- What historical monuments to visit in Pitsunda
- The most interesting monuments of the resort
- Natural attractions of Pitsunda
One of the most beautiful resorts in Abkhazia was built on the site of a settlement of the ancient Greeks, who were attracted by the favorable location - next to the sea and an ancient pine forest that conquered the pioneers. The name of the ancient Greek city - Pitiunt, which means "pine", is still preserved in its transformed form. Today, when asked what to visit in Pitsunda, many locals will answer, of course, a relict pine forest.
There are few historical sights, most of the time tourists spend enjoying the clear sea water, the cleanest beaches, the gentle sun, the aromas of pine trees, which, in combination with the sea air, have a life-giving effect on vacationers.
What historical monuments to visit in Pitsunda
Central to the hearts of history-loving tourists is the city's main attraction, the remains of the ancient settlement of Pitiunt. First of all, the following objects attract attention:
- a temple consecrated in honor of Andrew the First-Called;
- the tomb of John Chrysostom, kept in the temple;
- a former monastery complex and a museum working within its walls.
The construction of the cathedral began in the 10th century, while the Abkhazian king Bagrat II, a representative of the glorious Bagration dynasty, ruled on these lands. Over the centuries, the temple complex has been repeatedly renovated and reconstructed, since the cathedral of the Catholicos of Abkhazia was located here. In the 17th century, when the threat of a Turkish conquest hung over these lands, the pulpit was moved to the territory of Georgia, the temple began to fall into desolation. This continued until the second half of the 19th century, when the cathedral was rebuilt and its second life began.
Unfortunately, the rich interior decoration of the temple was only partially preserved, for example, of the large number of frescoes on the walls, only a belt of medallions in the altar part remained. Of the Christian shrines in the cathedral, the main one is called the tomb with tombs, which were arranged for the Apostle Andrew and the Apostle Simon the Canaanite. Also in this temple, directly under the altar, there is a tomb, it was built especially for John Chrysostom, who left this world in 407. Today in the church there is only a particle of the saint's ashes, his relics were transported to Constantinople. Nowadays, the temple, erected in honor of Andrew the First-Called, serves mainly music. In summer, various concert programs are organized here every day, based on musical works for the organ available in the temple.
The second important object operating on the territory of the ancient Greek settlement is the Museum of the History of Pitsunda. It contains unique artifacts that tell about the settlement, the first inhabitants of these places. The earliest museum exhibits date back to the Stone and Bronze Ages; these are the most valuable finds of local archaeologists.
The most interesting monuments of the resort
When a local resident is asked what to visit in Pitsunda on his own, he answers - local monuments. Most of them appeared in Soviet times, but are associated with famous sculptors and have already overgrown with legends.
The first to attract attention is the sculptural group "Bathers" (some call it "Divers"). One look at the composition allows us to determine the authorship - Zurab Tsereteli. Like other sculptures by Tsereteli, this one also divided the audience into two camps: some consider it beautiful, the other - terrible (while demanding to remove the composition somewhere further away).
Another object of tourists' attention is the lighthouse, which, unfortunately, is no longer active. It stood on the coastline, surrounded by boarding houses and sanatoriums. The promenade to this iron structure was made almost every night by hundreds of tourists, ships were heading for it. The old lighthouse has become a local landmark, and ships are guided by the new lighthouse installed in the Mayak boarding house (symbolically) on the roof of the 15-storey building.
Natural attractions of Pitsunda
The most famous nature reserve of Pitsunda stretches along the coast of the sea, its main "inhabitants" are relict pines. Some of the trees are at a very venerable age, they are two hundred years old or more, the healing magic mixture of sea air and the aroma of pine trees attracts townspeople and guests for walks.
Even more natural beauties await tourists outside Pitsunda. Tourist bureaus of the city are ready to provide assistance in getting to know the neighboring resort cities of Sukhumi and Gagra, Lake Ritsa, Gega waterfall. And you can go in a large group, a tourist bus or family, a group of friends.
