Zheleznovodsk is the smallest resort town in the Caucasian Mineral Waters region. Its main advantages are clean air, mountainous terrain around and the presence of mineral springs, the waters of which have medicinal properties. Most of the city's vacationers prefer sanatorium vacations. The level of local hospitals meets international standards for the quality of medical services provided, the basis of treatment is the use of balneology.
The area around Zheleznovodsk is called Pyatigorye, although there are more than five mountains. The most popular mountain among tourists is Zheleznaya, with health trails laid along it. Along them you can go to the Razvalka mountain, on which the Saltstone Rocks and the Permafrost Cave are located. In the city itself, it is worth visiting the newly ennobled Spa Park with a pond and a beautiful embankment with many original sculptures.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best attractions of Zheleznovodsk. He will help you plan routes and choose excursions to explore the top places of the city and its environs in 2-3 days.
Spa park
It is part of the Beshtaugorsky forest. The landscaping of the wild forest began in 1825. The priority in those days, as now, was the respect for nature and the preservation of natural plantings. Terrenkur trails with a length of 3600 to 8100 meters are laid between the trees. The palace of the Emir of Bukhara and the Pushkin Gallery are located at the entrance to the park. In the depths of the park there are mineral springs.
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Mount Iron
The height of the mountain is 850 meters. It is a natural monument. Located in the northeastern part of Zheleznogorsk. At its top, there is an observation deck with an excellent view of the city's outskirts and the wonderful natural landscape. On the slopes of the mountain there are about 20 mineral springs - cold and hot, different in composition of water. The mountain is covered with dense forest, dominated by ash, oak, hornbeam.
Cascade staircase
It starts from the fountain of the Smirnovsky mineral spring. Its upper part was built in 1936. It is considered the most picturesque - beautiful flower beds have been planted here, graceful sculptures have been installed, and fountains have been built. After the reconstruction in 2019, the length of the staircase became 900 meters instead of 200 meters, it consists of 700 steps. Thuja are planted along its entire length along the stairs, fountains, stylized in antique style, are installed.
Resort lake
An artificial lake located next to the Zheleznovodsk and 30th Anniversary of Victory sanatoriums. The lake is popular not only among vacationers, but also among city residents - it is pleasant to walk along it, enjoying beautiful views of the mountain peaks and clean air. Sports and playgrounds are equipped by the lake, there is an area with sun loungers and parasols. A beautiful arched bridge leads to a small island in the lake.
Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
A wonderful masterpiece of oriental architecture. The magnificent palace ensemble of the early XX century is located on the territory of the E. Telman sanatorium. The palace is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, the patterns of which resemble Arabic script. In the design of the facades, elaborate carvings, mosaics, and Moorish arches are used. Large sculptures of lions are installed at the entrance to the palace. Stucco moldings and chic chandeliers have been preserved in the interior.
Terrenkury Zheleznovodsk
Laid around the peak of Mount Zheleznaya. For vacationers, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque views and clean air of the beshtaugorsk forests. Walking the health trail has a beneficial effect on the general state of health and activates the work of many body systems. In total, there are 3 terrainkour routes and the main ascent to the top along the slopes of the mountain. There is a diagram of all health trails at the entrance to the Kurortny Park.
Tower "Heart of Zheleznovodsk"
An original art object by Moscow masters, installed in 2020 on the shore of Kurortnoye Lake. The heart, which is one and a half meters high, is set at the top of a stone watchtower. From a distance it seems that it is made of a large ruby. In the dark, the heart glows, and the tower resembles an old beacon. The backlight works with a pulsating heartbeat.
"Elementary" area
Located by the Kurortnoye Lake. It appeared in 2020 as part of the Cascade Staircase extension project. In the center of the square there are Latin names of chemical elements of the periodic table. All these elements are part of the mineral water, the sources of which are so rich in Zheleznovodsk. The central element of the square is iron, which refers to the name of the resort town and the number of its region corresponding to the atomic mass of Fe.
