Caucasian Mineralnye Vody: attractions with photos. Caucasian mineral waters Attractions of mineral waters near the airport

Mineralnye Vody is an interesting, rather small and very cozy town in the Stavropol Territory.

It seems that a city with such a promising name Mineralnye Vody should attract tourists, first of all, with an abundance of mineral springs. However, as it turned out, there are no such people in the city, but there are plenty of them in nearby villages and cities. But Minvody can be proud of its sights, natural and man-made. Everything is interesting here: nature, parks and forests, the gray-haired Elbrus, the path to which is a whole serpentine of ancient roads.

Its history is also of considerable interest, thanks to which the modern traveler has the opportunity to see ancient buildings, artifacts and antiquities. In it, even the railway station and the local airport are recognized as attractions.

This is not just a point on the map, these are the places that the great Lermontov wrote about: "It's fun to live in such a land!"

It is unlikely that the city is destined to become a tourist mecca. He does not aspire to it. But it is his airport that meets passengers from all over the country, and from here they go in different directions: someone to neighboring resort towns, enjoy the healing waters, improve their health and just relax, someone to the top of Elbrus, and someone - just get to know the city better.

And this is not surprising. There are so many places in this area that you must visit.

Mountain Snake

For quite a long time it was known under the Turkic name - Zhlak Tau, which translates as "serpent mountain". The origin of such a beautiful name is explained in different ways. According to one version, once this place was chosen by various kinds of snakes. According to the second, the winding cracks on one of the slopes painfully resembled a crawling snake in their outline.

Today there is no better place to take a bird's-eye view (994 meters) of the surroundings of Mineralnye Vody. This is not counting the flora and fauna of the mountain with its 60 species of trees and holy springs. And this place is also glorious because a horse kingdom settled at the very foot.

Zmeykinskoye field

This is not what it seems at first glance, this is a source of mineral water, called "Novoterskaya", and famous for its healing properties throughout Russia. The sanatorium "Mineralnye Vody" appeared here, where many people come who want healing from the miraculous water that is bottled at the local factory.

Tersk stud farm

Its construction began at the end of the 19th century to breed Arabian horses, which Count S. A. Stroganov brought to Russia. There were difficult times at the factory. But after Budyonny himself took up the development of stud farms (the Russian cavalry needed excellent horses), a few years later a new breed appeared here, which received the nickname "Terskaya". Here it is interesting for both the child and the adult! You may not want to limit yourself to a tour of the stables. Attend an Arabian stallion show. Yes, and do not forget about the treat for the "artists", they are very fond of apples, carrots, sugar. Or maybe rent a horse and ride. Communication with horses is always positive emotions and joyful mood for a long time.

These are all neighborhoods. And this does not mean at all that there are few interesting places in the city.

urban architecture

Train Station

Infrequently, such an institution is considered one of the most important city attractions. It is with him that the history of the city of Mineralnye Vody begins. It appeared back in 1875, and three years later, in 1878, this place was inhabited by railway workers. This year was considered the date of foundation of the city. For a very long time, first Sultanovskaya station, and then the village remained a transit point for many railway routes.

In 1921, only he became Mineralnye Vody. By 1957, a majestic station building appeared, the main decoration of which was a colonnade of impressive size and in its center an eagle tormenting a snake - a well-known symbol of the Caucasian Mineral Waters.

Eagle sculpture

It is believed that this is the best decoration not only for the station square, but for the whole city. This bronze monument was erected in the last century.

Here they tell a legend about the Noble Eagle that flew high in the mountains, and when he sat down to rest on a rock, he was bitten by a snake. He fell to the very bottom of the gorge and would have died if not for the healing waters. Having drunk water, having healed his wounds, he rose again into the sky and taught a lesson to the insidious. It is said that the sculptor captured just this moment.

Well, later sources claim that the mighty eagle in bronze is a symbol of healing waters, and the snake symbolizes diseases that creep unnoticed.

Cathedral of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin

It took five years to build and was completed in 1997. This majestic Cathedral became the largest temple in the North, and for Minvod - its largest religious building. The red-brick temple ensemble with nine golden domes and a belfry, where eight bells ring for all voices, is somewhat reminiscent of a fortress with towers and high walls.

Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Another iconic building of the city, literally striking in its history. Erected at the end of the 19th century, dedicated to the salvation of Alexander III and his family, it survived the destruction of the Soviet period and in 2012 was born again and was solemnly consecrated. Today, the relics of the holy elder Theodosius, as he was called during his lifetime, are carefully kept here. The Monk Theodosius of the Caucasus is the patron saint of the entire Stavropol Territory.

"Fire of Eternal Glory"

The memorial is located on the outskirts of Mineralnye Vody. Five months of occupation - and for each of them five bas-reliefs formed into a pentagon, mounted on five double pylons and with a stone sandwiched between them - a symbol of impregnable. It's not just a monument, it's a story

• about more than 18 thousand mineral workers who left to fight and 7584 of them remained on the battlefield,
• about almost 10 thousand inhabitants of the city executed and thrown into the anti-tank ditch;
• about nine desperate daredevils of the “Revenge” reconnaissance group, landed in the “Snake” area to establish reconnaissance and sabotage work at the city railway junction, and shot by the Nazis at the foot of Mount Mashuk on the denunciation of traitors.

It was opened in the year of the 31st anniversary of the Great Victory.

Monument to those killed in the 2001 terrorist attack

This is a memory of very recent events, when on March 24, 2001, an explosive device exploded right at the entrance to the central market and claimed the lives of twenty-one people. Nearly a hundred were wounded. A monument was erected at the site of the explosion a few years later.

Monument to General Yermolov

This hero of the war of 1812 made a huge contribution to the development of the Caucasus: in the modernization of the Georgian Military Highway, the construction of defensive structures from Grozny to Krasnograd, which made it possible to ensure the growth of industry and large-scale trade, hospitals were built at the sources of Caucasian Mineral Waters. In addition, what is especially important, Alexei Petrovich Yermolov is a well-known leader of the Caucasian troops. It was the local Cossacks who raised funds for the monument.

Museum of Local Lore

It appeared as recently as 1998. But the basis for it was the folk museum of local lore. In its funds there are about 20 thousand exhibits dedicated to

• archeology;
• paleontology;
• ethnography;
• painting;
• numismatics.

Museum dedicated to Alexei Pavlovich Babik

In the middle of the last century, the famous writer was personally involved in the construction of this house, he also made furniture with his own hands, and then lived in it for more than twenty years. Here you will find many of the most common things for that time belonging to A.P. Babiku: photographs, notebooks, books from different years, the writer's typewriter, an ink set, the writer's bag and paintings by the Russian artist P. M. Grechishkin.

There are other interesting places in Mineralnye Vody. Of course, a lot has changed here in its nearly one and a half century history. This is no longer a village, but a city that has grown to 75 thousand people. But its air and healing waters remained the same. Mineralnye Vody has a very special charm, an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility, which is why they come here from all over the country, even from abroad. In the city itself and beyond its borders, there are many sanatoriums and clinics, as well as amazing places that leave no one indifferent.

And if you are going on a trip, it’s good to know what you can and shouldn’t do in Minvody:

• it is forbidden to smoke and drink alcoholic beverages in public places, to leave garbage in the wrong places. Otherwise, you will have to pay a large fine;
• Here, at every step, private cab drivers offer their services. It is profitable to ride a taxi, especially with a company, but it is very prudent to negotiate the cost in advance;
• in summer the temperature is rarely below +30ºС, so you should not plan excursions and hiking in the middle of the day. But the means of protection from the sun will not interfere;
• if you want to save money, pay attention to summer cafes;
• the best seasons are winter and summer. Even in the city itself, ski lifts work in winter and lovers of skiing, snowboarding or tubing are expanse here;
• there are no tourist streets in the usual sense in the city;
• it is better for girls to be accompanied by men, in extreme cases, in the company. Nothing will happen, but you will attract less attention. Not everyone will like it when they come up to meet people right on the street. And this is not uncommon here.

Come to these parts, you won't regret it.

Before going to Mineralnye Vody, I often thought about such an unusual name for this town. Many options came to my mind. Resort or not? Do all the inhabitants there drink mineral water?

In fact, the city is located in Russia in the Stavropol Territory, it got its name thanks to the resorts of the Caucasian mineral waters. Mineral waters were especially popular during the times of the USSR, people came here to sanatoriums.

Now the city is better known as a transit point between Russia and Azerbaijan. And also as a place where they fly to get to Elbrus or Pyatigorsk.

