Kislovodsk is a famous health resort, an ancient city with a rich history and architecture, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Getting acquainted with the beautiful, here you strengthen your health. The main places of the city are Kislovodsky Park and Kurortny Boulevard, where the most interesting sights are concentrated. It takes more than one day to see the entire park. Lermontov places deserve special attention, many of them are described in the writer's works.
The city has long-standing cultural traditions, which are continued by the Philharmonic Society, the Yaroshenko and Chaliapin Museums, the Fortress Historical Museum. There are many interesting things in the vicinity of Kislovodsk. Cliffs of rare beauty near the castle of "Treachery and Love", the famous Ring Mountain, waterfalls and springs are included in all the compulsory routes. It will take several days to get to know all the sights.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of popular attractions. He will help you plan routes for exploring the city on your own in 1-3 days.
Kislovodsk National Park
The largest city park in Europe and the pearl of Kislovodsk, is a monument of landscape architecture, as well as a specially protected natural area. The park features rare species of flora and fauna, and the air has a unique composition due to specially selected tree species. The main entrance is located in the city center, near the Narzan Gallery. The park is located on the slopes of the Dzhinal ridge. The area is 966 hectares.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Stavropol Territory.
Kurortny Boulevard
The most beautiful pedestrian zone in Kislovodsk. The boulevard, 500 meters long, looks like a street in a quiet European town. The construction of the city began from this place, there are old sanatoriums, monuments, cafes and shops, as well as the famous singing fountain. You can endlessly walk among a variety of architectural forms, bright flower beds. It starts from the Colonnade and goes to Kirov Street, the Olkhovka River flows parallel to the park.
Narzan gallery
For the first time, a source of mineral waters was built at this place in 1823. The gallery acquired its modern look in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. This is the central place where, after drinking the water, you can go for a medical walk in the park. The building is recognized as an architectural monument, inside it is decorated with marble, small museum exhibitions have been added. There are three types of narzan available in the sources, doctors give recommendations on their use on the spot.
Main Narzan Baths
The building of one of the first Kislovodsk sanatoriums is recognized as an architectural monument of federal significance. The construction of the complex was completed in 1906. It is located on Kurortny Boulevard, near the intersection with Vokzalnaya Street. The ensemble in the Indian colonial style is decorated with stucco, multi-tiered turrets, unique majolica mosaics. In 2015 - 2018, reconstruction was carried out, the original historical appearance was revived, a sanatorium was opened.
Cable car
The cable car is laid in the Kurortny Park, the launch site is called the "Temple of Air", it is easy to find the way to it following the signs. Finish - at the highest point of the park, called the "Olympic Complex", there are views of the city, the park, the surrounding mountains and Elbrus. Two cabins run along the route, from above you can see the Valley of Roses, Blue Stones. It is open all year round, from 10 am to 5 pm, with a lunch break; in bad weather it can be closed.
Gazebo "Seven Winds"
The observation deck at the top of the park at an altitude of 1,130 meters above sea level offers views of the city and the park. The picturesque open gazebo is blown by all the winds, which is what determined its name. Made in the form of a dome on four columns, inside there are benches for travelers to rest. You can climb here on a long walking route or descend from the upper cable car station.
Terrenkurs
An important healing component of the Kislovodsk Park is its terrenkurs, walking routes. They are designed to be overcome by people with different medical conditions. A total of 5 terrainks were laid, they differ in complexity and length (from 1,000 to 10,400 meters). There is also a hiking trail, the most difficult one, which leads to the Maloye Sedlo mountain. All routes are marked in the park with plates of different colors, indicating the angle of inclination and distance from the Narzan Gallery.
Attractions of the Kurortny Park
The most iconic and popular places of the Kurortny Park, which are visited and seen by all tourists and vacationers in Kislovodsk.
