Bagrat Castle ruins - this is one of the most popular archaeological sites in the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia, located near the city of Sukhumi, on its eastern outskirts, near the tourist center "Abkhazia" on top of the hill. There is a road.

Construction of the castle dates back to the X-XI centuries. This period in the history of Abkhazia glorious reign of Bagrat III (980-1014) - the first king of united Georgia. Bagrat III entire period of his rule, held a continuous campaigns and wars, simultaneously erecting castles, fortresses and churches. In the spring of 1014 the ruler died (buried in the church of Bedia), failing to fully integrate autocratic local princes (aznauris). Infighting continued. The new king Bagrat IV Curopalates (1018-1072) continued the war for the reunification of the land and exemption from the Seljuk Turks. Some historians of the construction of the castle in the vicinity of Sukhumi credited Bagrat IV.

The castle was built on a hill overlooking the sea and the river valley bustle. From the walls and the four towers of the fortress controlled the southern approaches to Sukhumi and port at the mouth of the river. Now from the two-meter wall of rubble, faced with round boulders, leaving only ruins. Some fragments of the walls and towers reach 10 meters in height. After a recess of one of the towers of the magnificent view of the surroundings. During excavations in the fortress were discovered objects testifying to traditional crafts and original life of the Abkhazians - fragments of pottery, bone, pets, nails, fragments of glass ornaments.

Abkhazia from ancient times was famous for wine growing and winemaking, as evidenced by found in the castle pithoi - large vessels designed for the storage of food - grains, olive oil, salt fish, and of course, wine.