However, despite its small size and the current situation, I think the city is very nice and attractive. When I first came to Mineralnye Vody, I immediately felt the Caucasian spirit and definitely Russian outback. Although, of course, the infrastructure and standard of living leaves much to be desired. But, as I noticed, this applies to many Russian cities.

How to get there

Mineralnye Vody is a fairly well-known route hub, so it can be reached by several modes of transport. The most convenient, I think, are the plane and the car. You can also get there by bus and train.

By plane

For me, an airplane is the most convenient way to get to Mineralnye Vody. Flights there are usually inexpensive, and the journey takes only 2 hours from Moscow. From St. Petersburg, the flight is 3 hours. For example, in winter, a flight from Moscow will cost about 4-6 thousand rubles in both directions, from St. Petersburg 8-10 thousand rubles. You can see the price of tickets for the dates you are interested in.

Most often, the following airlines fly to Mineralnye Vody: Aeroflot, Rossiya AIrlines, Nordwind Airlines, S7 and UTair. Flights from Moscow are direct and operate daily, several times a day. From St. Petersburg very often flights run through Moscow.

Speaking about the Mineralnye Vody airport, I must say that you should not expect anything special from it. Although it is called international, it is very small and receives mainly Russian flights. The arrivals area is small, and more like a large living room. Immediately after the exit, there will be a stand with a taxi where you can order one, or at the exit from the airport, in any case, they will come up and offer their services. The average cost of such a trip is 300 rubles, in the high season and especially for the new year, the price rises to 500-700 rubles. The departure area is equipped with a waiting room, a cafe, toilets and souvenir shops.

By train

You can get to Minvod by train, and this is one of the most popular options. From Moscow, the journey takes from 22 to 27 hours. Several trains leave from the Kazansky railway station every day. The cost of a reserved seat starts from 3 thousand rubles one way, a coupe - from 5 thousand rubles.

From St. Petersburg you can also get to Minvod by train. Travel time is about 40 hours, the cost of tickets starts from 4 thousand rubles one way.

The station of Mineralnye Vody is one of the sights of the city. Inside there are both free and paid waiting rooms, accommodation services at the station, luggage storage, ATMs.

Not far from the train station to the city center. You can use a taxi, they usually stand next to the station, the trip takes 7-10 minutes. You can walk in 15-20 minutes.

By bus

The bus is not the most comfortable option for traveling to Mineralnye Vody, but it also exists. Travel time is about 22 hours. The ticket price is about 2.5 thousand rubles. Buses depart from Shchelkovskaya and Krasnogvardeyskaya metro stations and arrive at the Minvod bus station.

From St. Petersburg there is a route from the Kupchino metro station. Travel time - 32 hours.

The main carrier companies are: BusArm and Autolines.

It is convenient to travel by bus from Rostov-on-Don, from where several regular buses leave daily for Mineralnye Vody. Travel time is 8 hours, and the ticket price is about 800 rubles.

From the bus station Minvod to the city center can be reached both on foot (30 minutes) and by land transport (about 10-15 minutes).

By car

The car is one of the most popular modes of transport in Mineralnye Vody and on the way to it.

From Moscow the path runs along the Don highway, then along the E50 and the Caucasus highway. The total length of the route is 1500 km. If you go non-stop, the travel time will be about a day. But I still advise you to take a break and spend the night in one of the motels.

There will be many other interesting cities along the way, such as Rostov-on-Don, Armavir, etc. The cost of such a trip will cost 6-7 thousand rubles one way.

Path from Saint-Petersburg it is most logical to make through Moscow. That is, first get to the capital, and then go along the above highways. The total length of the route is 2275 km. The cost is about 10 thousand rubles.

Clue:

Mineral waters - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Yekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season. When is the best time to go

For me, there are two best seasons in Mineralnye Vody - winter and summer. The thing is that in winter, even in the Minvody themselves, lifts work and you can ski, snowboard or tubing. Although, of course, it cannot be compared with Elbrus. In summer, the region of Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk is a great place to relax on the lakes.

Mineral waters in summer

Summer in mineral waters is usually warm and sunny. The average temperature is about +35 С°.

There are few tourists directly in the city itself, but there are more of them in the area of ​​Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk. Basically, very comfortable. At this time, it is customary to swim in mountain lakes, which can be found throughout the Caucasus.

