It 's a beautiful place. The monastery is located on the mountainside. The observation deck at the main entrance offers views of the sea, the coast and the city of New Athos. The temple itself is interesting. Current. Among the temple decorations there are well-preserved examples of the Greek style of icon painting. A calm, peaceful atmosphere. You can sit on a bench, listen to chants, and enjoy Christian religious art. You can order a service or light a candle yourself or walk around the relatively small territory of the monastery. So far, the entrance to the monastery and the temple is free. Also, without payment , for now , you can place the car on the parking lot within an hour . Unfortunately, the buildings of the monastery compound have become very dilapidated and it is not visible that they were trying to preserve them. It's the same feeling in the Temple. I remember how everything here felt and looked 15-20 and 30 years ago, and it gets
worse every year. There is almost no genuine vividness of the atmosphere of the Christian sacrament left in the temple. Some of the buildings of the monastery have been destroyed, some stand with windows removed and cells gaping with emptiness and lifelessness.
Funds are being raised for restoration, but they are clearly not enough. The main problem is that here in Athos, as in many places in Abkhazia, the remaining legacy of tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union is gradually decaying and collapsing, and local authorities let the process of losing attractions take its course, while continuing to earn good money from the tourist flow. there is no interest in infrastructure development, in investing in the field of tourist reception, only a thirst for monetization of absolutely everything.
Among the disadvantages: the lack of toilets and a small cramped parking lot, only tourist micro buses manage to get into it.
Among the advantages: near the monastery there are several more interesting tourist locations, a waterfall, the Novo Athos cave, a temple and a park with holy places of Simeon the Canonite, the seaside park of New Athos.
We have been traveling to Abkhazia for many years, and we always stay in new Athos. We go in late autumn, the end of October-November. The views of nature and the beauty of the monastery are fascinating! There are a lot of thematic images in the monastery, the birth of the Virgin Mary, her introduction to the temple, the birth of Jesus, his baptism and crucifixion, the last judgment, in general, the whole biblical story on the walls of the temple. There are many images of saints, Panteleimon, Faith, Hope, Love, Nina, Tatiana, St. Nicholas, Lazarus and many others to whom you can pray here, breaking away from the hustle and worldly problems. There are wooden chairs and benches in the hall where you can sit down and think about your life. To pray. You can put candles on. Here you will be given free kerchiefs to cover your head and apron-shaped skirts for easy fixation. There is a church shop where you can buy icons, candles, a cross or rings.
The New Athos Simon-Kananite Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Athos at an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. It was founded in 1875 by monks of the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon, natives of Greece. An amazing, beautiful place. The monastery offers a breathtaking view of the sea. In total, there are six temples in the monastery, and many utility rooms. The temples themselves are very beautiful, but of course, they are already very dilapidated, there are destructions. It's a shame that they don't want to spend money on preserving such a historical heritage. The main cathedral of the monastery, Panteleimonovsky, is the largest religious building in Abkhazia. It is crowned by five domes, the height of the central one is 40 meters. There is a bell tower on the territory of the monastery, which is crowned with musical chimes presented by Emperor Alexander III and his wife during a visit to the monastery. All the buildings of the monastery are decorated with frescoes, including the refectory. Currently, the cathedral and frescoes are one of the most popular attractions. You can visit all the temples of the complex, admission is free. Inside, you can take photos without a flash. Since the monastery is active, entrance to its territory is desirable in modest clothes, with closed shoulders and knees, for women — with a covered head. If you suddenly do not have a scarf or a long skirt with you, you can get them for free at the entrance. Services are held in three languages — Abkhaz, Greek and Russian. The monastery houses several shrines: the relics of Simon Kananit, a miraculous cross with a wooden particle of the Cross of the Lord and the icon of the Mother of God "Deliverer" revered in Abkhazia. During the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict of 1992-1993, the monastery housed a military hospital. Now it receives pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is also a center of spiritual education — since 2001, a theological school has been located here. A cobblestone road leads to the monastery — the "Path of sinners", they say if you walk it to the end, a person will get rid of all sins. Not far from the temple there is a cave in which, according to legend, Simon Kananite retired and prayed. There is a parking lot on site, next to the monastery. You can also buy souvenirs, honey, and water here. A wonderful, harmonious place where you can spend time, cultural, historical, spiritual and tourist.
