Novy Afon

Novy Afon, one of Abkhazia's most popular places, draws tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. The small, cozy town lies in the Psyrdzkha River gorge, at the foot of two picturesque mountains, Mt. Apsara (345 m), and Mt. Afon (500 m). Visitors to New Athos first set foot in a gorgeous park lush with subtropical plants and ponds aswim with swans.

Novy Afon boasts several natural, historical, and architectural sites of interest. Among them are Novy Afon Cave, a majestic natural wonder of overwhelming beauty and size, a picturesque waterfall, the ancient church of Simon the Zealot, Novy Afon Monastery on top of Mt. Afon, and the ancient Anacopia Fortress on Mt. Apsara, with a view of the entire town and a large part of the coast from one of its towers. A hiking trip to Psyrdzkha River Gorge will take you to the spot where, according to legend, the holy Apostle Simon the Zealot had prayed in his rock-enclosed cell.