Mineral waters in autumn

The weather in autumn stays at the level of +15 С° and in general it is pleasant to be in the city. In October, there are few tourists, by the end of November they begin to arrive, as the season for skiing and snowboarding opens.

In autumn, housing prices are lower than in summer or winter.

Mineral waters in spring

Spring in the city passes calmly and comfortably. Tourists still travel to the Elbrus region and therefore stop by Minvody.

The weather is usually clear, precipitation is rare. In the spring season, especially in May, mountain climbing begins along local trails.

Mineral waters in winter

Winter is my favorite time in Minvody. People are celebrating the New Year, the city is decorated, everything around is snow-white. The temperature can be +10 C° or -20 C°. Depends on the year.

It is also one of the highest seasons for the city. You may not meet a tourist here very often, but you will definitely meet a skier or snowboarder who has definitely come from somewhere far away.

Clue:

Mineralnye Vody - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Since the city is small, it seems logical to me to divide accommodation into housing in the city and its environs (or in neighboring cities that belong to the administrative district of Minvod).

It is convenient to choose and book accommodation at. You can see the prices for apartments, and compare the cost of rooms in hotels by.

What are the prices for holidays

Prices for holidays in Mineralnye Vody are low compared to other Russian resorts.

Accommodation on average - 1-2 thousand rubles per night in a hotel. Food prices are also low. There are a lot of cafes in the Caucasian style in the city, you can also buy food in grocery stores. On excursions, prices vary, because if you go to the Elbrus region - it's about 4 hours from Mineralnye Vody - it can get expensive. If in Pyatigorsk, then a taxi costs 300 rubles, a 15-20 minute drive, and here you are in the city of Lermontov.

I remember how many times we caught a car and drove for free, as they said that we were students from Moscow and now we came to see the beautiful Caucasus. In the end, we were told that we didn’t need money and everyone was happy.

Main attractions. What to see

The Stavropol Territory has always been rich in various sights. Mountains, lakes, monuments, shrines. However, Mineralnye Vody has a small territory, so there are not many attractions here. Most of them are located outside the city. However, there is something to see here too.

Top 5

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Museums. Which are worth a visit

parks

tourist streets

I can say that in fact, there are no tourist streets in Mineralnye Vody as such. Those that are similar to the standard understanding of tourism, I would rather call central. This is exactly what Avenue 22 of the Party Congress is. In fact, this name seemed unusual to me, since I was already born in Russia, and not in the USSR. And this title carried my thoughts to the Soviet past. But now is not about that. In life, this is a useful and spacious street, where there are many shops, cafes and several hotels on all sides. Not pedestrian.

What to see in 1 day

Mineralnye Vody is a small town, so all the main things will fit in one day. At least that's what happened to me.

What to see in the surroundings

The surroundings of Mineralnye Vody are very difficult to systematize, because every corner of the Caucasus is sure to be fraught with a bunch of interesting things. However, not far from the described city there are beautiful and historical places. These are Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk.

Food. What to try

The cuisine of Mineralnye Vody is strongly mixed. It has Russian national cuisine, Caucasian and European. Since the Minvody are not far from Georgia and Azerbaijan, national dishes are often the same as in these countries. Be sure to try the meat, pastries and mountain tea. For example, my culinary discoveries here were: khychins (flat cakes with different contents) and Caucasian khashlama. And, of course, you need to try real mineral water - after all, the city is named after this.

Budget

Intermediate level

Holidays

Safety. What to watch out for

In principle, I did not encounter any dangerous situations. Initially, there was a fear because of the many stereotypes - what will be the attitude towards girls? I can say that it is really better for girls to travel accompanied by men. But not because something might happen, but to draw less attention to yourself. Very often on the street they may come up to get acquainted, someone may simply not like it.

In mountainous regions, you need to be wary of avalanches, but this, in fact, does not apply to the city itself.

Things to do

Despite what I said above - the small size of the city - you can find something to do here, whether you are a tourist or a local. In summer it is always warm and colorful, in winter it is snow-white and cheerful. Some classes are suitable for both holidays and weekdays.

The most interesting places:

Shopping and shops

One of the main stores in the city is the Vershina shopping center. Located at the entrance to the city. Inside there are many clothing stores for adults and children, a food court and various entertainments.

