Anakopi Fortress is a majestic ancient fortification located in Abkhazia, in the city of Novy Afon. The citadel is located on the top of the Iverskaya Mountain, stretching 450 meters long and 150 meters wide. The defensive structure was erected in the VII century, in order to protect Anakopia from the invasion of the Arabs. Only one gate on the south side of the fortress was provided for passage inside.

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Video: Anacopia Fortress

Contents

Highlights

‘ Panorama of Anakopia Fortress and its surroundings

History of Anakopia Fortress

The first stones that became the basis of the fortress were laid by the Romans presumably in the IV-V centuries. They were qualitatively processed limestone laid in accordance with Roman building traditions. The gate was assembled from 3 monoliths and placed on a stone wall, high above the ground. Thus, in order to get to the Anakopia fortress, one had to use an extension ladder. One can notice stone steps from the inner side of the citadel, by which people used to get into the courtyard, even nowadays.

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‘ Greece built a modest temple on top of a mountain. The iconic structure was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, in honor of the Anakopia icon discovered on the mountainside. It is believed that it had miraculous power and helped in the battle with the Arabs. In the XI century the church was rebuilt and consecrated in honor of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tyrone. Another temple was erected on the Iverska Mountain in the VII-VIII centuries.

Anakopia Fortress has its own miracle – an inexhaustible well with healing water. This place attracts believers and tourists. The well is adjacent to the temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is hollowed out directly in the rock. There are two theories about how such a cistern appeared. According to the first hypothesis, ancient builders dug a water pipe from Mount Athos to Mount Ivera, through the valley under the river, and then covered it with soil. Then water enters the well according to the principle of communicating vessels. If we believe an alternative version, a funnel was dug under the buildings on top of the mountain, in which rainwater accumulated.

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The main Eastern Tower appeared on the territory of the Anacopia fortress in the middle of the 11th century. It consisted of 4 floors and was used as an observation post. The observation tower was considered to be the last line of defense.

In the 14th century, the Genoese settled in the region. They contributed to the architecture of the outpost: they added a watchtower faced with smooth stone.

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‘ Courtyard of the fortress
‘ Inside the watchtower
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Novoafon monks began to improve Anakopia fortress at the end of the XIX century. The brotherhood laid a stone road, leveled stone terraces, built a chapel, hotels, and cable car stations.

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In 1990, the New Athos Historical and Architectural Reserve “Anakopia Fortress” was founded.

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In 2008, the restoration of the Main Eastern Tower was completed, timed to coincide with the 15th anniversary of Victory Day in the Patriotic War of Abkhazia.

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Video: Anakopia Fortress in winter

Visitors

‘ New Athos Monastery, seaside park and the coast from Gagra to Sukhum.

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In the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God you can pray, put a candle, put a note between the stone walls with a request, make a donation. Pilgrims leave various gifts in the church – books, postcards, icons, shells.

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Locals and monks treat travelers kindly, always tell the way and can even treat tangerines grown in gardens on the slopes. The color is added by cheerful dogs walking here. Tourists note the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views, for the sake of which it is definitely worth climbing.

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‘ Sunset on Anakopijskaya fortress

How to get there

Address of the fortress: Gudauta district, Novy Afon, the top and southern slope of Anakopi Mountain.

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In New Afon by public transportation or car you need to get to the famous stop “Shell”. It has the shape of a giant sea shell and is decorated with mosaics. From the stop the highway makes a turn towards the Iverskaya Mountain and then winds serpentine to the Novoafon cave. To the left of the cave there is an asphalted road leading to the mountains, which begins the ascent to the Anakopi fortress. Halfway there is a cab or a car, which you can leave at the parking lot near the entrance to the Anakopi Reserve.

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