Novomikhaylovskiy

• Nikopsia is an ancient city in what is now Novomikhaylovskiy and has been known since the 1st century AD.
• The large fortress stands at the mouth of the Nechepsukho, 200 meters from where it flows into the Black Sea.
• Remains of an early medieval Christian church have been found on the fortress grounds.
• The “Tsarskaya epokha” hiking trail is more than 13 kilometers long and starts in Novomikhaylovskiy.

Nikopsia is considered one of the oldest cities of Zichia (Circassia). Its history has been known since the 1st century AD. The fortress is located at the mouth of the Nechepsukho River, 200 meters from where it flows into the Black Sea. Remains of an early medieval Christian church have been found on the fortress grounds.

Two different historical periods are therefore in focus: the ancient city and the later church remains. If you would like to visit the fortress ruins, check their current accessibility in advance.

The “Zikhiya - strana Apostola Simona Kananita” excursion route was introduced on April 11, 2022. Its described itinerary starts at the “Yunost” Cultural and Leisure Center and ends at the remains of the old Nikopsia fortress. When the excursion was introduced, it also included visits to the Museum of the Kuban Cossacks and the Armenian Apostolic Church. This church should not be confused with the remains of the early medieval church on the fortress grounds. Before planning, find out whether the excursion is currently offered.

For a longer hike, the approved “Tsarskaya epokha” trail is another option: it is more than 13 kilometers long and starts in Novomikhaylovskiy. Its approval was announced on February 9, 2022. Before setting out today, check the trail’s current access and condition.

There are also walking areas along the Nechepsukho that lead toward the sea. In 2022, the municipality reported that improvement work was underway in these areas. Check their current condition before going for a walk. This lets you consider the riverside areas as a separate option alongside the longer hiking trail, without treating the two as the same route.

First, consider whether a historical excursion and Nikopsia or the hiking and walking options are your main priority. Then compare the location details of specific hotels with your plans. This way, you can tailor your search to the activities that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Yakornaya Shchel', Khmelnitskaya, Goryachy Klyuch, Krinitsa, Sennoy, Novoalekseevskoye, Ilyich, Malyy Akhun.

How long has Nikopsia been known?

Nikopsia has been known since the 1st century AD and is considered one of the oldest cities of Zichia (Circassia).

Which stops are included on the excursion route?

The route, introduced in 2022, starts at the “Yunost” Cultural and Leisure Center and ends at the remains of the Nikopsia fortress. The description at the time also included the Museum of the Kuban Cossacks and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Ask in advance whether it is currently offered.

How long is the “Tsarskaya epokha” hiking trail?

The trail, approved in 2022, is more than 13 kilometers long and starts in Novomikhaylovskiy. Check current access and trail conditions before setting out.

Back to the main travel overview: Krasnodar Krai.