Valley of Roses
In summer, this place can be called not only the most beautiful place in the park, but also the most fragrant. More than 35 varieties of roses are planted on the territory of 2 hectares, the flowering time is different for everyone, thanks to which the Valley of Roses is beautiful from June to September. The main flowerbed is made in the form of a huge rose flower, then rose gardens are arranged in the form of a sun and a chessboard. A shady alley framed by thujas is laid along the Valley. In the evening, everything is beautifully highlighted.
Colonnade of the Spa Park
A significant place both for the residents of Kislovodsk and for tourists. Here appointments are made, excursions begin. A two-tiered structure of snow-white columns is located at the entrance to the park. The construction is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the victory over Napoleon, initially there was a coffee shop, an orchestra played. The original appearance has been completely preserved. Today, next to the Colonnade, they sell the most delicious ice cream in the city and souvenirs.
Lermontov area
Once upon a time there was a restaurant in this place, one of the favorite places of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov in Kislovodsk. He even described her in the novel A Hero of Our Time. Today, there is an architectural ensemble with a bust of the poet, to which two staircases lead. On the wall there are lines from the poem "Caucasus", and at the base of the stairs there is a grotto with a sculpture of an imprisoned demon. Located opposite the Colonnade.
Cascade staircase
The famous staircase leads to one of the entrances to the National Park on the north side. There are 170 steps going up the slope, the terraces of the stairs are decorated with flower beds and fountains. The upper part is crowned with a colonnade with an observation deck. Narrow shady galleries approach the site, where you can relax on the benches. Built in 1935 in the style of antique classics, it was restored in 2015, retaining its original appearance.
Flower calendar
On one of the slopes of the lower park there is an interesting landscape design object. This is a calendar made entirely of plants. The idea was first implemented in 1924, and is still supported. In the frame of thuja and juniper, flower beds in the form of inscriptions are arranged. Above is the name of the city, below it is a flower clock, and even below it is the year, month and day. Every night, even in winter, workers change the date.
Mirror Pond and Glass Stream
A beautiful quiet corner of the lower park, where there is a man-made pond with a gazebo and a waterfall. The pond was carved out of the limestone back in 1860, there was always clean cool fresh water. The current gazebo with stained glass vaults is a reconstruction of the original version. The clear water in the pond is always replenished with an artificial waterfall that flows directly from under the gazebo. The pond is decorated with sculptures of bathing children.
Monument to M. Yu. Lermontov
One of the newest sculptures in Kislovodsk, installed in the early 2000s. Initially, the monument was located at the top of the Red Sun, the four-meter figure personifies the poet sitting on a stone and looking into the distance, towards Elbrus.Later it was moved to the Lermontovskaya embankment of Olkhovka. In 2017, after a lengthy debate, it was decided to return the sculpture back to the mountain. Poetry evenings are held here every year
Sculpture "Crocodile" in the Valley of Roses
Visitors to the Valley of the Roses do not immediately notice this sculpture, but all because it disguises itself in the surrounding landscape as well as a real reptile. The crocodile is 4 meters long, it lies on the stones with its mouth open and sparkling with sharp teeth. An excellent background for a photo shoot in nature and comic shots of hunting a terrible monster. The sculpture was created in the post-war years by the staff of the park.
Temple of Air
The air of the Kislovodsk park is so valuable that a temple was even built for him here. It is a pavilion with a classic semi-rotunda on six columns, to which a wide staircase rises. The temple was created in 1914; it has always served as a good resting place for travelers. Today, here you can also hide from the bad weather, sit in the reading room, try herbal tea. Located in the upper park, next to the lower cable car station.
Red stones
In the Kislovodsk Park there are outcrops of ancient rocks colored red. Many of them, under the influence of the sun and wind, took bizarre shapes, such as, for example, a rock with a snake's face. Near the sanatorium "Red stones" there is a large rock group on which a bas-relief of Lenin is installed. Previously, a bas-relief was carved into this rock, but was destroyed by an earthquake. The second group of stones is decorated with the symbol of the city - an eagle sculpture. There are two observation decks next to it.
