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January 11, 2020
Lermontov is one of the seven resort towns of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. We have already talked in our blog about Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki. Today we will introduce you to Lermontov.
The town is small and cozy. One day is enough to see everything.
This is the youngest city of the KMS, the economy is based more on industry than on tourism, and even in the Soviet Union it was impossible to get here due to secret developments on the territory of Lermontov.
We’ll tell you about this special resort in the North Caucasus in the article: did the great poet visit here, and what to see in Lermontov in one day.
In the 40s of the last century, uranium ore deposits were discovered on Mount Beshtau. Specialists from all over the Soviet Union were sent for extraction and development and they began to build a settlement for workers and their families. For the first couple of years, it was called “Mine Administration Settlement No. 10.”
After a while, the nameless village was nicknamed Lermontovsky in memory of the great poet. In 1956 it grew to the status of a city, and in 1967 it received its modern name - Lermontov.
Due to the mining of radioactive uranium and secret activities during the Soviet era, Lermontov was a closed city. Since the 80s, production has been stopped and the mines have been mothballed. Now anyone can visit the resort.
Lermontov is surrounded by the Beshtau, Sheludiva and Ostroy mountains, which protect it from wind and precipitation. The number of sunny days in the city is almost the same as in Kislovodsk. When it rains in neighboring Pyatigorsk, the weather in Lermontov is cloudless. From this you can hear that people call the city “Yasnaya Polyana”.
Where is it located?
The Stavropol Territory is rich in small cozy cities that grew out of towns and rural settlements. The fertile land of Stavropol preserves a careful attitude towards the historical past. But not everyone knows where the city of Lermontov is located. Although many have heard about it.
Lermontov “grew” as a city from a small comfortable village in the early 60s. The town is located just 180 km from the center of Stavropol, towards the Caucasus and the southern outskirts of the highlands of the Stavropol region. This is a central place between the famous resort places of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, not far from the picturesque famous Mount Beshtau.
"Caucasus"
We recommend visiting another fascinating and interesting excursion. Its duration is about ten hours. Some may think that this is too long. We assure you that time will fly by completely unnoticed and you will still not have enough of it. And how many interesting things the Caucasus excursion includes! Visiting dolmens, swimming in a mountain river, the opportunity to make a secret wish (this is done at a tree that is several hundred years old), real Caucasian drinks, delicious food, fun and a huge amount of positive emotions.
Who was it named after?
It is not difficult to guess that the city is named after the great poet of Russia. At first it was a small village of Lermontovsky, where builders lived and worked. Their efforts were used to extract uranium ore deposits for nuclear power plants built throughout Russia.
The title of “city” was awarded to the settlement in 1956, and after a decade the main direction of the city’s labor activity was lost, and new industrial facilities began to be built, including radio-electronic factories. Devices for the industrial complex, equipment and automation systems, electronics and others began to be sent from the city to different parts of the country. Lermontov (city) began to grow rapidly. A map of the Caucasus allows you to estimate the area of this settlement.
Mill gap
Among the attractions of Lermontovo and its surroundings there is another interesting place. A beautiful forest gorge surrounded by a small river. Here you can swim, taste incredibly tasty and clean water from a natural spring, and also have a picnic in the fresh air. The Melnichnaya Shchel complex has a cafe where you can order delicious and aromatic shish kebab, as well as other hearty dishes. Be sure to take a camera or a phone with a good camera with you, because here you will discover the stunning natural beauty of these places.
Historically significant moment
The symbolism of the coat of arms of the Caucasian Mineral Waters also included the symbol of the city of Lermontov. Luxurious nature did not skimp on decorating this place. Mineral healing waters flow in the depths of the city’s earth. The settlement is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges - Beshtau, Sheludiva, Ostraya, covered with forest lands interspersed with rocky and flat grassy areas.
Mountain ranges protect Lermontov from strong winds, precipitation and fog, creating good atmospheric conditions on its territory. Crystal cool air cools the summer heat, bringing freshness to the townspeople. Imagining the wonderful nature of the area, I want to know where the city of Lermontov is located.
Events
Attempt to storm the city hall in February 2012
On February 21, 2012, in the city of Lermontov there was an attempt to storm the local city hall. The cause of the conflict was the refusal to register opposition candidates for the Lermontov city council. Initially, the elections were supposed to be held on the same day as the presidential elections - March 4.[68]
More than 10 candidates for the city council went on a hunger strike. Those who supported them decided to storm the city hall building, but the police blocked the doors. The attackers did not retreat and, having broken the resistance of law enforcement agencies, about 30 more people joined the hunger strikers.[68]
On February 22, a blackout of local television was reported[69]. This information was later refuted.[70] A representative of the Investigative Committee of Russia arrived to visit the 8 hunger strikers (the rest, after negotiations with government officials, left the administration building), to whom they intended to provide specific facts about what they considered the actions of the city election commission subject to criminal prosecution[71].
