Sights of Pyatigorsk

There are many attractions in Pyatigorsk, this is the most saturated city with sights and interesting places among the other resorts of the Caucasian mineral waters. Most of the attractions here are iconic places associated with the short history of the resort, because it was formed only at the beginning of the XIX century. Nevertheless, even without resorting to excursions, places for self-visiting in the city and the surrounding area will be enough for at least a week of rest.

See also:

• Attractions and entertainment for children in Pyatigorsk
• Top 10 sights of Pyatigorsk that you need to see first

Special iconic places to visit in Pyatigorsk are attractions associated with the memory of the poet M. Y. Lermontov. It was here that he spent the last months of his life, and was shot in a duel at the age of 26. No less interesting will be the natural attractions of the resort and the surrounding area: Mount Mashuk, Lake failure, pump rooms of natural mineral water, folk radon baths in the open air. And we would advise the most active tourists to climb Beshtau Mountain, which can be done in just one day without special equipment and training.

When you get acquainted with all the local sights of Pyatigorsk, you can proceed to excursions, of which there are a lot offered here. You can go on a group excursion tour both to the sights of the neighboring resorts of the CMS, and to neighboring regions (Dombay, Arkhyz, Elbrus, Grozny, the Black Sea) and even countries (Georgia). The list of options is huge, you can always get full information on the spot from distributors who offer their services and prices with prices near the Flower Garden Park, on Kirov Avenue near the Dedy fountain and in many other places. Prices for one-day tours start from 400 rubles per person, but when buying, be sure to specify what is included in the price, as often the entrance fee is not included, which may be even higher than the cost of the tour. As for the choice of the place of purchase, this is not a matter of principle: prices are almost the same everywhere, the programs are standard.

We advise you to also buy individual excursions in Pyatigorsk online at one of these trusted sites:

• 📷 search for excursions in Pyatigorsk on Tripster.ru
• 📷 search for excursions in Pyatigorsk on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 excursions in Pyatigorsk from the tour operator TEZ Tour

Entertainment especially for tourists in Pyatigorsk is not much. You can climb the cable car to mount Mashuk, visit one of the cinemas, the operetta theater or a concert in the Lermontov Gallery, play bowling "Galaxy" or go through one of the quests. With children, you can go to the Kirov amusement park, the Insect Museum, visit the puppet theater, and that's it. Even the water park in the village of Inozemtsevo in 2019 is closed. Evening entertainment is also a little: walks in the Park Flower Garden and the surrounding area, or dinner in a restaurant.

Below is a guide to the sights and entertainment of Pyatigorsk with an indication of their opening hours, cost, ways to get to them and position on the map. You can print this page (adapted for printing), as well as download points on the map as a KMZ file for applications like Organic Maps and others. from our interactive map of Pyatigorsk:

Tsvetnik Park

This is the oldest park in the city, one of the main tourist attractions of Pyatigorsk and a place for walks for vacationers and tourists. Although the park is small, in addition to beautiful flower beds and alleys, there are several other attractions in the park: Diana's grotto, Lermontov gallery, Gukasov's coffee house, bronze eagle statue, Ermolov and Lermontov baths, drinking gallery with mineral waters, fountain.

The Park "Flower Garden" was laid out in the late 1820s on the site of a swamp from a hydrogen sulfide source. The authors of the project arrangement were Swiss architects brothers Bernardazzi. Learn more learn more about Tsvetnik park here.

Lake Failure

This is perhaps the most famous and visited attraction of the resort. The fame of this place was brought by the film "Twelve Chairs": remember, Ostap Bender sold tickets for the entrance to this attraction. As for the lake itself, this is a rather interesting natural formation. It is located at the bottom of a deep karst crater, and a cave 58 meters long leads to it. The lake is filled with healing water of blue color, saturated with hydrogen sulfide, i.e. you will feel here the typical smell of this gas – rotten eggs. Learn more about Lake Proval here.

