Pitsunda attracts tourists primarily with its unique nature: relic pine forest, clear sea, wide beaches. There are few historical buildings here, but they deserve attention.
Pitiunt
The main monument of Pitsunda is the ruins of the ancient city of Pitiunt. Today it is an archaeological complex located on the site of an ancient settlement, the predecessor of modern Pitsunda. On the territory of the complex there is a temple of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the construction of which dates back to the beginning of the 10th century. Today, the church, equipped with an organ, is used as a concert hall with 360 seats. Concerts are held here daily from June to November at 17:00 and 20:00. The frescoes of the 16th century preserved on the walls of the temple help to feel the beauty of music. Under the altar is the tomb of John Chrysostom, who died on the way to Pitsunda in 407. The relics of the saint were subsequently transported to Constantinople, and a particle of his ashes is kept in the Pitsunda church today.
Here, on the territory of ancient Pitiunt, in the building of a former monastery of the 19th century, the Museum of the History of Pitsunda operates. The exposition presents finds of the Stone and Bronze Ages discovered here during archaeological excavations.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. At the entrance to the territory of the archaeological complex on Gibtsa Street, 2, there are two ticket offices – a museum and a concert one. A tour of the museum will cost 50 RUB, and a concert visit will cost 500 RUB.
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Embankment of Pitsunda
On the embankment of Pitsunda there is a famous sculpture by Zurab Tsereteli “Divers”, which is considered one of the symbols of the resort town. The sculpture, depicting two bathers and marine animals, was installed in 1967, and, like any work by Tsereteli, immediately caused a flurry of both admiration and disapproval.
Excursions
A varied excursion program offered by the tourist offices of the city includes trips to Gagra, to Sukhum, to the unique lake Ritsa, to the Gegsky waterfall, to New Athos, to the Simono-Kananitsky monastery. All these objects are very different in their essence, but they are all equally interesting. Excursions are organized both for large groups and for mini-groups of several people, which is very convenient for small companies.
5 things to do in Pitsunda
- Take a picture against the backdrop of amazingly clear local water.
- Try suluguni in one of the local cafes.
- Walk along the cypress alley.
- Visit an organ concert in the Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
- As a souvenir, buy a small clay pot.
Pitsunda for children
Rest in Pitsunda is a good opportunity to improve both your health and the health of your child. The air filled with coniferous aroma, dry subtropical climate, the cleanest shallow sea with a comfortable temperature – what else do you need for a pleasant pastime? True, the infrastructure of Pitsunda still lags behind that in the Russian Black Sea region. But most boarding houses have playgrounds and rooms where the child will find something to do. Attractions on the embankment are limited to the rental of children’s cars and trampolines. The issue of traveling to Pitsunda with children is covered in more detail here.
Holidays and events
In recent years, the city has been doing everything to ensure that the stay of holidaymakers in Pitsunda is filled not only with the advantages that the Black Sea climate gives, but also with interesting entertainment. Therefore, many restaurants offer their guests a variety of show programs, and celebrities often give concerts in the concert halls of boarding houses. Every year in August, the day of Neptune takes place, in which, without exaggeration, all vacationers take part. During this holiday, local amateur groups perform.
The climate of Pitsunda is subtropical humid Mediterranean. Precipitation (approximately 1400 mm per year) falls in the form of rain mainly in the warm season. Immediately after the showers, hot sunny weather sets in. There are few cloudy days here. Due to frequent sea breezes, there is no intense heat. The presence of pine and cypress alleys also helps to keep the relative coolness of the Pitsunda air.
Unlike Gagra, Pitsunda is located in a lowland, the mountains here are located 10-15 km from the coast. This makes the climate in Pitsunda not as humid as in Gagra.
The hottest month is August. The holiday season begins in May and peaks in late July – early August.