Thanks to the healing water, every inhabitant of our country knows the name of the Essentuki resort. But it is worth coming here not only for treatment right at the springs, there are many interesting things in the city. Lovers of ancient architecture will be impressed by the complex of the Mud baths, the Nikolaev baths, the Eagle's Nest summer cottage. The resort park combines beautiful nature and old alleys, decorated in the best traditions of park art in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Particularly noteworthy are the famous pavilions of the Kurortny Park, which carry them back to the times of gentlemen and ladies, as well as unique crying grottoes. Another wonderful place for walking is the new park, around the city lake. Lovers of cultural recreation will not be bored either, the Concert Hall regularly holds events in all possible genres, and the Museum of History and Local Lore invites you on exciting excursions.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of popular attractions in Essentuki. He will help you plan routes for exploring the city in 1-3 days.
Spa park
The very heart of the resort town is its park, there are health resorts and drinking springs, health paths for therapeutic walking, cascading stairs and fountains. Old alleys preserve the atmosphere of the beginning of the last century; many trees are more than a hundred years old. Airy gazebos invite you to relax in the shade. The park is divided into alleys: Nikolaevskaya, Mariinskaya, Tserkovnaya, Ermolovskaya. The oldest alley in the park, it is also the central one, is Vorontsovskaya.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Stavropol Territory.
Mud bath named after Semashko
The balneological hospital, which celebrated its 100th anniversary, is located in the most beautiful building among all the hospitals in Europe. The architectural style continues the tradition of the Roman imperial baths. The walls are made of dolomite taken from the Gorge of Insidiousness and Love near Kislovodsk, they are decorated with bas-reliefs, and the entrance to the courtyard is guarded by stone lions. The path to the pillared main entrance leads past sculptures of Roman gods. It is located near the Kurortny Park.
Singing fountain in the central square
One of the largest fountains in the south of Russia, covers an area of 400 m2, located on the Central Square in front of the Concert Hall. The high central jet is complemented by less powerful ones that diverge from it in four directions. Water flows directly between the plates of the square, so on hot days you can walk between the streams of the fountain. It's hard to imagine, but this whole system distills 12 tons of water in one hour.
Temple complex of Peter and Paul
10 km from the city center there is a unique temple complex consecrated in honor of Peter and Paul. There are two temples, four chapels and the main attraction is the tall marble figure of Jesus. This place is called Rio de Caucasus, by analogy with the sculpture of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. There are plans to create a complex in the image of Jerusalem. The chapels are open to the public, in a beautiful park.
Statue of jesus christ
This is the tallest monument to Jesus in our country. The sculpture, together with the pedestal, has a height of 22 meters, made of marble chips. The construction was completed in 2013, and was funded by donations from parishioners. Jesus stands facing the Caucasus Mountains, blessing the inhabitants. The pedestal is a chapel guarded by the figures of snow-white angels. The chapel is open, you can go in and light a candle.
Monument to the Cossacks - the founders of Essentuki
The city was founded in 1826. To protect the southern borders of the country, a military fortification was built here, and hundreds of Cossack families were driven to guard it. In honor of the first settlers, a monument was erected on the Renaissance Square, in the form of a figure of a Cossack - St. George's Knight. He is wearing a Circassian coat, a burka and a hat. On the pedestal there is a shield with the inscription “To the Cossacks - the founders of Essentuki. Grateful descendants. "
Victory Park
Located next to Kurortny Park, it was founded before the revolution. Since then, the park has been renamed several times, its outlines have changed. In this green corner, the atmosphere of a real forest, as all landscapes are decorated as naturally as possible. However, there are many open spaces. The area of the park is 40 hectares, many rare plants grow, including those brought from other countries.
Memorial "Eternal Flame"
The memorial complex built in 1972 is located in the central square of Victory Park. In the center, at the place of burial of urns with earth from Bratislava, Mamayev Kurgan and other places of military glory, a stele was installed. In front of her burns the Eternal Flame, lit by a torch from Mamayev Kurgan. A wall with portraits of those killed in the war has been created. Also on the square there are monuments in memory of those killed in the Civil War, in Afghanistan, during the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident.
"Theater-Park"
The building of the open park theater was built in 1901. It was conceived as an extension to the pavilion of the spring No. 17 to shelter visitors in bad weather. In the evenings, performances and concerts were given here. Within the walls of the theater, Shalyapin and Mayakovsky performed, Gorky and Stanislavsky were guests. Currently, the building has been reconstructed; there is a large banquet hall, a summer cafe and a hotel.
Monument "Zero Kilometer of Love"
On the central city square, opposite the entrance to the park, there is an unusual monument. It is a composition of a zero kilometer pillar and two metal hearts underneath. The pillar is decorated with a figurine of cupid with arrows. Love Kilometer Zero has become a dating destination and a place for photo shoots. This is an iconic place for all lovers and newlyweds who are just starting a long journey together.
