The Temple of Air in Kislovodsk

What to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting

Temple of Air is located in the Kislovodsk National Park near the lower cable car station and the Valley of Roses, as well as next to another attraction Gray Stones. This is a historical place, which is a small themed pavilion located on a hill, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kislovodsk Park and even see two snow-white peaks of Elbrus, if, of course, you are lucky with the weather. We will not say that this is a mandatory place to visit in Kislovodsk, but if you walk around the national.If you are going to visit the Park or visit the Valley of Roses by electric taxi, then we advise you to take a look here.

The value of the local air was known as early as 1810, only in the 1900s the city administration acquired a large plot, and the Upper Park was laid out on its territory. In 1914, in connection with the expansion of borders, it was decided to build a pavilion dedicated to the local healing air, for which it got its name "Temple of Air". The new facility was inaugurated by the beginning of the season.

The complex was a rotunda with a rounded part. The roof was flat, six columns served as a support, located at a decent distance from each other. The pavilion has three side rooms, on which arched glazed windows are installed. If we consider the niches of the fronts, we can find stucco wreaths and ribbons. The facade at the level of the window arches is decorated with plaster traction.

This elegant pavilion was a shelter for visitors from the rains and strong winds. Over time, it has become one of the central objects of the park and a favorite place for connoisseurs of long-distance hiking. During the Soviet period, a cafe, a recreation room, a medical center, and a reading room were located on its territory.

For a long time this place was practically abandoned, but in 2015 it was given a second life. A major reconstruction was carried out here, after which the pavilion became available to everyone again. In the right part of the rotunda there is an exhibition, where various articles devoted to the geographical study of the country and the world are displayed in neat frames on the walls. On the opposite side there is a free public library-reading room. The collection of books is small, but there are unique collections, for example, the cycle of volumes by Emile Zola and the collected works of Saltykov-Shchedrin.

From the main entrance you can reach the observation deck via a large staircase. Even in the hottest weather it is cool here, the breeze blows, the atmosphere of tranquility and privacy is felt. There is a small path at the bottom, but due to the fact that it is narrow, cycling is dangerous. About a 2-minute walk away, there is a small stall selling coffee and medicinal tea.

We also advise you to look at ready-made excursions with online booking on these verified sites with reviews:

• 📷 Excursions in Kislovodsk on Tripster.ru
• 📷 Excursions in Kislovodsk on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 Excursions in Kislovodsk from the tour operator TEZ Tour