Gonio Fortress
გონიო-აფსაროსის ციხე
A Roman-era fortress south of Batumi with well-preserved square walls. Tradition holds that the Apostle Matthias is buried here, and there is an archaeological museum on site.
Gonio-Apsaros Fortress was first built in the 1st century AD. It was an important Roman military base on the eastern Black Sea coast and was later used during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Its rectangular walls, enclosing about 4.7 hectares, and 18 towers are well preserved. Inside you can see Roman baths, barracks ruins and an excavation area, and the museum displays gold objects and coins. Legend holds that Matthias, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is buried within the fortress. It is about 12 km from Batumi and can be reached by bus. Admission is charged, and it can be combined with a visit to Sarpi Beach.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Sarpi Beach
- Ardagani Lake & New Boulevard
- Batumi Dolphinarium
- Nuri Lake & 6 May Park
- Batumi Archaeological Museum
- Adjara State Art Museum
- Cathedral of the Mother of God
- Europe Square