Грот св. ап. Симона Кананита

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Level 18 Local Expert

We go on an excursion through the old railway station, very atmospheric. Then there is a walk with beautiful views of the greenery, a waterfall and a gentle climb))) Be ready! but what you see is 100% worth it. The waterfall has a changing room for those who want to take a dip.... for those who want walruses)) the water is icy and icy.

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Дмитрий Киселев

Level 15 Local Expert

A great place to visit not only for believers, but also for anyone who loves nature. The path to the grotto passes through picturesque places, a mountain river in which you can swim, and relict trees.

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Вера Белых (Косик)

Level 15 Local Expert

The cell of Simon the Canaanite (Simon of Gold). Abkhazia. 🏞⛪️🌳⛪️🏞 According to legend, the apostle of Jesus Christ, Simon the Canaanite, lived and served in the cell before accepting martyrdom. There is a version that the apostle spent 2 years here — 53-55 years of our era. On the way to the cell, in the historical gorge of the Psyrtskha River, you can find a rock footprint of the Great martyr and a frontal place. After the death of the apostle, a few followers buried him in the place where the temple of Simon the Canaanite now stands. In the 19th century, the monks of the Novo-Athos Monastery cut through the modern entrance to the cell, built a staircase of limestone slabs and laid out mosaics of the faces of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and Simon the Canaanite himself on the walls of the cave. This place is highly revered among the faithful; thousands of pilgrims come here every year to worship the Holy Apostle Simon the Canaanite. In general, the road to the grotto of the Apostle Simon the Canaanite is very picturesque. It was ennobled by local monks in the 19th century. The forest looks like it did thousands of years ago: ferns, subtropical trees, winding trails, mountain streams, waterfalls.

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Светлана Герасимова

Level 19 Local Expert

A very strong and beautiful place 🙏🏻 A small ascent along the course of the River of Souls (from Abkhaz). Great views even in winter. Historical buildings dating back to the 1950s are being restored. A spring, waterfalls, a trail, a river, beautiful trees, birds. The very story of the Saint's life inspires and touches. I managed to stay in the cave alone. Everything is iconic and symbolic there. A salted place,

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Alexandra Beregova

Level 22 Local Expert

I'll start with the entrance to the trail - for a fee - 300 adults, 150 children. I don't know whether to judge it correctly or not. On the one hand, for a pilgrim, the road to the holy place must be free, but on the other hand, this road must be maintained and money is needed for this. The trail is comfortable and convenient. Beautiful views, the river. You can swim near the spring, so take swimsuits. I changed my clothes. The water is cold, of course. We will climb the steep hill and the steps are high. But they must be passed. You can put a candle in the grotto (bring it with you) and write a note. An amazing place - salted. It's just that tourists are rare visitors here. That's why you feel grace.

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Петр Дубровин

Level 18 Local Expert

A great place to take a walk in the fresh air and see the ancient sights. The atmosphere is transmitted after the start of the tour. Although it is short, it brings you up to date and makes it clear why and how the ancient Christians lived and how the fate of St. Simeon the Canaanite developed. We went up slowly, the children were with us, but everyone was able to get up, go into the grotto, put candles.

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Ольга Золотарева

Level 22 Local Expert

At the Pcyrsha station you cross the railway tracks and at the ticket office you buy an entrance ticket (300 rubles) to the grotto of St. Simon the Canonite. Along the equipped path, you meet his footprint on a stone ... (I didn't see anything), then the frontal place. But coming to the rock, there is a crevice here where he prayed. Next, we climb the cliff much higher. Here is a small rock room with icons, candles, where Simon the Canonite prayed🙏🙏🙏

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Анюта Прохорова

Level 6 Local Expert

I recommend everyone to go. Visit the waterfall, go to the lake and the "abandoned station", but it is not abandoned. Zola trains. According to the schedule. There is beauty there, you just can't take your eyes off it, there are transparent boats to see all the beauty at the bottom of the lake.