If not for 5 stars, then how else? In addition to the fashionable phrases "atmospheric place" and "cool", there is a feeling of goodness and purity, a feeling of air. There are a lot of people in and out of season. Stalin's dacha is nearby. The monastery has many merchants of various souvenirs, wine, gifts of Abkhazia. If you go the other way, go around the ionaster on the left, then you can take a steep descent to the waterfall and the hydroelectric power station at the Psyrtskha railway platform. Or follow the signs to get to the lower station of the cable car. But as for the buildings of the monastery, there is peace and quiet. 2 cats in a beautiful courtyard between the central church and the gate... And at the gate you can buy candles, rent a skirt and a handkerchief. The chipped painting has been partially restored. There are excellent shops, like in Catholic churches. And a high, high vault.
A calm, quiet place that attracts.
Inside the monastery there is a functioning temple, very beautifully painted, quiet, calm, pleasant.
There is a lot of air and space.
At the entrance to the monastery there is an artist, a very interesting person with his own characteristics. Every time I visit, I look at his paintings.
The way to the monastery is on foot along the steps of a huge staircase on the mountain or by car. Going up the stairs as a special ritual is good to go with thoughts and you can practice it for yourself, the path is called the path of sinners, it's better to read about it.
I like this place, although I am not a religious person and the place attracts as a historical structure, as a spiritual place for people, as a natural environment of the monastery. Life in Abkhazia is generally very natural.
In addition to the view of the beauty of the ancient monastery, you can admire the view of the sea and the city, from a height everything is clearly visible, you can also walk from the monastery to the waterfalls, well, this is for walking enthusiasts, if age or health does not allow you, then it is better by car, since climbing back straight down the hill is a bit difficult for sedentary people.
A very beautiful old monastery is a place to be inspired by the beauty of the divine manifestation, to listen to the singing of monks and to step away from the hustle and bustle of the world
I was at the service, I was very impressed, the atmosphere inside the monastery is very calm and harmonious, everything is quiet and calm for women
At the entrance to the monastery, they give shawls and skirts for women, so you don't have to worry about it
Very beautiful landscapes around you just can't take your eyes off
In general, everyone should definitely visit to feel the atmosphere
A beautiful and peaceful place with a rich history. The place is located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by greenery, which creates an atmosphere of peace. The architecture impresses with its simplicity and grandeur. It is an ideal place for spiritual relaxation and reflection. I definitely recommend you to visit! Quadro Pedro's quad bike riding also complemented its beauties.
When I come to New Athos, I always go up to the monastery on foot along the "path of sinners". The monastery is located in a picturesque location on Mount Athos, and from there you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and Iverskaya Mountain. I first visited here in the late 1970s. At that time, a camp site was located in the monastery complex. Tourists lived in monastic cells with shared communal facilities on the floors. In 1994, the monastery was returned to believers who hoped for its revival, but it did not get better. Desolation reigns on the territory and in the monastery buildings. Only the outer walls of the Panteleimon Cathedral, the domes and the bell tower were renovated. There is no restoration inside the cathedral, the paintings made at the beginning of the twentieth century by Moscow artists and craftsmen from Palekh are crumbling, some of them have already been irretrievably lost. The condition of the largest religious building in Abkhazia and the monastery as a whole is sad.
You know, the impression of this place is strange... the monastery itself is beautiful, cozy, good territory, a high place, the plantings are monitored and cared for with love. but, how can this place be brought to broken glass, shabby, falling off plaster, to a crumbling state, to millions of stalls with tea bags for 50 rubles? You guys have a world-class attraction, but you have to run out of the bushes with a cardboard piece of paper "parking 200 rubles" or stand waving a baton at every turn, stop Russian numbers and sell them insurance for 30% more expensive than they cost, and you spend money on the reconstruction of the monastery, right??
