Abkhazia has become one of the most popular holiday destinations since Soviet times. 40 years ago, such Abkhaz resorts as Gagra and Pitsunda were considered prestigious and were not accessible to everyone, but nowadays anyone can go there.
Sandy-pebble beaches of Pitsunda are not so as crowded as the coasts of Turkey or Bulgaria. Tourists who value peace and solitude have every chance to relax here from the hustle and bustle, as well as improve their health.
The mild climate, air saturated with essential oils and the proximity of the sea in themselves have a healing effect on visitors, and local sanatoriums offer health programs for people with diseases of the respiratory tract, nervous and circulatory system.
Despite the calm prevailing in Pitsunda, young people will not have to be bored – in the evening, modern nightclubs and bars open in the city center. The thrill will come from rafting down the mountain river, which becomes the fastest and most turbulent during the hot months.
If the vacation time was in August, vacationers can join the annual celebration of Neptune Day. Protected groves are located around the resort, where horseback riding and hiking are organized, and remote corners of the beach are perfect for diving and fishing.
You can also come to Pitsunda to hunt lake birds and game. Of course if an appropriate shooting license was purchased.
There are many historically significant sights and traces of ancient settlements on the territory of the city and nearby villages. And after exploring all the charms of Pitsunda, you can go with an excursion to Lake Ritsa or to any neighboring Abkhaz city.
Lake Ritsa
Among the advantages of the resort is its safety. People who come to Pitsunda with children do not have to worry about the cleanliness of the beaches or the quality of service in hotels.
Young tourists can be entertained by visiting the water park or numerous cafes. Besides, children will surely enjoy the abundance of fresh fruits and juices, and adults can pamper themselves with spicy dishes of national cuisine, as well as aromatic Abkhaz wine.
Attractions
The first settlement appeared here still in the 4th century BC, later on the cape, the Greeks founded the ancient port and city of Pitiunt. At the end of the 2nd – the beginning of the 1st century BC, the city was a member of the Pontine kingdom.
At the end of the 1st century BC, a Roman fortress was built in the city, and in the 4th century it was the center of Christianity was founded.
In 404, while traveling to Pitsunda, St. John Chrysostom died – Archbishop of Constantinople. The tomb for the saint was built under the altar of the main city cathedral, and a small particle of John's relics was kept in it. The main part was transported to Constantinople.
Since 780, the city was part of the Abkhazian kingdom, and at the end of the 10th century – as part of the united Abkhaz-Georgian state.
The Genoese trading post was located here in the 14-15 centuries.
In the 17-18 centuries the city was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and at the beginning of the 19th century became part of the Russian Empire.
During archaeological excavations carried out in the 1950s, the remains of temples, as well as residential and fortifications.
Patriarchal Cathedral
Another interesting attraction in the city is style =" mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Relict Pitsunda Pine Reserve ... The entire reserve stretches along the coast for 4 kilometers and territorially covers about 200 hectares. The Pitsunda pine has managed to reach our time as part of the flora of the Tertiary period. The natural healing properties of pine have been appreciated since ancient times. Today this rare natural monument is a state reserve and is subject to strict protection.
Also, being in the city, it is worth visiting the style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Museum of Military Glory, in the exposition of which you can see documents, objects, photographs dedicated to the Georgian-Abkhaz war (1992 -1993).
It will also be interesting to visit the religious style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lake Inkit, which is the largest on the Pitsunda peninsula. Many legends and legends were associated with the lake. According to some reports, the lake once served as the inner harbor of Pitius, it is assumed that this is one of the places where the ships of Alexander the Great were stationed.
August is famous for its grandiose style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">holiday style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Neptune, as well as the international style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">boxing tournament. Organ music evenings are held every Friday in the main temple of the city. Also, throughout the year, various concerts are held in Pitsunda, in which pop groups take part.