Square of Memory
Laid near Lenin Street. Located on the site of an old cemetery. It was opened in 1990 in memory of the residents of the railway, who died during the Great Patriotic and Civil Wars. The names of the fallen soldiers are engraved on marble slabs installed in the park. The eternal flame in memory of the victims has been burning in this place since 1957. Next to it there is a monument to the Soldier and the Grieving Mother, dedicated to the occupation of the city in 1942-1943.
Stanislav Govorukhin Park
The city park on Proskurin Street appeared in the 1980s on the bank of a small pond. The park has no healing trails or mineral springs, so there are much fewer people in it than in large popular parks. This is a cozy green corner where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in peace and quiet. There are fountains in the park, playgrounds and attractions for children, a rollerdrome. A monument to Govorukhin was erected.
Sculpture "Eagle"
The main symbol of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region is located at the Smirnovsky fountain. The first monument was made according to the sketch of I.I. Not so long ago, the concrete sculpture at the beginning of the Cascade Staircase was replaced by another - an eagle with open wings. The wingspan of the iron eagle exceeds 2 meters. It is one of the largest eagle figures in the entire region. Its weight is several hundred kilograms. Another eagle is located by the lake.
Fountain with pump-room
The recently reconstructed light and music fountain invariably attracts a large number of tourists and townspeople with a spectacular show. It is located near the Smirnovsky spring, on the main square of the Kurortny Park. Water flows from large beautiful pump-room mugs, each weighing several centners. In the souvenir shops of the city, you can buy mugs, which are reduced copies of the fountain pump cases.
Lermontov Square
A cozy place to relax on Lermontov street. There are benches among the trees and beautifully decorated flower beds; in the dark, the alleys are illuminated by lanterns. There is a pump room with mineral drinking water in the park. The name of the great poet was given to the square in honor of his 150th birthday in 1964. In 1967, a bas-relief of the poet was installed with a commemorative inscription. In 1988, a monument to Lermontov was erected, created according to the project of L.V. Basins.
Pushkin Square
Founded in 2002 near the Pushkin Gallery. It is made in the best styles of landscape architecture, which harmoniously combines the naturalness of the Caucasian nature and man-made objects. A suite of white-stone stairs leads to the top of the hill; natural stones are lined with outlandish heaps. A monument to Pushkin is erected in the center of the park. It is a copy of Merkurov's sculpture "Pushkin by the Sea".
"Gulliver's Island"
An open-air park with miniature copies of the Laccolith Mountains. The park is located on the Kurortnaya embankment.Professional sculptors worked on them, recreating the Caucasus mountains on a reduced scale. In total, 6 of the most beautiful and popular mountains among tourists have been completed - Zheleznaya, Medovaya, Beshtau, Mashuk, Zmeyka and Razvalka. The height of the largest object in the miniature park is 3 meters.
Sources of mineral water in Zheleznovodsk
There are several springs in the city, the most popular are Smirnovsky, Slavyanovsky, Lermontovsky. People come here for water every day. Recently, a new pump room-book was opened on the Cascade Stairs.
Lermontov spring
A beautiful pump room with a spring was erected in 1916 in the park, later named Lermontovsky. It is a blue and white glazed rotunda with 4 taps. Water is supplied to the pump-room from spring No. 69, located on the slope of Mount Zheleznaya at an altitude of 500 meters. Water has a pleasant taste and useful chemical composition. It helps in the treatment of diseases of the endocrine and genitourinary systems, organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Slavyanovskiy source
Located in the Spa Park. It has been used to supply mineral water since 1914. The water temperature in the spring is one of the highest - about 55 degrees. It is used for medicinal drinks and health baths. It is used in the treatment of the digestive tract, liver. Water comes to the source from two underground wells 300 meters deep. The pavilion of the source is decorated with a dome and Corinthian columns.
