Description of the attraction
Pitsunda temple of the 10th century It stands out for its powerful forms and grandiose dimensions (length - 39 m, width - 25 m, height with a dome - 29 m, wall thickness 1.5 meters!) and belongs to the best monuments of Abkhaz medieval architecture. Repeated restorations have violated the ancient appearance of the building, but failed to destroy the grandeur and severity of the outlines. In the southwestern part of the vestibule, a painting of the 15th century has been preserved. In the drum of the dome between the high windows there were images of 12 apostles, of which 10 were partially preserved. The complete image of Christ and the apostles in the dome were renewed during the restoration of the temple in 1860. From 1875 to 1917 the temple was the courtyard of the New Athos monastery.
The building has excellent acoustic properties. This feature made it possible to open an organ concert hall here in 1975, where concerts are held weekly to this day. The music of Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Schubert sounds under the ancient vaults. The world's best musicians take part in the annual festivals.