Bridge "Ladies' Caprice"
The name of the bridge is associated with a romantic story about a gentleman who, wishing to fulfill the whim of his lady, built a stone bridge for her across Olkhovka. Before that, it was very inconvenient to climb the stones. From the bridge it is interesting to observe the turbulent river, to observe the rocks in the clear water. On the opposite bank there is a stone grotto with benches. It is located next to the Kavkaz sanatorium.
Cultural landmarks of Kislovodsk
Interesting museums and cultural and educational places that can be visited in the city.
Museum-estate of the artist N. A. Yaroshenko
The museum was founded in 1956, located on the site of the former estate of a famous artist in the city center. The manor complex contains three exhibition buildings: the White Villa, where the artist lived and worked, and two outbuildings. The estate has retained the spirit of the noble life; an arboretum and a park with a fountain are arranged here. The museum exhibits the works of Yaroshenko, itinerant artists, changing exhibitions are held. The artist's grave is located nearby, on the territory of St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Museum "Dacha Shalyapin"
A beautiful atmospheric place where you can get acquainted with the atmosphere that was during the life of the great singer, visit music and literary evenings, children's music festivals. The Art Nouveau mansion built in 1903 was rented by Chaliapin for his family. The estate also has a second building where the Russian Emigration Museum and an exhibition dedicated to Solzhenitsyn are located. They also conduct excursions to Shalyapin places in the city. Located next to the train station.
Historical and Local Lore Museum "Fortress"
The construction of the city began from this place, in 1803 a military fortification was built by order of Alexander I. Later, the fortress was rebuilt several times, and it took on its modern appearance in the 50s of the XIX century. The museum has three exhibition halls, which tell about the history of the city and the life of the indigenous peoples, and contain ancient archaeological finds. A memorial stone is installed in front of the fortress wall, the inscription on which reads: "Kislovodsk was founded here"
Philharmonic named after V.I.Safonov
The Philharmonic has more than a century of history and is also a major cultural center throughout the country. It includes eleven concert halls in different cities of the KMV. The main building - the Resort Hall in Kislovodsk, built in 1895, is located next to the station. Chaliapin, Rachmaninov, Isadora Duncan performed here, Kuprin read his stories. The Philharmonic Society regularly invites famous artists and holds art exhibitions.
Theater-Museum "Grace"
In a beautiful old mansion from 1896, not far from the Cascade Stairs, there is a cozy theater, as well as a museum exposition. Previously, the Kislovodsk teacher Agafonov lived here, and he started the tradition of giving theatrical performances to vacationers. In 1992, the home theater was revived. After the theatrical performances, dinner begins with a theatrical presentation of dishes. The museum is dedicated to famous people associated with the city: Kolchak, Mayakovsky, Sikorsky.
Cult places of Kislovodsk
The most famous and beautiful churches and temples of the city.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
The main temple of the city is located on Mira Avenue. Originally on this site there was a wooden church built in 1803. Later, a stone temple was created, blown up during the Soviet era. And only in 1999 the revival took place, the new temple was built exactly in the image of the lost one. The tall building with five domes can be seen from many points of the city and Kurortny Park. The church has an Orthodox gymnasium, a museum, an Orthodox hospital.
Church of St. Vardan Mamikonian
The church is located on one of the highest hills in the city and belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church. This area of the city was historically considered Armenian. Construction was carried out from 1992 to 1997, the consecration took place in honor of the hero commander, canonized. The building is made in the style of ancient Armenian architecture, faced with Armenian pink tuff. Nearby there is a memorial "Bell of Memory" in memory of the repressions.
Church of Panteleimon the Healer
This church is also called Red by the townspeople, for the color of its walls. Initially, the temple was built of red brick; F.I. Chaliapin, he was a frequent visitor and even sang at services. In 1918, A.I. Solzhenitsyn. In Soviet times, the temple was lost, and a new one began to be built in 2002. The walls of the new temple are also red, with white trim, seven golden domes have been installed.
