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Gagra is a unique resort city on the Black Sea coast of Abkhazia, which has preserved ancient sights. One of them is the church of Abaata. It is a rough building, unremarkable in appearance - a cult building. It has survived several eras, preserving its architectural appearance and a lot of secrets, and maybe even treasures!

Through the Ages

Church of Abaata - part of the fortress of the same name, built by Abkhazian tribes in VI-VIII centuries. The fortification was built at the entrance to the Joekvar gorge, near the mouth of the river of the same name. The walls of the fortress protected the eastern lands of local tribes from enemy raids by Circassians.

First all this territory belonged to Abazgami, then passed to the Romans. Later the fortress itself was occupied by Genoese (XIV-XV centuries), who founded on the site of modern Gagra factoria Kakara. Descendants of Genoa occupied part of Abaata for trade with ancient Abkhazian tribes.

After the fortress was captured by the Turks, and at the end of the Middle Ages Abkhazian tribes hid here. After the beginning of the Caucasian War (1830) it was used as a defensive structure. Russian troops built bastions there, rebuilding walls to accommodate cannons, guns.

At the height of the Crimean campaign (1854), the soldiers left the fortress, undermining all the fortifications. But at the end of the war, the troops returned, rebuilt the fortifications, breaking up a hospital inside. A cellar for storing gunpowder was organised in the church.

In the twentieth century, at the request of Nicholas II, Prince Oldenburgsky began to make a small settlement of a resort town. By his order, a hotel was built on the territory of the ancient fortress, demolishing part of its walls.

In 1902, during the restoration of the temple, rebuilt its vault. But in Soviet times the building was used only for household needs. Another repair of the structure was carried out in 1958. Then within the walls of the basilica opened a museum of samples of weapons of the Abkhazian population, where presented:.

  • flint chippers of ancient epochs;

  • metal tips of throwing implements;

  • carved axes made of bronze;

  • daggers, fibulae;

  • protective helmets and swords, as well as shields from ancient times;

  • sabres, ringlets of the Middle Ages.

The result of the last reconstruction, carried out in 2007, was the supply of electricity. Masters recreated the original appearance of the temple, replaced the iconostasis. In 2012, the basilica was consecrated, after which resumed services.

One temple - 3 names

At first it was the Church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but later it was renamed in honour of Saint Hypatius - the patron saint of Gagra. According to legend, the bishop was hiding from persecution in the cave of Mamzyshkha Mountain, but was killed by heretics. The relics of the saint rest in the temple.

At the time of the construction of the basilica there was no division of Christianity, so the church did not belong to a particular denomination. At the moment it is under the jurisdiction of the Abkhazian Orthodox Church.

The basilica was built by the Abkhazian Orthodox Church.

Architectural value

Each nation that got possession of the Abaata fortress (Abkhazians, Genoese, Turks, Russians), modified the buildings located on its territory. But the church managed to retain its original appearance.

The basilica, as well as the powerful fortress walls protecting it, is built from hewn stones mined in the mountains nearby. There is a version that the temple was built from the fragments of the fortress wall. Rough limestone masonry lacks elegance, so the squat structure of the church seems grey and unremarkable. The only thing that adorns it is the cross in a circle on the south wall above the central entrance. This is the symbol of the consecration of the basilica. Similar crosses were later placed over the entrance doors on the west and south sides.

The church has 3 vaulted halls of oblong shape (the northern one is the shortest). The rooms are connected with each other by arched passages with doors. Two halls (northern and central) end with lowered protrusions, apses, forming the outer rectangle of the basilica.

Inside the Christian monastery is decorated ascetically - grey walls, stone floor. The temple is decorated with an iconostasis and gates with paintings. They lead to the altar, located according to Christian tradition in the east. On the western side is the narthex.

The ceiling of the church is decorated with a gilded chandelier. On the stone floor are vessels filled with sand. They are used to place lit candles. On the walls of the basilica you can see icons that appeared after the last restoration. All this decoration creates the feeling of being present at the divine liturgy of the first Christian communities.

Secrets of the shrine

At the end of the twentieth century under the temple of Hypatius of Gagra archaeologists discovered a network of underground passages and galleries. Until now their purpose and routes have not been clarified, so among the locals began to rumour that under the church there are treasures.

The church and its surroundings today

The former defence structure has become a tourist complex with a church. Services in the temple are attended by the faithful. On the territory of the fortress also operates a museum of local history, which presents interesting artefacts (axes, helmets and other tools of different eras), you can learn the history, legends about the defensive structure. The hotel, erected by Prince Oldenburgsky, is half-destroyed, so it is inaccessible for visiting. During the visit of the complex, tourists can enjoy the beauty of the park, the dishes of the local restaurant.

Cost of visit and mode of operation

To visit the fortress, temple and museum you need to purchase tickets. The church door is open from 10.00 to 22.00. The schedule of services and events is available on the wall at the entrance. Nearby there is a shop where you can buy religious literature, take a shawl to cover your head.

How to get there

The fortress with the church and museums is located on the square named after Yuri Gagarin. Yuri Gagarin Square (neighbourhood of Old Gagra). This place at the entrance to the city, near the seaside park. To get to it you can:

  • public transport. From any district of Gagra here go marshrutkas. If you go from another city - you need to take a shuttle bus to Psou (stop Abaata);

  • by car, taxi or hitchhiking;

  • on foot. From any part of Gagra you can get here on your own in an hour and a half.

This unremarkable church in Gagra is an old Christian attraction of Abkhazia, a historical monument that is worth visiting. A cypress alley paved with stone slabs leads to it.