Gonio-Aphsaros and Skhalta

The fortress belonging to the Antique and Middle-Age era is situated 12 km south of the city of Batumi, on the left bank of river Chorokhi. The fortress of Gonio-Apsarosi had a unque strategic importance: it defended entrances to the Chorokhi and Ajaristskali gorges which connected internal regions of south-west Georgia with the Black sea coast. Thanks to this location the fortress of Gonio was turned into one of the backbone citadels of first Rome and later Byzantine Empires in the area of Black sea. First reference of the fortress of Gonio in the historical sources under the name of Apsarunt belongs to author Plinius Secundus (Pliny the Elder) (I c.). The Apsarunt fortress used to be a well reinforced and conveniently fortified town where 5 Roman cohorts (3 000 warriors) had a station. Due to strategic location, it always was a focal point for Rome, Byzantine and Genoa republics. In 1547-1878 it fell under control of the Ottoman empire.

From XII century on the fortress is referred to as the Gonio fortress. It is a stone-made big rectangle (195m x 245m). The fence is reinforced with 18 towers. Each side has one gate. There are several construction layers on the fortress (III-IV cc., VI-VII cc., XVI c.). Today the fortress is renovated and is the biggest fortified facility in the whole of Georgia.

As the reference goes, this is the place where king Ayeti laid to rest his son, Aphsaros, killed by escaped Jason who dismembered the corpse and scattered its parts over the sea. As the legend goes, one of the prophets of Christ – Matata is also buried in Gonio.

The center of Skhalta Eparchy – the church of Skhalta is located in Upper Ajara, in Khulo region. It was built in XIII century. It is built on the slope, has no dome and is covered by a gable roof. Interior of the church and outer casing are made with cut stone. The eastern façade is decorated with ornamented crosses. The church of Skhalta is a formidable monument in southern Georgia.

Author: Publishing House "Klio"