Matsesta is a sculptural composition in Sochi. History, photos, description and address

In Sochi and the surrounding area there are many interesting and very beautiful places. One of them is the Sochi micro district of Matsesta, known all over the world for its curative hydrogen sulfide springs and the health resorts built on their base. The main attraction of the resort of Matsesta is a sculptural composition depicting a young girl personifying this locality.

The Legend of Matsesta

In a literal translation from the Ubykh "Matsesta" - this is "fiery water". The Sochi region received its historical name due to the abundance of hydrogen sulfide sources. With this area is associated with many romantic ancient traditions, one of them tells of a proud and brave girl.

Highlander Kerenduk looked at the reflection of the moon in the watery surface when his daughter was born. The water seemed to burn, that's how the father came up with the name for the newborn - Matsesta, or Fire Water. Kerenduk always dreamed of an heir, and the birth of the girl somewhat upset him. Matsesta from early childhood understood this and always tried to be more like a brave young man, rather than a shy girl. When her parents grew old and began to get sick, the girl decided to take the courageous step-to get medicinal water for them. Matsesta knew the legend, according to which, in one cave beats a therapeutic underground spring. The source of the Spirit protects the mountain. The brave girl was not afraid to go down into the cave. Matsesta defeated the spirit of the mountain, but she could not return from the dungeon.

Since the very victory, hot waters are being beaten from under the earth and are accessible to people. The resort was named after a brave girl who sacrificed herself for the sake of the common good. It is likely that it was on the motives of this beautiful legend that Matsesta was created - a sculptural composition.

Description of unusual monument

Gurlev Iraida Yakovlevna - a talented Sochi sculptor who created the original composition of Matsesta. For its creation, the master used a local stone - a dense sandstone of light color. A sculptural composition depicts a girl embracing a mountain, from under her one hand a fountain follows. According to the idea of the author, the figure grows out of the rock and looks as if it was created by nature itself. Despite its simplicity, Matsesta is a sculptural composition that conveys a lot of emotions.

The girl looks both very strong and majestic, but her features are soft and feminine. Near the main composition there is a stylized plate with a carved inscription "Matse-sta" - a pointer to the microdistrict and the resort of Matsesta.

Sculptural composition in our days

A monument based on ancient legends and legends appeared in Sochi in 1968. The sculpture was very popular with local residents and was popular with holidaymakers. Until the mid-90s of the last century, the territory on which the monument is located was in the department of the Scientific Research Institute of Spa and Physiotherapy. At that time, Matsesta (sculptural composition) was maintained in good condition, regularly cleaned of debris and restored. Since the mid-1990s, the monument was abandoned because of the relocation of the research institute. In 2001-2002, The sculpture suffered from the fall of the tree. For many years, care for the unique monument was carried out exclusively by local volunteers and public organizations. And only in 2013, Matsesta was recognized as an object of cultural heritage of the Krasnodar Territory. At the moment, the monument is still waiting for an expensive professional restoration.

Where is the sculpture of Matsesta?

Tourists, vacationers in Sochi, have a unique opportunity to see this unusual work of art with their own eyes. The monument is located at the intersection of Kurortny Prospect and Cheltenham Mall. Despite its modern condition, the sculptural composition looks impressive. The neighborhood of Matsesta (Sochi) has not so many cultural and historical sights. The sculpture dedicated to him is one of the most interesting and impressive among them.