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Любимова Наталия

Level 4 Local Expert

There was a whole natural path leading to the grotto-a pilgrimage with interesting places along the way — the footprint of Simon's foot, the place of the forehead, a spring, a place for ablution and already a staircase to the grotto itself. The path to the grotto is located in a very natural place — you walk next to the Psyrtskha mountain river along a paved path (almost made of yellow brick, as in the ”Wizard of Oz”), periodically you see cozy steps to the river, you can go down and sit on boulders overgrown with moss and flowers, or just on benches that are scattered all over paths. Then it gets a little more difficult, you have to go uphill up the stone steps. And you come to the main goal — a cave-a cell inside the rock, where there are a huge number of icons, a mosaic of Simon, a place for candles. The place is amazing. When we arrived, someone was praying on his knees, someone was standing pressed against the face of the saint on the wall. Candles were burning in the dark. Soft light fell from the crevices of the grotto, and we were also sprinkled with stalactites. We had a mental conversation with Simon's spirit and thanked him for bringing us to his place. We stayed there in the silence of the earthly and inner world. On the way back, we did a little ablution in the river and took water from the spring. And we felt that we had done the most important thing today.

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Мария Абакумова

Level 7 Local Expert

A place of power. A place to return to! I recommend taking a guided tour. Next to the grotto there is a cafe near the mountain river, where the food is very tasty.

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Mr.mell

Level 14 Local Expert

It was truly a fabulous journey. Stone-paved paths. Old, moss-covered, oddly shaped trees, a mountain river. There are many indescribably beautiful locations, including the grotto itself. Sometimes you don't even know whether to just admire it all or take pictures.

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Сергей К.

Level 17 Local Expert

We came by chance to this Holy Place, where, according to legend, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, Simon the Canaanite or Zealot, lived and preached the Christian faith. After visiting the New Athos Cave, we went on an excursion towards the New Athos Monastery. On the way, we saw a small cafe and a cash register, we decided to find out, it turned out that this was the path to the grotto. For a nominal fee, we walked along a scenic path through a small gorge along the Psyrdzha river. It is very picturesque and green, despite the early spring. The river has a very beautiful blue water color. The trail is not long, the slope is small, there are places where you can rest and enjoy the views if it is difficult to walk. On the way, we saw Simon's footprint on a stone (according to legend, the apostle performed a miracle when the locals did not believe that he was a follower of Christ), the place of the skull (the place of martyrdom at the hands of pagans or Roman legionaries, there are several versions), the holy spring. A staircase leads to the grotto itself, it is easy to overcome, but it is possible with stops. The cave is small, but it has incredible energy. You can safely pray and be alone with your thoughts. But even if you are far from believing, this place is worth a visit, just out of curiosity from a historical point of view.

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Руслан

Level 9 Local Expert

I really liked the historical place, it is clear that they want to restore it, a lot of positive emotions.

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Mайя ВолковаПетрова

Level 9 Local Expert

It should be. Beautiful, mysterious. Especially in the evening. But they did not wait for the tour - the group did not get enough. Sorry. I don't know why they hang all the cardboard icons - like in my grandmother's apartment. A man lived and prayed there. He saw Jesus Christ alive - that's what's valuable.

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Лилия Прокуратова

Level 17 Local Expert

A very nice place, with cleansing energy! The place is Holy, we need appropriate clothes! I didn't know, I came in shorts, not very well!

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Роза Васильева

Level 8 Local Expert

The place is very unusual. The trail runs through a beautiful stream. It was in February 2025. the slopes were green and in bloom. It is located in a very quiet and beautiful place.

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???

Level 11 Local Expert

I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the history of Christianity or is just looking for a place for spiritual renewal. The grotto of St. Simon the Cananite is able to leave a deep mark on everyone's heart. Quad biking at Quadro Pedro was a pleasant addition to the tour.

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Галина Томашевская

Level 23 Local Expert

A beautiful place, blessed nature, cozy and fresh, the holy spirit is felt.. the river is really shallow, but below there is even a dam for washing.. By the way, parking is free below, there is no need to pay Asian collectors.. they illegally settled down and collect fees, and then go to Simon's grotto and smoke there and drink alcohol... you have the right not to pay and no one can force you.. Good luck to all of you at the holy place!!

