The grotto – one of the attractions of the city of Gagra. A small grotto is located 500 m from the resort centre, upstream of the river Psyche. According to legend, during the two years he lived here Simon the Canaanite, who was one of the apostles of Christ. He came to the coast of Abkhazia approximately 53 year in order to preach Christianity to the local pagan tribes. Two years later, Simon the zealot was killed near his cell. In the IX-X century at the place of his burial temple was built.

The path to a cozy Cave begins at the ancient three-apse temple. Then the trail passes near eight-metre-high artificial waterfall, a picturesque little lake and leads to the old broken steps leading to a cut through for pilgrims to the entrance to a small grotto of St. Simon the zealot. As in antiquity, the current Grotto is a place of worship and veneration of Christians, here services are held. He was consecrated in 1884

Travellers who visit this place say that inside the grotto there is a feeling of Holiness and light. In the dim light of the cave are lit the lamps and candles, stand near the icon. Rock walls can be seen carved four-pointed cross and the mosaic by monks on the saints and of Jesus Christ, the virgin and the Apostle Simon the zealot. In the center of the cave is a large stone on which, according to legend, the Apostle ate and slept.

On the way to the Grotto, is a huge rock with the imprint of a human foot. The believer considers this imprint as a trace, left Simon the Zealot. Also refers to the Holy sites source located near the Grotto. They say that the water of this spring heals many diseases.

Near the Grotto is a stone staircase. Climbing up on it, you can go to the observation deck, with wonderful views of the beautiful lake Psyche is a small reservoir formed by the construction of hydroelectric power plants.