Gonio, Roman fortress and archaeological site near Batumi, Georgia
Gonio is an ancient rectangular fortress surrounded by solid walls and equipped with multiple towers for defense. The grounds contain remains of bathing facilities and water systems from Roman and Byzantine times that were uncovered during excavations.
The fortress was built around 77 CE as a Roman military post in this strategically important region. Over the following centuries, different powers occupied and rebuilt it, leaving layers of history from multiple civilizations.
The site was known in ancient times as Apsarus and held importance in regional trade networks along the coast. Walking through the grounds today, you can sense how this location connected different worlds and cultures.
The site is easy to walk around and explore the ruins and walls up close, with preserved structures giving you a good sense of the layout. Information is available on-site to help you understand what you are looking at as you move through the fortress.
The grounds are thought to contain the burial place of Saint Matthias, one of Jesus' apostles, though archaeological work here remains limited. This possibility makes the site meaningful to multiple faiths, even though it has never been fully confirmed.
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