Lermontov gallery

It is one of the most famous and iconic architectural landmarks of the city. A unique building made of glass and metal appeared here in 1901 on July 15, the anniversary of the death of Mikhail Lermontov. It was commissioned on the initiative of the director of Caucasian resorts to develop the resort potential of the city, namely, to hold concerts, exhibitions and performances for vacationers. The peculiarity of the building is that it was designed and cast entirely from metal at the factory, and then already delivered to the site for assembly and installation. Today, the gallery building is decorated with the most beautiful floral part of the Park Flower Garden, and inside is a concert and Exhibition Complex. Learn more about the lermontovskaya gallery here.

Tambukan Lake

This is a large Salt Lake, known for therapeutic sulfide-silt mud. They are actively used for medical and cosmetic procedures in the sanatoriums of the Caucasian mineral waters, with their addition they make soap and cosmetics for sale. In general, tambukan mud along with mineral waters is a kind of business card of KMV resorts. In company stores at resorts, you can buy the dirt itself in packages, and products from it. But for tourists it will be interesting that the lake can be visited, swim, and if you want to do mud procedures yourself, which, however, is not recommended. The depth of the lake is small, so it is great for swimming children. Although, again, as experts say, you can not swim for a long time, because it is saturated with active minerals. Learn more about Lake Tambukan here.

Mount Mashuk, signposts and viewing platforms

Mount Mashuk rises near the city to a height of about 470 meters, and its peak is located at an altitude of 993 meters above sea level. There are several hiking trails, a car road and a cable car leading up.

This is one of the iconic places in the city, where all vacationers and tourists try to get. Upstairs is the famous group of wooden signposts, several viewing platforms and a cafe. Learn more about Mount Mashuk here.

Beshtau Mountain

This is the highest of the 17 mountains around Pyatigorsk, its height is 1400 meters. Climbing the mountain is one of the most popular one-day hiking routes for tourists and vacationers who prefer active recreation in Pyatigorsk and other KMV resorts. Climbing does not need climbing skills, it is possible even for children and the elderly in good physical shape, the main thing is to choose the right route, because they differ in complexity. You need to take water with you at the rate of at least one and a half liters per person, something to eat, good hiking shoes, a hat, and preferably trekking poles. Learn more about Beshtau and how to climb it here.

Pyatigorsk cable car

The cable car leads to the top of Mount Mashuk at an altitude of 993 meters above sea level, from the level of the cable car station the difference is about 400 meters. The Climb takes a few minutes. At the top you will discover wonderful views from one of several viewing platforms. Here is the famous site with pointers to the cities of Russia and the world. And upstairs you can eat in a cafe. You can also go back down by cable car, or on foot along the trail, which will take you directly to the tourist area of the city. Learn more about Pyatigorsk cable car here.

Pyatigorsk Museum of local lore

This museum is the largest and oldest in the resorts of the Caucasian mineral waters. The building itself is a historical site, the former first hotel in the resort. The museum has a huge collection of exhibits, including archaeological finds, books, documents, photographs, household items and decorative and Applied Arts. In our opinion, this is a must-visit place to start exploring the city. Ideally, the museum should be visited with excursion support, which is offered when buying tickets.

Museum-reserve of M. Y. Lermontov

The history of Pyatigorsk is inextricably linked with the name of the Great Russian poet, whose life and work this museum-reserve is dedicated to. The museum complex is based in an old estate consisting of four expositions: literary, Lermontov's House, "M. Y. Lermontov in fine art", A. A. Alyabyev House Museum. In total, the estate has 8 objects to visit. Of particular interest is the House of Lermontov, where he spent the last two months of his life. Learn more about the Lermontov Museum here.

Exotarium and Insect Museum

In the Exotarium and insect museum you can see a large collection of exotic insects, reptiles, rabbits and guinea pigs, anteaters, hedgehogs, pigs, mice. Some animals can be stroked, Fed, and picked up, which is very popular with children. In general, this place is one of the must-visit if you come to Pyatigorsk with children. By the way, you can save a little and send the children to the exhibition alone, and at this time wait for them next to the museum. Learn more about the exotarium and Insect Museum here.

