The 1983 postcard captures a bustling cityscape of Sukhumi, the capital of the Abkhaz ASSR, with the dominant architecture of the city’s central part.
What is shown on the postcard
In the foreground, a wide street with vehicular traffic, predominantly Soviet-era cars like VAZ and Moskvich models, is visible. To the left stands a multi-story building with a clock tower and a pointed spire, topped with a red star. The street is lined with lush palm trees and other subtropical vegetation, typical of the Black Sea coast. Other buildings and greenery are visible in the distance.
Historical note
The building with the clock tower depicted on the postcard is the famous Hotel Ritsa (formerly San Remo), built in 1914 according to the designs of architects A. Svirin and I. Mechetin. Located on the embankment, it was one of Sukhumi’s architectural landmarks. During the Soviet era, the city was a renowned resort, attracting tourists from across the USSR. Lenin Street, mentioned in the postcard’s title, was one of the city’s main thoroughfares, reflecting the ideological orientation of that period.
Present day
Currently, Hotel Ritsa continues to operate after restoration, maintaining its historical appearance and status as one of Sukhum’s (the modern name of the city) hallmarks. Lenin Street, like many other toponyms, has been renamed. The historical city center retains its resort atmosphere, although the political situation and past conflicts have left their mark on the region’s development.
Location (map)
Address: Makhadzhirov Embankment, 2, Sukhum
Coordinates: 43.003926, 40.999652
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates correspond to the location of Hotel Ritsa, the dominant building with a clock tower depicted on the postcard..
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the 1983 postcard from Sukhumi? The postcard shows a central street in Sukhumi with cars in motion and the famous Hotel Ritsa with its clock tower, surrounded by palm trees and other vegetation.
- What was the historical name of the street featured in the postcard? The postcard indicates it was Lenin Street, a central thoroughfare of Sukhumi during the Soviet period.
- Which building with a clock tower is visible on the postcard? This is Hotel Ritsa, built in 1914 as Hotel San Remo, one of Sukhumi’s architectural landmarks.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Sukhumi from 1983.
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