We have been traveling to Abkhazia for many years, and we always stay in new Athos. We go in late autumn, the end of October-November. The views of nature and the beauty of the monastery are fascinating! There are a lot of thematic images in the monastery, the birth of the Virgin Mary, her introduction to the temple, the birth of Jesus, his baptism and crucifixion, the last judgment, in general, the whole biblical story on the walls of the temple. There are many images of saints, Panteleimon, Faith, Hope, Love, Nina, Tatiana, St. Nicholas, Lazarus and many others to whom you can pray here, breaking away from the hustle and worldly problems. There are wooden chairs and benches in the hall where you can sit down and think about your life. To pray. You can put candles on. Here you will be given free kerchiefs to cover your head and apron-shaped skirts for easy fixation. There is a church shop where you can buy icons, candles, a cross or rings.
If not for 5 stars, then how else? In addition to the fashionable phrases "atmospheric place" and "cool", there is a feeling of goodness and purity, a feeling of air. There are a lot of people in and out of season. Stalin's dacha is nearby. The monastery has many merchants of various souvenirs, wine, gifts of Abkhazia. If you go the other way, go around the ionaster on the left, then you can take a steep descent to the waterfall and the hydroelectric power station at the Psyrtskha railway platform. Or follow the signs to get to the lower station of the cable car. But as for the buildings of the monastery, there is peace and quiet. 2 cats in a beautiful courtyard between the central church and the gate... And at the gate you can buy candles, rent a skirt and a handkerchief. The chipped painting has been partially restored. There are excellent shops, like in Catholic churches. And a high, high vault.
In addition to the view of the beauty of the ancient monastery, you can admire the view of the sea and the city, from a height everything is clearly visible, you can also walk from the monastery to the waterfalls, well, this is for walking enthusiasts, if age or health does not allow you, then it is better by car, since climbing back straight down the hill is a bit difficult for sedentary people.
The monastery is located high in the mountains. You can take a tour bus directly to the entrance, or walk from New Athos along the path to the top. There are vendors of fruits, honey, alcohol, and souvenirs all along the way. In principle, even in the heat it doesn't bake so much, because you walk through cypress trees. But at the very top, of course, it bakes pleasantly. The monastery itself is being opened, and there are skirts and shawls for girls at the entrance. You can buy candles, write notes. There are benches inside the temple, you can take a break, put candles on, listen to a prayer recording, but you are not allowed to touch or kiss the icons. The place is, of course, salted, but the services are rare, as I understand it. The restoration is very slow, everything is shabby, and much has already disappeared from the walls. It's a pity, of course.
The observation deck at the monastery is gorgeous.
A calm, quiet place that attracts.
Inside the monastery there is a functioning temple, very beautifully painted, quiet, calm, pleasant.
There is a lot of air and space.
At the entrance to the monastery there is an artist, a very interesting person with his own characteristics. Every time I visit, I look at his paintings.
The way to the monastery is on foot along the steps of a huge staircase on the mountain or by car. Going up the stairs as a special ritual is good to go with thoughts and you can practice it for yourself, the path is called the path of sinners, it's better to read about it.
I like this place, although I am not a religious person and the place attracts as a historical structure, as a spiritual place for people, as a natural environment of the monastery. Life in Abkhazia is generally very natural.
It 's a beautiful place. The monastery is located on the mountainside. The observation deck at the main entrance offers views of the sea, the coast and the city of New Athos. The temple itself is interesting. Current. Among the temple decorations there are well-preserved examples of the Greek style of icon painting. A calm, peaceful atmosphere. You can sit on a bench, listen to chants, and enjoy Christian religious art. You can order a service or light a candle yourself or walk around the relatively small territory of the monastery. So far, the entrance to the monastery and the temple is free. Also, without payment , for now , you can place the car on the parking lot within an hour . Unfortunately, the buildings of the monastery compound have become very dilapidated and it is not visible that they were trying to preserve them. It's the same feeling in the Temple. I remember how everything here felt and looked 15-20 and 30 years ago, and it gets
worse every year. There is almost no genuine vividness of the atmosphere of the Christian sacrament left in the temple. Some of the buildings of the monastery have been destroyed, some stand with windows removed and cells gaping with emptiness and lifelessness.
Funds are being raised for restoration, but they are clearly not enough. The main problem is that here in Athos, as in many places in Abkhazia, the remaining legacy of tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union is gradually decaying and collapsing, and local authorities let the process of losing attractions take its course, while continuing to earn good money from the tourist flow. there is no interest in infrastructure development, in investing in the field of tourist reception, only a thirst for monetization of absolutely everything.
Among the disadvantages: the lack of toilets and a small cramped parking lot, only tourist micro buses manage to get into it.
Among the advantages: near the monastery there are several more interesting tourist locations, a waterfall, the Novo Athos cave, a temple and a park with holy places of Simeon the Canonite, the seaside park of New Athos.
The New Athos Simon-Kananite Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Athos at an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. It was founded in 1875 by monks of the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon, natives of Greece. An amazing, beautiful place. The monastery offers a breathtaking view of the sea. In total, there are six temples in the monastery, and many utility rooms. The temples themselves are very beautiful, but of course, they are already very dilapidated, there are destructions. It's a shame that they don't want to spend money on preserving such a historical heritage. The main cathedral of the monastery, Panteleimonovsky, is the largest religious building in Abkhazia. It is crowned by five domes, the height of the central one is 40 meters. There is a bell tower on the territory of the monastery, which is crowned with musical chimes presented by Emperor Alexander III and his wife during a visit to the monastery. All the buildings of the monastery are decorated with frescoes, including the refectory. Currently, the cathedral and frescoes are one of the most popular attractions. You can visit all the temples of the complex, admission is free. Inside, you can take photos without a flash. Since the monastery is active, entrance to its territory is desirable in modest clothes, with closed shoulders and knees, for women — with a covered head. If you suddenly do not have a scarf or a long skirt with you, you can get them for free at the entrance. Services are held in three languages — Abkhaz, Greek and Russian. The monastery houses several shrines: the relics of Simon Kananit, a miraculous cross with a wooden particle of the Cross of the Lord and the icon of the Mother of God "Deliverer" revered in Abkhazia. During the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict of 1992-1993, the monastery housed a military hospital. Now it receives pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is also a center of spiritual education — since 2001, a theological school has been located here. A cobblestone road leads to the monastery — the "Path of sinners", they say if you walk it to the end, a person will get rid of all sins. Not far from the temple there is a cave in which, according to legend, Simon Kananite retired and prayed. There is a parking lot on site, next to the monastery. You can also buy souvenirs, honey, and water here. A wonderful, harmonious place where you can spend time, cultural, historical, spiritual and tourist.
A beautiful temple, you can say the business card of the New Athos. The outside is certainly more beautiful than the inside. The current monastery is noticeable by its inner aura. The area and the views around are simply mesmerizing. The steps leading to the temple are very slippery, in wet weather you need to be careful. The monks were not seen, they obviously do not appear in front of the laity, however, as well as the rest of the ministers of the cult.
The New Athos Monastery was founded in 1875 by Russian monks from the Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos in Greece. The neighborhood was named New Athos after the monastery. The area designated for construction was wild and desolate. It took years of hard work to clear impenetrable thickets, cut down part of the mountain and strengthen the slope, fill up the precipices and, almost without the help of specialists, erect majestic temples on the rocks, develop vast lands for the cultivation of useful crops. The monastery was built in a sacred place for every Christian — at the ancient church of the Apostle Simon the Canaanite, where his holy relics rest under a bushel. Not far from the temple there is a grotto in which, according to legend, Simon the Canaanite retired and prayed. The shrine of the monastery is a miraculous cross with a particle of the Tree of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord.
There are 5 temples built in the monastery: the Church of the Ascension of the Lord was erected above the Holy Gates, and churches are located at the corners of the monastery quadrangle, the largest of which (southeastern) is dedicated to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Under the bell tower there is a refectory designed for 1,000 people.
In the center of the monastery stands the majestic Panteleimon Cathedral, built in 1888-1900. It is crowned by five domes, the height of the central one is 40 meters. It is built in the so-called New Byzantine style. The walls inside are richly painted by Palekh craftsmen. The cathedral can accommodate more than 3,000 people. The foundation stone of the monastery was laid by Emperor Alexander I during his arrival in 1888. The tsar arrived in New Athos by steamer. A chapel was built where the abbot of the monastery met him. It has been preserved to the present day. And the path along which the emperor walked from the pier to the monastery was lined with cypresses and named "Tsar's Alley" by the monks. There were workshops at the monastery: painting, sewing, watchmaking, bookbinding, shoemaking, foundry and others. There were two large apiaries, a winery and several factories: for the production of olive oil, candle, brick, horse. The monks planted lemon and tangerine orchards, olive groves, plums, bay leaves, hazelnuts, corn, and potatoes. The pride of the monastery was the botanical garden with rare exotic plants. More than 5,000 cypress trees were planted along the roads. There is electricity and hot water everywhere. A school for Abkhaz boys was built. By 1917, the number of brothers had reached 730, and the monastery itself had become one of the largest Orthodox centers of the Russian Empire. After its closure in 1924, a tourist recreation center was located on the territory of the monastery, and a museum of local lore was located in the cathedral. The monastery was revived in 1994. And in 2002, a theological school was opened at the monastery.