On March 1, 2012, Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative Alexander Khloponin met with the hunger strikers and convinced them to end the hunger strike[72].
On March 2, 2012, the court canceled the city council elections scheduled for March 4[73]. Representative of the regional election commission Evgeny Demyanov suggested that elections to the city council will most likely be held on June 17[74].
Archival references
If you plunge into history, visitors to the city will be amazed by the archaeological excavations of burial mounds that date back to the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. Thus, at the foot of Beshtau there were Kabardian auls and the Athos Beshtaugorsky monastery, which has been restored in modern times.
The development of Lermontov was based on the construction of a mining and chemical industry and the processing of uranium ore. Its own huge car depot, extensive trading network, large public utilities, educational and health centers have made the city simply exemplary. Its improvement was carried out by the urban planning Soviet design bureau. The rapid construction boom of the city's neighborhoods contributed to the influx of top professionals and population growth. The city of Lermontov (Stavropol Territory) is developing every year.
Population
| Population | |||||||||
| 1959[11] | 1970[12] | 1979[13] | 1989[14] | 1992[15] | 1996[15] | 1998[15] | 2000[15] | 2001[15] | 2002[16] |
| 10 926 | ↗15 063 | ↗18 785 | ↗20 772 | ↗22 000 | ↗24 500 | ↘22 500 | ↘22 300 | →22 300 | ↗22 964 |
| 2003[15] | 2005[15] | 2006[15] | 2007[15] | 2008[17] | 2009[18] | 2010[19] | 2011[20] | 2012[21] | 2013[22] |
| ↗23 000 | ↘22 700 | ↘22 600 | ↘22 400 | ↘22 300 | ↗22 327 | ↗22 541 | ↗22 559 | ↗22 610 | ↗22 680 |
| 2014[23] | 2015[24] | 2016[25] | 2017[26] | 2018[27] | 2019[28] | 2020[29] | 2021[2] | ||
| ↗22 771 | ↘22 741 | ↘22 635 | ↘22 477 | ↗22 612 | ↘22 601 | ↗22 891 | ↗23 249 | ||
As of January 1, 2022, in terms of population, the city was in 596th place out of 1,116[30]cities of the Russian Federation[31].
Gender composition
According to the results of the 2010 population census, there were 10,059 men (44.63%) and 12,482 women (55.37%)[19].
National composition
According to the results of the 2010 population census, the following nationalities lived (nationalities less than 1%, see footnote to the line “Others”)[19]:
| Nationality | Number | Percent |
| Russians | 18 633 | 82,66 |
| Ukrainians | 488 | 2,16 |
| Armenians | 429 | 1,90 |
| Others[32] | 2991 | 13,27 |
| Total | 22 541 | 100,00 |
Significant buildings
The city center is decorated with a monument to the poet, the pride of Russia, built in 1981 in honor of the 140th anniversary of the death of M. Lermontov. The Palace of Culture, built in 1957, unites within its walls people with common interests. One of the important municipal institutions is the Center for Social Service of the Population. Few people know where the city of Lermontov is located, but after reading the article it will become clear that the settlement is located in the Stavropol Territory.
The main economic sector continues to be industry with its leading factories and property departments. The commercial network includes more than 85 catering centers and retail outlets.
In Lermontov, the predominant municipal entity has its own charter, symbols and coat of arms. In the late 90s, the first elections of the head of the region were held. The city council, which includes about 20 deputies, is elected for a term of up to 5 years. In addition, Lermontov boasts a Social Service Center, which townspeople affectionately call “the center of kindness and warmth.”
For children, 6 municipal educational secondary institutions and a dozen kindergartens have been built, where preschool children are surrounded by the love and care of teachers and nannies. The city of Lermontov is developing rapidly. Photos of streets and landmarks prove this fact.
Veterans of Labor and Honorary Citizens live here. These are heads of institutions and government departments, as well as professionals in their field, eminent workers, and cultural workers.
Clinical Hospital No. 101 cares about the health of its residents and pays a lot of attention to disease prevention.
Beautiful temples and churches of Lermontov
The most impressive buildings of Lermontov are the churches and chapels. Since the city was founded during the Soviet years, they were all built relatively recently.
Temple of St. Sergius of Radonezh
- Address: Gornaya st., 3.
