Gulripshi municipality is situated on the seaside strip South-East from Sokhumi. Its natural borders run on rivers Kelasuri and Kodori, the most water-prolific river of Abkhazia.

 

It is rimmed by Bzyb, Abkhazia and Kodori ridges keeping its territory away from cold winds. Proximity to the Black Sea and rich ever-green vegetation makes Gulripshi a unique humid subtropical area. Natural conditions determined resort’s specifics – treatment of pulmonary and respiratory tract diseases.

 

As far back as in 1902 a rich Russian entrepreneur Nikolai Smetskoi built here a sanatorium, the first in the Caucasus Black Sea shore, noted for remarkable comfort for that period: electric power system, running water, dining lounge, laundry room, elevator,

even post-office and telegraph point. Sanatorium was operated for treatment of rather widespread disease in the beginning

of XX century - tuberculosis. In the course of years more than 500 patients could get there rehabilitation course simultaneously. 

 

Gulripshi coastline is a hillocky strip leading in the Southward to the lowland.  There are many springs of mineral waters in the gorges of rivers Chkhalta (Atsgara), Sakeni, Klichi, Kodori and others; at the outlets of rivers Kelasuri, Amtkeli and Jampali are cavity formations which merge in the Shakurani cave complex rich with stalactites and stalagmites. There are a lot of waterfalls and whitewater rapids in caves and their vicinity.

 

From Shakurani to the East, on the altitude of 507 m above sea level, is situated the second largest Abkhazian lake – Amtkeli.

Exact date of the formation of this lake is known: on October 3, 1891, a slope of mount Patara Shkhapachi crumbled and blocked

up river Amtkeli. Due to big fluctuations of water levels (30-35 m) in the course of the year surface area and depth of the Lake are unsteady. Lake is rich with trout, common barbell, common nase, alburnoides and other fish species.

 

As in the whole of Abkhazia, numerous Christian monuments survive in Gulripshi, among them stand out cross-dome Church of Assumption of Mother Mary (VI-VII cc.) situated on the elevated plateau in Dranda, 9 km from Gulripshi, near river Kodori. In the end of XIX century the Church was monastery of monks. Monks created a rich complex: opened a school, made a mill, casting and woodworking shops, printing shop, health center.

 

In 2006 according to the Decree of the President of Georgia Church in Dranda was awarded the category of National importance immovable cultural monument.