35 main attractions of Nalchik (1 photo)

If you choose Nalchik and its surroundings for your next vacation, you can be congratulated on your excellent choice. Indeed, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is a beautiful, hospitable, “green” city. A resort city - here you can not only breathe mountain air and walk along health paths, but also take healing baths in local sanatoriums.

You can also arrange an excellent excursion program for yourself. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, gorges, gorges, wild rivers, incredible canyons - this is all Kabardino-Balkaria. As well as historical beauty: ancient villages, ruins of fortresses and defensive towers from the Middle Ages have been preserved in the region. By the way, Nalchik will be a very convenient starting point for exploring all these beauties. From the capital of the republic you can reach waterfalls, mountain routes and magnificent lakes in 1–2 hours. What not to miss while relaxing in Nalchik and its surroundings, read in our guide.

Mountain Kabardino-Balkaria Photo: © Victor Bashkir

Route description

Go on a sightseeing tour of Nalchik. Explore its history and attractions. You will see: the National Museum of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, the 400th Anniversary Square, the Abkhazia Square, the memorial to the victims of the Balkar people, the Victory Stele, the memorial arch of friendship, the cathedral mosque, Lake Trek and much more.

The capital of Kabardino-Balkaria is rightly called the “Green Pearl of the Caucasus”. Clean, well-groomed streets, cozy public gardens and a beautiful, landscaped park are considered the hallmark of the city. In 1997 and 1998, Nalchik participated in the All-Russian competition for the title “The most comfortable city in Russia” among cities of the 1st category and took 3rd and 1st places, respectively.

Kabardino-Balkarian Museum of Fine Arts

Kabardino-Balkarian Museum of Fine Arts

Nalchik

The Museum of Fine Arts was opened in the republic in 1960. It bears the name of the Soviet teacher Andrei Tkachenko, who ran an art studio in Nalchik for more than 50 years. Back in the 1920s, the country's central museums transferred more than 200 exhibits to the republic - they became the basis of the museum's collection. Among them were paintings by Russian painters: Karl Bryullov, Dmitry Levitsky, Ivan Shishkin, Ivan Aivazovsky and many other artists.

In the 1980s, the museum created a section “Art of Kabardino-Balkaria”, which included works of traditional and contemporary art of the republic. Among the exhibits of folk arts and crafts: kiyiz - Balkar felt carpets, arjens - Kabardian mats, as well as items of national costume, jewelry, wooden and copper utensils, and musical instruments.

The section of fine art of the republic included paintings, graphics and sculpture by local artists, and over time the collection was supplemented by works of Russian art: portraits and landscapes of Nikolai Tihobrazov, Yuliy Klever, Konstantin Kryzhitsky. In addition, here you can see engravings and graphics by Evgraf Chemesov, Nikolai Ge, sculptures by Fyodor Tolstoy, Pyotr Klodt and Alexander Opekushin.

The museum also houses a small collection of Russian porcelain: objects and products from the Imperial Porcelain Factory and the enterprises of Franz Gardner and Alexei Popov. The section of Soviet art contains paintings by Arkady Rylov, Efim Cheptsov, Nikolai Romadin, graphic sheets by Vladimir Favorsky, Pavel Shillingovsky, Kukryniksy, sculptures by Evgeny Vuchetich, Nikolay Tomsky and Matvey Manizer.

Walking tour of Atazhukinsky (City) Park

Includes a walk along the park alleys, visiting the monuments to Zhabaga Kazanoko, the “Tree of Life on the Wheel of History” - to the victims of the Caucasian War, the “Eternal Flame” in memory of those killed during the Great Patriotic War, the poets B. Pachev and K. Mechiev, M. Lermontov; ascent to the Malaya Kizilovka CCD to the Sosruko restaurant; visit to the Zoo (optional); walk around the Resort Lake. The tour ends with a visit to the Nalchik spring.