Also throughout the city you can find small shops, both food and textile and household.

In general, if you are going shopping, I advise you to go to Pyatigorsk, where there are not only large shopping centers, but also various showrooms.

Tourists and vacationers most often do not see Mineralnye Vody.

Yes, there is an airport and a railway station, but in fact, the city is just a major transport hub to a place of rest. However, there is something to see here.

1. I spent less than a day in the city, having time to look at everything. I'll show it to you too.

Here I met a rare monument for the inhabitants of Central Russia to the hero of the Caucasian War Yermolov.

An extraordinary military leader who pacified the Caucasus is held in high esteem here.

2. All popular public places of the city in the center.

As are the hotels. Convenient and close.

3. There is also a city park with an Eternal Flame.

It is gratifying that the fire burns here not only on weekends, as in some cities of our Motherland.

4. The park itself is quite depressing.

Probably because it's out of season. Although most of the awkward rides have been here since Soviet times.

5. The cracked bust of Karl Marx also reminds of its former greatness.

I wonder if modern schoolchildren know who it is?

The city has a large station and depot, so the railway workers have their own personal palace of culture.

6. Behind a sad park is a very sad stadium.

Judging by the commentator's booth and obscene inscriptions, its main visitors are now children of a narrow mind.

7. I hope that at least occasionally someone plays football here.

8. Local meaningful graffiti.

Police. A huge building for the city with dozens of departmental cars will also be attributed to the sights.

Security is a must here.

10. Meanwhile, the quarter around is modest.

Accidentally stumbled upon Pushkin Square.

Our everything, three times I rested on the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody and it is quite possible that I have been here once.

11. The Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary grew up in a small square near the city college.

I will tell you separately about this temple and the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is in the main photo and about the people who met me there.

12. The temple is beautiful. And it is doubly pleasant that it is not forbidden to play sports nearby.

The watchman carefully asked who I was and where I came from, and said that this was the coolest educational institution in the city.

14. No doubt.

One story of these buildings is worth something. Here, by the way, railroad workers were once taught.

15. Well, the station itself.

He is good. It was erected in 1957, but the former one, which had been standing here since the middle of the 19th century, was destroyed by the Nazis during the bombing.

16. Inside, no one forbids filming.

17. The proud eagle on the top of the Caucasus shines even in bad weather.

18. Station Square is quite crowded.

There are a lot of stalls of mobile operators, souvenir shops and dubious cafes.

And also an incredibly sad monument to those who died during the Great Patriotic War.

There is a beautiful memorial "Fire of Eternal Glory" in the city. Unfortunately, I didn't get to it this time.

19. Along the main avenue - im.22 Party Congress, you can come to another monument.

20. Here is a fairly large intersection with the main administrative buildings and rich shops.

21. If you go away from the main avenue, you can walk to that depressing amusement park.

22. Well, or to the main city building with columns - the administration.

23. Well, if you move from the center, then among dozens of stores you can find just such a pearl.

Cool, by the way, modern Hollywood.

An interesting time connection...

24. Passenger liners periodically fly over the city - the airport is only 4 kilometers away.

And in a small back street, the MiG-15 landed forever.

25. However, it asks for heaven.

It's amazing, by the way, how the handsome man holds himself.

26. Another piece of military equipment on the pedestal is a Soviet tank. T-34, of course.

It's also taking off.

Memorials are well maintained with flowers. This is wonderful.

27. And again a sad monument.

A huge memorial complex to the victims of the wars in Afghanistan, Chechnya and the liquidators of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

In Mineralnye Vody there are no mineral waters at all.

In the Stavropol Territory there is a city whose name is often confused with the name of the whole resort region - there are no mineral waters in Mineralnye Vody at all, and tourists prefer to relax in other cities of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody (KMV) resort area. Mineralnye Vody is located 130 km from Stavropol, on the Kuma River. This is the largest transport hub in the south of Russia - there is an airport, a railway junction station and the M-29 Caucasus federal highway. From Minvod you can get to other cities of the resort region: Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk and Lermontov.

By and large, Minvody is no different from other resorts in the region. The same pleasant climate, the same mountains, the same sanatoriums and boarding houses, and even the same sights. By the way, about them.

