Location of the highest landmark of Gagra
Mount Mamzishha stands above Gagra, towering majestically. Its height is 1876 meters above sea level. At the beginning of the 20th century, a road was built to the top of the mountain for excursions and visitors, along which special observation platforms were located along its entire length, from which one could observe the city, enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of Gagra. From the platforms, an amazing picture was opened not only of Gagra itself, but also of Pitsunda, as well as other nearby towns and villages. Guests of the city can enjoy the wonderful view of the sea seen from the mountain, its turquoise surface in the sun sparkles and shimmers like a beautiful diamond, enchanting everyone with unprecedented beauty.
The main advantages and benefits of the mountain
It is worth climbing Mamzishhu not only for the sake of this beautiful panorama, the mountain itself is quite interesting, it is buried in dense subtropical vegetation, thanks to which all visitors can breathe in the especially healing ionized mountain air, in which the resinous smells of growing trees are mixed with a delicate scent of flowers. Visitors to Mamzishkhi Mountain can walk through a truly beautiful forest, see crystal springs, a large number located in this area. Due to its unusual relief, as well as climatic conditions, Mamzishkha mountain is perfect for various sports activities, including skiing. Ski slopes, which are located on the northern slope, are intended for seven months of use a year. Guests resort town can see from a bird's eye view a magnificent panorama of Gagra and its surrounding environs, the height of almost 2 km allows you to consider an attractive view of the Abkhaz cities, of the wonderful sea surface. It is in these places that different sea and mountain climates are combined, making their combination ideal for active rest.
Attractions nearby
Another unforgettable place in Gagra is the Seaside Park, which was founded in 1902-1905. In it, visitors can see rare varieties of various ornamental plants, green palms and oleanders. On the territory of the park, you can see a unique architectural monument of the early 6th century - an old fortress temple, visit the museum of Abkhaz weapons located in it. Walking along the road from the old seaside park to Novaya Gagra, you can see the seaside alley, founded in 1949, the palm park near the Gagripsh hotel, which displays various large specimens of palm trees, and a small terrace park organized at the Moskva sanatorium and surprising all those present with cascading wall fountains. Tennis lovers will love the well-equipped tennis courts.After tiring walks, you can relax on the picturesque embankments equipped with cozy bars and cafes, relax in the shade of plane trees and taste delicious Abkhaz cuisine. In addition, there is a water park in the center of Gagra, where you can have fun at discos or in a cafe with live music.
We are launching a series of materials about travel to Abkhazia. Primordial nature, inimitable history and Caucasian hospitality are all about her, about the "Land of the Soul".
Around Gagra
A dream resort for tsars and Soviet party workers. Gagra is the warmest place on the entire Black Sea coast, because the high Arabica mountains are closest to the coast and protect from cold winds.
We all know the most popular places in the city - the Gagra Colonnade, the Prince of Oldenburg Castle and the Gagripsh restaurant. However, today we propose to go to the vicinity of the city, where you can find no less picturesque corners and monuments with ancient history... And the main plus of Gagra is that the resort is located 30 minutes from Adler, and it is as easy to spend a whole day there as, for example, in Krasnaya Polyana.
White Rocks Beach
A unique natural phenomenon of the Black Sea - marble beach... This is one of the most beautiful beaches Abkhazia. Snow-white cliffs emerge from the sea, stretching for a distance of 200 meters along the very edge of the water. In 1981, the white rocks in Abkhazia were recognized as a natural monument. Rocks stretch along the coast, the water is very clear, which is great for snorkeling.
How to get there
📍 The beach is located 7 km from the Russian border between Gagra and the village of Tsandripsh on the Sukhum highway.
Coordinates
43.366140, 40.103998
Mount Mamzishkha
The mountain is located 6 kilometers from Gagra and actually rises over the city. The height of the mountain is 1876 meters, and it is covered with impenetrable forest, except for the very top. Due to strong winds, only grass grows at the peak - this is a zone of alpine meadows.
There are two observation decks on the way up the mountain. The first is located 300 meters above sea level, and from here you can see Gagra at a glance. Observation deck equipped with a balcony and railings. The second one stands above 975 meters in the middle of the serpentine branch. From here you can clearly see Pitsunda and even the Sukhum Cape. 
