Пещера Симона Кананита, Religious cave in New Athos, Georgia.
The Simon the Canaanite Cave is a religious site in the Psyrtskha Gorge, accessible through a stone staircase cut directly into the rock face with approximately 200 steps. The chamber holds religious mosaics and icons, with a large stone in the center that traditionally served as both a table and sleeping place for the apostle.
According to early Christian tradition, Simon the Canaanite, one of Jesus's twelve apostles, lived in this cave between 53 and 55 CE. His time here ended when Roman forces executed him at the site.
The interior displays mosaic icons of Saint Andrew and Simon that mark the apostle's spiritual presence. These religious artworks show how locals and pilgrims view this space as a sacred place tied to early Christian history.
Access to the cave is through a protected nature area with a marked path along the river, and visitors must pay an entrance fee. Allow plenty of time to climb the long stone staircase and wear shoes with good grip for the steep ascent.
A large boulder near the approach path displays a depression resembling a human footprint, which local tradition attributes to Saint Simon himself. Pilgrims often stop to observe this distinctive mark as a sign of their devotion to the apostle.
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