Description of the attraction
The Gagra temple is one of the oldest structures in the Republic of Abkhazia. It is located on the territory of a unique architectural monument - the Abaaty fortress. The Gagra temple was erected in the VI-VII centuries. the first Caucasian Christians.
The last major restoration of the church was carried out in 1902. It was then that the original appearance and forms of the church were restored. The facade of the building was composed of roughly hewn limestone blocks of small size and rather simple shape. In the side vestibule of the temple there is a secret door leading to an underground passage that passes under the entire Gagra fortress and goes out to the sea - this was one of the strategically significant features at that time. The Gagra temple was consecrated in the name of Saint Hypatius, the Gagra bishop. According to historical data and the opinion of historians, the relics of St. Hypatia rests within the walls of the church.
Externally, the temple is a rectangular structure with two annexes. A path paved with polished limestone slabs leads to the main entrance to the Gagra Temple; tall cypresses decorate it on both sides. The interior decoration of the temple looks simple and even somewhat austere. The main decoration on the wall of the church is the Bolnisi cross. The Maltese Cross can be seen above the entrance. Both of them were made by order of the Princess of Oldenburg - the patroness of the temple.
Currently, the Gagra Temple houses the most interesting Museum of Abkhaz Weapons, which displays dart tips, flint axes, battle bracelets, bronze axes and daggers, antique shields, helmets, swords, medieval chain mail, helmets, sabers and much more.