How to get there
📍 It is better to choose morning hours for travel. The road starts from Nartaa Avenue along a serpentine upward.
Coordinates
43.301032, 40.307736
Khashup fortress
On the top high mountain there are ruins of one of the largest and most grandiose fortresses in Abkhazia from the early Middle Ages. The fortress has been well preserved to this day. During the Middle Ages, it was very important for local residents: in the event of an enemy attack, they could safely take cover in it.
For greater protection, the fortress has a very strong wall with towers in the form of quadrangles. The towers are located near the cliffs, as well as near the turns. There are burial grounds and destroyed graves near the fortress. The fortress has never been restored, and therefore largely retained its initial appearance... And if you climb the ruins of the watchtower, you can see a majestic panorama from the azure coast in the south to the snowy peaks of the Bzyb ridge in the north.
How to get there
📍 You can get to the fortress along the road from Tsandripsh, leading north along the river valley to the village of Khashupsa. Behind him, the road turns to Bagnari, and a path leaves to the left, leading past the cliffs to the ruins.
Coordinates
43.429725, 40.12305
Hashups Canyon
The canyon is small, about a kilometer long, but very picturesque. The Khashupse River is formed at the confluence of two rivers and flows into the sea near the Russian-Abkhaz border. Soon after the confluence, the river enters the Khashup gorge - a narrow rocky corridor bounded by high vertical walls. This very gorge consists of several canyons. At the northern end of the canyon, on the mountain, there is a fortress known as the Turkish fortress. It was built an eternity ago - in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. 
How to get there
📍 The way from Tsandripsh is possible by old road, going to the right of the Sukhum highway along the right bank of the river or from the Tsandripsha market directly along the bed of the Khashupse river.
Coordinates
43.405555,40.110222
Tsandripsh Basilica
The temple was built in the 5th-6th centuries and is well preserved to this day. One of the most ancient temples in Abkhazia, it is located not far from sea coast v village Tsandripsh... The architecture, as well as its once excellent acoustics, indicate the high skill of the architects. Excellent acoustic data were associated with jugs embedded in the walls. Despite the fact that more than 1,500 years have passed since the construction of the temple, the building has largely remained in its original form. 
How to get there
📍 To the village of Tsandripsh to Sukhumskoe by the highway about 5 kilometers from the border with Russia
Coordinates
43.379438, 40.070909
Abaata fortress
This is an ancient defensive structure built in the 4th-5th centuries. Throughout its history, the fortress belonged to the Genoese, Sadz, Russian military and even was a resting place for aristocrats. Inside the fortress in the 8th century AD, Christians built the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, which has almost completely retained its appearance to this day. Now the Abaata fortress is a historical landmark; there is a museum here. 
How to get there
📍 Stop "Abaata", Gagra, Sukhumskoe highway
Coordinates
43.325426,40.223952
#VsevidelvSochi project
Called to tell about Sochi in detail. Every week on our site there will be material dedicated to the resort, created in conjunction with the largest excursion company in the city - "Ruta", and they know everything about Sochi.
