The Gonio-Apsaros fortress, the personification of centuries-old historical events, comfortably located in Adjara, attracts the attention of travelers with its unique architecture and fascinating history. This historical monument, rising in the seaside resort village of Gonio, asserts its uniqueness among ancient fortresses.
A crown of strategic importance, the fortress of Gonio-Apsaros has hosted centuries-old eras within its walls: from the Roman Empire to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. It was not just a fortress, but a key link between the interior of southwestern Georgia and the Black Sea. Its fortified walls, tall towers and complex architectural structure tell of the site's turbulent history.
Today, the fortress appears before visitors as an archaeological and architectural museum-reserve, starting in 2010. Inside its walls, exhibits dating back to the 1880s are preserved, adding a living thread to the history of this majestic structure.
💡 Useful for tourists:
Tickets to the Gonio Fortress are now available online — you can buy an entrance ticket and an audio guide on the tkt.ge website.
The cost for children is 2 GEL, for adults — 8–10 GEL. A convenient way to plan your visit in advance!
From an architectural point of view, the Gonio Fortress is a rectangular wonder with dimensions of 228 meters in length and 195 meters in width. Its fortified walls, decorated with 18 towers, are impressive in their strength and are characterized by a multi-layered construction history. Traces of time can be seen here, from the giant cut stone blocks of early periods to the cobblestones added in the 16th century by the Ottomans.
Walking through the fortress, you will discover traces of the Byzantine era, restorations from the Genoese era and interesting details, such as the stone staircase near the towers. Inside the fortress, the ancient Jamea awaits you, reminiscent of the rich history of this place, and underground, mysterious tunnels evoke the imagination.
We invite you to explore the historical landscape of the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, where every stone carries fascinating pages of the past. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity and you will feel how the legends of the Argonauts and ancient civilizations come to life before your eyes.
The Gonio-Apsaros Fortress is not just a journey into the past, but also a meeting with the greatness of ancient Georgia. We invite everyone who appreciates history, architecture and the atmosphere of antiquity to visit this unique place, where every stone will tell you its story.