There is a story that connects me with the Cathedral of the 12 Apostles of Christ on Mount Athos.It was 2016.The life of my colleague, a young girl, was under threat.We fought as best we could.Every morning I asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to save her.Everything worked out for us, my ward was able to overcome the disease.On March 8, she gave me a brooch and earrings made of silver with blue topazes.I tried to put on earrings several times, but I couldn't.My church formation began then, thanks to the wife of a clergyman.She and her husband were going to Mount Athos, I wanted to please her, intuitively offered earrings, telling their story.She set off in them.At that moment, when my friend was kneeling in prayer in the Cathedral of the 12 Apostles to the Queen of Heaven, one of her earrings unbuttoned and fell, raising her head she saw a priest who was going to hang a gold chain with a pectoral cross on the icon of the Mother of God.He replied by agreeing to put on a chain and earrings with topazes.So, on June 17, 2016 at 10.50a.m., the Mother of God accepted our humble gift.There was no limit to happiness.Now the brooch, which has become priceless to me, reminds me that by faith let it be to us.Sincerely, Gordeeva E.V.
A beautiful temple, you can say the business card of the New Athos. The outside is certainly more beautiful than the inside. The current monastery is noticeable by its inner aura. The area and the views around are simply mesmerizing. The steps leading to the temple are very slippery, in wet weather you need to be careful. The monks were not seen, they obviously do not appear in front of the laity, however, as well as the rest of the ministers of the cult.
👍🙋♂️Dmitry logistician recommends to visit!!! With bright thoughts and soul, you can go to any temple. But how do you live your life, think for yourself whether you are worthy of holy places!!! Having been here, I even shed tears, remembered friends and relatives who are no longer there, unfortunately!! ((🙏🙏🙏🥺🥺 The place is very atmospheric! 🏫🙏🙏 Candles and all related utensils are available for sale. They also bring excursions and drive tourists! We arrived by car to New Athos, so it took 8 minutes to get to the temple from Otel. The neighbors in the hotel walked for about 38 minutes)) 😉🏫
Everything is very atmospheric!
The location is favorable , I liked everything very much! I recommend visiting this temple! Rest of the soul, and a visual impression! It is interesting and informative. The area is very impressive.
Its own unforgettable atmosphere, there is Parking, although small, a beautiful monastery is being restored after the war, there is a stunning view of the surrounding area, you can buy tea, souvenirs, I recommend you to visit....
Very beautiful. The sea view is gorgeous. The cathedral is majestic. Clean, tidy. We were taken to the monastery by bus, we went back down and were accompanied by cute sellers of all sorts of goodies and beautiful things.
A very beautiful view of the sea and mountains from above. There are waterfalls and an old railway station nearby (I recommend visiting) The monastery itself is beautiful from the inside, the antique furniture and style are preserved. You can put candles and order a prayer service.
A wonderful place, very beautiful, there were not many people in the late afternoon, everything is well organized at the entrance they give out skirts and shawls, there is a church shop downstairs. There are benches in the monastery itself, you can sit down to listen to the service! Monastery on the mountain, wonderful views! The road to the monastery is good.
On the plus side: I was amazed by the cathedral inside! I want to sit there endlessly (there are benches), contemplate, listen to soft church singing. Peace, complete immersion in your thoughts, feelings ... cannot be expressed in words! The color scheme of the frescoes reminded of the Savior on Blood. But there's a mosaic. And here it is the frescoes.
Of the minuses: the church shop is located at the entrance, where people crowd, wearing skirts and headscarves. And somehow you skip this place. There is no place to buy candles in the temple itself. And there's nowhere to put them there. In my opinion, there are only two places. I was also surprised by the shabby appearance of the monastery itself, and inside the cathedral. There is a great desire to summon restorers there as a matter of urgency. The entrance is 700₽. There are a lot of people. Is it really not possible to allocate money for restoration?!
The monastery was beautiful and will remain the attraction of the pilgrims. It is convenient that candles and other accessories can be paid by card. Handmade candles are available for sale. I liked the toilet, in 2021 it was the usual repair, everything is civil, the only thing has become paid.
