved into the rocks. At first, however, the building belonged not to holy people, but to pirates. But after that the place became a monastery.

Many tourists visit the village of Khabyu. It is located in the mountains and there are beautiful waterfalls there. The road to them itself gives beautiful views; the surrounding area smells of meadows and honey. The waterfalls are very cold, you should not swim in them, but you can relax nearby and cool off a little with the splashes.

Other popular excursions in the area are:

• a visit to the palace of princes Chachba-Shervashidze, which now lies in ruins and is shrouded in dark legends;
• inspection of the Hasanata-Abaa fortress: a powerful wall, tower and frescoes attract travelers.

One day you can go to larger cities. For example, visiting Gagra, you will look at Lake Ritsa, the castle of the Prince of Oldenburg, and a beautiful colonnade.

When visiting Sukhum, you can see the Abkhaz Wall, a botanical garden, and a monkey nursery.
The city also has a wine production plant. You can enjoy fine wines in the large tasting room and buy your favorites. Honey tasting also takes place here.

Entertainment, shopping, cuisine in Gudauta

Nearby there are important medical facilities - hydrogen sulfide springs. Those who like to get treatment in the waters will be happy to find there an excellent place to improve their health. The prices for visiting the springs or sanatoriums are humane, they really help many, as does the generally healing air of this resort.

The kids will love going to Turtle Lake. The population of this species has decreased extremely, but you can still find these animals on its shores, and next to the lake there is a wonderful, well-maintained beach.

Those who prefer active recreation can engage in water sports: snorkeling, boating, fishing. It is possible to organize a jeep safari along steep mountain roads. There is a cinema, standard cafes and bars, nightclubs, but nightlife is not the specialty of this resort. For nightlife, it is better to go to the larger cities of Abkhazia.

Shopping in Gudauta itself is no different from similar activities in other small towns. While in Abkhazia, it is best to go to the market or a colorful shop. In the markets you can buy fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and cheeses for your table (suluguni is the star of Abkhaz cheeses). What can you bring with you as a gift to your loved ones, family, and for yourself:

• sauces tkemali, adjika;
• feijoa jam;
• herbal preparations;
• pillows under the head for sleeping, filled with herbs;
• spices;
• wickerwork: boxes, baskets, furniture;
• souvenir weapons - knives, daggers (with certificate).

In general, food souvenirs will cost around 500 rubles, and then it all depends on how much and what you want to take with you as a souvenir from this good mountain country.

The cuisine in Gudauta will not amaze you with the variety of restaurants. Most establishments serve Russian or Abkhazian cuisine. For the most part, Abkhaz food is spicy and is not suitable for small children with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract; it is easier to order something familiar to the child. But adults can try traditional dishes: “shark” beans, shish kebab, khachapuri, mamalyga.

You can have a snack with a traditional flatbread for just 50 rubles, or boiled corn for a similar price. Prices for food in stores, on average, do not differ from Russian ones, but wines are inexpensive and they are well worth adding to your dinner, and maybe even bringing a couple of bottles home.

Sweet, developing Gudauta is not suitable for those who want to relax in great style and participate in constant parties. It will appeal to those who value nature, tranquility, and are ready to get acquainted with a foreign culture, especially since it is so friendly. Families with children, intelligent couples and budget tourists - students will really like it here. Come to this developing resort destination in 2019!

Hydrogen sulfide springs are the most famous healing springs in Abkhazia. In 1940, in the area of ​​​​New Athos, in the village of Primorskoye, as a result of drilling, several sources of mineral water were brought to the surface. A small hospital was built on the site of one of the natural springs.

This is a small indoor health complex that includes mud, hydrogen sulfide baths, a massage department and a cafe. Next to it there is a mountain river and a small waterfall. In this picturesque place, medical procedures take place in natural conditions, almost under the open sky. The hospital has three hydrogen sulfide pools. One pool is designed for a group of 10 to 15 people, and two smaller baths are designed for 6 people. Hydrogen sulfide hot showers are also installed. Each bath is made of large sea stone and is located under a common canopy.

Hydrogen sulfide sources are very beneficial for health. People come here for diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular system, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, skin diseases, diseases of the genitourinary system in women, strengthens the root system of the hair. Hydrogen sulfide springs and medicinal clay are excellent means of healing and rejuvenation. Visiting thermal baths is not only useful, but also pleasant, which is why both young people and older people happily visit them.

Hydrogen sulfide source

The hydrogen sulfide spring is located in the village of Primorskoye, which is located between the Abkhaz cities of Gudauta and New Athos. The source is located 60 kilometers from the border with Russia, 7 kilometers short of New Athos.

