Gagra Municipality
Gagra in Abkhazia: historic Black Sea resort, Gagra church and Abaata fortress, ancient Pityus and Bichvinta Cathedral. History.
Gagra Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Gagra Municipality lies in the far north-west of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, on the Black Sea coast, where the mountains of the Gagra Range come down almost to the sea. Its centre is the resort town of Gagra. The municipality extends from the Psou River, which forms most of the border with Russia, to the Bzyb lowland and the cape of Bichvinta (Pitsunda). Under Georgian law, the territory has been occupied since the war of 1992–1993 and is not under the control of the Georgian government.
The coast has been inhabited since antiquity. About 21 km from Gagra lies Bichvinta, the ancient Pityus, a Greek and later Roman stronghold mentioned by Strabo; its bishop Stratophilus took part in the Council of Nicaea in 325. In the Middle Ages Bichvinta became a major church centre, and its cathedral, built at the end of the 10th century and attributed to King Bagrat III, is one of the largest medieval churches of the region. A relict pine grove stretches for about 7 km along the cape.
The name Gagra appears on 13th-century Venetian maps, and in the 14th century Gagra was a medieval Georgian port. The town preserves the Abaata fortress (4th–5th centuries) and the Gagra church, dating to the 6th century, which was rebuilt in 1902 and consecrated to St Hypatius in 1903. At the beginning of the 20th century Prince Alexander of Oldenburg founded a climatic resort here, with a park, palace and hotels, which made Gagra one of the best-known resorts of the Black Sea coast.
Gagra was severely affected by the war in Abkhazia (1992–1993): in October 1992 it was taken by Abkhaz separatist forces, and its ethnic Georgian population was expelled. Since then the area has been occupied; the international community, including the EU and the UN General Assembly, supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and the right of displaced persons to return.
Visiting information: under the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, entry into Abkhazia is permitted only from the direction of Zugdidi Municipality, and the crossing is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel to the region. This page presents the history and heritage of Gagra for reference.
FAQ
1) Where is Gagra Municipality located?
In the north-west of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, on the Black Sea coast.
2) What is the status of the territory?
Under Georgian law it is occupied territory, not controlled by the Georgian government since 1992–1993.
3) What is Bichvinta (Pitsunda)?
The ancient Pityus, about 21 km from Gagra, with a cathedral of the late 10th century.
4) When is Gagra first mentioned?
The name appears on 13th-century Venetian maps.
5) What is the Gagra church?
A church dating to the 6th century, rebuilt in 1902 and consecrated to St Hypatius in 1903.
6) Who founded the Gagra resort?
Prince Alexander of Oldenburg, at the beginning of the 20th century.
7) What is the Abaata fortress?
A fortress of the 4th–5th centuries in Gagra.
8) Which river forms the border with Russia?
The Psou River.
9) Can Gagra be visited?
Entry is permitted only from the Zugdidi direction and is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel.
10) Where can I find official information?
On the website of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.