Novoafon Waterfall Live Webcam, New Athos, Abkhazia

The Novoafon Waterfall is an artificial waterfall on the Psyrtskha River in the town of New Athos, and one of the main natural attractions of Abkhazia. It was created in the 19th century after the construction of a high dam on the Psyrtskha River by the monks of the New Athos Simon the Canaanite Monastery. The dam and the waterfall played an important role in the monastery’s daily life — the water was used for agriculture, a sawmill, a small brick factory, and household needs. Mirror carp were also bred in these waters.

After the establishment of Soviet rule, the New Athos Monastery was abandoned, and the surrounding area, including the waterfall, became overgrown. In 2012, the dam was repurposed for the construction of a hydroelectric power station that now supplies electricity to the restored New Athos Simon the Canaanite Monastery. The design of the power station allows visitors to enjoy close-up views of the waterfall. The area around it features scenic embankments, bridges, viewing platforms, and stairways. Today, the Novoafon Waterfall is part of the Novoafon Historical and Cultural Reserve “Anakopia,” which contains over 100 historical and architectural monuments.