The spring appeared in this place in 1940, as a result of a source of mineral water coming to the surface after drilling wells. Currently, a small hydropathic clinic is located on this place. A distinctive feature of the treatment is the possibility of taking procedures in the open air, enjoying the picturesque nature of Transcaucasia. Here you can take hydrogen sulfide or therapeutic mud baths, as well as massage sessions. Before each treatment appointment, all guests can undergo a consultation with a doctor.

Mineral water from a local source has a healing effect for diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, genitourinary systems, as well as various skin diseases. Many patients who have undergone medical procedures here come back to restore their health among the unique natural landscapes.

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Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake is a mystical lake in the vicinity of Abkhazia. In the mid-twentieth century, in the area of ​​New Athos, in the village of Primorskoye, as a result of drilling, several sources of mineral water were brought to the surface. At the same time, not far from the hot spring, a small Turtle Lake was formed.

The road to the lake passes through beautiful boxwood groves along the river bank, where you can see buffalos bathing. In the forest you can satisfy your hunger with blackberries that grow along the road. The name of the lake comes from the abundance of turtles that previously lived in these places. Now there are very few turtles left in these places, but you can still see some of these animals. Turtle Lake is a popular recreation area for Primorsky residents and city guests. There is a well-maintained beach around the lake where you can sunbathe and swim in the clean lake water.

The Lykhny Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the oldest Orthodox church in Abkhazia, dating back to the 10th-11th centuries. It has been well preserved to this day in its original form, since it did not lend itself to serious reconstruction.

The Lykhny Temple is located in the village of Lykhny, four kilometers from the city of Gudauta, on the western coast of Abkhazia. It is a cross-domed structure typical of the early medieval architecture of Abkhazia. The facade of the building is quite modest - its walls are decorated with red limestone slabs, three sides are topped with vestibules, and a small dome rises on an octagonal drum.

The interior of the ancient temple is more interesting for pilgrims and other visitors - in it you can see beautiful rich frescoes of the 14th century, which are made in the Byzantine style, several ancient inscriptions, as well as a unique icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” from the oldest inscription in the Abkhaz language. In the Lykhny temple there is a tomb of the Abkhaz prince George II Shervashidze, during whose reign Abkhazia as an autonomous region was part of the Russian Empire.

Village of Lykhny

Lykhny is the largest village in Abkhazia and is located in the Gudauta region, 5 kilometers from Gudauta. The history of the village goes back 1.5 thousand years. This is the historical center of Bzyb Abkhazia. In the 19th century, Lykhny was the official residence of the ruling prince, as well as the capital of Abkhazia.

The famous landmark of the village is the ruins of an architectural complex of the 10th century, consisting of the summer palace of the Abkhaz kings and the residence of the Chachba princes. Also in Lykhny there is an active cross-domed Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary from the 10th-11th centuries, which has preserved rich fresco paintings from the 14th century. Inside the temple is the tomb of Prince George Chachba-Shervashidze, during whose reign Abkhazia became part of the Russian Empire. On the outskirts of Lykhna you can also see the ruins of a Christian temple from the 6th-7th centuries.

In October every year, the Harvest Festival is celebrated in the wide clearing of Lykhnashta located in the center of the village. There is also a monument to the Victims of the Georgian-Abkhaz War in the early 90s of the 20th century. On the pedestal there is a complete list of village natives who died at the front.

Stalin's dacha in Myusser

One of Stalin’s Black Sea dachas is located in the small village of Myussera.

It is located 18 kilometers northwest of Gudauta and 8 kilometers south of Pitsunda, in the Pitsunda-Mussersky Biosphere Reserve.

All 50 hectares of the dacha territory are surrounded by the greenery of ancient trees, and on the other side there is a beautiful view of the Black Sea. This place is one of the most picturesque places on the Black Sea coast of Abkhazia.

This building was built before the war and was restored more than once. However, in all rooms of the dacha, the original interior decoration made of valuable wood, original chandeliers and Stalin’s sofa, made by his special order, have been preserved.

There is also entertainment at the dacha - a small cinema hall and a billiard room. Currently, J.V. Stalin's dacha in Myusser is an excursion site.

Musser temple

The Musser temple of the 10th-11th centuries is considered one of the most significant places for the history of Abkhazia, because it is one of the most valuable reserves throughout its territory.

The ruins of the ancient Myussersky temple are located between Myussera in the Gudauta region and the Golden Coast, in the very center of the Myussersky Biosphere Reserve, at the mouth of the Ambara river.