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Mount Battery: 43.581319, 39.731772
Mount Big Akhun: 43.550379, 39.843507
33 waterfalls: 43.839975, 39.558635
Waterfall Azhek: 43.710246, 39.819088
Orekhovsky waterfall: 43.707384, 39.773866
Agursky waterfalls: 43.553400, 39.820118
Mount Picket: 43.643336, 39.788429
Yew-boxwood grove: 43.527399, 39.874520
Zmeikovsky waterfalls: 43.635951, 39.816234
Olympic Park: 43.405609, 39.954700
Eagle Rocks: 43.559638, 39.822736
Ski resort "Rosa Khutor": 43.671808, 40.297817
Sochi Arboretum: 43.566835, 39.740853
Park \ "Southern Cultures \": 43.418110, 39.937363
Stalin's dacha: 43.545340, 39.801874
Extreme Park SkyPark: 43.525402, 40.000620
Mountain Stone Pillar: 43.613429, 40.330811
Amuko: 43.781505, 39.883461
Navaginskaya street: 43.588236, 39.724342
Akhtsu gorge: 43.587896, 40.007751
Seaside Park: 43.573791, 39.726203
Observation deck at Tea Houses: 43.668304, 39.629095
Rotunda on Terrencourt: 43.547886, 39.784467
Ovsyannikov ridge: 43.519444, 39.883611
Restaurant "At the End of the Earth": 43.799931, 39.632869
Sanatorium Ordzhonikidze in Sochi: 43.555896, 39.768730
Sochi Central Market: 43.593900, 39.724128
Sochi Marine Terminal: 43.580796, 39.718833
Soviet mosaics in Sochi: 43.609048, 39.735304
White Rocks Beach: 43.366140, 40.103998
Mount Mamzishkha: 43.301032, 40.307736
Khashup fortress: 43.429725, 40.123050
Hashupse Canyon: 43.405555, 40.110222
Tsandripsh Basilica: 43.379438, 40.070909
The city of Gagra is the first large Abkhaz locality, which is encountered by travelers after passing the Psou checkpoint. What has to do with it by Abkhazian standards, it is a city, but by Russian standards it is more of a settlement. Population of this resort town is about 15 thousand people. The names "Gagra" and "Gagra" are equivalent, it is correct to say this and that.
Although at the beginning of the twentieth century Gagra was considered "Russian Nice", they were much more popular than Sochi, with a more developed infrastructure. This place owes its transformation into a resort to the Prince of Oldenburg. It's hard to believe, but before that there were many swamps on the territory of modern Gagra, stuffiness, malaria was a common disease ...
In general, this place is considered the warmest on the territory. Black Sea coast The Caucasus. This is facilitated by the successful geographical position cities. It is located in a cozy bay, surrounded by the Gagra ridge from the side of the mountains. There are more than 200 sunny days a year. In summer, the water warms up to 30 degrees, the air temperature in July in the shade usually rises to almost 40. You can swim from May to almost November. Often the water temperature allows you to plunge into the sea even in the last month of autumn. Rains are relatively rare here.
Very diverse flora and fauna, many plants listed in the Red Book. The climate allows for the cultivation of tropical fruits. The beaches are mostly pebbly. Although there is a small sandy beach in the Seaside Park area.
How to get to Gagra
City districts
The city is divided into two large districts - New Gagra and Old Gagra. The section runs along the Tsikherva gorge, which itself is a local attraction.
Old Gagra
As the name suggests, this area was the first to emerge. It was formed at the beginning of the twentieth century. There are many buildings with historical value... Some of them arose thanks to the Prince of Oldenbug, on the initiative and under whose control, starting from 1900, this area was landscaped as a resort. Active work was carried out to drain the swamps and combat malaria. Outlandish plants were brought from all over the world. Tourists perceive many of them as originally grown here, but this is not so. The names of the sights have survived to this day, perpetuating the name of the Prince of Oldenburg.
This part of the city is the first on the way of tourists coming from Russia. It is most suitable for a relaxing holiday, for those who prefer to live in boarding houses and not only enjoy the sea, but also visit museums and objects of historical value. All those objects that are considered symbols of the city and its visiting card are concentrated in Staraya Gagra.
New Gagra
For a more active holiday, this area is better suited than historical Center resort. There is a water park, a market, a large offer of housing in the private sector, more cafes and restaurants.
The area originated during the Soviet era. Dwelling houses, including multi-storey ones, prevail. There are many small shops with food, clothing and souvenirs. There are beaches whose condition is quite normal. The area looks much more modern compared to its neighbor, but as in the first, there are many unfinished or destroyed buildings.
Since the offer of accommodation is at every step, the tourist has a choice. I didn't like some of the owners - it is quite possible to find another room or apartment in a short time.
One of the attractions of New Gagra is a monument to the victory in the Georgian-Abkhaz war. This armed conflict happened in 1992 and became one of the bloodiest in the history of the country. Abkhazians attach great importance to the military actions of 1992-1993, after which the "Country of Soul" remained in a dilapidated state. Many cultural sites of historical value were damaged at that time.
