Historical re-enactment of the Romans army military tent camp in the fortress
|

Gonio Fortress in Georgia: Ancient Roman Legacy Near Batumi

Gonio is one of the oldest and largest fortresses in Georgia, located just 13 km from Batumi. What’s most remarkable is that this defensive structure managed to survive through four powerful empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Russian.

Historical re-enactment of the Romans army military tent camp in the fortress
Historical re-enactment of the Romans army military tent camp in the fortress
Photo by depositphotos.com

Another name for the fortress, “Gonio-Apsaros,” refers to the ancient Greek myth of the Argonauts. According to legend, this is where Absyrtus, the son of King Aeëtes, was buried after being killed during Jason’s escape from Colchis. It is also believed that the Apostle Matthew—one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ—was buried on the grounds of the fortress. In 1547, Gonio was seized by the Ottomans, and in 1878, like all of Adjara, it came under the protectorate of the Russian Empire.

Gonio Fortress Georgia
Photo by depositphotos.com

Today, the fortress is an open-air museum covering an area of 44,460 m², featuring archaeological finds, siege weapons, a tent camp, and a Roman legionnaires’ barracks.

You can climb the fortress walls, though it is not possible to walk the entire perimeter from above—the paths are limited to small sections. Still, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the grounds or look out beyond its borders.

A view from above of the ruins of the fortress Gonio and the cemetery. Aerial photography.
A view from above of the ruins of the fortress Gonio and the cemetery. Photo by depositphotos.com

On September 6, the fortress will host the traditional “Roman Festival.” Guests can expect a horse show, costumed parade, gladiator battles, theatrical performances, a fair, and food corners. Entry on this day will be free of charge. The full festival schedule is available at the provided link.

The easiest way to get here from Batumi is by taxi, with the round trip costing about 40 lari.

  • Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: 10 lari
  • Location: Gonio Fortress


Discover more from Tbilisi Tours

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Ultimate Tbilisi Travel Guide: Top Tips, Itinerary & Day Trips

    Planning a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia? This comprehensive guide covers everything from local safety advice and transportation tips to unforgettable day trips and must-see attractions. Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, make the most of your visit with these practical insights shared by locals and travelers alike. 🧳 Travel &…

  • Where to Swim at the Tbilisi Sea: A Local Guide

    The Tbilisi Sea is a large artificial lake covering over 11 square kilometers. Locals call it a “sea” because of its impressive size and breezy coastline that resembles a real seaside. It stretches around 9 km long and 3 km wide, with a maximum depth of about 45 meters. In the summer, the water temperature…

  • | |

    One Day Around Tbilisi: Betania, Kojori, Udzo

    Looking for a day trip from the capital where you can leave in the morning, see many interesting sights, and return by evening? We got a short list for you. To explore these locations, you’ll need to either rent a car or hire a taxi. 📍 Betania Monastery: This place is of exceptional beauty, with…

  • |

    When Does the Ski Season Start in Gudauri?

    Statistics From Recent Years Temperatures in Tbilisi are still holding above 28°C (82°F), but as a famous TV series once said — winter is coming. In just about four months, the mountain resorts will be in full swing for skiers and snowboarders. For now, let’s take a look at some interesting statistics on Gudauri —…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *