Anacopia Fortress
Abkhazia
Anacopia Fortress, located near New Athos in Abkhazia, Georgia, is a well-preserved ancient military citadel that served as the capital of the Kingdom of Abkhazia. Originally constructed between the 2nd and 4th centuries, the fortress's defensive walls were built in the late 7th century with Byzantine support to counter Islamic Caliphate expansion. The fortress encompasses a single southern entrance and features a central four-story Roman-style tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Black Sea. Within its walls lies a small Christian basilica dating from the 8th century or earlier, notable for its surviving stone altar and frescoes depicting early Christian symbols such as crosses and fishes. A naturally spring-fed cistern is located adjacent to the basilica, ensuring water supply during sieges. In 736/737, the fortress famously withstood a siege by a large Umayyad force led by Marwan II, with defenders under King Leon I of Abkhazia successfully repelling the attackers despite overwhelming odds. This defense marked a critical turning point in regional history, preserving the Byzantine-Christian frontier. The site underwent restoration in 2008 to enhance visitor safety and restore the lookout tower. Today, Anacopia Fortress stands as a testament to medieval military architecture and the cultural heritage of the Caucasus region.
Plan your trip to Georgia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and clearer views from the tower. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The site offers discounts for students and groups. Comfortable footwear is essential due to uneven terrain, and guided tours can enrich the historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The fortress walls are up to 60 centimeters thick and constructed from carefully hewn limestone blocks.
- •The central tower is four stories high and offers panoramic views including the Black Sea.
- •The small basilica inside the fortress contains 8th-century frescoes featuring crosses and fish, early Christian symbols.
- •During the 736/737 siege, an epidemic decimated the Umayyad forces, killing 35,000 soldiers.
- •The fortress was the capital of the Kingdom of Abkhazia and a key Byzantine frontier outpost.
History
The site of Anacopia Fortress was initially developed as a military structure between the 2nd and 4th centuries.
In the late 7th century, Byzantine-backed walls were erected amid growing threats from the Islamic Caliphate.
The fortress became the capital of the Kingdom of Abkhazia and played a crucial role during the 8th-century siege by the Umayyad Caliphate in 736/737, where it was successfully defended under King Leon I.
Over the centuries, the fortress remained a strategic stronghold and underwent restoration in 2008 to preserve its structural integrity and historical significance.
Place Guide
Central Roman-style Tower7th century
A four-story tower at the heart of the fortress providing strategic views across the landscape and the Black Sea, historically used for defense and observation.
Christian Basilica8th century or earlier
An early Christian basilica within the fortress, notable for its stone altar and frescoes depicting crosses and fishes, symbols important to early Byzantine Christianity.
Fortress WallsLate 7th century
Robust defensive walls built in the late 7th century with Byzantine support, featuring a single small gate on the south side and constructed from tightly fitted limestone blocks.
Spring-fed Cistern
A cistern adjacent to the basilica that is naturally filled by a 25-meter deep well, ensuring water supply during prolonged sieges.