The city park is one of the main attractions of Nalchik. The park is a favorite place for walks for citizens and vacationers. Fresh air, beauty and lush nature, comfortable conditions for spending time, magnificent landscape design - all this allows us to consider Nalchik park one of the best not only in Russia, but also on a global scale.

The park consists of three alleys: Lipovaya, Central and Komsomolskaya. In its upper part there is a zoo and an observation tower, in the form of a fortress tower with loopholes and two balconies encircling it. From the tower you can clearly see the Trek and Kurortnoe lakes, sanatorium buildings, the cable car, and Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. A cable car runs along Malaya Kizilovka Mountain, towards the Sosruko restaurant. Those who wish can enjoy stunning mountain and city landscapes from above.

35 main attractions of Nalchik (1 photo)

Kabardino-Balkaria Government Building

A historical building that is an architectural monument. The bright and beautiful building is made in a classical style with Baroque elements. The Government House looks solemn in any weather thanks to its white facades and round columns at its entrance. The Place de la Concorde in front of the building is decorated with flower beds and lawns. But its main highlight is the light and music fountain, dancing to classical music.

Atazhukinsky garden

One of the largest parks in the North Caucasus with an area of ​​250 hectares. Its main alley, one and a half kilometers long, is planted with linden, maple, and spruce trees. The park also has plantings of Japanese quince and paulownia. The park is almost 200 years old, after reconstruction it has become more comfortable and comfortable. On the territory of the garden there is a cable car station leading to Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. There are children's playgrounds and attractions.

Resort lake

An artificial lake in the southern part of the city in the resort area of ​​Dolinsk. The lake is surrounded on both sides by spurs of the Lesisty Ridge. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 7 meters in summer. On average, the depth of the lake is 3-4 meters. Kurortnoye is the only one of the four lakes in the city park in which swimming is allowed. Part of the coast is equipped only for children's beaches. There are catamaran and boat rentals.

Green Theater

Concert hall for the summer period in the Atazhukinsky Garden. It is designed in the form of an elegant three-story amphitheater and looks great in the overall landscape of the park. The Green Theater building is built on a mountain slope, and its benches seem to descend from the top to the stage. It seats 2,500 spectators. The theater has excellent acoustics, which is why it is used for concerts and large-scale festive events.

Palace of Celebrations "Elbrus"

It is located in the Atazhukinsky Garden and, together with the Green Theater, is one of the main decorations not only of the park, but of the whole of Nalchik. The unified architectural complex was built in 1957; in 2002, the palace underwent a large-scale reconstruction. Elbrus looks especially impressive in the spring, surrounded by flowering fruit trees. Elbrus hosts wedding ceremonies, city holidays and cultural events.

"Tower of Lovers"

The tower was built by order of Prince Atazhukin in 1867 on the territory of the city park. Construction was carried out in the style of medieval architecture. In 2011, the tower was bought by a private entrepreneur and after restoration it became a popular tourist attraction. The tower is used for wedding photo shoots. From its observation deck there are wonderful views of the park area with an artificial lake and an amphitheater.

Cable car across Lake Trek

Passes from the Atazhukinsky Garden to the top of Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. The ascent is to a small height - only 100 meters, but this is quite enough to appreciate the beauty of Lake Trek. The length of the cable car is 658 meters, the journey in one direction takes no more than 10 minutes. The design of the cable car is chair-type, the seat is designed for one person. The cable car was built in 1958.

Mount Malaya Kizilovka

You can climb the mountain by cable car from the Atazhukinsky Garden. From the observation deck at its top there is a beautiful view of the park and its attractions - the Green Theater and the Palace of Celebrations. The surrounding area of ​​the city is clearly visible, including the TV tower and the Caucasus mountain ranges. The Sosruko restaurant was also built here, and there are small kiosks selling souvenirs. At the top of the mountain you can take pictures in national costumes.