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Гузель

Level 13 Local Expert

The road up the mountain to the grotto itself is not easy. The steps are steep, it is important not only to be able to climb, but also to descend! When we were there, the woman stumbled during the descent and fell heavily. Count on your strength to climb there! The place is salty, it takes your breath away when you go inside! You can light a candle and stay in silence if you are lucky and there will be no other tourists nearby.

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Елена Горина

Level 18 Local Expert

I didn't understand the special charm of the place, it's just a grotto in a rock, the path to it is quite picturesque. If you are a believer, this place will probably have a sacred meaning, but I did not feel it

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ДМИТРИЙ ДЕНИСЕНКО

Level 11 Local Expert

It is necessary to follow a paid ecotrope The track is not difficult at first, towards the end there will be a rather sharp rise The grotto itself is quite small, it accommodates about 5-7 people.

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Lana

Level 10 Local Expert

The road runs along a small mountain river. Picturesque, peaceful places. We went early in the morning, so there were practically no people. Silence, the river murmurs and birds sing.

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Дарья Максимова

Level 15 Local Expert

The place is picturesque. You can put candles, many people leave their icons, crosses, personal belongings. The path itself is not about both long, but very beautiful, it is better to wear comfortable shoes, we were in crocs. But here's a minus star for the toilet. The stench is simply not transferable! And the entrance to the territory is paid!

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Юлия Графова

Level 9 Local Expert

It's cool inside. Clear. A small room with tourists or worshippers. You buy candles at the entrance to the trail when paying for an entrance ticket.

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Пишу рассказы

Level 5 Local Expert

Abkhazia! The Psyrtskha River! The cave of Simon the Canaanite, in which he prayed and lived when he was hiding from the opponents of the Christian faith! It's a very picturesque and atmospheric place!

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Ольга Г.

Level 9 Local Expert

When you realize that he was an apostle of Jesus, he walked these paths, lived in this cave....The importance and solemnity of this place makes me feel uneasy. It is not easy to climb to the grotto, especially when it is hot, but on the way you can swim in the Simon Canonite spring. But everyone needs to visit this place (we all have something to ask or thank the saint for.

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Ирина Медведева

Level 16 Local Expert

First we went to a cafe, bought some water, a very picturesque beautiful place, did not eat, ate ice cream and bought some water. But here you can also beautifully eat Caucasian dishes, for example, trout. Then, unknowingly, they could have passed by, no one would have noticed. But we paid 200 adult and 100 children's tickets, I hope this money goes to landscaping. It was also possible to go on an excursion, but they did not wait until there were 10 people who wanted to. I think it's for the best, even though the tour is inexpensive. We walked along the river for our pleasure . It's nice to walk. It's cool from the river. We looked at the cell. But most of all I was impressed by the temple with icons. A really salty place. It is better to take candles here, leaving any amount, rather than buying them at the checkout.

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Юрий

Level 11 Local Expert

A holy place, beautiful views. Quiet and peaceful. Entrance is paid, and a guide can be hired for an additional fee.

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Елена Виговская

Level 9 Local Expert

The path is not the easiest, they paid 50 rubles each at the entrance and together with the group went with the guide, they did not regret it. I advise believers to definitely visit.

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Денис Бранчуков

Level 11 Local Expert

A very beautiful landscaped path along the river to the grotto of Simeon the Canonite. As of June 2022, the entrance was paid, 200 rubles per person (maybe a little less, I may be mistaken). There is also a group tour if you want. The nature is beautiful here, at the very end of the way, in order to get to the grotto itself, you will have to overcome an ascent (approximately like on the 8-9 floor of a high-rise building). We recommend you to visit if you are in New Athos, one of its best attractions for sure.

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Андрей Охрименко

Level 11 Local Expert

Do you want a trick? Visit the grotto by yourself before 8:00 and you will explore this attraction for free until the ticket office opens. You can leave whenever you want

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Андрей Н.