Musical gazebo "Rococo"
One of the most famous sights of the spa park, the openwork cast-iron gazebo, was installed in 1879. It was made in Rostov, at a foundry. In the gazebo, musicians performed in the open air, later there was a cafe in it. A harp-shaped emblem is installed in front of the gazebo. Nowadays, musical traditions continue, with a brass band playing here from June to September.
Gazebo "Oreanda"
A large observation deck, surrounded by a colonnade, is located in the heart of the Spa Park. It is of value as a historical and architectural object. Its construction in 1903 was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region. Outwardly, it is almost a complete repetition of the Crimean arbor. There is a grotto under the pavilion, where you can see a sculpture of a crying lady, it is called "Lady's Tears".
Zander Institute of Mechanotherapy
The fabulous wooden tower in the Spa Park, skillfully decorated with carvings, is nothing more than a serious medical institution. It houses the Institute of Massage, Orthopedics and Remedial Gymnastics, founded by the Swedish doctor Gustav Zander in 1902. 64 medical devices created by Zander have been preserved here. There are excursions once a week, and you can try everything on yourself. By the way, scenes from the movie "Love and Doves" were filmed here.
Bath building of Emperor Nicholas II
The building is located in the upper part of the Kurortny Park, on the Alkalnaya Mountain, therefore it is often called the Upper Nikolaev Baths. Representatives of the aristocracy received treatment in mineral water here, the baths are made of solid Italian marble and are very elegantly decorated. Currently, everyone can be treated here, there are 71 cabins and 118 places for procedures.
Drinking gallery of the spring number 17
At the entrance to the park, in the gallery, there is a pump-room of a drinking spring No. 17. This building was the first stone building in the resort.It was created in 1856 by an English architect. For the construction they used stone from Mashuk Mountain and from Kislovodsk. Over the 150-year history of the gallery, the external and internal decoration was supplemented, a stained-glass skylight was created, antique statues were installed.
Drinking gallery of spring no. 4
Drinking gallery "Five-thousanders"
One of the largest galleries in Europe with natural mineral water is located on the territory of the Victoria sanatorium, the largest health resort on the KMV. It was built in 1990. The circular building with a glass dome and large windows can accommodate more than 5,000 visitors in one shift. It is very spacious inside, there are many springs. Vacationers can take three types of water: "Essentuki No. 17 and No. 4" and "Essentuki Novaya", less salty.
Shpakovsky Museum of History and Local Lore
The museum was founded in 1963, its founder - V. Shpakovsky, teacher, veteran of the Great Patriotic War. For 15 years it was a folk museum, and only in 1978 it received the status of a state one. The expositions tell about the history of the creation of the city, the origin of mineral waters, separate rooms are dedicated to famous fellow countrymen. Located in the historic center of the city, in a two-story mansion from the late 19th century.
Church of St. Panteleimon
A large modern temple made of yellow brick is located on the territory of the Kurortny Park, not far from Zimin's dacha. This place used to be the temple of St. Panteleimon, lost during the Soviet era. The Great Martyr Panteleimon possessed the gift of healing, he is considered the patron saint of warriors. In the 90s, the temple began to be revived. Currently, the cathedral is fully completed, services are underway, a valuable shrine is kept here - particles of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov.
St. George Monastery
The monastery is located in the suburb of Essentuki, in the Dubrovka tract. In 1998, a temple began to be built here. For this, a quiet secluded place on a hill was allocated. Later it was decided to build an orphanage for girls as well as a convent. The site offers beautiful views of Elbrus, Mashuk and Beshtau. The interior and exterior decoration is very beautiful, the floor in the temple is decorated with a mosaic star of Bethlehem. Valuable relics are kept here, including a particle of the relics of St. George the Victorious.
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
One of the few surviving ancient churches in the Kavkazminvody, as well as one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was founded by the Cossacks back in 1826 and is a small wooden building with a golden onion. It was built in the tradition of wooden architecture, without a single nail. In Soviet times, services did not stop. Inside there are memorial plaques with the names of the Cossacks who distinguished themselves in military campaigns. In front of the church is the Renaissance square, where a monument to the Cossacks is erected.
City lake
One of the favorite resting places of townspeople and tourists. The lake was formed artificially, in the valley of the Podkumok river. The water is regularly cleaned, the coastal area is landscaped: a pedestrian zone, a playground, cafes and gazebos. In summer, catamarans and boats are rented. The lake is surrounded by a vast green area. Improvement of the park territory continues. Cultural events are regularly held on the shores.
F.I.Shalyapin Concert Hall
The hall is one of the venues of the North Caucasian Philharmonic, located in the central square of the city. It was built in 1980. The complex includes a concert hall with 1,500 seats and a chamber music hall for 80 people. The Great Hall has a unique architecture and technical equipment, which allows holding events of different genres, from classical music to rock concerts and theatrical performances.