Smirnovsky source
Landscaped in 1880 under the direction of Dr. Smirnov. Before that, the spring was a small spring with hot water rich in minerals, which the locals called "Gryaznushka". Now the drinking gallery is framed by two pavilions connected by a suite with a sculptural multi-colored panel. In addition to taps with medicinal water, there is a shop with souvenirs and mugs in the pavilions.
Pump-room book
The original pump-room was erected on the Cascade Staircase in 2019. It is filled with water from the spring number 56. This is the only literary pump room in the world. Lermontov's lines were engraved with laser engraving on the walls of the building. At the same time, the engraving reproduces the writer's handwriting as accurately as possible. Also reproduced are graphic illustrations made by the poet's hand.
Interesting museums of Zheleznovodsk
People go to Zheleznovodsk primarily for mineral springs and rest in sanatoriums. Museums are not the main thing that people tend to see in the city. But one place is definitely worth a visit, these are the Leo Tolstoy museums.
L. Tolstoy Cultural Center
An architectural monument on Lenin Street, which has important historical and cultural value. The building of 1875 was intended for horse carriages. For tourists, even now there is an opportunity to go on a trip on an old carriage. Famous writers - Tolstoy, Yaroshenko, Balakirev - often visited the station in their travels across the Caucasus. The cultural center tells about Lev Nikolaevich's journey across the Caucasus.
Pushkin gallery
It is considered a visiting card and a symbol of Zheleznogorsk. The building, made of glass and metal structures, is decorated with a graceful dome. The gallery is located in the Healing Park at the foot of Mount Zheleznaya. It was built according to the project of the Polish architect Stefan Schiller; the interior was designed by the artist Ivan Krylov. Exhibitions, concerts, performances, creative meetings are held in the halls of the gallery.
Museum of local lore
Located on Lermontov Avenue. The expositions of all halls of the museum tell about the history of the region, its flora and fauna, life during the Great Patriotic War. The collections of museums have thousands of exhibits - photographs, documents, old household items, coins, folk costumes. Some of the expositions are devoted to archeology and ethnography. Museum staff tell about the rituals and traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus.
Art gallery "Aves"
Has been working since 1992. At first, she specialized in promoting authors working with oil painting of porcelain and stucco products. Now it also exhibits works in the style of "Intemporism", the masters of this style express their creative ideas using both academic and modern methods. The gallery employees are engaged in educational activities, tell visitors about the possibilities of contemporary art.
Historical buildings and structures of Zheleznovodsk
Historical buildings and houses can be seen in the city. Unfortunately, some of them are in need of restoration.
Ostrovsky baths
They are named after a public figure who has done a lot for the development of the city and its improvement. The historical building is located in the depths of the Healing Park. It is made in an oriental style and resembles a mosque in Medina. Petersburg architect Pavel Syuzor worked on the project of a water treatment institution. The construction of the spa bath complex was completed in 1893.
Karpovs' compound
The estate was built in the 1830s and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Zheleznovodsk. In the 19th century, the rooms of the Karpov's house were very popular with city vacationers. In the summer of 1841, M.Yu. lived in the rooms of this house. Lermontov. It was from here that he went to the fatal duel, in which he died. There is a memorial plaque with a portrait of the writer and memorable words on the wall of the main house.
Railway station building
Built in 1897, immediately after the commissioning of the railway line from Beshtau to Zheleznovodsk. It is an architectural monument by E. Deskubes. The section of the branch line is single-track and dead-end. Passenger suburban traffic on it was not always carried out in recent decades - either they closed the traffic completely, then they launched several electric trains on weekends.
Musical gazebo
Installed in 1873. The rotunda pavilion was made at the Lugansk iron foundry. The initiator of its installation was Dr. Smirnov, who is striving to turn Zheleznovodsk into a resort city of a high cultural level. From 1873 to 1902, the Black Sea military orchestra played in the gazebo, famous artists, including Fyodor Chaliapin, performed. At present, it serves as an observation platform, popularly called the "Captain's Bridge".
