There are many unique places in the world that preserve centuries-old memory and high spirituality. Today they are objects of mass tourism and pilgrimage. One of these is the Caucasus. Manmade miracles in the form of architectural monuments and natural phenomena cause true admiration here. One of the links in this chain is Iverskaya Gora. It is not only remarkable for its picturesque view, but also for its rich history.
Geographical Description
Iverskaya mountain reaches a height of 344 m. It rises above New Athos - a city in Abkhazia. A serpentine road stretches from the foot to its top, the climb along which in time is about an hour. The main attractions here are karst caves and the ruins of Anakopia fortress. An amazing view of the Black Sea coast from Cape Sukhum to Pitsunda opens from the top.
A long time ago…
Many historical events are associated with the toponym "Iverskaya Gora" in New Athos. Its history begins even before our era, when the borders of states were different, and the level of the Black Sea significantly exceeded the present. Even then, it was a large shopping center, which was an attractive prey for foreign invaders.
So, in the 4th century. BC. - 2 in. AD Iverskaya Mountain was part of the state of Iberia (Iberia). Hence the name. Its multi-grottoes, caves and canopies served as a dwelling for people.
From the II century begins the history of the Principality of Abazg, the capital of which was the city of Anacopia (now New Athos). According to ancient sources, it was an important military point, because a fortress was built on the top of the Iverskaya (then Anakopia) mountain, the ruins of which have survived to the present.
The further history of Anacopia is associated with its strengthening and flowering. In the 7th century, an intensive unification of the Abkhaz nationalities takes place, and the capital turns into a significant economic, cultural and religious center. And Iverskaya Mountain becomes the site of the construction of the first temple dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. Later it was rebuilt several times, and in the XI century it was dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore Tyrone.
At the end of the 17th century, the Principality of Abkhazia was going through a difficult period. The strengthening of Turkish expansion led to the eradication of Christianity, Anacopia fell into decay, the Iverskaya mountain with its fortress and temple was empty. In the 19th century, during the Russo-Caucasian and Russo-Turkish wars, the local population left their native lands, and the lands were transferred to the colonists.
Anacopian Fortress
Anakopia fortress, which today is the main attraction of New Athos, has a separate history. It was built in the IV-V centuries., With the participation of the Byzantines, who worried about the security of the territory as a vulnerability to the invasion of the Arabs. Its name "Anacopia" literally translated from Abkhazian means "rugged", "ledge". In Greek sources it is referred to as Trachea.
In those days, the fortress towered on a steep cliff, revealing a wide view of New Athos. The Iverskaya Mountain was thus a strategic military facility warning of the sudden advance of enemies.
In the V century, there was a serious confrontation between Byzantium and Iran. They fought for economic and political dominance over the countries of Asia Minor. This situation was decided to use Abazgiya, then under the influence of the Byzantines. She entered into an alliance with Iran and decided to oppose her patron. However, such a move was defeated: at the last moment, Iran withdrew from the treaty. And Abazgia alone had to answer to Byzantium.
In the VI century, Roman troops by sea reached Anacopia. But getting to her was difficult. Only thanks to cunning military maneuvers, the Byzantines managed to conquer Iverskaya Mountain and even penetrate the fortress. Abazgi were defeated and could not achieve independence.
Today, from the Anakopia fortress there are ruins of walls made of calcareous quadra, a dilapidated temple and a hanging lead seal on the side of the mountain, indicating early religious buildings.
New Athos Cave
Iverskaya Mountain attracts tourists not only with historical monuments, but also with unique natural landscapes. One of the most picturesque and mysterious places is the New Athos cave.
It represents a huge karst cavity of a million cubic meters and includes nine halls, each of which has a name. The entrance to the cave was found in 1961, and since 1975 the archaeological site has been open to tourists. Not far from the cave are the New Athos Monastery and the temple of the martyr Simon Kananit.
Interesting Facts
The place described describes several interesting facts:
- Iverskaya Mountain is associated with biblical traditions. So, in Christian sources it is called the First inheritance of the Virgin. After the miraculous resurrection of Christ, his disciples gathered and began to draw lots to whom and in which direction to go to preach the Gospel. This was attended by the mother of Jesus - Mary the Virgin. The country of Iveria fell to her, where she went with Simon Kananit, who, according to the same data, was her relative.
- The 9th century was marked by intense iconoclasm. Heretical authorities ordered the destruction of holy images in every house and temple. But one pious widow living near Nicaea secretly preserved the icon of the Mother of God. When everything opened, and the armed soldiers decided to take the image, piercing it with a spear, blood flowed from the Most Holy Face. Then a woman with tears grabbed the icon, ran to the sea and put it into the water. The image moved along the waves while standing. This case was soon learned on Mount Athos. Then the confessors of Iveria (now Georgians) reigned there. In the X century, the Iberian monastery was founded. Once the monks saw her at sea a high pillar of fire. He towered over the icon of the Mother of God. After praying, they were able to bring her to the monastery. The miraculous image is still preserved by the Holy Mount Athos.
- The Iversky monastery in the 19th century was captured by the Greeks, and all Georgian inscriptions were replaced by Greek ones. Today 30 monks and novices live there, among them there have been no Georgians for a long time. However, not far from the monastery there are cells where about 40 Georgian monks live.
- One of the wonders of the Anakopia fortress on Iverskaya Mountain is a sedimentary well. The structure is hollowed out in a rock and faced with limestone. In the distant past, it served to collect rainwater. Today, a well is considered to be inexhaustible due to the constant condensation on cold walls from warm air masses. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites.
