Rating
4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)
User Reviews
Koen (13 months ago)
About 12 kilometers from the old center of Batumi, on the south side of the mouth of the Chorochi River, stands one of the best preserved structures from antiquity: the Gonio Fortress (also known as Apsaros). It is not clear when the fortress was founded, the first written mention, by Pliny the Elder, dates from the 1st century AD. Apsaros was a well-fortified city on the outskirts of the Roman Empire that even had a theater and a hippodrome. Roman rule changed to Byzantine, and the name changed to Akampsis in the 10th century. In the 12th century the city fell into the hands of Georgian kings and was given its current name Gonio in the 14th century. In 1547 the fortress fell into the hands of the Ottomans, who remained there until 1878. After the fortress fell into Russian hands, it lost its importance and fell into disuse. Within the walls of the fortress is said to be the tomb of Matthias, the apostle who took the place of Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. However, this cannot be verified as the Georgian government prohibits excavations of the graves within the fortress. All in all, the well-preserved Gonio fortress is an interesting destination, and not just for archaeologists!
About 12 kilometers from the old center of Batumi, on the south side of the mouth of the Chorochi River, stands one of the best preserved structures from antiquity: the Gonio Fortress (also known as Apsaros). It is not clear when the fortress was founded, the first written mention, by Pliny the Elder, dates from the 1st century AD. Apsaros was a well-fortified city on the outskirts of the Roman Empire that even had a theater and a hippodrome. Roman rule changed to Byzantine, and the name changed to Akampsis in the 10th century. In the 12th century the city fell into the hands of Georgian kings and was given its current name Gonio in the 14th century. In 1547 the fortress fell into the hands of the Ottomans, who remained there until 1878. After the fortress fell into Russian hands, it lost its importance and fell into disuse. Within the walls of the fortress is said to be the tomb of Matthias, the apostle who took the place of Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. However, this cannot be verified as the Georgian government prohibits excavations of the graves within the fortress. All in all, the well-preserved Gonio fortress is an interesting destination, and not just for archaeologists!
Terance Yeow (14 months ago)
Nice historical place to visit. Entrance fee 8gel and spent one hour there.
Nice historical place to visit. Entrance fee 8gel and spent one hour there.
Galit Yona (16 months ago)
Beautifully preserved fortress with small archeological museum about the fortresses interesting history. Th different occupiers created stashes to store gold inside the fortress Walls. Sadly there is no gold left ?. Informational pamphlets in English, clean bathrooms. Believed to be Saint Mathew burial site.
Beautifully preserved fortress with small archeological museum about the fortresses interesting history. Th different occupiers created stashes to store gold inside the fortress Walls. Sadly there is no gold left ?. Informational pamphlets in English, clean bathrooms. Believed to be Saint Mathew burial site.
Hendry Kok (17 months ago)
Well maintained and clean. The mock-up Roman barrack, tents, cutlery, weapons, armor were amazing. Entrance is only GEL 8 for adult during summer. Toilet is acceptably clean too.
Well maintained and clean. The mock-up Roman barrack, tents, cutlery, weapons, armor were amazing. Entrance is only GEL 8 for adult during summer. Toilet is acceptably clean too.
Dr. Mobammed Saleem saleem (17 months ago)
Gonio Fortress is a historic site located near Batumi, Georgia. It dates back to the Roman period and was an important strategic location throughout history. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about its rich history. If you're interested in history and archaeology, Gonio Fortress is definitely worth a visit!
Gonio Fortress is a historic site located near Batumi, Georgia. It dates back to the Roman period and was an important strategic location throughout history. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about its rich history. If you're interested in history and archaeology, Gonio Fortress is definitely worth a visit!