Holy Cross Church
The temple on Kislovodsk Pedestrian Street is considered a regional cultural heritage site. At the beginning of the 19th century there was a wooden Cossack church, later a stone church was built, which was destroyed in the Soviet years. In 1986, construction began on a new church, which gave wide publicity throughout the world. The construction was completed by the millennium of Orthodoxy in Russia. The church contains shrines, three miraculous icons.
Natural sights of Kislovodsk
Rock "Castle of Cunning and Love"
The northwestern outskirts of the city are bordered by a high rocky cliff formed by the mountain river Alikonovka. The rocks here look like dilapidated fortress walls, and if you come closer, you can see the outlines of faces in them. Many legends have been invented about the unfortunate lovers who died here. They say that in the upper grotto, Chaliapin sang the Demon's aria. A restaurant and hotel were built next to the rock, in the style of an ancient castle.
Ring mountain
The natural monument is one of the capes of the Borgustan ridge, built of sandstone. Time and nature itself exuded the mountain with caves, and the uppermost of them became through. This ring with a diameter of about 10 meters is clearly visible from afar. The place became one of the symbols of the city, it was described by Lermontov in the novel "A Hero of Our Time". Tourists believe that standing inside the ring is a good luck.
Lermontovsky waterfall
The waterfall on Olkhovka is located on the southern outskirts of the city. Here the river falls down a stepped cliff made of rock layers from a height of about 5 meters. It is believed that this is the place described by Lermontov in the story "Princess Mary". The writer was fascinated by the beauty of this place and often came to him. There are low caves in the rocks near the waterfall.You can get here from the city along Prudnaya Street.
Lermontovskaya rock
The famous rock is located a few kilometers from the city. A light yellow sandstone formation rises above the Olkhovka valley. The steep slopes are stepped, layered. It is believed that it was here that the duel between Pechorin and Grushnitsky took place in the novel "A Hero of Our Time". To get to the rock, you have to take a walk through very beautiful places, past caves and rocks. The place has archaeological value.
Mountains Big and Small Saddle
The highest mountain is Kavminvod, the Big Saddle, 1409 meters high, and the Small Saddle, 1325 meters. They got their names due to their outlines, each of them has two peaks with a concave saddle between them. Maloye Sadlo is a part of the Kislovodsk park, you can go to the top along a hiking trail. Further there are paths to the Big Saddle, from where views of all Kavminvody and Elbrus open up.
Attractions for children
Interesting places and tourist sites where you can go with children.
Kislovodsk Dolphinarium
The dolphinarium has been operating since 2008 and is located on the southern outskirts of the city. The program involves bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and seals, walruses, sea lions, beluga whales. The pets dance, sing, perform tricks and even paint pictures for the audience to purchase. The dolphinarium is equipped with the latest technology, the water is as close as possible to the composition of the sea. Shows are given five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Circus named after G.M.Trakhtenberg
The only circus on Kavminvody was built more than 40 years ago. The high-domed glass and concrete building has a unique 13-meter arena and is also capable of accommodating over 1,500 spectators. The circus is named after the first leader, who set a high level of performances here. The best troupes of the country always come here. The circus is located on Victory Avenue.
Amusement park and ferris wheel
The park was created in Soviet times. Despite the fact that the rides have been updated long ago, many adults will be able to transfer themselves to the atmosphere of childhood. There are carousels for different ages, a laugh room, a shooting gallery. The most popular attraction is the Ferris wheel. Diameter 28 meters, open cabins, with awnings and a rudder for changing the position of the module. Due to the fact that the park is located on a high hill, the view opens from the first seconds of the ascent.
Singing fountain
The brightest and most popular place in Kurortny Boulevard. The fountain is especially beautiful in the evening, when the beautiful lighting turns on and the real show begins. The jets change direction, pitch and tempo to the music, as if dancing. The show is complemented by a change of colors and flashes of fire. The combination of music, water, light and fire is literally mesmerizing. The diameter of the bowl of the fountain is 21 meters, and the jets rise up to 15 meters in height.