The main attraction of Mineralnye Vody is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos (Pyatigorskaya Street, 35). This is a remake and the largest temple in the entire territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, built in a relatively short time in the early 90s of the last century. The temple turned out to be amazing, simple and intricate at the same time. At the heart of the cathedral is an equilateral cross as a symbol of the salvation of people. The interior decoration was made by masters who painted the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

Another beautiful temple is located on Svobody Street, 94. This is St. Nicholas Church, built shortly after the Great Patriotic War. Here is stored the ancient icon "Quick Hearer", painted by monks living on Mount Athos. This and many other facts from the history of the city will be told to tourists who decide to linger in the Mineralnye Vody Museum of Local Lore, which is located on Kislovodskaya Street, 66. The museum covers a long time period from primitive times to the Soviet years. You can admire a variety of aircraft at the Museum of Aviation Technology, and the exposition of the Writer's Museum on Proletarskaya Street, 137 will tell about the life of the writer A.P. Bibik.

Another popular attraction is the Zmeyka igneous mountain, or "Zhlan-tau" (in Turkic). This mountain, 994 meters high, has been declared a state natural monument; geologists specially come here to study volcanic rocks.

What else to see in Mineralnye Vody? It is worth seeing the building of the railway station, built in the late 19th century. From the Soviet period, in addition to most of the city, there was a real steam locomotive, which today stands (since 1985) at the city station, marking
50th anniversary of the Stakhanov movement. The period of the USSR can also be attributed to daily housing in Mineralnye Vody, which is easy to find. Well, it is, by the way. Finally, the Sutochno.ru portal will allow you to give all the guests of Mineralnye Vody a couple of tips.

Firstly, be sure to go to a couple of branded shops on the main street of the city and buy local mineral water there. By the way, you can bring it home as a souvenir - 100% real water from the CMS sources. Secondly, go to the already mentioned Mount Snake, breathe in the air there, pick up a small pebble for good luck. They say that the stones of those places are charged with a special energy. Thirdly, just walk around the city, soaking up the atmosphere of friendliness and hospitality.

We wish you a pleasant stay and only bright impressions!

In the Stavropol Territory of the Russian Federation there is a group of resorts united by the common name Caucasian Mineral Waters (abbr. KMV, Kavminvody). Today it is a resort region protected by the state, where hundreds of thousands of people come annually for recreation and treatment, not only from Russia, but also from countries near and far abroad. The region includes such cities as Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Lermontov, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody and Georgievsk - here you will find many attractions.

The company "Family Suitcase" organizes trips on comfortable buses.

Geographical features of the region and the history of the development of settlements

Russian poets and writers were very fond of places in the CMS area, the most famous of which is M. Yu. Lermontov, the heroes of whose works often live in these places. In addition to mineral waters, there are many sources of therapeutic mud, so it is not surprising why at the moment KMV is well known precisely as a balneological resort. The climate of this area is very favorable, and all tourists who come here in the spring-summer period of time celebrate bright and warm salty days.

Features of the cities that are part of the Caucasian Mineral Waters

Surely, many tourists and travelers who want to visit these places would like to know about the features of these cities. Despite the fact that they are all united in one region, each of the resort cities has its own characteristics due to its location. Starting from the late 90s of the last century, this region began to be actively financed, due to which the quality of roads improved, new resort and sanatorium complexes began to be built, and the territory of cities was largely ennobled. So today, coming for treatment and rest in CMS, you can count on a great pastime, and at quite reasonable prices.

In order to appreciate all the sights of the region, as well as find out where and how you can relax, you should make an overview of the most interesting and attractive cities that are part of the general resort region of Caucasian Mineralnye Vody.

This is the most famous city of the Stavropol Territory, from which the history of the region as a balneological resort begins. It was in Pyatigorsk that the first balneological society was founded in 1863, which included well-known scientists and physicians of that time. In the city area there are about 40 healing springs with mineral water, which differs in chemical composition and richness of mineral components. Most of them are concentrated in the region of Mount Mashuk. Thanks to this, the city of Pyatigorsk received the status of a natural museum of mineral waters.

How to get to Pyatigorsk?

There is no own airport in the city, and the nearest airport is in Mineralnye Vody, which is 25 km away. For this reason, everyone who travels by air takes a ticket to Mineralnye Vody, after which they go to Pyatigorsk by fixed-route taxi No. 11, the ticket price of which is only 15 rubles. It should be noted that an electric train runs between both cities, by which you can reach your destination in just 45-50 minutes.

