When planning a trip to the seaside town, it is necessary to think in advance about the routes in Pitsunda, and what to see depends on the interests, the age of travelers. Tourists can visit preserved buildings from different periods of history, wildlife sanctuaries, mountain lakes, waterfalls, museum complexes, etc.
What you can see in Pitsunda in one day
Pitsunda is a town with resort infrastructure on the territory of Abkhazia in the Gagra district. The settlement is located on the Black Sea coast, 25 km from Gagra. Pitsunda is surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks.
Settlements of ancient people in the area began to form in the 4th century BC. Travelers can combine a spa vacation with an interesting sightseeing program, self-guided tour of historical, architectural sights, art objects, natural reservations in the vicinity of Pitsunda.
“The Great Pitiunt” is a nature preserve
The reserve has the status of a historical complex. “The Great Pitiunt” was the name of an ancient city built in the 4th century B.C. and recognized as the largest settlement of the Pontic kingdom.
On the territory is available to view archaeological monuments, buildings of ancient and medieval periods of history.
Ruins of a 6th century basilica, a 10th century aqueduct, a 19th century chapel and bell tower have been preserved. Valuable archaeological finds include tombs of primitive settlers, which were transported to the reserve after excavations in the village of Eshera.
There are the remains of ancient structures (houses, barracks, thermae, aqueducts, aqueducts) on the territory of the museum. The reserve is enclosed by a fortress wall built in the Middle Ages (16th century). The complex was formed for organized visits by tourists in 1991.
Abkhaz national dolphinarium
In Pitsunda there is entertainment for children. You can visit the national dolphinarium. Formerly the complex was located on the territory of Pitsunda, but was moved to Gagra in modern comfortable buildings. In the dolphinarium are performances, shows with seals, dolphins, etc.
You can watch the entertainment on a daily basis. The schedule must be viewed in advance on the organization’s website. Children under 4 years of age can visit the dolphinarium for free when accompanied by an adult.
The complex organizes dolphin therapy sessions, during which the child receives a range of psychocorrective preventive and rehabilitative activities. Recovery takes place in a playful way, accompanied by trained instructors.
Central beach
The central beach is located in Cypress Alley. The area is popular with tourists in different seasons. Areas are landscaped, equipped for comfortable recreation.
Here operate a water park, amusement rides, water equipment rentals, etc.
Along the pebble shore there are sun loungers, sun umbrellas, booths, etc. At the pier you can admire the ships, there are ships with organized excursion routes.
In the entrance area there is a sculpture “Divers”, which is recognized as a hallmark of the spa town from the Soviet period of history. You can walk to Pitsundsky Cape, watch the dolphins in the open sea.
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Other attractions in Pitsunda
In rainy weather, you can visit architectural complexes, temples, cathedrals, go to museums dedicated to important people in the history of the region. To get acquainted with the local color are recommended to visit the markets, neighborhoods with preserved ancient heritage, buildings of different periods.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
The cathedral is located at 8 Gizba Street. The first temple buildings on the site appeared in the 4th century. The buildings have been rebuilt many times. In the 10th century, the temple complex came into the possession of the Catholics.
The structure was reconstructed, with new walls made of sturdy limestone and brick. During the Ottoman period of history, the cathedral was abandoned.
In the 19th century, the building was rebuilt and re-consecrated. There are fragments of ancient paintings on the walls and under the roof. In the western part of the cathedral are the tombs of the Apostles A. Pervozvanny and S. Kananit. Cananitus.
In 1975 a German-made organ was installed in the building. The cathedral often organizes classical music concerts for the citizens and guests of Pitsunda.
The Ruins of Pitiunt
The ruins of the ancient city of Pitiunt are part of protected areas and are located at 9 Agrba Street. The settlement was founded by the Greeks and was part of the Pontic Kingdom during the 2nd-1st century BC. After restoration and research, a conservation complex was organized on the territory.
Among the main attractions are the stone ruins of the Byzantine settlement of the 2nd-6th centuries. Tourists can see the remains of Roman baths, barracks, the palace of the commander in chief, wine cellars, outbuildings, wells, etc.
There are ruins of a basilica from the 4th-9th centuries. The complex is located behind a stone wall built in the 10th century. The total length of the fortifications is up to 550 m, height – up to 8 m, the thickness of the walls – 1.5 m.
City Market
During tours you can go to the city market, which is recognized as the largest in Pitsunda. Tourists are offered to get acquainted with the local color, traditions and to buy fresh products, vegetables, fruits, delicacies, prepared according to national recipes, etc.
There is also wine, natural honey, sweets and desserts on the counters. Travelers are advised to arrive at the market early in the morning to buy produce from farmers.
Hetsuriani Museum
Khetsuriani House-Museum is located in the outskirts of Pitsunda in the village of Ldzaa on Adamia Street. The building is 2-story, with a spiral staircase and a beautiful 3-level porch.
The building contains:
- antique weapons;
- ceramic painted tableware;
- crews from different periods of history;
- national dress;
- typewriters;
- stuffed animals;
- household items;
- national instruments;
- wood, metal and stone craftsmen;
- antique coins, etc.
