GONIO-APSAROS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
395 Km from Tbilisi
1 st C AD
The fortress belonging to the Antique and Middle-Age era is located 12 km from Batumi. First reference of the fortress of Gonio in the historical sources under the name of Apsarunt belongs to author Plinius Secundus (I century). Due to strategic location, it was always a focal point for Rome, Byzantine and Genoa republics. In 1547-1878 it fell under control of the Ottoman Empire.
From XII century the fortress is called the Gonio fortress. As the legend goes, one of the prophets of Christ – Matata is also buried in Gonio.