A wonderful place! We visited the Monastery many times, because we lived in a hotel nearby, on the mountain! And we went to the Monastery every day! The monastery is very beautiful both inside and out! We were at the service, we liked everything! I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place to everyone who visits Abkhazia!!!
It's an amazing place.soothing energy , interesting murals on the walls of the temple inside .The place where the monastery is located, New Athos itself is a must-visit, nature , landscapes and location are above all praise
My favorite place in Abkhazia. Silence and peace of mind in this place. The tower on the mountain is just super! We met the dawn there, it's just an unforgettable experience.Of the cons, in the town of Novy Athos, only food. Although there is a problem with this in all of Abkhazia. The service is not very good.. But nature takes its toll.
A very soulful place with beautiful architecture, the service is in Greek, wow!!! I was surprised! There are benches, if you came to the service in the summer, you can sit, because it was sooo stuffy, we walked - it was hard, then we only realized that you could drive by car, which I recommend to you, there is also Stalin's cottage nearby, who by the way studied at the seminary for a priest in his first education, apparently the choice of the place of milking the cottage was not accidental…
The location is great, the panorama is super. The monastery building is huge, but alas, reconstruction is very necessary inside. No such work has been carried out in the 10 years since my first visit. From the new , only brainless entries " Vasya was here , etc . " Alas , as the union collapsed , there are apparently no investments in it .
Despite the fact that the interior of the temple has not been restored, the monastery has a very strong atmosphere. The viewport is nearby. A day tour of New Athos can start from here, then go down to the lake and the railway station, then the trail, and finally the New Athos Cave.
It is a very beautiful place, saturated with the atmosphere of antiquity. Being in the temple, you feel peace and tranquility in your soul. Huge cypresses and beautifully flowering trees complete the picture and leave an indelible impression.
The place is stunning in its beauty..
It's a pity that not all buildings are open, but it doesn't matter. The main thing is the atmosphere!
And yes, do not buy from the locals at the market adjacent to the monastery, if you do not want to spoil the impression and stomachs. Wine is an essential chemistry. 🤢
An atmospheric place
But almost everything is closed on the territory
You can only visit the main temple - it is all painted from the inside, there are almost no ordinary icons - a rather unusual
place for contemplation and reflection
An interesting place, with its own flavor. I visited as part of the tour, it was informative to touch the history.
For all its beauty, I was surprised that reconstruction is not being done, many elements in the temple of the monastery are common, pieces of walls are not being restored.
This is a historical site, and it would be great if it were restored.
An extraordinarily beautiful place.
I think that you need to visit everything to see - the guides who will bring you can immediately tell you that you need more time!
Excellent panoramas and views.
The building itself is very massive and beautiful.
It is a pity, of course, that Abkhazia is not Russia and the facilities here are being restored for a very long time and painfully.
And in general, it's gorgeous and beautiful!
It is certainly a wonderful place, regardless of the religion you profess. The incredibly beautiful complex looks quite unusual surrounded by palm trees and mountains. It is a pity that it is in some kind of desolation. Of course, it requires financial investments to preserve and maintain its splendor.
A wonderful place, I appreciate it as a tourist, not as a pilgrim. It's hard to ascend during the heat in go, but it is compensated by a magnificent view of the city and the fortress, and the sea. The temple still has a lot to restore, but in its current state it feels old
A historical place, famous far beyond the borders of Abkhazia. It is located in a very beautiful and interesting place. There is a market nearby at pleasant prices. New Athos caves, Waterfall. I advise you to visit.
I visited this monastery according to the program of the Summer Evening tour in Gagra in early September 2024. The monastery is located in New Athos. The monastery is large and beautiful in size. At the entrance, if someone does not have a drawstring skirt and shawls with them. Men who wear shorts above the knee are also called to wear a skirt. There is also a church shop there.
An atmospheric place. Gorgeous sea views. Near all the sights (waterfall, railway station). There are many souvenir shops, you can also buy fruits and sweets.
