Pitsunda temple, Abkhazia: description, history, schedule and interesting facts

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:54

The temple in the city of Pitsunda is known not only for its interesting history, but also for its organ, which both tourists and locals from all over the area come to listen to. In this publication, we will talk about the sights of this city that will surprise every traveler.

History of the city

The history of the city of Pitiunt, which previously stood where modern Pitsunda is now, begins with the founding by merchants of Greek origin. Back in the 2nd century AD, the Romans built a defensive structure here using the most modern technologies of that period. Already in the 4th century, the territory was supplemented by an ancient Christian church - the basilica.

Pitsunda Temple

At the end of the 5th - beginning of the 6th century, the basilica was decorated with magnificent painted mosaics, which consisted of patterns and drawings with various intricate plots. The emperor of Byzantium, Justinian the First, who at that time ruled over Pitsunda (VI century), wanted to give Pitius the status of a strategically important fortress of the CaucasianBlack Sea coast. In the 6th century, on the territory of the building, where the dilapidated temple already stood at that time, according to his orders, the building of a new even more majestic temple was erected. The year 541 was marked by the first baptism of the Abkhazians in history, and it was at this place that the episcopal chair was located. The remains of some medieval churches in the Pitsunda complex were discovered by archaeologists in the middle of the last century. When the Abkhazian kingdom had already reached its heyday, in the 9th-10th centuries. built a new church that was built using bricks.

In the 16th century, the Pitsunda temple was renovated, and a tomb with richly painted walls and a patterned ceiling was erected on the territory of the western wing. Already in the 17th century, during the threat of a Turkish attack, the Abkhazian Catholicoses moved their chair to the Georgian city of Gelati. The building of the cathedral turned out to be abandoned, however, as before, locals and foreigners came to take oaths at the Pitsunda temple. His story didn't end there. The Zaporizhian army stopped on its territory on the way to the Turkish lands. In the 19th century, the temple was again consecrated and reconstructed. The building of the chapel, which was located not far from it, was built by New Athos monks with the help of well-preserved remains. Today, services have been held on its territory for 25 years. New Athos clergy hold a liturgy and baptize locals.

Organ in Pitsunda Church

In 1975, the church was installedorgan created by the Schucke firm in Potsdam. In addition, the concert hall was rebuilt at the same time. And until now, in the ancient building of the cathedral, you can hear works written by J. S. Bach and other great composers. Concerts of Abkhazian and Russian artists are held here, which gather those who love academic music. The church stage and the territory of the ancient building every year invites members of the Moscow Music Viva Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Rudin, as well as the Chamber Orchestra of the Moscow Conservatory, conducted by Felix Korobov, to the Khibla Gerzmava festival. Here you can hear works performed by Elena Obraztsova, the famous pianist Denis Matsuev, the Moscow Virtuosos orchestra headed by V. Spivakov and other famous artists performing classical music. Svyatoslav Belz has been the permanent host of festival performances for many years now. In addition, he is a famous Russian musicologist.

Controversial issue

Six years ago, in 2010, the Abkhaz society discussed controversial issues about the organ in the Pitsunda temple. Members of the diocese assured the authorities that the cathedral was the seat of the old episcopate, and therefore the instrument should be moved. However, due to the influence of public opinion, the issue of the Pitsunda temple was postponed. More than one hundred thousand euros were provided in the budget for the overhaul of the organ. This moment indicated that the issue of transferring the tool to some other future building was being postponed. Actually, like the returnepiscopate of the ancient Pitsunda church. The organ is unique in the post-Soviet space. A large number of well-known musicians came to his defense, including all the best organists, as well as such famous artists as Elena Obraztsova, V. Spivakov and Kh. Gerzmava.

Specialists came to the State Concert Hall in the Pitsunda Church to repair the organ. This happened in 2011 under the leadership of the same company from Potsdam. The instrument was created by one of the most famous masters in German classical organ building - Hans Jochaim Schucke.

Famous musicians who gave concerts in the organ hall

Concerts in the Pitsunda temple since the hall was opened have been given by members of the Abkhaz State Chapel, led by the People's Artist of the Republic of Adygea Nora Adzhindzhal, and the leading soloists of the State Philharmonic Society of Abkhazia were also present. Performances were held with the participation of the following musicians: G. Tatevosyan, A. Otrba, G. Avidzba; in addition, representatives of the State Symphony Orchestra conducted by A. Khagba and V. Aiba, and many others. In the hall of the Pitsunda temple, Abkhaz artists can demonstrate their talent. Russian musicians do the same. The concerts are attended by a large number of tourists who come here to listen to the works of classical composers, as well as local residents.

Concert Schedule

Today they play in the cathedralboth guest artists giving concerts, which can be seen on posters, and regular musicians. One of them is Luka Gadelia, who plays in the church as one of the members of the chamber orchestra every Thursday. Also, the music performed by him can be heard solo on Sunday, if you come to the Pitsunda Church (the schedule of Sunday concerts is constant - the performance starts at 5 pm).