Abkhazia: caves to visit. Interesting facts and photos

The incredibly popular caves in Abkhazia were formed millions of years ago. No wonder the country of picturesque resorts and snow-capped peaks is called a paradise for all lovers of the underworld, because there are descents for beginners and professionals. Today our story will be about the famous sights of the region, attracting a huge number of tourists.

Natural miracle

Perhaps the most famous is the largest in the republic cave opened in 1961. Athos (Abkhazia), located on the Black Sea coast, is famous not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for the spiritual monastery and a wonderful natural miracle.

Located in the depths of the Iberian mountain sight for a long time was unknown to the general public, although the locals knew about the frightening bottomless well, which no daredevil dared to descend. And only 55 years ago was discovered a world- famous cave.

At first, scientists suffered a terrible disappointment. Having reached the bottom, the researchers found unremarkable walls of clay, but later a stunning beauty hall was found, admiring the many speleologists who saw it. As it turned out, the Athos caves in Abkhazia concealed the most real treasures that everyone can examine today.

Exciting excursion

Fourteen years have gone to improve the New Athos cave and ensure comfortable descent to the ground. The natural creation is led by four entrances, three of which are created artificially, and the only natural opening is in the arch of the hall "Anakopia".

Now the entrance to the underground kingdom is located in the administrative building where you can buy souvenirs with the symbols of the most famous cave in Abkhazia (photo is presented in the article), disks with stories about a unique world and refresh yourself in the dining room before the start of the fascinating journey.

It is interesting that to the underground halls of tourists the electric train is delivered by a special transport tunnel. The length of the route is about two kilometers, but not all grottos are available for viewing unprepared visitors.

It should be noted that after the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, the names of the halls were changed.

"Anakopia" ("Abkhazia")

The first room, available for viewing, is the deepest. The length of "Anakopia", which has the shape of an elongated bag, is about 150 meters. Interest is caused by an unusual bottom, covered with powerful stone blocks and clay pieces formed after the destruction of limestone.

This gray room will not surprise with colors, and the strict colors of the walls and the vault of the cave are animated only by a searchlight with a greenish tint. With its light, the muddy waters of underground lakes, hiding in the dark, play emerald flowers. Often this hall was flooded with boiling water, which came out of the banks and reached the limestone arch, which made visiting the cave in Abkhazia impossible, and only after the drainage structure the problem was solved.

Hall of mahajirs (Hall of Georgian speleologists)

The largest hall, once named after the discoverers, stretches for 260 meters. Divided into several parts by huge blocks, it will surprise with clay ravines and an incomprehensible origin of a funnel filled with liquid mud rather than water. Periodically, the hollow opens, and from there a turbid lake rises, leaving a few hours down.

In the middle of the funnel is a mountain of white calcium, which looks completely unreal. The hall is different from the others in a fantastic landscape reminiscent of the surface of another planet. There is also a long and high cave bridge erected for the safety of visitors. On the 120-meter overpass pass during floods, and after viewing the hall opens an illuminated observation deck, where you can make beautiful photos and relax under pouring quiet music.

"Narta" (Clay Hall)

Living creatures were found in the next room, which distinguishes it from the rest. The waters of the underground lake are inhabited by translucent crustaceans and a triose - a beetle without eyes, to which the absence of visual organs does not prevent swiftly swim and climb over uneven walls.

All cave lakes connected to each other form a single system with the Mtsyrkho River. And through this hall, covered with clay layers, the main stream of water arrives, which floods part of the cave in Abkhazia.

"Apsny" ("Tbilisi")

The colors of the underworld become brighter closer to the surface. The light of the lanterns falls on the crystals, which acquire the most incredible shades. A bright hall, reminiscent of a fairy-tale palace, is famous for the accumulations of stalactites. The magical landscape of the unique grotto, shimmering with different colors, leaves an indelible impression.

In the center of the beautiful "Apsna" is a frozen calcium waterfall, not reaching the floor just a few meters. From the stunning spectacle among the visitors, who are imbued with the greatness of Mother Nature, the spirit dies with delight.

More than two million years about the natural miracle of New Athos, few knew, but now from all corners of the globe hurry tourists to enjoy the underground beauty of the largest cave in Abkhazia.

The deepest cave in the world

Not all natural masterpieces can be viewed without special equipment. In the republic there are several difficult caves for researchers, and one of them is a local landmark, opened in 1960.

Located in the Gagra mountain range, the underground kingdom is a whole system of vertical wells connected by galleries. There are no paved tourist routes, therefore it is recommended to go down only as part of a professional group.

The ramshackle Crow Cave in Abkhazia, a large-scale study of which began at the beginning of this century, is recognized as the deepest in the world. For many years this title was worn by French dungeons, which go to the bowels of the earth for 1600 meters.

Speleological expeditions to the Arabica massif were conducted several times a year, and after each study, scientists announced the release to a new depth. The entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of about 2200 meters above sea level.

Abrkskila

Another popular mountain beauty is in the village of Otap. Removed from the main tourist routes, it still attracts thousands of travelers who admit that this is the real realm of calcareous growths. Stalactites, stretching to the floor, columns of stalagmites and magical galleries of stalagmites make an indelible impression. It seems that the guests of Abrskila got into a wonderful fairy tale, from which one does not want to get out.

Vorontsovskie caves

Located in the Hostinsky district underground system, which has 14 entrances, is famous for sunny Abkhazia. Caves, connected with each other, abound in archaeological finds. At different times, scientists found here sites of ancient people and the bones of primitive man. A lot of grottoes will be admired by many meters stalactites and underground waterfalls.

Excursions to the underground fairy tale

Unfortunately, a huge number of natural masterpieces remain unnoticed, and many unique caves are known to a small number of specialists. In many bottomless wells, it's not safe to go to one, and those who want to try their hand, remember the high humidity and low temperature.

The best way to see the numerous caves of Abkhazia is an excursion, which can be booked in advance. Entertainment and cognitive programs for holidaymakers include an inspection of the most interesting sights of the country.

A trip to the caves, which are equipped for a visit, will open the door to an unknown world that will give bright impressions from a close acquaintance with the underground fairy tale.