Monuments and sculptures of Zheleznovodsk
There are no large memorials in the city. But there are many interesting monuments and sculptures. The most famous monuments were erected to Pushkin and Lermontov. Modern sculptures can be seen on the shores of Lake Kurortnoye.
Sculpture "Signs of the Zodiac"
The modern art object is located in the Resort Park next to the palace of the Emir of Bukhara. The sculpture is made in the form of a sundial - a large egg framed by a rectangular frame. It depicts 12 signs of the zodiac. There is a belief that the one who manages to turn the stone egg of the clock around its axis will be able to fulfill his cherished desire. The egg itself is jokingly called the “Egg of Desire” by the people.
Monument "Grieving Mother"
Located in the Public Garden of Memory at the Mass Grave. Installed in 1962. Dedicated to all the victims of the occupation of Zheleznovodsk in 1942-1943. The authors of the monument are architects A.I. Barsukov and N.N. Bondarenko, sculptor - F.I. Overflow. They portrayed in bronze the tragic figure of a grieving woman. The sculpture is installed on a stone rectangular pedestal. Plates with the names of the victims are placed next to the monument.
Sculpture "Girl on a Bicycle"
The bronze sculpture is installed on the Kurortnaya embankment, next to the beach area. The figure of a beautiful cyclist is made in full size. The only monument to cyclists on the Caucasian Mineral Waters, according to the plan of the creators, encourages tourists and townspeople to a healthy and active lifestyle. A young girl in a light fluttering dress looks sporty and picturesque against the backdrop of mountain peaks.
Sculpture "Fisherman and cat fisher"
Located in the waters of the Kurortnoye Lake.An unusual art object in the style of urban sculpture depicts a young fisherman, in trousers rolled up to his knees and pulling a large fish out of the water. A cat is hiding at his feet, waiting for prey. The sculpture is installed in the framework of the improvement of the pedestrian embankment area and the extension of the Cascade Staircase. This is a favorite subject of photo shoots among tourists and locals.
Sculpture "Resort Girl"
Another original object, installed on the pedestrian embankment of Kurortnoye Lake. The figure is installed near the entrance to Gulliver's Island. The figure of a tourist girl has become an unspoken symbol of vacationing women - tourists often approach her to be photographed, involuntarily smiling at the girl traveler. The resort lady sits in a carefree position, stretching her legs and smiling cheerfully at passers-by and the sun.
Monument to the Fighters for Soviet Power
Installed on a mass grave in 1957 on Lenin Street. The remains of the soldiers who died in the struggle for the establishment of Soviet power during the years of the civil war were reburied in this place. The author of the project is the architect M.F. Korobeinikov. The monument is an obelisk 12 meters high with bas-reliefs and a memorial plaque. The five-pointed star, which is installed at the top of the obelisk, symbolizes the victory of Soviet power.
Sculpture "Mountain goat"
The genre bas-relief sculpture is located on one of the terrenkurs of Mount Zheleznaya. Locals claim that mountain goats were once found in this area and the sculpture was installed as a symbol of the mountainous area of the city. The platform with a bas-relief is located at an altitude of 700 meters among the picturesque dense greenery. A large head of a mountain goat with long horns is placed on a wall of natural stones.
"Resort cat"
The modern art object is located in the Kurortny Park. The almost flat iron cat is made in a humanized form. He sits on a bench near a dried tree, a mug of drink in his paw. Its appearance immediately gives people passing by a good mood. Vacationers of the resort city tend to take a photo with a happy cat, and among the locals he immediately became a favorite. The sculpture of the resort cat creates the modern look of Zheleznovodsk.
Churches and temples of Zheleznovodsk
The city has its own Orthodox shrines, these are two small beautiful churches.
Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
Consecrated in 1996. The new temple was built instead of the temple destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1917. The former church was located where there is now a public garden in memory of the fallen soldiers for Soviet power. They decided to restore the temple in a different place - on Lermontov Street near the Ostrovsky Baths. To create the church, the building of the New Baths, built in 1912, was converted. An ancient icon, painted in the 18th century, is kept in the temple.