The monastery is very impressive for its architecture!!! A chic place and a very majestic structure! I advise everyone to visit Abkhazia there! There is something to see in New Athos!
We traveled to New Athos from Gagra by taxi (November 10, 2024)the taxi driver drove us right to the monastery grounds, but in general, you can take a leisurely walk along the path from the road up to the monastery, the weather is gorgeous, warm and sunny, there are few people because it's not the season (November), a very picturesque and fertile place! I recommend everyone to visit! They entered the monastery and the temple (near the temple they give out shawls and long aprons , those in trousers) . We walked by ourselves without an excursion (we read everything on the Internet in advance) there is a paid toilet on the territory, tents where they sell souvenirs and products (fruits, honey, etc.), we walked around the territory, we really liked it, the sea views are gorgeous! Check the schedule of the monastery in advance, I found out everything on the Internet, on what days and hours the temple is open.
Very beautiful places, there is a place to walk, below a small market. There is also a small parking lot. Photo zone, gorgeous views and beauty. I recommend visiting this place
This is a place that every Orthodox should visit. The monastery is located in a beautiful place, on a mountain. The shining domes are visible from almost any point of New Athos. Tourists have a place to take beautiful photos, and believers prayed in a beautiful temple. The visit to the monastery is free of charge. You can freely enter it 6 days a week. From Tuesday to Sunday. The monastery is closed to the public on Monday. The atmosphere of the monastery is special.
It is not the first year that we have been vacationing in Abkhazia and we definitely visit the New Athos Monastery. This is a truly wonderful place filled with peace and tranquility. Unfortunately, the interior of the main temple remains without proper attention and reconstruction.
Insanely beautiful, one of the most beautiful places among all the places in the world where I have been for almost 45 years))) The views are breathtaking
And of course Athos itself) the strongest energy of this place, and the feeling of lightness does not leave even after a few days.
Super)))
A picturesque place with a soothing energy. Well-maintained territory. There is free parking. Candles can be purchased at the church shop. There is an ancient painting in the temple, it is impressive!
Nicely. Be sure to go to the waterfall behind the temple. The temple itself is pretty inside, if you are without suitable clothes, they will give you at the entrance. Inside, prayers are broadcast in the recording. Outside, much needs restoration, except for the facade. It's worth visiting for the sake of the impression and the tick that you were in the main shrine :)
A magnificent view of both the monastery itself and the sea! Unfortunately, it was not possible to get inside, it was a sanitary day, but even being near the monastery is impressive.
Nearby there is a kiosk where they sell inexpensive coffee, local alcoholic beverages, tea, bath brooms made of eucalyptus and laurel.
An unforgettable experience from this trip. If you have such an opportunity, be sure to go!
An interesting monastery, a salted place, very beautiful wall paintings, magnificent views of the surroundings and the sea, I just don't understand why a new iconostasis was made instead of restoring the paintings, I understand that there is little money, but the most valuable is the paintings and the ancient architect. It's a pity that everything is slowly being destroyed
The most beautiful monastery both outside and inside. Everyone who travels in Abkhazia is definitely welcome to visit. The views from the height of the monastery are very steep. Inside, they slowly began to restore the old buildings.
It is very beautiful and solemn. It's breathtaking inside the temple. I want to sit there and listen...Prayers and chants are included in the background. The impressions are amazing. It's a pity that not all people understand where and why they came
A beautiful majestic monastery
is located in the New Athos of Abkhazia. We were vacationing with our son in Abkhazia and stopped by to see the sights. We reached it by car, since it is located on a mountain, and went down on foot past retail outlets with various goodies and souvenirs.
The New Athos Simon-Cananite Monastery is a majestic and sacred place. Such places are very attractive and finally I had a chance to visit here. The monastery's long history and architecture attract tourists all over the world. At the entrance, tourists must follow the rules of visiting the monastery, men must wear a skirt, which is issued there if the shorts are above the knee. It is very picturesque inside, there are many frescoes, you can take pictures and shoot videos. The main thing in such places is not to violate the rules of attendance and behavior.