Attractions Gagra
All objects of interest to visitors to this city can be divided into those located in Gagra and those located in the vicinity. The second primarily include natural objects.
What to see in Gagra?
As already mentioned, most of the historically significant sites are located in the older area. Their inspection is very convenient when walking along the former Nartaa Avenue. Now it is called Ardzinba Avenue. In Gagra every day there is a place to go.
1. Abaata fortress. This bastion is about one and a half thousand years old. Both local tribes and the Romans had a hand in its construction. The fortress wall has not been completely preserved. It was partially destroyed by order of the Prince of Oldenburg. 
On the territory of the fortress there are at least ancient temple, where services are still held. At the beginning of the 20th century, a hotel was built next to it.
2. Seaside park... This park is also called the Park of the Prince of Oldenbug or the arboretum. It runs parallel to the sea. They began to equip this park in 1902. We prepared the area, brought plants from all over the world. There are wonderful alleys, several ponds with fountains, a mosaic labyrinth. The beauty of the vegetation is amazing. Tropical trees make a special impression on the inhabitants of the northern regions. 
The legendary eucalyptus alley runs parallel to Ardinba Avenue. The trees are huge. A unique smell reigns here. Eucalyptus trees were planted here at the beginning of the last century to combat swamps and small insects.
3. In the Seaside Park there is one of the main symbols of the city - Colonnade... It was built over 60 years ago. 
Opposite this building is a small square and a fountain. 
4. Walking through Primorsky Park, on the opposite side you can see castle of the prince of Oldenbug... Previously, a cable car led from the park to it. It still exists, but more and more often it is closed for repairs. The castle was built as the residence of the prince. It towers over the city. For its time, the building was built in an unusual style. 
After 1917, the sanatorium named after V. Stalin, then the sanatorium "Chaika". Now this historical site is officially closed to the public. It is in disrepair. However, the place is not guarded or fenced off by anyone, so those who wish can take a chance and go up to the top floor, from where a view of the Seaside Park and the sea opens. Also, an excursion to the castle is sometimes conducted for its visitors by the staff of the restaurant "Gagripsh", which is no less interesting place.
5. Restaurant "Gagripsh" Is another business card cities, a popular object for images on magnets and souvenirs. He has a peculiar architecture. This building is more than a hundred years old, its design has remained almost unchanged. The building is interesting because it was created without a single nail and decorated with real Swiss watches. 
The Prince of Oldenbug ordered the details of these buildings from Europe, and they were delivered ready-made. Nearby was the castle of the Princess of Oldenbeg. It was created in the same architectural design as Gagripsh. It has not survived to our time. A long stone staircase leads from the restaurant to the park, on which tourists love to take pictures. Famous people of the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire have visited this restaurant.
6. Gagra embankment starts from the Colonnade and stretches along the Seaside Park. Throughout its entire length, you can go to the sea. The embankment ends with a pier. The Abkhaz authorities are gradually improving it. All along there are urns, benches where you can sit and relax. There are catering facilities and sanatoriums near the Embankment. 
7. Sanatorium "Georgia"... Now it is also called the "Gagripsh Resort Complex", but the facility is still an abandoned Soviet rest house for the elite. Previously, it was possible to walk to it along a path leading from the sea, but now the easiest way to get there is from the bypass road. Once it was one of the most luxurious party sanatoriums in the Soviet Union, only the elite of the party got here. 
The building has preserved the remnants of its former grandeur even now. However, it is not recommended to take children on the excursion, as the structure is in disrepair. You should also be afraid, having opened the next door, to fall into the elevator shaft.
8. And, perhaps, one of the few attractions of New Gagra - aquapark, completes the list of top places to visit within the city. This complex has been operating since June 1, and receives visitors daily. Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the season. Children under 4 years old are admitted free. Having bought a ticket, you can stay on the territory of the complex without time limits. The water park includes 8 rides, swimming pools, and a small section for very young visitors. There are mini-versions of the slides. There are small cafes near the attractions where you can have a bite to eat. Sun loungers and umbrellas are enough for all visitors. 
Attractions outside the city
In order to visit many interesting natural sites, you will have to go to the vicinity of Gagra.