Arbor "Accidental meetings"
One of the magnificent pavilions of the Kurortny Park, built in pre-revolutionary times. Then it was called "Come to me" and was the meeting place for the "water society". Later the name was changed, but the original appearance remained the same: a snow-white openwork gazebo with a domed roof stands on a green hill, at its foot there is a large flower bed with a flower clock. Located near the Upper Baths.
Zimin's dacha "Eagle's Nest"
At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries, Essentuki was a popular place for dacha construction. Then, at the corner of Andzhievsky and Ponomarev streets, the dacha of the Cossack esaul I.G. Zimin. Beautiful turrets, loggias, arched windows, a mezzanine make the building very elegant and unlike others. A sculptural composition in the form of a nest with three huge eagles is installed on the roof, for which the dacha received its popular name. The building houses a library.
Old Believer Intercession Church
The first Old Believer Church of Essentuki is the same age as the city. In 1825, the Cossacks brought here a wooden church from the Khoper River. Later, in 1878, a new building was rebuilt, which has survived to this day. The rest of the buildings, the bell tower, the school building, were built at the beginning of the 20th century. Today the temple operates and continues the traditions of the Old Believers. Recognized as a cultural heritage site. Located in the private sector of the city.
Rotunda pavilion "Root Stream"
The history of the name of this gazebo is connected with the long-term search for the source of mineral water No. 17. Several wells were drilled, but the water pressure was unstable, disappearing all the time. In 1902, having drilled a new 100-meter well, the main stream of the source was discovered. A memorial pillar was erected at this place, and the source was designed in the form of a bowl with a fountain. Later, a rotunda was built. When the source dried up, the pump room was closed.
Hydroelectric power station "White Coal"
The building of the former hydroelectric power station is located in the village of White coal. The name is a figurative expression that personifies the energy of water. In 1903, the first hydroelectric power station in the country was built on the Podkumok River, thanks to which electricity was supplied to all Kavkazminvody, and the first tram was launched in Pyatigorsk. It was destroyed during the war and later restored. It worked from 1947 to 1977, but was badly damaged by floods. In 2003, a museum was opened here.
Source gallery No. 4/33
The second drinking gallery of Essentuki mineral water No. 4 was opened in the 70s. The deposit was discovered in the old resort area of the city on Lenin Street, next to the Mud Baths. On the site of the new source, a gallery was built in a modern style without architectural excesses. It is open to everyone, Essentuki-4 and Novaya are served warm and cold.
Grotto "Men's Tears"
The crying grottoes of the Spa Park were created by nature itself, here you can see how healing mineral water is born, seeping through the stone. The "Men's Tears" grotto is located at the source number 4 opposite the sculpture of the Eagle. The entrance to the cave is fenced off with a lattice, here you can hear the noise of dripping water. A sculptural group "Deer" is installed near the entrance. Above the grotto there is a platform where a brass band plays for the guests of the park.
Where to go from Essentuki
The most popular excursion destinations near the city.
Resort park of Kislovodsk
The nearest resort from Essentuki, Kislovodsk, is only 18 km away, it is easy to get here by train or minibus. The heart of Kislovodsk is its huge park. It is imperative to visit the Valley of Roses and Red Stones, admire the views from the cable car cabin, look at the city from above from the Seven Winds pavilion. The most active travelers can climb the Maloye Sedlo hiking trail.
Bermamyt plateau
A picturesque plateau in neighboring Karachay-Cherkessia is located 50 km from Essentuki. It is part of the Greater Caucasus Range. It is worth coming here for only incredible views: bizarre stone columns, steep rocky slopes, deep gorges. The top of the plateau has a height of 2,592 meters and is called Bolshoi Bermamyt. Maly Bermamyt is another peak connected to the plateau by a saddle. The name means "crooked knee".
Honey waterfalls
38 km from Essentuki there is a fabulous mountain gorge, along the bottom of which the Alikonovka River flows. There are five waterfalls in total, three of them are on Alikonovka itself, and two more are on its tributary, Echki-Bash. The highest is Bolshoy Medovy, falling from a height of 18 meters. To see everything, you will have to walk along the bottom of the gorge along the river, through bridges and stone crossings. A tourist complex with a cafe, hotel, mini-zoo was built near the gorge.
Dombay
Tours to the most popular mountain resort Dombay are often arranged for vacationers in Yessentuki; the distance along the highway of 170 km can be covered in just 2.5 hours. In addition to active entertainment, here you can see the reserved places of Teberda, picturesque gorges, and see real bison. In winter this place is attractive for skiing from the slopes, and in summer - for hiking, swimming in mountain springs, walks in alpine meadows.
National Park "Elbrus"
The majestic Elbrus, whose snow caps are visible from many places in Kavkazminvod, can be visited with an excursion from Essentuki. It is necessary to overcome 90 km along the highway and another 100 km along the bottom of the picturesque Baksan gorge. The road itself will give you an incredible experience. A must stop at Cheget, where the oldest cable car rises by 1000 meters. And the highest cable car leads to Elbrus, to a height of 3,500 meters.
