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RussiaDescription and whether it's worth visiting
Saints Peter and Paul Temple Complex, or Rio de Kavkaz – an unusual place. It's something like a park for recreation and a complex of several churches. Locals come here not only to visit the churches but also just to relax on weekends. And tourists stop by to take photos in front of the impressive statue. The complex is notable primarily for the tallest sculpture of Jesus Christ in Russia. Its height is 22 meters, and by analogy with the statue in Rio de Janeiro, this monument was nicknamed Rio de Kavkaz.
The creation of the complex began in 1999 at the initiative of the Greek community of Yessentuki. This is not a historical place, but a modern construction, executed with great scale and love. According to the architects' vision, the landscape here is meant to resemble the biblical Holy Land. A miniature Jerusalem has been recreated on the grounds: there's its own Garden of Gethsemane with a stone and an icon of the "Prayer of the Cup," a chapel of the Holy Trinity (reminiscent of the vision of the forefather Abraham), a chapel of the Ascension of the Lord, a chapel of the Prophet Elijah, and a chapel of All the Heavenly Bodiless Powers. Before Christmas, a nativity scene appears here. The "Wedding Gates" chapel with the unique icon "Caressing of the Most Holy Theotokos" deserves special attention – after the wedding ceremony, newlyweds go up to it, and three bells announce the birth of a new family.
The complex includes: the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Chapel of Elijah the Prophet, the Chapel of Joachim and Anna and Peter and Fevronia, and the Chapel of the Life-Giving Trinity. All buildings are modern; there are no old churches. There's also a mini-zoo, an exhibition of Soviet retro vehicles, a playground, and horseback riding.
Our honest opinion on whether it's worth going: We believe the place is very impressive, and it's worth visiting even if you're far from religion. If only for the scale and the striking photos with the 22-meter statue as a backdrop. The complex has become so popular that tourists are even brought here from other resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters during bus excursions – it's one of the stops for a walk and photo sessions.
🕐 Opening hours
During the daytime. The grounds are always open, churches operate according to the schedule of services.
💵 Entry fee / ticket prices
Free.
🚶 How to get there
The complex is located on the outskirts of the city on Borgustanskoye Highway, about three kilometers from the center (complex on the map). The most convenient way is taxi (via app, price from 150 RUB). You can also take minibuses #4 (from the train station) or #10 (from the bus station) – you'll need to get off at a stop and walk a bit. You'll have to walk up the hill to the statue itself, but it's not difficult and is part of the route.
For more details on all types of transport in the city, read our guide: How to get to Yessentuki and get around the city.
We recommend exploring interesting places in Yessentuki through tours. You can buy them from street vendors, but it's more reliable to do it online through these trusted review sites:
- 📷 Search for tours in Yessentuki on Tripster.ru
- 📷 Search for tours in Yessentuki on Sputnik8.com
- 📷 Tours in Yessentuki from the tour operator TEZ Tour