Gonio, Georgia

Located just a few miles south of Batumi, Georgia, Gonio is a wonderful and remarkable place to visit for just an hour or two. I took a marshrutka (mini van) from Batumi to Gonio and it cost 1 lari (about .60 cents US). The fortress here was built starting from 1 AD to about 6 AD and is amazingly intact, and one of the best examples of Roman-Byzantium military architecture in the world.

The center is overgrown with citrus fruit bearing trees (which made for a nice snack!). We arrived on an overcast Novemeber day, and we were the only visitors there. There were no security guards, railings, or sign posts warning us to keep off. Since I hold a MA degree in Classical Latin, this was a dream come true for me, and nothing held me back! I took my chances and climbed up walls and walked along narrow paths overlooking the crenellations that Roman archers once aimed through.

This is also the grave site of St. Mathew, the apostle (also known as Levi).

It is located between Batumi and Sarpi (just a few miles away) on the border between Georgia and Turkey.

When I boarded the marshrutka, I was confused because the whole van was filled with local women and girls. Why do all the ladies have such a fascination with Roman ruins? As it turns out - they don't. Across the street from the ruins is a small bazaar, a great place to find some good deals on clothing!

Tombstone of Matthew (Levi) the Apostle.