1. Climbing to the Mamdzysh mountain and, in clear weather, you can see the panorama of Gagra and Pitsunda from a height of almost 2 thousand meters. The view is amazingly beautiful. There is an asphalt road on the mountain. The ascent takes place in jeeps.
2. Not far from Gagra is located. V different time the color of its water is not the same. It is amazingly beautiful. One of Stalin's dachas is located not far from the lake. It is painted green and designed so that it cannot be seen from the plane. In summer, the water in Ritsa warms up to such a temperature that you can swim there. 
3. Zhoekvarsky waterfall... It can be reached on foot. To do this, you need to go up the road from Gagarinskaya Square. The waterfall is amazingly beautiful. It is located in the Zhoekvarskiy gorge. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he powered a small power plant, the building of which is located nearby. In addition to him, they are also famous Gegsky and Milky waterfalls.
Gagra Markets
In Novaya Gagra, spontaneous markets are located everywhere. However, it is better to make most of your purchases at the Central Market, which is located not far from the Energetik boarding house. The market is located near the sea. 
It is convenient to get to it from Adygov street. On the Gagra market there is more choice and lower prices compared to street mini-markets. There are practically no supermarkets in Gagra. In small stores, it is rare for any products to have price tags. In many cases, the seller names the price based on what the buyer looks like.
At the Central Market you can buy local fresh vegetables and fruits, wine, dairy products, honey, clothes, souvenirs. However, it should be borne in mind that not everything can be transported across the border. Bread prices are almost the same as in Krasnodar Territory... On the market you can buy meat and cook barbecue, if the conditions of rented housing permit.
Here you can buy cheap bay leaves and spices. Bay trees grow in almost every yard. Dried persimmon is very popular. You can buy inexpensively grafted lemon seedlings, other outlandish plants.
1. In this area grow different types palms, including coconut, date. In some places you can find palms with bananas growing on them and fruiting grapefruit trees.
2. The shortest river in the world flows in the Gagra region. It is called Reprua.
3. Near Gagra is the second deepest cave on Earth - Krubera Cave. Until recently, it ranked first among the deepest caves on our planet.
4. In the Gagra region there is only one species of poisonous snakes - the Caucasian Viper.
5. Most of the frames of the film "Funny Fellows" were filmed in Primorsky Park.
6. Pugacheva's clip "Antique Clock" was filmed against the background of the "Gagripsha" clock.
Gagra is a city in Abkhazia between the mountains and the sea. The mountains protect the resort from cold winds, while retaining the incoming warm air. That is why Gagra is the warmest corner of the Black Sea.
Another prince of Oldenburg, a relative of Nicholas II, having visited here, decided to equip this place. By his order, a telegraph was built, electricity was supplied, and water supply was established.
Today Gagra is a developed Abkhaz resort, interesting not only by the sea and beach activities, but also by historical buildings and natural attractions. What kind interesting places visit and see where to go in the nearest neighborhood in your free time from the beach - read (and look at the photo) below.
Attractions marked on the city map:
Natural Monuments
Mount Mamdzishkha
The height of the mountain is 1876 meters. The first person to climb the mountain back in the 19th century was called Mamz - hence the name. The foot of the mountain descends to the Blue Lake. Almost the entire surface of the mountain is covered with greenery, only the top is decorated with alpine flowers due to strong wind... In early summer, a black tulip can be seen blooming.
The Prince of Oldenburg was amazed at the beauty of the mountain. Therefore, in 1904, he ordered to build a road so that everyone could enjoy these views. The length of this road was 30 km. 2 observation decks were erected. From this height you can see the gorges, the reserve, highest point Gagra ridge. The ascent along the mountain itself with special equipment takes 2 hours, and the descent takes half an hour. Lovers of romance are advised to visit this place at sunset, and extreme lovers specially come to rest in Gagra to jump from here on a hang glider or paraglider.
Here is a video of what such a flight looks like:
Walking tour cost: 400 rubles
Horse riding: 500 rubles per person
How to get there: Arrive at the railway station and take a bus that will take you to the "Abaat Fortress". It is from the fortress that the gorge begins. On foot to the fortress, you can walk along Naarta Avenue to Gagarin Square.