The collection was created by talented photographer and entrepreneur George Khetsuriani. There is a tavern with home cooking in the building. Today the house has the status of a historical and local history museum, which collected antique household items from Georgia, Greece, Russia. There are models of dwellings in the foundation of the complex.
Rybzavod Microdistrict
You can go to the Rybzavod Microdistrict to get acquainted with different periods of the city’s history. The buildings are located on the outskirts of Pitsunda. There used to be a fish factory on the territory of the neighborhood. Today the production facilities are closed.
The area is popular for its picturesque landscapes of pebble beaches, pine forests, steep cliffs. Microdistrict with a developed infrastructure: there are cafes, restaurants and other catering establishments, private hotels.
During the summer season, concerts and festivals are organized in the neighborhood in open areas. Travelers come with tents or rent sun loungers, hammocks
You can get to the district Rybzavod and beach areas by bus, shuttle buses, cab.
Lake Ritsa
Tourists are recommended to go to the mountainous Lake Ritsa. The natural landmark of Abkhazia is surrounded by peaks, green slopes, pine forests. On the shore of the lake there are buildings of the Soviet period of history (Stalin’s dacha, etc.). Boat and catamaran rentals are available at the lake.
The reservoir is located in inaccessible areas, so the visit is offered as part of excursion groups. On the way there are gorges, cliffs, etc. The water in the lake is clear, transparent in different seasons and weather conditions. The areas are picturesque, suitable for hiking, photo walks, etc.
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New Athos
New Athos is an ancient city of Abkhazia on the Black Sea coast. The first buildings here were erected by monks. The settlement is popular because of the large number of architectural, natural sites.
It is a picturesque resort with an unusual hilly terrain. On the territory grows representatives of subtropical flora. In the surrounding area there are groves of fruit trees (orange, lemon, mandarin), cypress alleys, magnolias, palms, eucalyptus, etc.
In New Athos are concentrated Orthodox sanctuaries, the area is popular with pilgrims from different countries of the world.
At the foot of Mount Athos there is a monastery, which has been functioning since 1875. In New Athos there is a man-made waterfall created and landscaped by the novices.
Special wagon-trains go to the Novoafon cave. Under the ground are six rooms with lighting. Local attractions include ancient fortresses, a museum of the kingdom of Abkhazia, sulfurated springs, etc.
On the territory of New Athos is Psyrtskha Tower. The building dates from the 9th-12th centuries and was erected as a fortification of the settlement. In the 19th century, a hotel was attached to the tower, where K.G. Paustovsky, A.P. Chekhov and others stayed. The building has been restored several times, but fragments of the walls of the 11th-12th centuries have survived.
In the suburbs of New Athos (in the village of Primorskoe) there is a hydrogen sulfide spring. The reservoir is popular among travelers for its revitalizing mud, clean air, etc.
On the basis of the springs was built hydropathic hospital, open to tourists. There are swimming pools with mineral water, sulfurated baths, rest rooms, etc.
You can get to the beautiful areas by car or on tour buses in groups.
Natural attractions in the vicinity
The resort town of Pitsunda is located in a picturesque place. In the vicinity of the village grow subtropical plants, ancient trees. There are multi-level waterfalls, mountain lakes, etc. in the area. Many of the sites have the status of national treasures.
Pitsundo-Musser Reserve
The reserve is located on the coastal territories in the north-west of Abkhazia, occupies part of the Pitsundsky Peninsula. The area of protected lands is about 4 thousand hectares. The climate is humid, warm, subtropical type.
The status of protected areas was given to prevent logging. There are more than 800 plant species in the Pitsundo-Musser Reserve, including. relict, endemic, Red Book.
In addition to pines, oaks, alders, hornbeams, beeches, etc. grow on the territory. Some of the trees are about 200 years old. The length of the groves of evergreens is about 7 km in coastal areas.
Forest plantations feed water bodies:
- Lake Inkith;
- Musser River, Ryapsha River, Ambra River.
Rare protected plants include:
- relic pines;
- Iberian oak;
- colchic boxwood;
- winged lapin;
- strawberry tree.
Rare species of herbaceous protected plants:
- Caucasian hellebore;
- podladannik red;
- royal fern;
- Needleberry of Colchis, etc.
Relict Grove of Pines
Up to 200 hectares of the Pitsundsky Reserve are occupied by relict pine trees. Conifers are distinguished by their unusual needles. The ancient grove helps maintain a stable microclimate in the region. The trees are protected by the state. The oldest pines reach a girth of 50 meters and a height of over 7 meters.
Bamboo Grove
There is a bamboo grove on a small plot of land next to the city’s Central Beach. The area is guarded by the local administration, and damage to the plantings is prohibited.
Some specimens are as high as a 12-story building. Exotic herbaceous plants grow only in a small area and are not found elsewhere in Abkhazia.
Pitsunda embankment
After the thematic excursions you can walk along the promenade of Pitsunda. The area is landscaped, crowded, with infrastructure for tourists, recreational youth, children.
Pedestrian walkways paved with paving tiles, benches are installed in 3-4 meters. Along the waterfront are tall palm trees.