Museum of stone Antiquities

This is an open-air museum in the Tsvetnik Park on Goryachaya mountain. Here, on a small circular area surrounded by a fence, archaeological artifacts made of Stone found in the North Caucasus are collected. There is not much to see here, there is almost no entertainment and exhibits. Rather more interesting information component of this museum: during the visit you will be able to read the information on the information stands, and if you are lucky, then listen to the lecture of the guide. If you are not interested in all this, then you can inspect the artifacts from the outside through the fence. Learn more about the museum here.

Museum of the history of the Pyatigorsk militia

It is a departmental Museum operating with the support of the local police department (formerly the militia). The exhibition, though specific, is interesting, especially for children. After all, there are weapons, uniforms, photographs, and some exhibits can even be touched with the permission of a museum employee. Also in the collection are documents, an archive, a corner of memory for employees who died in the line of Duty. The museum has a guide, an honored veteran of the Ministry of internal affairs, who is happy to conduct a tour.

Drinking pump rooms of mineral water

Public Pump Rooms in Pyatigorsk are made in the form of separate buildings. They have no names but are simply numbered: №19, №24, №7, №4, №1. anyone can visit them, the use of therapeutic mineral water is not limited, no prescriptions and sanitary books are required. ie, you can simply come during working hours to any of the galleries, and drink fresh mineral water. However, it is still recommended to treat mineral waters only by prescription and under the supervision of a specialist, since water from springs is much more active than table mineral water, which is sold in bottles in the supermarket. Learn more about Pump Rooms here.

Red Army spring of mineral water

This is one of the few round-the-clock sources of mineral water in Pyatigorsk. It is made not in the form of a building, like other mineral galleries, but as a stone gazebo, from the wall of which flows a thin trickle of fresh water. Anyone can drink or collect it for the future at any time of the day. But as with other healing sources, do not overdo it and drink it too much, usually one glass is enough. In addition, you should not take too much of this water with you, since it loses its properties after a few hours. Learn more about the Red Army source here.

Shameless baths

Shameless baths or folk baths are sources of healing radon bathing water located directly in the open air in natural pools formed in the rocks. There is no infrastructure and amenities here, the sources are not equipped at all, therefore they are called "people's". Water flows from one bath to another gradually cooling, which is why they have different temperatures: very hot, medium, and so on. Learn more about Shameless baths here.

The place of Lermontov's duel

In Pyatigorsk, there are many places associated with the life of the poet, because he met the city as a child, and here his life was tragically cut short. There was his last deadly duel on the northwestern slope of Mount Mashuk in 1841. At this place they equipped a small square and installed an obelisk. Pay attention to the fence of the monument, it is made of stone pillars in the form of cartridges. Read more about the place of Lermontov's duel here.

Lermontov's grave and ancient cemetery

On July 17, 1841, M. Y. Lermontov was buried at the local cemetery in his far region. But in April of the following year, the coffin with the body was transported and buried in the village of Tarkhany, Penza region, where the writer spent his childhood. Today, a monument has been erected at the burial site, to which lovers of creativity or just curious tourists come to honor the poet's memory. By the way, the cemetery itself (Pyatigorsk necropolis) is an architectural monument, and is protected by the state. Learn more about Lermontov's grave and the cemetery here.

Gates of love

The gate of love or the gate of The Sun is a modern sculptural composition. It is located on an observation deck at the foot of Mount Mashuk, and in good weather you can even see the top of Elbrus from here. The place has become popular with lovers and newlyweds as a place for a photo shoot. It is believed that the groom must carry his beloved through the gate three times, and then their wishes will come true, and love will be strong.

Gazebo "Aeolian Harp"

This is one of the architectural and historical symbols of the city, an architectural monument, and almost a must-visit place in Pyatigorsk. Usually it is visited together with the grotto of Lermontov, which is located just below the gazebo on the stairs. From here you can enjoy some of the best views of the resort part of the city, and the gazebo itself is musical, you can sit and listen to the chime of bells. Its author was one of the brothers Bernardazzi, a Swiss architect who designed with his brother most of the resort in the XIX century. An automatic musical instrument called the "Aeolian Harp" was installed in the gazebo, very modern for that time (1831), so that vacationers could enjoy the views and music. Learn more about the Aeolian Harp here.