Restaurant "Sosruko"

It is located on the top of the Malaya Kizilovka mountain and is one of the main attractions of Nalchik because of its appearance. The restaurant building was built in the shape of the head of a hero - a hero of national epics. Nearby is his hand with a burning torch. There is a fountain in the form of a waterfall on the territory of the restaurant. The decor in the restaurant has a typical Caucasian style. Sosruko serves national gourmet dishes.

Sculpture "Star Stone"

The stone was brought from the Bezengi Gorge and installed in the city park. It has a height of 4 meters and a diameter of 3 meters. The weight of the stone is 40 tons. The stone is decorated with a bronze ornament, symbolizing the beauty of the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria and the unity of the peoples of the republic. Bronze inserts are a reflection of the starry sky. They were cast in Germany, at a factory specializing in the manufacture of bronze bells.

National Museum of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

The National Republican Museum was founded in 1921. During this time, it collected several thousand exhibits of various subjects - archaeological, numismatic, ethnographic. The art department of the museum contains works by Bryullov, Aivazovsky and Roubaud, transferred from museums in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The museum has guides who have developed different programs taking into account the age of visitors.

Museum of Fine Arts A. L. Tkachenko

The museum exhibits more than 2,500 works of art by local authors, as well as about 200 works of foreign art. In addition to permanent exhibitions, temporary ones are exhibited - in exchange with other museums, from the personal funds of collectors. The exhibitions are varied in subject matter and time periods in which the works were created. Particularly interesting to visitors are works from the Soviet period and exhibitions of arts and crafts of the peoples of the republic.

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Nalchik Central Mosque

The main cathedral mosque of the city. It was built in one of the city squares. Construction according to the sketch of architect Asanov lasted 4 years and ended in 2004. Local decorative stones and minerals were used in interior and exterior decoration. The building has the appearance characteristic of a national religious building; two 30-meter-high minarets were erected at the entrance to the mosque. The dome of the mosque has a bright blue color.

Cathedral of Mary Magdalene

The largest Christian cathedral in the republic. The cathedral is made in classical Byzantine style. The two-story building with an area of ​​800 m² can accommodate up to 1,000 people at a time. The decoration of the temple is five domes and a four-tiered bell tower. The inside of the temple was painted by Moscow icon painters, who used the technique of Andrei Rublev in their work. The shrines of the temple are the icon of Mary Magdalene and the Matrona of Moscow.

Monument “Forever with Russia”

The monument is located opposite the building of the Musical Theater, on the square of the 400th anniversary of the annexation of Kabarda to Russia. The image of the Motherland is symbolized by the statue of Queen Maria Temryukovna, made of bronze. It is traditionally believed that she protects the tranquility and peace of her people. On the lower tier, bas-reliefs tell about important events in the history of the peoples of the republic. The monument was erected in 1957.

Memorial Arch of Friendship

Installed in 2007 on Baksan Highway. Its appearance resembles the famous Parisian Arc de Triomphe. The arch symbolizes the friendship of the peoples of Russia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The architectural design of the arch in a classic and simple style was carried out by Muzarib Bzhakhov. The memorial arch is combined with the natural landscape and the general architectural ensemble around. It was built at the personal expense of the President of the Republic.

Nalchik hippodrome

An important place for the entire republic, where horse breeding has long become part of folk culture. Construction of the hippodrome was completed in 1939. Large-scale reconstruction updated the existing infrastructure and currently the hippodrome is a modern complex that can organize international level competitions. The original stables of the hippodrome are designed in the shape of a horseshoe.

A popular place among city residents and tourists. Here you can buy almost any product, including national goods that you can bring home as souvenirs. The market is located in the historical center of the capital near the square named after. Gorky. The entrance to the market is decorated with an arch with columns and sculptures installed in niches. Their style is reminiscent of some of the sculptures at VDNKh in Moscow.

Drinking gallery "Nalchik Source"

Located in the resort park. The gallery began its work in 1970 and was reconstructed in 2003. A pavilion with healing water is available to any visitor to the park. The gallery can serve more than 4,000 people per day. Mineral water enters the gallery taps from a depth of about a kilometer. 36 taps are installed to supply water. Drinking water is recommended to improve the functioning of the liver, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.

