High up in the mountains spread among woods and rocks of the Main Caucasian Ridge known as the Abkhazian Alps or the Abkhazian Caucasus shines like a blue sapphire incomparable mountain lake named Ritza.

This famous lake which was praised by various poets in their perfect songs gave its name to Hotel “Ritza”. Lake itself is surrounded by a pair of mountains called Agapsta and Acetuk. Just the opposite laid majestic rocks of Pshagushuha.
There are many legends dedicated to this amazing lake.

One of them tells the following story:
“Long, long ago there was a valley at the place of present-day lake. A small, calm river ran through this valley. Beautiful girl grazed sheeps and goats on its banks. Her name was Ritza. She had three brothers: the eldest – Agapsta, medium - Acetuk and the youngest – Pshagushuha.
One day Ritza waited for her brothers to return from hunting. She laid on the river’s bank and began to sing. Everyone around were charmed by her fascinating song. Even noisy birds quieted down and rapid river stopped running to listen to Ritza’s singing.
Unfortunately, she has been heard by two forest robbers Gera and Jupshara. They went furtively closer to the girl and seized her. Captive Ritza began screaming for help. The falcon saw this meanness and flew away to her brothers. They stopped hunting and ran quickly to help feeble sister.The youngest brother threw his giant shield to disable bandits but could not reach them. His shield fell into the river and dammed it up. Water poured over the banks and a vast lake formed in front of Ritza. Proud girl wept and jumped in the lake. Affected brothers petrified and turned into mountains.
Since then they still keep eternal sleep of Ritza.”