The Patriarchal cathedral of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Pitsunda is a tenth-century church in the heart of ancient Pityus and one of the main historical sights of the Abkhazian coast. The mighty stone walls and the dome rise above the pine greenery of the resort, and the contrast of a beach town with thousand-year-old architecture leaves a strong impression.
In the Middle Ages the cathedral was the centre of the Abkhazian Catholicosate, the chief see of the whole church province, and the status still reads in the scale of the building. The church stands within the Great Pityus historical and architectural reserve, with the Pitsunda lighthouse and the relict pine grove within walking distance.
The cathedral has a second life: an organ is installed inside, and in the summer season the acoustics under the ancient vaults gather listeners from all over the coast. The visit asks ordinary museum courtesy: a quiet step, care for the walls and no loud talk under the dome.
📜 Of interest
- A tenth-century cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Andrew
- The heart of ancient Pityus, the Great Pityus reserve
- An organ under thousand-year-old vaults, with summer concerts
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the centre of Pitsunda, the entrance from the temple complex side
- The Build Route button will show the exact way
✍️ Do you know this place? Leave a review on Madloba, so other travellers can find it sooner.