In the evening on the beach are street musicians, shows with colorful illumination. Travelers can examine the sculptural compositions, walk to the old towers, the lighthouse.
Lake Inkite
The reservoir was formed about 2-3 thousand years ago. Originally the lake was freshwater, but the streams later joined the saltwater streams. The length of the lake is 1.2 km, width – up to 500 m, maximum depth – 5 m. In picturesque places live owls, herons and other birds. The water in the lake has medicinal properties. There are more than 10 species of fish in Iquita.
In the 1930s, scientists and local historians discovered the ruins of port and defensive structures (towers, walls) at the bottom of the lake after research. Subsequently, as the study continued, the foundations of structures of ancient people, found objects of everyday life, etc. were discovered.
The Bzyb River
The full-flowing river Bzyb crosses the territory of Abkhazia and flows into the Black Sea. There are no ships on the waters, because. The movement of the streams is rapid. There are salmon and trout in the river.
The water is popular among lovers of rafting, rafting on mountain rivers. Tourists are advised to swim in the company of experienced instructors. Over the river Bzyb hinged bridge.
Gegsky waterfall
In the tour of natural attractions you can go to the Gegsky waterfall. It is located on the slopes of the Gagra Ridge, through which the rough river.
The cold water has punched a hole in the bedrock and falls picturesquely from the rocky cliffs. There are underground caves on the territory, which are studied by speleologists. At the waterfall repeatedly conducted shooting of Soviet films.
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First Gorge
The gorge is 3-5 km from Pitsunda in the village of Agarki. It hid monks who used the rocks for ascetic living, secluded for prayers.
That’s why the gorge is called the Monastic Gorge. Near the rocks there is a picturesque beach, landscaped for family vacations, diving divers. On the territory organized hiking along the gorge and to the Black Sea.
Remarkable architecture
On the territory of the city and in the vicinity, there are buildings from different eras. In Pitsunda there are structures, the remains of Roman buildings, buildings erected in the Soviet period.
Old Lighthouse
The signal lighthouse was built in the late 19th century and is 36 meters high. The first employees of the lighthouse lit the signal lights using kerosene. In 1950, the tower was electrified and a searchlight was installed.
Now the old lighthouse is not being used to give signals to sailors. The building had fallen into disrepair and the structures were corroded. It is forbidden to enter to prevent accidents. However, travelers can tour the area, take a photo shoot, and learn about the history of the structure. The lighthouse is a symbol of the city.
Esher dolmen
On the territory of Pitsunda preserved Esher dolmen. In this place several thousand years ago, ancient people buried the dead in tombs. The buildings were built of stone slabs. Dolmen was moved from the village Esher in the 70s of the 20th century and is part of the national park.
Old bus stops
Transport stops in Pitsunda are recognized as unusual sights. In the 1960s, creative architects created futuristic objects.
The designs of stops in the form of original compositions were developed by sculptor Z. Tsereteli. From the Soviet period of history have survived massive structures in the form of an octopus, rooster, waves, etc. There are also stops by the famous sculptor in Gagra and New Athos.
Gamsakhurdia Dacha
On the territory of the spa town preserved cottage of the Georgian writer and scientist K.S. Gamsakhurdia. The mansion was built in the mid-20th century. Gamsakhurdia wrote his artistic works, developed creative projects, etc.
The old water tower
The tower is located on the outskirts of Pitsunda. The building is rounded, brick, built in 1951. On the wall are preserved symbols of the Soviet period (pointed star, etc.).
The building is abandoned and not used as intended. However, the walls have survived. The tower is included in the state list of cultural heritage of Abkhazia as a monument of industrial architecture.
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Interesting facts about Pitsunda
When planning hiking trails, you can use interesting historical facts about the village:
- At least 9 movies were shot at the resort site. On the list: “Scarlet Sails,” “Guest from the Future,” etc.
- Pitsunda was part of Georgia, Abkhazia, the Russian and Ottoman empires, as well as the USSR.
- In the center of the city operates museum of local history, located in the former monastery, built in the 19th century. The building contains exhibits covering the history of the village. The departments contain household items of ancient people, pottery, tools, coins, remains of columns, sarcophagi and other artifacts found during archaeological excavations. The museum complex has preserved Roman, ancient Greek mosaics, ancient frescoes and icons.
- The “Divers” sculpture is considered a symbol of the spa town. The composition combines floating woman and man, depicting fish and dolphins. The complex was opened in 1969.
- In the vicinity of Pitsunda there is a picturesque Yupshara Canyon. The walls of the natural object are covered with moss and ivy stems. Nearby are ancient boxwood trees, flowing river Yupshara. The object can be reached by car on an asphalt road.
- There are small wineries near the spa town. The Gudauta factory was built in 1953 and its products were in demand in Abkhazia and the Soviet Union. Since the late 1980s, however, the winery has been closed. Today the production facilities are in use again. The plant was reorganized. Modern enterprise is private, there is a tasting room. Visitors are offered to try popular Abkhazian cognacs and wines. Interesting tours are organized in the building. On the territory is open store with products of its own production.
The city is famous for its organ and classical music concerts held at the Patriarchal Cathedral.
