Gonio Fortress

Gonio Fortress is one of the most ancient and mysterious sights in the vicinity of Batumi, located just 15 kilometers from the city, at the mouth of the Chorokhi River. This is the largest and oldest fortress in Georgia, the history of which goes back several thousand years: archaeological finds on its territory date back to the 15th–17th centuries BC and testify to the rich past of this place.

Gonio Fortress (or Gonio-Apsaros Fortress) was an important strategic point on the eastern border of the Roman Empire, later passed to the Byzantines, Ottomans and the Russian Empire. Inside the fortress, fragments of ancient walls, towers (18 of 22 survived), as well as the ruins of a Roman theater and hippodrome have been preserved, confirming its importance as a cultural and economic center of the region.

A special place in the history of Gonio is occupied by the legend about the burial here of the Apostle Matthew - one of the twelve apostles of Christ. His grave is considered one of the main shrines of the fortress and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Gonio is surrounded by many myths, including those related to the ancient Greek Argonauts: according to legend, it was here that Apsyrtus, the son of King Aietes, was buried. Today, the fortress has been declared a museum-reserve, where archaeological excavations continue, and each new season brings new discoveries.