Although today only the ruins of the ancient monumental complex have survived, which are turning black and overgrown with bushes, its semicircular massive silhouette with stone blocks is impressive at first glance. Visitors show the greatest interest in the southern part of the Granary Temple, where there are three entrance arches and six windows through which tree branches look. Once upon a time, a large stone staircase led to the upper part of the temple, which can also be seen here today in a dilapidated state.

Today, every tourist who has just returned from Abkhazia can judge the ancient medieval Myusser temple, located in the small urban village of Myusser, because its inspection is mandatory for almost every excursion program.

Gudauta Wine and Vodka Factory

The Gudauta wine and vodka distillery, located in the Abkhazian village of Gudauta, was built and opened in 1953. Already in 1958, his products gained popularity in the Abkhaz wine market thanks to the original recipe and the well-coordinated work of the craftsmen, who produced up to 1,500 tons of wine per month. By the early 1980s, productivity had increased to 8,000 tons per month.

From the late 1980s to the early 2010s, the plant was not operational. Now it has been re-launched as a private winery. In the tasting room, you can try different types of wine produced by the plant straight from the barrels, the most popular of which is Ritsa wine. You can purchase your favorite products in the factory store.

Gudauta Pass

The Gudauta Pass is located in Abkhazia, on the spur of the Bzyb ridge. Its height is 1500 meters, length is 70 kilometers. The pass connects two rivers - Bzyb and Aapsta. The surface of the pass is covered with dense forest and rhododendron thickets.

There is a dense forest along the edges of the pass; there is no water anywhere nearby. At the pass itself, along the edges of the path there are thickets of rhododendron, and on the sea side there is fog. Here you can feel like you are in a fairy tale, the trees are shrouded in white fog and there is silence all around. A little further, a lot of mushrooms grow, mainly milk mushrooms. There are also a lot of chanterelles and honey mushrooms.

During the Great Patriotic War, there were battles with the Germans on the passes. They were stopped at Doe Pass.

Abgarkhuk village

The village of Abgarkhuk is located in Abkhazia, Gudauta region. Three mountain rivers flow through it. Also in the village there are ruins of ancient fortresses - historical monuments. An interesting secret passage that leads from the fortress to the street.

In Abgarkhuk there are ruins of ancient fortresses. One of them, “Mushba”, is located between the rivers Zhbaarta and Dokhuarta on a rocky cliff. It is a medieval fort. The entrance to the fortress is located in the eastern tower, which stands on the edge of a cliff in the forest. The length of the fortress is 120 meters, inside of which you can see the ruins of buildings. Also very interesting is the secret passage that leads from the fortress to the outside world in case of a siege. A narrow path goes along a break in the rock to its base; locals call the path the “royal staircase”.

Another fortress, Abahuaza, is located above the Aapsta River. There are forests around the fortress and tower. You can enter the fortress along the path along the base of the rock; its length is approximately 140 meters. In the corner of the fence there is a loophole window. The finds revealed during excavations date back to the Middle Ages.

Trout farm in the village. Othara

The trout farm is located on a river where trout are bred. It is located in Abkhazia, at the mouth of the Mchyshta River. Founded in 1934 and during the Soviet era, this farm provided the entire Black Sea region with trout. Nowadays it operates at only 5% of its capacity.

But now it is a local attraction where you can see all stages of trout breeding.

Trout farming has become a popular tourist destination. Here you can watch the trout grow and feed it. Visitors will be told and shown all stages of fish development. You can also try trout roasted over a fire.

Not far from the trout farm you can see another attraction - a rock monastery. It is located right in the mountain, from under which the Mchyshta River begins. Here, in the boxwood forest, in the gazebo, a table will be set with delicious river trout and Abkhazian khachapuri.

Rock monastery in the village. Othara

The rock monastery, located in the Abkhazian village of Otkhara, is carved into a picturesque steep cliff. It is located 50 meters from the ground, so it is impossible to get there without equipment. The monastery was created in the 12th century as a refuge from pirates. Then monks settled in it and raised trout. Currently, this is the most popular tourist site in Abkhaz

At the base of the rock where the monastery was carved, there is a cave from which the Mchyshta River flows. Initially it was assumed that the rock monastery was a natural phenomenon. But after his research in 1958, it was confirmed that the monastery was cut down by man. It is believed that there was originally a refuge from pirates here. This is confirmed by the loopholes aimed at the path. Then monks settled there, breeding trout. And on the other side, a citadel was built that guards the road to the North Caucasus.

Only in the 19th century, Prince Mikhail Shervashidze (Chachba) was able to build a bridge with the help of local residents and climb into the lower sections. After researching the monastery in the 20th century, utensils belonging to the inhabitants of the Middle Ages were found. Now the rock monastery is one of the popular sites for tourists in Abkhazia. Even if visitors cannot get into the cells, a walk through the boxwood forest and trout farm will give an unforgettable experience.