Level 18 Local Expert

A very picturesque path that leads to the grotto of the Holy Apostle. A beautiful salted place.

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Елена Кириченко

Level 10 Local Expert

The entrance to the trail from the old station, into the grotto itself, you need to climb the steps, quite high and heavy. 3 dogs accompany us from the station there and back) they walked the entire route with us

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Екатерина Василенко

Level 9 Local Expert

Fine, the trail to the cave can be entered in a calm mode, only at the end of a steep climb. Admission is 200 rubles. We were in the area of 17.00, there were few visitors, we were able to enjoy nature.

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Антон Кузнецов

Level 30 Local Expert

Interesting, unusual, dark, and a little creepy. It is better to take candles with you so that you can put them on and pray. Definitely worth a visit.

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Надежда

Level 19 Local Expert

A place where a wounded soul is restored. I walked up the paths, breathing in the clean mountain air. The melody interrupted his thoughts. I thought I'd misheard. But no. Someone was playing the Lone Shepherd flute. Fascinated, I stopped to listen, tears running from my eyes. An indescribable feeling. Definitely worth a visit.

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Андрей

Level 13 Local Expert

It is a beautiful and spiritual place, but the territory is not large, everything was completed in 30 minutes. The price of the entrance ticket is 300 rubles.

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Анна Большакова

Level 20 Local Expert

The grotto is interesting, the nature is amazing, a service is held high up in the cave, you can take a swimsuit with you and take a dip, a mountain river, a small waterfall.

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Альбина Бикбулатова

Level 15 Local Expert

A salted place, very interesting, unusual in the cave is a mini church. It's worth going to see and put candles on. On the way to the grotto, you can swim and get water from the spring

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Арина Манцурова

Level 6 Local Expert

The place of power of an Orthodox person. Gorgeous nature. Source. Unfortunately, admission is paid. I don't think such places should be capitalized. Unfortunately, this is the norm for Abkhazia..

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Владимир Журманов

Level 30 Local Expert

This place is full of special charm. It is considered sacred, as according to legend, the Apostle Simon the Canonite visited here. A picturesque path leads to the grotto, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.

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Ольга

Level 5 Local Expert

A burnt place. I especially advise believers to visit. The atmosphere is great. A relic. It costs a lot to touch the acts of a direct apostle. The road itself led us there, we didn't even plan it on purpose.

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Николай

Level 17 Local Expert

Great place! Just amazing nature, an interesting trail, climbing an interesting staircase. We found this place by chance and did not regret it a bit.

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Пётр

Level 18 Local Expert

a very strong place, not even for religious people. It is picturesque, beautiful, and there is a peaceful silence in the grotto. The road to the grotto itself is also beyond praise, I wanted to stop every 5 meters and look at everything around

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Алла Юрк

Level 6 Local Expert

There is a sense of mystery there and you understand how people lived in such conditions for the sake of their faith. Nature is simply magical-mountain rivers and forests are all around, full of life!!

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Вера Б.

Level 20 Local Expert

A holy place with a scenic road, be sure to visit it! Walking is easy

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Анастасия Лобанкова

Level 5 Local Expert

It's a great place, I don't recommend climbing into the monk's cave. As you walk, you really pray that you don't flatten yourself "down the stairs," which is hard to call her. Otherwise, it is very beautiful, nature, a stream. You can get your feet wet.

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Валерий Яковлев

Level 10 Local Expert

Holy places, a well-groomed route, early in the morning you can walk without paying, having considered the station and waterfall without crowds, there is a cafe with very tasty coffee at the beginning of the trail, but it opens after 9:00

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Misha

Level 11 Local Expert

A unique place with a strong historical and spiritual energy. But even in such a beautiful place , I managed to fall and quarrel with a guy . Be careful on slippery steps and descents

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Светлана

Level 11 Local Expert

It's a long, tiring climb, but then it's very exciting to see it all! Lamps are hung in the grotto itself and a prayer service is read. It's not every day that you see and go to such holy places!

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Грот св. ап. Симона Кананита

333 reviews