Alakhadzi: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

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Nature

Alakhadzi Beach is described as being more than 6 km long and up to 80–90 m wide.

Geographical Location

Alakhadzi is located on the western side of Pizunda Cape near Gagra. The village is also described as being situated on the main road between Gagra and Pizunda. The approximate distances are 13 km from Gagra and 10 km from Pizunda. Regular minibus connections and access by taxi are reported.

Culture

The Alakhadzi complex is significant for the study of early Christian buildings at Pizunda Cape. The complex’s second and third basilicas are generally dated to the 8th century. Temple No. 1 is described as the largest temple in Abkhazia and the Caucasus. Its exterior measured approximately 50 × 28 metres; it was a three-nave basilica with three projecting apses and was destroyed by fire. Limestone and sandstone blocks and slabs, together with ceramic base bricks, were used in its construction. 1 is dated to the 5th or the beginning of the 6th century.

After its destruction, Temple No. 2 was built on the site of Temple No. 1. It was converted from a church with three apses into a church with one apse; a stone vault replaced the earlier wooden roof structure. An archaeomagnetic analysis dates Temple No. 2 to the late 8th or early 9th century. 3 is a heavily dilapidated cross-domed church. It had three apses and a narthex that occupied the entire width of its western side.

History

The area of Alakhadzi may have contained a large early medieval settlement with a seaport. The place name Alakhadzi translates in Abkhazian as “fig spring.” Alakhadzi was the site of the Genoese trading post of Santa Sofia. Akhashnykha is described as a stone sanctuary, a church, or an icon. It is reported that temple ruins have been preserved in the area of Akhashnykha.

Excavations at the Alakhadzi temple site were carried out in 1970–1971 and again in 1985–1986. The Akhashnykha locality is situated approximately two kilometres from the sea coast.

Other location pages: Gantiadi, Abgara, Pizunda, Ochamchira, Miusera, Babushara, Likhni, Gudauta

To the higher-level travel overview: Abkhazia.