Monuments and monuments of Kislovodsk
The most famous modern and historical monuments and memorials of the city.
Monument "Cranes"
The monument is located next to the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Dedicated to the memory of the residents of Kislovodsk who did not return from the front, built in 1978. The 12-meter stele is crowned with three flying cranes, and at the foot there are figures of women accompanying them on their way. An eternal flame is burning nearby. In the year of the 60th anniversary of the victory, the Wall of Memory was installed, on which 5,500 names of the victims were inscribed
Monument to military heroes-doctors of the Great Patriotic War
During the Great Patriotic War, Kislovodsk received thousands of wounded for treatment, 37 hospitals were deployed on the basis of health resorts. In memory of the heroic deed of military doctors, a sculpture is installed that embodies the image of a nurse. The figure stands against the background of a concrete arch with an engraved medical cross, on a granite pedestal. A wide alley leads to the monument. It is located near the Main Narzan Baths.
Monument to F. Chaliapin
The monument to the great singer was erected in 2016 on the territory of the Chaliapin's Dacha Museum. The sculpture is 2.3 meters high, Chaliapin is depicted standing at a bench, with his beloved dog in his arms. Tourists love to be photographed sitting on a bench next to him. The monument was the first on the territory of the North Caucasus, these places occupied a special place in the life and work of Chaliapin.
Monument to Nicholas the Wonderworker
The monument to the patron saint of Kislovodsk was erected in front of the entrance to the Main Narzan Baths in 2016. The three-meter high bronze figure of the saint stands on a granite pedestal. The lively Kurortny Boulevard was chosen very symbolically, since during his lifetime the saint was often near his flock and preached. So now, Nicholas the Pleasant is among the people, with his right hand he blesses the city, and in his left he holds the Gospel.
Memorial cross on Krestovaya mountain
The mountain is known in Kislovodsk for the fact that the source of Narzan beats here, as well as for its unusual history. It received the name Krestovaya for the fact that an Orthodox cross was installed on its top from time immemorial. At first it was a small iron cross, later Count Rebrov installed a heavy stone one. Over time, everything was destroyed, and in 1991 the residents decided to restore the landmark.
Attractions in the vicinity of Kislovodsk
Interesting places near the city, where you can go on weekends by car.
Honey waterfalls
Just 20 km from Kislovodsk there is a mountainous area of extraordinary beauty. Honey waterfalls are located in Karachay-Cherkessia, in the crevice of the Alinovka mountain river. Once upon a time, wild bees were found here, in the spring melt water washed off the honeycomb, and the water became sweetish, honey. A tourist complex with a hotel, a banquet hall and summer cafes has been built on the waterfalls. Then you can go down into the crevice, there are only five waterfalls, the highest is 18 meters.
Kislovodsk mountain astronomical station
The branch of the Pulkovo Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences is located 28 km south of the city, on the Shatdzhatmaz mountain plateau. The height of the station is 2,096 meters above sea level. Due to the purity and transparency of the air, as well as the large number of clear days a year, work is underway here to study the activity of the Sun. The entrance to the station is open for excursion groups, you can look through a telescope, accommodation in a hotel is possible. The plateau offers views of Elbrus and Elbrus.
Valley of the Narzan
The valley of the Hsaut river has more than 20 sources of natural mineral water. It is surrounded on all sides by high hills, offering beautiful views of Elbrus. The springs are in their natural state; water is called cold boiling water for its constant boiling. The area around is quite wild, the camp site has not been working for a long time. It is located 34 km south of Kislovodsk. Nearby are the warm springs of Jila Su.
Ski resort "Pine Paradise" on Mount Baran
The ski resort closest to Kislovodsk is only 10 km south. There are two drag lifts, ski and toboggan runs. There are instructors and equipment rental, there are heated houses with a view of the slopes and eateries. The houses are suitable for living and organizing parties. In summer, horseback riding to the Narzan Valley and to the Djila Su tract, as well as jeep tours, are arranged here.