Nalchik Arbat

Partially pedestrian street in the historical center of the city. 300 meters of the street, which was previously called Vorontsovskaya, and has now become Kabardinskaya, have been allocated for a completely pedestrian section. Both local residents and city guests love walks along Nalchik Arbat. On the street are exhibits of the Museum of Stone Artifacts, there is a cafe, benches and flower beds, and a beautiful fountain. A children's park with swings and slides has been built.

Nalchik Zoo

The zoo with a total area of ​​6.57 hectares is located in the resort area of ​​Dolinsk. The zoo is home to about 350 animals and birds of 150 different species. Monkeys, lions and bears are of greatest interest to visitors. Comfortable, spacious enclosures have been built to keep the animals; there is a pond with an island for waterfowl. A children's city with slides and free admission has been built for young visitors.

Memorial "Tree of Life"

Installed in Freedom Square in 2004 in memory of the victims of the Russian-Caucasian War. The “Tree of Life” symbolizes a turning point in the life of the people and is an ancient symbol of the Circassians. Its seven branches mean seven generations of the family. The monument is made of bronze and has a height of 7 meters. The author of the memorial is the sculptor Arsen Guchapshev. According to the master, the memorial personifies the wisdom of the Adyghe people.

State Musical Theater

Opened in 1968. The ballet troupe was created from students of the cultural and educational school and was finally formed in 1969. Vocal performers of the theater can perform complex musical works, so the performances of the theater troupe are popular not only in the Caucasus. The theater successfully tours Russia and Ukraine. The theater's repertoire includes world classic productions.

State Concert Hall

It began work in 2001 and is a unique structure in its architecture in the North Caucasus. During its construction, translucent structures were used, and enamel was used in the glazing of the facade. The technical equipment of the concert hall meets all modern requirements. An octagon-shaped fountain was erected in front of the concert hall. The architects of the project are Asanov, Kiryazev and Logovatovsky.

Memorial to the victims of repression of the Balkar people

Dedicated to the history of the forced eviction of the Balkar people from the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria from 1944 to 1957. The memorial was opened on Kanukoev Street in 2002, and since then mourning rallies have been held near it every year. The style of the memorial combines Balkar architectural techniques and features of Central Asian architecture. The memorial exposition consists of personal belongings, documents and household items of the displaced.

Terraincourt "1000 steps"

A route designed for therapeutic walking. It is popular among local residents and athletes, as well as tourists. The route leads from the lower to the upper station of the abandoned cable car on Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. This is a beautiful mountainous area with clean air and pristine nature. The total length of the route is 2640 meters. The highest point is at an altitude of 843 meters above sea level.

Cathedral of St. Simeon the Stylite

Located in the central part of the city. Built in 1851, destroyed almost to the ground in 1928. It was restored in 1943 and is currently one of the city's landmarks. The temple is small and made according to strict canonical rules. The cathedral consists of three parts - the altar, the temple and the vestibule. The dome is topped with an Orthodox eight-pointed cross. The walls inside are covered with frescoes.

Art gallery "Panorama"

Located in the center of Nalchik. The permanent exhibition of the gallery occupies three levels. The gallery's exhibitions feature photographs with views of the Caucasus. Mountains, gorges, lakes and rivers - in the photo you can see the most hidden, hard-to-reach places in Kabardino-Balkaria. Wide-format panoramic photographs are especially interesting - they create a real presence effect. Some of the photographs were taken from a helicopter; they allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Caucasian nature.

Stele "Nalchik - City of Military Glory"

In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the honorary title of City of Military Glory. In honor of this, a stele was erected, which was installed in 2015 in the Walnut Grove. At the base of the stele's pedestal there are several steps. The stele itself is a column topped with a double-headed eagle. On the sides of the stele there are slabs containing the text of the decree and the heraldry of the city of Nalchik, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Russian Federation.