For those who visit the temple for the first time, the rules of behavior and dress requirements are posted in front of the entrance. Read and follow them. If you have not come with a guided tour, it is better to join a group with a guide. You will learn a lot of interesting things from the history of this famous monastery. There is a small hotel for male pilgrims at the temple.
Beautiful! It was a beautiful temple, and I enjoyed sitting on the benches and admiring the paintings. A cute local gray kitty asked to be picked up. It was winter, so it was sparsely populated, and very inspiring. +10 and sunny! Beautiful views of the sea and the city. The Orthodox shrine is in excellent condition.
A very beautiful view of the sea and mountains from above. There are waterfalls and an old railway station nearby (I recommend visiting) The monastery itself is beautiful from the inside, the antique furniture and style are preserved. You can put candles and order a prayer service.
A very beautiful old monastery is a place to be inspired by the beauty of the divine manifestation, to listen to the singing of monks and to step away from the hustle and bustle of the world
I was at the service, I was very impressed, the atmosphere inside the monastery is very calm and harmonious, everything is quiet and calm for women
At the entrance to the monastery, they give shawls and skirts for women, so you don't have to worry about it
Very beautiful landscapes around you just can't take your eyes off
In general, everyone should definitely visit to feel the atmosphere
Beautifully interesting. It's not very informative, like all excursions to Abkhazia. The place of stopping on a minibus tourist trip. I came and looked. It is better to read about the place in advance, so that it is clear what you are looking at. Because the guide's knowledge may not be enough.
My favorite place in Abkhazia. Silence and peace of mind in this place. The tower on the mountain is just super! We met the dawn there, it's just an unforgettable experience.Of the cons, in the town of Novy Athos, only food. Although there is a problem with this in all of Abkhazia. The service is not very good.. But nature takes its toll.
It's an amazing place.soothing energy , interesting murals on the walls of the temple inside .The place where the monastery is located, New Athos itself is a must-visit, nature , landscapes and location are above all praise
We traveled to New Athos from Gagra by taxi (November 10, 2024)the taxi driver drove us right to the monastery grounds, but in general, you can take a leisurely walk along the path from the road up to the monastery, the weather is gorgeous, warm and sunny, there are few people because it's not the season (November), a very picturesque and fertile place! I recommend everyone to visit! They entered the monastery and the temple (near the temple they give out shawls and long aprons , those in trousers) . We walked by ourselves without an excursion (we read everything on the Internet in advance) there is a paid toilet on the territory, tents where they sell souvenirs and products (fruits, honey, etc.), we walked around the territory, we really liked it, the sea views are gorgeous! Check the schedule of the monastery in advance, I found out everything on the Internet, on what days and hours the temple is open.
An amazing place! Attracts, does not let go.
The New Athos Simon-Canaanite Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Athos in Abkhazia.
It was founded in 1875 by monks of the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon, on Mount Athos (Greece), with the participation of the Russian Emperor Alexander III.
It would have been closed in 1924, and returned to believers in 1994.
In 2011, the Government of Abkhazia handed over the monastery to the Abkhaz Orthodox Church.
Abkhazia is beautiful... It is a pity that many attractions do not have proper care... The monastery is beautiful and atmospheric, set against the backdrop of mountains and the bright scents of flowers at the foot.. There are skirts for tourist ladies and hats at the entrance.. parking is difficult.
You know, the impression of this place is strange... the monastery itself is beautiful, cozy, good territory, a high place, the plantings are monitored and cared for with love. but, how can this place be brought to broken glass, shabby, falling off plaster, to a crumbling state, to millions of stalls with tea bags for 50 rubles? You guys have a world-class attraction, but you have to run out of the bushes with a cardboard piece of paper "parking 200 rubles" or stand waving a baton at every turn, stop Russian numbers and sell them insurance for 30% more expensive than they cost, and you spend money on the reconstruction of the monastery, right??
A beautiful and peaceful place with a rich history. The place is located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by greenery, which creates an atmosphere of peace. The architecture impresses with its simplicity and grandeur. It is an ideal place for spiritual relaxation and reflection. I definitely recommend you to visit! Quadro Pedro's quad bike riding also complemented its beauties.
