Gonio Fortress
Updated: November 6, 2026
Adjara · 15 km from Batumi
Gonio is a fortress on the Black Sea coast at the mouth of the Chorokhi River, 15 km south of Batumi and a few kilometers from the Turkish border. In ancient times it was called Apsar or Apsaros.
The fortress is first mentioned by Pliny in the 1st century AD. In the 2nd century a well-fortified Roman town with a theater and a hippodrome stood here.
The name is linked to the myth of Medea and her brother Apsyrtus. According to tradition, the Apostle Matthias is buried in the fortress.
- WhereAdjara, 15 km south of Batumi
- FoundedRoman fortress, 1st century AD
- Walls4 gates, 18 of 22 towers survive
- Ottomans1547–1878
- How longabout an hour
Tours that visit Gonio Fortress
8.8304 reviewsGuided excursions from Batumi
9.6911 reviewsExcursion from Batumi to Kutaisi
9.6911 reviewsBatumi tour for 2 days with an overnight stay
9.6793 reviewsSummer tour of Georgia
History of Gonio
Roman Apsaros guarded the eastern shore of the Pontus. Later the fortress came under Byzantine influence, and the name “Gonio” first appears in the 14th century in the work of the Trebizond historian Michael Panaretos. For a short time there was also a Genoese trading post here.
In 1547 Gonio was taken by the Ottomans, who held it until 1878, when under the Treaty of San Stefano Adjara passed to the Russian Empire. Since 1995 archaeological excavations of the Roman layers have been under way in the fortress.
What to see
- Walls and towers — a rectangular fortress with four gates; 18 of the 22 towers survive.
- Excavations of Roman buildings inside the walls.
- Site of the Apostle Matthias's grave according to tradition; excavations near it are forbidden.
Best time to visit
Gonio is on the coast near Batumi, with the same climate: swimming season June–September, the best time is late June and September.
How to get there
- From Batumi: 15 km south along the coastal road towards the Turkish border.
- On a tour: usually together with Batumi — more details in our article about a trip to Batumi.
Tips
- In summer come in the morning: there's little shade inside the walls.
- Easy to combine with the beach — the Gonio beaches are right next to the fortress.
Gonio Fortress photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons
What's near Gonio
Batumi15 km north
Batumi Botanical Gardennorth of Batumi, by the sea
Where to stay nearby
BatumiBest Western Plus Batumi is a good choice in Batumi. Batumi Beach and Grand Mall shopping center are a 15-minute walk away.
BatumiListed in Georgia's tourism registryPiazza Epigraph Hotel is a good choice in Batumi. Batumi Beach and Piazza Batumi are a 15-minute walk away.
BatumiAniko Hotel is a good choice in Batumi. Batumi Beach and Batumi Central Park are a 10-minute walk away.
Trip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.
Gonio Fortress on the map
Gonio Fortress FAQ
Where is Gonio Fortress?
In Adjara, at the mouth of the Chorokhi River, 15 km south of Batumi.
How old is the fortress?
It is first mentioned by Pliny in the 1st century AD; in the 2nd century it was a fortified Roman town.
Is it true that the Apostle Matthias is buried there?
So tradition says. It can't be verified: excavations near the supposed grave are forbidden.
How many towers does the fortress have?
Originally there were 22 towers and four gates; 18 towers survive.
How much time do I need for a visit?
About an hour for the walls, towers and excavations.
Are there tours to Gonio?
Yes — excursions from Batumi and tours of Adjara. They're listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- davidhayat5751, Pinterest
- luisbadialopez, Pinterest
- Kober, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Jaba1977, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Jaba1977, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- კოლხი, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Kober, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Aleksey Muhranoff, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- DraculaARM, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Best things to do in Georgia
Book everything for your trip with a local team from Tbilisi