It stretches from the city limits to the Joequara River in the mountain. Hence the name of the gorge - "zhoekvara" is translated as "12 springs". It is better to go here with a guide who will tell you about this place. And it's not safe to walk here alone. There is an asphalt road in front of the entrance to the gorge, but after walking a little, it will be replaced by a path. A linden tree grows in the gorge, which is 500 years old. The waterfalls are especially beautiful here. You can come here either on foot or by renting a horse.
Visit this place better in autumn from September to November, when there is no heat. In the summer you can meet poisonous scorpions and snakes.
How to get there: from school Gagra №2, which is located at the intersection of st. Tsikherva and st. General Dbar. And the gorge itself is the current natural border between the parts of Gagra.
In translation it means "dried up spring". This gorge divides the city into the Old and New parts. In the gorge there is the Evpatiya cave, divided into 2 halls. Cave sites equipped viewing platforms... Inside there is a waterfall, and behind it is a cave of stalactites.
Architectural monuments
Address: Near the fountain next to the Primorsky Park and the Gagrapsh restaurant on the square in the Old Town.
The Moorish-style colonnade is located in Old Gagra in its very center. It was built in the period after the war in 1951. The opening was in 1956, this place is considered to be a symbol of revival.
The colonnade is located in a semicircle near the fountain in the city square, complementing its architecture. The length is 60 meters, it consists of 4 towers, interconnected by arcades. Each arcade is made of 8 arches. Behind it architectural structure there is a beach, so the Gagra colonnade serves as a gate. Being here in the evening, you can watch a beautiful sunset against the backdrop of the sea.
How to get there: you can get to the territory of the castle from the park by cable car(200 RUR).
The castle was built in 1902, from which Gagra began its formation. This building is distinguished by the Art Nouveau style. The roof is made of red tiles, the building is equipped with chimneys and a balcony. The falconer's tower complemented the entire design. The castle was built on the side of a mountain.
In Soviet times, the building was given to the Chaika sanatorium. And because of the conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia, devastation appeared. The building is still surrounded by ruins. The entrance to the castle itself is prohibited, as it is in a dilapidated state. Therefore, it can only be viewed from the outside.
Address: Gagarin Square
It appeared in about the 5th century, and it was built either by paragraphs, or by the Romans. The fortress was destroyed, but it was restored. But still, the part of the building located to the sea collapsed under the influence of the surf. Remnants of towers and walls can now be seen.
Address: Gagarin Square, on the territory of the fortress of the same name
Price: Free admission
The Abaat Church, or, as it is also called, the Gagra Temple, is one of the oldest structures in Abkhazia. It was erected by the Christians of the Caucasus in the 6th century, although some scholars believe that it was in the 10th century. At the end of the construction, it was called the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, later it was consecrated in the name of Saint Hypatius of Gagra, whose relics rest in it.
This church is an example of an ancient three-church basilica. The building has been perfectly preserved to this day. The Abaat Church was built from roughly hewn limestone boulders. Its interior is simple and even a little harsh. On one of the walls of the church there is an image of the Bolnisi Cross, and immediately above the entrance is the Maltese Cross.
For the entire time that the church existed, the building was used for various purposes - a powder magazine and a museum were located here. In 2007, restoration was carried out, after which services began again in the Abaat church.
Address: next to the Abaat Fortress on Gagarin Square
The tower has not survived, only part of the wall has remained. This is a military structure that was used as a fortification and was constantly raided by the mountaineers. The name of the tower comes from the name of the Decembrist Bestuzhev-Marlinsky. Now this wall separates the two houses and serves as a fence.
Other attractions and entertainment
The park was created by architect Shervinsky and decorator Brener at the beginning of the 20th century. The area of the park is 14 hectares, the length is 6 km along the seashore. To create a cozy place as it is now, it was necessary to uproot the trees and drain the swamps.
Now more than 400 species of various plants grow here: date palms are native to Canary Islands, fan palms were brought from China, and coconut trees from South America... The climate is favorable for tropical plants. Swans are black, goldfish swim in an artificial pool.