It's very beautiful and atmospheric. It is located on a hill and immediately catches the eye when visiting the sights of New Athos. However, you can see up close what else to restore and restore.
When I come to New Athos, I always go up to the monastery on foot along the "path of sinners". The monastery is located in a picturesque location on Mount Athos, and from there you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and Iverskaya Mountain. I first visited here in the late 1970s. At that time, a camp site was located in the monastery complex. Tourists lived in monastic cells with shared communal facilities on the floors. In 1994, the monastery was returned to believers who hoped for its revival, but it did not get better. Desolation reigns on the territory and in the monastery buildings. Only the outer walls of the Panteleimon Cathedral, the domes and the bell tower were renovated. There is no restoration inside the cathedral, the paintings made at the beginning of the twentieth century by Moscow artists and craftsmen from Palekh are crumbling, some of them have already been irretrievably lost. The condition of the largest religious building in Abkhazia and the monastery as a whole is sad.
It's a very beautiful place to live.Inside, everything is mesmerized by the atmosphere and antiquity of the object.The road for cars is bad, it is better to walk, the view is beautiful from the monastery to the city.
It is definitely worth visiting. You can drive to the monastery itself, but it is more interesting to climb the path through the cypress alley. By the way, it is more difficult to go down it on foot!
The monastery itself is very beautiful, although it requires renovation. There is also a good observation deck.
Very beautiful inside and out. The monastery needs restoration, but even without it, all its splendor is visible. Female tourists wear aprons and handkerchiefs at the entrance. A good church shop. There are very beautiful frescoes inside the temple.
They were allowed only into the central temple. The area was fenced off and it was impossible to pass. At the entrance, you can take handkerchiefs for women and men in shorts for free, because men and women are not allowed to wear shorts and bareheaded. Don't forget to return it when you exit. Inside, you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the early 20th century - historical shops, darkened frescoes and icons, gold painting on the walls. A small part of the temple has been restored. There are bullet marks on the walls, from the time of the Georgian-Abkhazian war.
He entered the territory from the service entrance, from the side of Stalin's dacha. It was open. The near building is in disrepair - the ceilings are destroyed, wine through the windows.
There is a story that connects me with the Cathedral of the 12 Apostles of Christ on Mount Athos.It was 2016.The life of my colleague, a young girl, was under threat.We fought as best we could.Every morning I asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to save her.Everything worked out for us, my ward was able to overcome the disease.On March 8, she gave me a brooch and earrings made of silver with blue topazes.I tried to put on earrings several times, but I couldn't.My church formation began then, thanks to the wife of a clergyman.She and her husband were going to Mount Athos, I wanted to please her, intuitively offered earrings, telling their story.She set off in them.At that moment, when my friend was kneeling in prayer in the Cathedral of the 12 Apostles to the Queen of Heaven, one of her earrings unbuttoned and fell, raising her head she saw a priest who was going to hang a gold chain with a pectoral cross on the icon of the Mother of God.He replied by agreeing to put on a chain and earrings with topazes.So, on June 17, 2016 at 10.50a.m., the Mother of God accepted our humble gift.There was no limit to happiness.Now the brooch, which has become priceless to me, reminds me that by faith let it be to us.Sincerely, Gordeeva E.V.
The temple is incredibly beautiful! The atmosphere around the peace and tranquility of the frescoes (not restored) , just goosebumps. And opposite the sea view 🌊
An amazing place with its own atmosphere and energy. The seals on the territory are pleasing. The walls of the monastery are soothing, the view of the sea is soothing
I was in Abkhazia in 2016, went on vacation and visited the New Athos Monastery, to my surprise, when I went inside, everything was shabby and there was not a single monk on the territory. There is no service either, but they accepted the notes, but this is not surprising for the Abkhazians, they have their own scheme of fraud and deception at every step. And what struck me was that they were selling alcohol and cigarettes in the store. I was in shock. And all the cities, like the devastation after the war, especially Sukhumi. Maybe something has changed now
Everything is very atmospheric!
The location is favorable , I liked everything very much! I recommend visiting this temple! Rest of the soul, and a visual impression! It is interesting and informative. The area is very impressive.
Very beautiful. The sea view is gorgeous. The cathedral is majestic. Clean, tidy. We were taken to the monastery by bus, we went back down and were accompanied by cute sellers of all sorts of goodies and beautiful things.