“Monument to the soldiers of the 115th Kabardino-Balkarian Cavalry Division who died during the Second World War”

The memorial complex was erected at the intersection of Idarova and Malbakhova streets. Installed in honor of the 115th Cavalry Division, which participated in the battles during the Great Patriotic War in the North Caucasus. The author of the monument is Honored Artist of Russia and sculptor Mikhail Tkhakumashev. The sculpture depicts a warrior on horseback, which, according to the author, symbolizes the heroic fight against the enemy.

Memorial "Eternal Flame of Glory"

Located on the territory of a city park. It is a rectangular square with an obelisk in front of which burns an eternal flame. Evergreen spruce trees are planted around the memorial complex. The obelisk was erected in 1949, the eternal flame appeared in 1965 - on the 20th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. During memorable dates, ceremonies are held at the memorial; newlyweds lay flowers here.

Restaurant "Bochka"

One of the most unusual and extravagant restaurants in Nalchik. It is built in the form of a natural wooden barrel. The restaurant's interior is done in brown colors. The first and second floors are connected by a curved staircase with massive railings. Most of the dishes at Bochka are prepared using a barbecue. They are served with original national sauces and dressings. Baking made from original recipes has an unusual taste.

Memorial House-Museum of Marko Vovchok

The museum's exhibitions are dedicated to the work and life of the Ukrainian writer Marko Vovchok. She lived in the house built in 1906, where the museum is located, for the last two years of her life. Among the exhibits are her personal belongings, photographs and documents confirming close ties with famous writers - Turgenev, Dumas, Shevchenko, Chernyshevsky. Her grave is also located on the estate.

Monument to Komsomol heroes

The author of the monument is the sculptor Guide Bzheumykhov. It was opened in 1968, during the period of triumphant screening of films about Fantômas. The image of the Komsomol hero became popularly associated with the image of the main villain of the film. Hundreds of angry letters were sent to party bodies. By decision of the commission, the monument was left almost unchanged, and among the residents of the city, the unofficial name “Fantômas” was assigned to the monument.

Nalchik River

A small river, 54 km long, flows through the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria. The river is known for large floods; to prevent their consequences, the coastal zone within the city is regularly strengthened. The river is not navigable. Currently, active work is underway to improve the river bed for recreational and resort purposes. Currently, it is a shallow and narrow river along which you can take a walk.

City `s history

The exact date of the founding of the city is not known; various sources mention it between 1724-1822. Initially, Nalchik was a fortification built by General Ermolov to protect the lands. The population increased every year, and only by 1921, Nalchik received the status of a city.

During its existence, the city was destroyed more than once, but it was rebuilt again. The beginning of the 90s became a difficult period for the city, when economic difficulties began in the region. By the end of the 90s, the situation in the region was resolved, Nalchik began to develop as a tourist city.

Unfortunately, due to its close location to the mountains, earthquakes and mudflows often occur in Nalchik and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Nalchik

If you choose Nalchik as the city for your next vacation, you will not be disappointed. It’s beautiful, hospitable, interesting, and most importantly, inexpensive. A traveler with any budget can find accommodation here to his liking - at the same time, you will relax conveniently and in comfort.

Are you on a budget? So, choose among the hotels in Nalchik. You can find excellent hotel complexes with swimming pools, spa centers and solid medical facilities. In the Dolinsk resort area there are sanatoriums based on the mineral springs of Kabardino-Balkaria - many of them are not inferior in quality to the famous resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters .

Budget tourists will also not be disappointed in their choice of accommodation in Nalchik. Consider guest houses or rent apartments - this option is especially beneficial for large companies and families with children.

Are you saving? Stay at a hostel. This is especially beneficial if you are vacationing in Nalchik alone - you will find a company with similar interests and save money.

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Don't forget about another way to save money while traveling. This is booking accommodation on Booking.com with cashback.

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