The most popular attractions in Gudauta with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Gudauta on our website.

Gudauta is a picturesque resort town located on the Black Sea coast of Abkhazia. The history of the settlement dates back to ancient times, but it received city status only in 1926.

The resort owes its beautiful name to the local Gudou River, but as is “customary” in Abkhazia, there is a romantic legend here. It tells the story of a young man Good and a girl Uta, who threw themselves into the river because their parents did not allow them to be together.

Along the entire coastline of Gudauta there are gravel beaches (sandy in the eastern part), where tourists can relax in comfort. And as an entertainment program, it is worth visiting the sights of both the city itself and its surroundings.

Attractions marked on the city map:

Attractions in the city

The creation of this museum occurred during difficult times for Abkhazia - the period of bitterness in the Abkhaz-Georgian conflict. Therefore, its opening was postponed until 1995. The 4 halls of the museum are filled with interesting exhibits: materials, documents, manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, archaeological excavations.

• The first hall is in memory of those killed during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict
• The second hall is in memory of war heroes and historical figures
• Third hall – archeology and ethnography
• The fourth hall – artistic culture

Address: Central Park (on Chachba street)

Every year on December 14, Gudauta honors the memory of those who died in the crash of a downed Russian helicopter over the village of Lata. 84 people lost their lives in this tragedy. You can lay flowers at the Memorial on any day.

Address: Sukhumi highway, opposite the Gudauta railway station, 500 m towards Adler.

Thanks to a well-thought-out recipe and, if numerous reviews are to be believed, excellent taste of wines and liqueurs, the products produced at the plant have won their share in the market over the course of several years of existence.

In the period from 1980 to 2010, the plant did not operate. But today the enterprise is functioning again, and you have the opportunity to tour it, listen to the history of the plant and winemaking, and learn some of the features of wine-making technology. In the tasting room, visitors are offered to try some of its varieties. Do you want to take a couple of bottles home? Not a problem - there is a shop at the factory.

Attractions in the surrounding area

Village of Lykhny

Address: Gudauta district (5 km northwest of Gudauta)
How to get there: by minibus (10-20 min) – walk from the railway station to the final transport stop (in front of the Adzlagara river), take the minibus going to the village. Lykhny; by taxi (7-10 min) – from the railway station directly along the highway.

The village of Lykhny is the historical center of Abkhazia, since in the period from 1808 to 1864 it was both the official summer residence of the prince and the capital of the country. The most significant sights are located in the center of the village - in the Lykhnashta clearing:

Abgarkhuk village

Address: Gudauta district (between Gudauta and New Athos)
How to get there: by car - along the road directly to the center of the village (3-4 km), which goes from the M-27 highway to the village of Achandara.

This small village is crossed by 3 mountain rivers - Aapsta, Dokhuarta and Zhbaarta. It is noteworthy not only for its beautiful landscapes, but also for the ruins of fortresses, which are still practically unexplored.

One of them is Mushba - an ancient fort 120 m long. Here you will see a secret passage (or, as it is also called, the “royal staircase”), which was created in case of a siege in order to lead people out of the fort.

Another fortress is Abahuaza, surrounded by forest. You can get here along a narrow path along the base of the cliff.

Address: Gudauta district, village. Othara
How to get there: by car - before the turn at the beginning of. Barmysh, follow the sign (“Trout farm”) and drive to your destination.

In the village of Othara, which is located on the banks of the river. Mchyshta (also called the Black River), there is a beautiful place - at the very source of the river, in a rock hanging over the water, there is a medieval monastery.

This shrine was carved out of stone in the 12th century and was used by pirates as a refuge. And only a few centuries later monks settled here. And since the ancient cells are located at an altitude of 50 m above the ground, you can only get here with climbing equipment.

Even without mountain climbing, the trip will not be in vain - here you can walk through the boxwood forest and visit the trout farm, which we described below.

Address: Gudauta district, village. Othara
Price: from 200 rub/person
How to get there: on the right bank of the river. Mchyshta, near the Rock Monastery, at the river exit from the cave to the surface.

The trout farm is worth a visit if you want to combine an educational excursion with a delicious lunch. It is located close to the Rock Monastery - literally underneath it.

And if earlier this fish farm supplied the entire Black Sea region with products, today it is only a tourist attraction, operating at 5% of its capacity. Here visitors will learn about all the stages of breeding commercial fish, feed them, and those tired from walking will be treated to dishes of national cuisine.