A very cool place, it offers a beautiful view of the Black Sea. The temple itself is striking in its splendor. Ancient frescoes have been preserved in the interior
This is a place that every Orthodox should visit. The monastery is located in a beautiful place, on a mountain. The shining domes are visible from almost any point of New Athos. Tourists have a place to take beautiful photos, and believers prayed in a beautiful temple. The visit to the monastery is free of charge. You can freely enter it 6 days a week. From Tuesday to Sunday. The monastery is closed to the public on Monday. The atmosphere of the monastery is special.
As always, everything is clean! Cozy! Beautiful! Special thanks to the man at the entrance, who always warns about headscarves and an apron, which you must not forget to wear to the temple.
What can I say, you need to see and see for yourself) On November 24th, we visited for the last time. The main half, as it was 20 years ago, is closed to prying eyes, but believers and just good people have something to look at (I mean the painting inside the monastery). You can also purchase various church items.Plus, we've already looked at the market right there on the road to the monastery) Beautiful view from above! !
It is a very beautiful and attractive place, with powerful energy.And there is also Stalin's Dacha nearby, although in an abandoned state, not like at the Ritz.But it is also a very picturesque place.
I was impressed by everything, it still takes my breath away, from the extraordinary beauty, the mesmerizing silence, the magnificent place, I want to go there again and again 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💓💓💓💓💓
A very beautiful and picturesque place, I recommend a mandatory visit to Abkhazia. Gorgeous viewing platforms overlooking the sea! You won't regret it!
The high monastery on the mountain.
Closer to God.
There are palm trees around . You can imagine yourself somewhere in Bethlehem or Jerusalem.
The conditional path of sinners leads to the monastery. From the beginning to the very top, through numerous tents with wine, sweets, souvenirs.
It is possible to experience the satiation of the womb , the enjoyment of taste , etc.
But when he overcame, he rose, a magical view will appear.
But you can also take a car, the road is nearby, and parking is also available at the temple.
It is very beautiful and colorful, visit this place for sure, and after going down to the city, be sure to eat chebureks along the street that goes to the water cascade)
The New Athos Simon-Cananite Monastery is a majestic and sacred place. Such places are very attractive and finally I had a chance to visit here. The monastery's long history and architecture attract tourists all over the world. At the entrance, tourists must follow the rules of visiting the monastery, men must wear a skirt, which is issued there if the shorts are above the knee. It is very picturesque inside, there are many frescoes, you can take pictures and shoot videos. The main thing in such places is not to violate the rules of attendance and behavior.
The location is great, the panorama is super. The monastery building is huge, but alas, reconstruction is very necessary inside. No such work has been carried out in the 10 years since my first visit. From the new , only brainless entries " Vasya was here , etc . " Alas , as the union collapsed , there are apparently no investments in it .
A beautiful place, the soul opens up and breathes. The place is not affected by modernity, and civilizations, thanks to this, has its own zest. The place is amazing in any season.
The monastery itself is impressive, of course.
But I do not recommend buying something from merchants around him. I bought lavrushka, churchkhella and tkemali sauce there. I threw out the lavrushka because most of it was eaten by aphids, I threw out the churchkhella, because it was put in a cellophane bag by the evening in a hot bus, it was just covered with mold and seemed to ferment because it smelled strongly of wine. One tkemali sauce turned out to be good. As a result, the impression of the trip to the monastery was spoiled.
It's very beautiful, we walked for a long time, admired both outside and inside the monastery.
We were in no hurry and, tired, bought very tasty and inexpensive wine on the shelves there, then regretted that we didn't take enough 😂
👍🙋♂️Dmitry logistician recommends to visit!!! With bright thoughts and soul, you can go to any temple. But how do you live your life, think for yourself whether you are worthy of holy places!!! Having been here, I even shed tears, remembered friends and relatives who are no longer there, unfortunately!! ((🙏🙏🙏🥺🥺 The place is very atmospheric! 🏫🙏🙏 Candles and all related utensils are available for sale. They also bring excursions and drive tourists! We arrived by car to New Athos, so it took 8 minutes to get to the temple from Otel. The neighbors in the hotel walked for about 38 minutes)) 😉🏫
Its own unforgettable atmosphere, there is Parking, although small, a beautiful monastery is being restored after the war, there is a stunning view of the surrounding area, you can buy tea, souvenirs, I recommend you to visit....
A wonderful place! We visited the Monastery many times, because we lived in a hotel nearby, on the mountain! And we went to the Monastery every day! The monastery is very beautiful both inside and out! We were at the service, we liked everything! I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place to everyone who visits Abkhazia!!!
A beautiful monastery. Externally, the buildings were mostly restored, but when I entered the cathedral, I saw that almost all the frescoes needed restoration, and there were not enough icons on the iconostasis.