Church of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga
The parish church is located on Karl Marx Street. It was rebuilt into a church from a small prayer house, founded at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1988, the church became small for the increased number of parishioners, and it was expanded, giving an architectural look in the style of Russian architecture, characteristic of Suzdal masters. The brick church has stained-glass windows, the iconostasis is made using the technique of colored enamel.
Natural attractions of Zheleznovodsk
The mountains located in the vicinity of the city, together with the springs, are the main natural attractions that define the appearance of the city. Other sites are not so famous, but they can be visited while on vacation in Zheleznovodsk.
Permafrost cave
Located at the foot of the Razvalka Mountain. The temperature in the grotto, even on hot summer days, does not rise above 0 degrees. This is the only cave in the entire southern region with a similar phenomenon. Artificial adits were laid in the cave, which were cut by speleologists. It is not difficult to get to the cave, it is enough to walk along the signs of one of the terrenkur trails. It is recommended to go inside with a warm blanket and a flashlight.
Stone from Mount Zheleznaya
An unusual exhibit is located in the Kurortny Park - a large boulder. This stone fell from Mount Zheleznaya during an earthquake in 1892. Its weight is 16 tons. Most of the stone is hidden underground, however, the visible part looks quite impressive. The height of the stone is about 1.5 meters. A playground is laid out with tiles, benches are installed around it. Tourists climb a boulder to take interesting photos.
Saltpeter rocks
You can see them on the slopes of Razvalka Mountain. One of the health paths from the Kurortny Park leads to it. There are signs for tourists. The road to the rocks is incredibly scenic and not very difficult. The name of the Saltpeter Rocks is due to the white streaks on them formed by salts. There is an observation deck at the top of the rocks. The dense forest around is clearly visible from it. The observation deck is surrounded by centuries-old oaks.
Flower calendar
Located in the Kurortny Park between the Pushkin Gallery and the Stone from Mount Zheleznaya. The original landscape composition is made of more than 300 different types of bright colors. Each year, the park's florists create new flower arrangements that invariably indicate the year, month and day. The date on the calendar changes every day, which especially amazes holidaymakers walking in the park every day.
Pyatigorye mountains
Zheleznovodsk is surrounded by mountains of different heights and accessibility for hikers. The most popular is Zheleznaya Mountain. The mountains Beshtau and Medovaya with several peaks rise 800 meters above the city. Mount Razvalka is clearly visible, on which many interesting natural places are concentrated. The mountains Byk and Camel were given unusual names due to their interesting shape. Lysaya Mountain is clearly visible from the Cascade Staircase.
Attractions in Inozemtsevo
Several interesting tourist sites can be seen near Zheleznovodsk in the village of Inozemtsevo. The most unusual attraction is the enema monument.
Monument to the medical enema
Located on the territory of the sanatorium "Mashuk-aquatherm". Inozemtsevo is a small resort village, where a large number of medical institutions are concentrated. This is the reason for the appearance of a one and a half meter sculpture of a giant enema. It is cast in bronze, carried on their shoulders by little angels, giving the sculpture a resemblance to the works of the masters of the Renaissance. The author of the monument is sculptor Svetlana Avakova.
House Roschke
One of the "Lermontov places". The poet visited this place as a child and preserved his memories of him in his drawings and works. In the restaurant of this house, Lermontov met with the participants in the future deadly duel and left here for the place of the duel on Mount Mashuk. Roschke Manor looks like an ordinary country house. It was built in the 19th century by the family of the German immigrant Roschke. The house is the object of the state museum-reserve.
Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist
Located on Liberty Avenue. The construction of the church lasted from 1990 to 1999. It was conducted with donations from parishioners. Earlier on the site of the church there was a chapel-tomb, which the Bolsheviks first used as a club, and then completely ruined, destroying the sarcophagi with the deceased. The church has a simple classical architecture. Its walls are painted white, the scaly domes seem to be silvered.