Lermontov Grotto

This is one of the iconic historical sights of Pyatigorsk, although, frankly, it is very difficult to call it interesting and spectacular. The grotto was designed in 1829 by the Swiss architects bernardazzi brothers as part of Emanuel Park. A small natural grotto was deepened on the slope of Mount Mashuk, the entrance was strengthened, and an observation deck was built. Initially, it was called Calypso, but later it was renamed Lermontov, because the writer liked to watch the life of the resort's vacationers from the observation deck. Learn more about the Grotto lermontova here.

Pirogov baths

This is a historical landmark and a functioning medical institution where you can take hot radon baths. But even if you do not plan to improve your health in natural radon Springs, you should pay attention to this historic building, because it is more than 100 years old. It was built in 1914 in the Art Nouveau style, the facade at the entrance is decorated with panels depicting bathers. If you wish, you can undergo medical procedures here. Learn more about Pirogov baths here.

Academic gallery

It is a historical monument and one of the iconic architectural landmarks of the city. Its image flaunts on postcards and tourist souvenirs, but, unfortunately, as of 2019, it is under restoration, the approximate completion date is the end of 2019. Previously, there was a museum of insects (moved to another place), and now there is only a cafe. From the platform in front of the gallery there is a view of Emanuelevsky Park. Learn more about the academic gallery here.

Fountain "grandfathers" or "Gnomes"

This is a historic place. The fountain appeared in 1910, and the author was the Russian sculptor of flat origin L. K. Shodky. He worked on the improvement of the resort, and he owns the idea to make the symbol of the resorts KMV eagle with a snake.

According to the architect, the composition of the fountain consists of ancient Germanic mythological creatures mascarons-dwarves – Steregushees of underground ore and Water Resources. It turned out a rather controversial and even a little scary composition, but now it is an integral part of the architectural history of Pyatigorsk. Learn more about the fountain "grandfathers" or "Gnomes" here.

Spassky Cathedral

This is the most important, large, and beautiful temple of Pyatigorsk. The place for the temple was chosen personally by Emperor Nicholas I in 1837, but due to construction errors, the work was completed only in 1868. During the years of Soviet power, the building was demolished, and a cafe was built on a wasteland, a little later a city square was organized. Restoration of the cathedral began only in 1992, and still the restoration is partially ongoing.

Lazarevsky temple

Lazarevsky temple-the oldest in Pyatigorsk. Its full name is the temple in honor of the Lord Jesus Christ, who raises Lazarus the fourth day from the dead. It makes sense for tourists to visit it only together with the grave of Lermontov and the ancient cemetery, but not separately. Learn more about Lazarevsky temple here.

Operetta Theatre

The Pyatigorsk operetta theater traces its history back to 1939. Until 1997, The Musical Comedy Theater worked here, but after that year the genre changed to operetta. Today there are performances and children's fairy tales. There is an age limit for regular performances, but it is usually over 12 years old.

Puppet theater "Golden Key"

A small children's puppet theater "Golden Key" - one of the few places in Pyatigorsk, where you should go with young children during the holidays. Puppet shows are held here, and they are conducted by children studying here, there is a children's cafe.

Kirov park of culture and Recreation

This is the main place in the city for family entertainment. In the park there are attractions (Ferris wheel, various carousels and swings, slides, shooting galleries, climbing wall, etc.). but do not expect too much, there are no modern and extreme attractions here, everything is mainly for small children. There is also a lake with turtles and ducks, where you can go boating, and a small zoo "Berendeyevo Kingdom". Learn more about Kirov park here.

Water Park "City Of The Sun"

The water park is not located in Pyatigorsk itself, but in the village of Inozemtsevo. It was visited not only from Pyatigorsk, but also from other resorts of the KMV. As of 2019, it is closed, and there is no information about the resumption of work.