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.
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.
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.
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
