New Athos Monastery

ახალი ათონის მონასტერი

A large 19th-century Orthodox monastery founded by monks from Mount Athos, with golden domes and richly frescoed interiors. Perched on a hillside above the sea, it is one of the most striking religious sites on the Caucasus coast.

Things to do

• Tour the Cathedral of St. Panteleimon — Step inside the monastery's largest church to admire its soaring Byzantine-style interior covered in early 20th-century frescoes.
• Admire the golden domes — Photograph the cluster of shimmering domes that make this hillside complex visible from far along the coast.
• Walk the frescoed corridors — Explore the richly painted galleries and side chapels decorated by Russian and Athonite masters.
• Visit the New Athos Cave nearby — Take the short trip to the vast karst cavern reached by an underground railway just below the monastery hill.
• See the Waterfall and old power station — Stroll to the artificial waterfall and Abkhazia's first hydroelectric station built by the monks at the base of the hill.
• Climb Iveron Mountain to Anacopia Fortress — Hike up to the ruined medieval citadel above the monastery for sweeping views over the sea and complex.
• Rest by the Swan Lake — Relax at the tranquil pond in the park below the monastery grounds.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Adjaruli — Try the boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and a runny egg sold at coastal cafes near the monastery.
• Mamalyga with cheese — Sample the Abkhaz cornmeal porridge served with salty suluguni or smoked cheese, a regional staple.
• Grilled trout and river fish — Order fresh fish grilled over coals at eateries along the shore below the hill.
• Adjika — Taste the fiery Abkhaz pepper-and-garlic paste that accompanies nearly every local meal.
• Homemade wine and chacha — Sip local wine or the strong grape brandy offered at family-run stalls and roadside vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Women should cover their heads and shoulders and wear skirts, while men should avoid shorts inside the churches.
• Mind the political situation — Abkhazia is a disputed territory; entering from Russia is considered illegal by Georgia, so understand the crossing rules before you travel.
• Respect worship — Keep quiet during services and ask before photographing icons, clergy, or worshippers.
• Bring cash — Russian rubles are used and card payments are unreliable, so carry cash for tickets and food.

Nearby

• New Athos — 1 km
• Anacopia Fortress — 1 km
• Sukhumi — 18 km
• Pitsunda — 40 km