Its history began in the fall of 1994, when a worship cross was erected on the outskirts of Lermontov. The temple was founded in 1997, but its construction was completed only in 2011.
The opening ceremony of the new church took place as part of the celebration of Lermontov’s 55th anniversary. The building is made of brick in the Russian-Byzantine style. Semicircular apses, high quadrangles with domes and zakomars give it a monumental appearance. The bell tower is covered with an emerald tent in the color of the roofs of the main building.
Today the Temple of St. Sergius of Radonezh operates and is the center of Lermontov’s spiritual life. Regular and holiday services are held here.
Baptismal Church of the Holy Trinity
- Address: Gornaya street.
Trinity Church is located next to the Church of Sergius of Radonezh. The building is made of brick and decorated in light colors. It is decorated with rusticated frames of windows and arches, as well as figured masonry.
A round stone staircase leads to the massive folding doors of the main entrance. The composition ends with a silver chapter with a golden cross. Baptism ceremonies are held in this temple. In the center of the worship hall there is a baptismal font.
Church of St. George the Victorious
- Address: Komsomolskaya st., 15/1с2, Ostrogorka village.
The Church of St. George the Victorious is built of brick, in the style of Russian architecture. The building of the iconic landmark has a rectangle at the base, with an apse adjacent to the west. The temple ends with a white light six under the dome. A small tented bell tower adjoins the temple.
A children's sports complex has been opened next to the St. George Church, which has a gym and a wrestling room. There is also an open-air fitness court on site. Here, weight training equipment and a universal playing field are open to the public.
Chapel of St. Sergius of Radonezh
- Address: st. Lenina, 26.
The chapel belongs to Clinical Hospital No. 101. It occupies a small, modest building with a dome on the ridge of the roof and a cross on the door. There is an altar and a crucifix inside. On the walls hang icons belonging to different areas of icon painting: wood-burnt, mosaic, beaded and artistic.
Youth programs in the city
The Children's Art School contributes to the spiritual and creative development of youth, where children flock with great interest. Young Lermontov residents become familiar with the magic of creativity and attend fine art exhibitions. Local residents love and respect their Lermontov (city). A map of the Caucasus allows you to see exactly where this settlement is located.
Sports and recreational activities take place in the Beshtau sports complex, equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, the best children's football clubs, a rock climbing section, and karate. The city regularly organizes prestigious competitions at the regional and all-Russian levels. Many young Russian athletes know where the city of Lermontov is located.
The music school has been operating in the city since 1956. There is a center for children's and youth creativity "Rainbow", a naturalists' club, and amateur interest groups. The Veterans Council directly interacts with young people, organizes meetings, conversations, and general collective events.
A master plan for the reconstruction of the city—its center, streets, and residential areas—is currently being considered. Much attention is paid to the development of the tourist complex. For residents and guests of the city there is a water park, shopping and entertainment centers, and exhibitions. Lermontov is the center of future tourism in the Stavropol region. The majestic Caucasus has always been famous for its friendliness and hospitality. The city of Lermontov fits perfectly into this area and is developing confidently.
Guest house "House-Museum"
Here you can not only find quiet and cozy accommodation, but you can also get acquainted with ancient household items of the peoples of the Caucasus. The owner of the house will be able to tell you many stories and customs related to the life and customs of this amazingly hospitable people. And if desired, organize visits for visitors to the most interesting places in the Krasnodar region. The address of the house is Chernomorskaya street, building 6.
People associated with the city[ | ]
- Viktor Ivanovich Khimchenko (08/17/1931, Verkhny, currently Lugansk region, Ukraine), corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, laureate of the USSR State Prize, Honored Inventor of Russia, former general director of the Almaz LPO. Awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, Friendship of Peoples, Badge of Honor, and medals. Honorary citizen of the city of Lermontov[61].
- Ivan Yakovlevich Chursinov (1926) - participant in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, holder of the Order of the Red Banner of Labor[36]
- Ivan Egorovich Shcherbinin (1926) - participant in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, holder of the Order of Glory, III degree[36]
- Lyudmila Mikhailovna Opryatina (02/10/1936, Georgievsk), former head of Lermontov Library No. 1 (since 1994), first librarian of the city, Honorary Citizen of the city of Lermontov[61].
- Natalya Aleksandrovna Yunakova (1941) - former employee of JSC Rubin, Honorary Citizen of the city of Lermontov[62]
- Sergei Andreevich Beskorovainy (07/25/1936, Grigoryevka village, Kharkov region, Ukrainian SSR) - operator of the Hydrometallurgical Plant (worked for almost fifty years), awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and medals. Honorary citizen of the city of Lermontov[61].