Bus number 223 also runs from the station square of Mineralnye Vody to Pyatigorsk, the price of which is 45 rubles. The most expensive way to get there is by taxi, the price of which is 700 rubles or more. From Moscow, you can come to Pyatigorsk by the Moscow-Kislovodsk train, which departs daily from Kazansky railway station. The price of a compartment ticket is about 4 thousand rubles. You can also go by bus, which will be cheaper (2 thousand rubles), but the travel time will be 25 hours.

The main attractions of Pyatigorsk

The city is very green, as there are a lot of trees, shrubs and flower beds. The most important place for festivities of the townspeople is the Central Park "Tsvetnik", which is over 200 years old.

Be sure to visit the Lermontov Gallery, which currently houses the State Philharmonic. A very striking architectural monument is the open-air museum - the Pyatigorsk necropolis, where many prominent figures who lived and worked in this city are buried.

To enjoy the amazing panorama of the Caucasus Range, you should definitely climb Mount Mushuk, and you can do this by cable car. During the trip, tourists have a great opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes.

Cafes, restaurants, hotels

There are a large number of catering points - restaurants and cafes where you can taste local delicacies and dishes of Armenian, Georgian, Azerbaijani and Russian cuisine. Tourists are especially pleased with the polite staff and cleanliness in restaurants, not to mention loyal prices, since the average check is about 300 rubles.

A quieter city in terms of lack of pretentiousness, which is the nearest neighbor - Pyatigorsk, the distance to which is only 3 km. Apparently, after only 15-20 years, both resorts will merge into one and create a single conglomerate. There are much fewer tourists here than in other CMS cities, so it is more suitable for a calm and measured rest. At the same time, it is worth noting that it is in this city that the most mineral waters are located, which differ in composition and taste, and therefore Essentuki is called the “Pearl of the Caucasus”.

How to get to Essentuki?

The nearest airport is located in Mineralnye Vody, which is 35 km away, however, both cities are connected by bus service and fixed-route taxi, so there are no problems getting to your hotel. Every day, trains to Kislovodsk depart from Moscow from the Kursk and Kazan stations, passing by Essentuki. The cost of tickets is from 2.2 thousand to 5 thousand rubles, and depending on the type (reserved seat, compartment, SV).

For those who prefer to travel by bus, you should know that the Moscow-Essentuki bus departs daily from the South Gate bus station to Essentuki, and the ticket price is 2 thousand rubles. If you go by private car, then choose the route "Don" or "Elista", the length of which is approximately the same.

How can you relax in Essentuki?

Considering the presence of numerous springs with mineral water, many balneological resort sanatoriums have been built in Essentuki, where people from all over Russia come for rest and treatment. Everyone can buy and taste mineral water, and this can be done at special tapping points. By the way, in Essentuki there is a Big Lake where swimming is allowed, so everyone can sunbathe and take water procedures in the summer. Essentuki water treats a variety of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, musculoskeletal system and skin rashes.

Among the sights of Essentuki are:

• Nicholas bathrooms
• shopping gallery
• Panoramic gazebo Oreanda
• Weeping grottoes - springs with mineral water
• Drinking gallery "Pyatyatyachnik"

Many tourists who have visited and drank the water in Essentuki, after a rest, can already accurately distinguish the water "Essentuki-4" from "Essentuki-17", and "Essentuki-2" from "Essentuki-20".

Cafes, restaurants and hotels

Prices in Essentuki restaurants are moderate, so you can dine and eat delicious food for only 250-300 rubles. Sweet lovers can be advised to visit the famous Nefertiti confectionery-cafe, where they will offer not only delicious coffee, but also a lot of confectionery. If we talk about hotels and inns, then there are not too many of them, but those that are available are quite enough to accommodate visiting guests.

The city is distinguished by the fact that it is the smallest of all that are included in the CMS, but it is often mentioned in the works of Russian writers and poets. The city is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, so it is surrounded by interesting relic forests, many of which are listed in the Red Book. The unique mountain-forest microclimate, beautiful picturesque views of the nearby surroundings, the presence of mineral water springs - this is what attracts tourists to this city.

