Once a popular resort, nowadays Abkhazia reminds about the past of the Soviet Union. Subtropical climate as well as picturesque view made the Black Sea coast Abkhazia a perfect place to recover health, enjoy the flourishing Mediterranean nature and observe ancient culture for a modest price.
Once a popular resort, nowadays Abkhazia reminds about the past of the Soviet Union. Subtropical climate as well as picturesque view made the Black Sea coast Abkhazia a perfect place to recover health, enjoy the flourishing Mediterranean nature and observe ancient culture for a modest price.
Abkhazia’s capital Sukhumi is one of the oldest cities ever built. Its history started 2500 years ago when Greek merchants established a colony Dioskoyrias named after two participants of the legendary Argonauts’ journey.
Above: Coast viewed from the city center
Abkhazia’s capital Sukhumi is one of the oldest cities ever built. Its history started 2500 years ago when Greek merchants established a colony Dioskoyrias named after two participants of the legendary Argonauts’ journey.
Above: Coast viewed from the city center
The city on the Black Sea coast is covered with palms, eucalyptuses and oleanders. It's as if the city were enjoying eternal summer. One of the most picturesque sites is the Muhajir Quay decorated with elegant architecture of the XIX century.
Above: Ruined colonnade on a Sukhumi quay
Above: Ruined colonnade on a Sukhumi quay
Sukhumi is popular for its humid subtropical climate. The 1989 all-Russian Doctor Congress recognized Sukhumi is one of the best health resorts and spas in the world.
Above: City quay
Above: City quay
The Osman Empire made several attempts to take over the city, but the Russian Empire always won it back. The ethnic composition of the city includes Abkhazians, Russians, Armenians and Georgians.
Above: Former Government building on the Freedom square
Above: Former Government building on the Freedom square
The Abkhaz National Museum exhibits a rich collection of ancient ceramics, metal objects, clothes and written documents. They capture the history of Caucasian peoples as well as Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Byzantine Empire.
Above: Information stand for tourists
Above: Information stand for tourists
Another must-see is the Sukhumi Botanical Garden. Founded in 1840, it is one of the oldest of its type in the Caucasus. The Garden was turned into the Research Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences. It hosts more than 4,500 species, 1,200 of which are tropical.
Above: Senior people playing chess in a Sukhumi street
Above: Senior people playing chess in a Sukhumi street
The Abkhazian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy, better known as the Monkey Colony, was founded in 1927. It is also a petting zoo, whose residents are ready to take a treat right from a visitor’s hand. But mind your mobile phones, as playful monkeys may take it for a gift!
Above: Sukhumi beach
Above: Sukhumi beach
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Gagra, another Abkhazian town, is situated on a calm bay on the coast of the Black Sea. Mountains surround the town shielding it from cold winds and keeping in the fresh warm sea air. That’s why Gagra is the warmest place on the entire Black Sea coast.
Above: Abkhazia, Gagra. Town views. War-damaged buildings.
Above: Abkhazia, Gagra. Town views. War-damaged buildings.
Speleologists from all over the world dream of travelling to the Krubeva Cave in the North of Gagra. It holds a world record as the deepest cave on the Earth (2199 meters).
Above: Elderly women in the street
Above: Elderly women in the street
Duke Alexander of Oldenburg, a relative of the last Russian emperor Nicholas II, established telegraph, plumbing, electrical lighting, built a weather station and laid out a park with tropical trees in the town. Thanks to him, 1903 is regarded as the “resort birthday” of Gagra.
