Gonio Castle, Adjara, Georgia

Gonio fortress (previously called Apsaros, or Apsaruntos), is a Roman fortification in Adjara, at the mouth of the Chorokhi river. The oldest reference to the fortress is by Pliny the Elder in the Natural History (1st century AD). There is also a reference to the ancient name of the site in Appian’s Mithridatic Wars (2nd century AD). In the 2nd century AD it was a well-fortified Roman city within Colchis. The town was also known for its theatre and hippodrome. It later came under Byzantine influence. The name 'Gonio' is first attested in Michael Panaretos in the 14th century. In addition, there was a short-lived Genoese trade factory at the site.

In 1547 Gonio was taken by the Ottomans, who held it until 1878, when, via the San-Stefano Treaty, Adjara became part of the Russian empire. In the fall of 1647, according to Evliya Çelebi, Gonio was captured by a Cossack navy of 70 chaikas, but quickly recovered by Ghazi Sidi Ahmed, ruler of the Tortum sanjak, with a force of 1,000 Turks and 3,000 'Mingrelians'.

The grave of Saint Matthias, one of the twelve apostles, is believed to be inside the Gonio fortress. However, this is unverifiable as the Georgian government currently prohibits digging near the supposed gravesite. Other archaeological excavations are however taking place on the grounds of the fortress, focusing on Roman layers.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

2, Adjara, Georgia

See all sites in Adjara

Details

Founded: 1st century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Tsikhisdziri (26,4 km)
Achi Monastery (47,2 km)
Shemokmedi Monastery (55,1 km)
Skhalta Cathedral (63 km)

User Reviews

Koen (2 years 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!

Terance Yeow (2 years ago)
Nice historical place to visit. Entrance fee 8gel and spent one hour there.

Galit Yona (2 years 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.

Hendry Kok (2 years 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.

Dr. Mobammed Saleem saleem (2 years 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!

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Gonio Castle