Zheleznovodsk is one of the most famous and popular cities in the Stavropol Territory, where people come not only for recreation, but also for balneological treatment. This place is also called “tiny Switzerland”, because in terms of climatic and natural conditions, Zheleznogorsk is really very close to the Alpine resort area. The air in the vicinity of the city is saturated with useful ions and oxygen, so those who suffer from respiratory diseases are recommended to come here.

How to get to Zheleznogorsk?

There are no direct bus flights to the city, but this does not prevent you from getting to your destination with a transfer in Mineralnye Vody, from which you can get to Zheleznogorsk by minibus No. 107. Ticket price - 50 rubles. If you go from Pyatigorsk, then you should take the minibus number 134, where the price is 40 rubles. If you drive from Moscow, then first choose the Don highway. Upon reaching the village "Pavlovskaya", you should turn onto the highway "Kavkaz".

Hotels and resorts

Given that Zheleznogorsk is a small town, there are only about 10 hotels that offer their services to tourists and guests. The most famous is the German House Hotel, where you can rent apartments in the range from 2.5 to 8 thousand rubles / day. However, in addition to this, there is a private market where you can rent an apartment for only 1.2 thousand rubles a day. But there are much more sanatoriums here, but you can get into them only with a ticket. If a person does not have chronic or other serious diseases, getting into a sanatorium will be problematic.

The main advantage of the resort town of Kislovodsk is, of course, narzan - water with a specific taste, containing a large amount of sulfate-hydrocarbonate elements. The city was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by soldiers under the command of General A.P. Yermolov, who ordered the construction of a resort park here. For several decades, the park remained the largest in all of Europe. Today Kislovok is a well-maintained resort town that pleases guests with its beautiful streets and small, neat and well-groomed houses.

You can not only drink Narzan, but also take baths from them, since water has a positive effect on the human body, treats numerous skin diseases, ailments of the gastrointestinal tract and the musculoskeletal system, and the nervous system. Among the most famous places worth visiting in Kislovodsk are the following:

• resort park
• Theater and Concert Hall. V. Safonova
• Literary and Musical Museum
• Dacha Chaliapin

Very often vacationers come here to take part in recreational walking - health paths. The cleanest mountain air and abundance of greenery makes it easy to overcome many kilometers.

The largest city that is part of the CMS, therefore, it is from here that a sightseeing tour around the entire region usually begins. There is a Central Railway Station, where trains arrive daily from the largest cities in Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan. There is also an airport that receives dozens of planes every day, so with all confidence we can call the city of Mineralnye Vody the main transport artery of the CMS.

Today it is one of the most visited resort towns in the entire Stavropol Territory, although it should be noted that there is not a single natural source of mineral water in the city. At the station square, tourists are greeted by a large sculpture of an eagle cast from real bronze. This is a symbol of victory over diseases, since the city has many sanatoriums and clinical centers that accept people for spa treatment. Against the background of an eagle, you should definitely take a picture, because the pictures are very spectacular.

Sights of Mineralnye Vody

While walking along Mineralnye Vody, it is worth visiting the memorial complex dedicated to the defenders of the fatherland, which looks very impressive. It will be interesting to see the Tersky stud farm, founded in 1880 by Count S. A. Stroganov, where you can not only admire noble animals, but also ride horses.

The monument “Old Steam Locomotive” is also unusual, against the background of which anyone who wants to capture himself in the most interesting places of the city can also be photographed. Other sights include the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the College of Music. V. I. Safonov and St. Nicholas Church.

Hotels and restaurants

Taking into account the fact that Mineralnye Vody is a big city, there are several dozens of hotels and guest houses located here. Of the largest hotels, Imperial, ArtHall, Hermes, Olympus and Europe should be singled out. Despite the fact that the cost of rooms here starts at 3 thousand rubles, the level and quality of service is always on top. The same hotels have their own restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes of not only Russian, but also Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijani cuisine.

Sightseeing tours in CMS

In 2018, it will be possible to sign up for a trip to these places. The route is being developed.

conclusions

Concluding the review of the Caucasus Mineralnye Vody region, it should be noted that, if desired, every tourist can easily make a sightseeing tour with a visit to all of the above cities. The only thing is that it is best to book a sightseeing bus for this, especially since the places here are very beautiful and passengers will be happy to admire the beautiful panoramic views.