Writing about your hometown, having left it, and now having the opportunity to look at your native distances with an open mind years later is an amazing feeling, like a story about your parents, who are getting younger and prettier with age. Defying the laws of physics and time.
So, Mineralnye Vody. Is it worth coming back here or is it better to leave and forget forever? I chose the middle path. I live in Moscow, but I come for a month or two every year. I’ll tell you literally everything I know, so it won’t be possible to quickly finish reading the review.
Content
- 1. Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Minvody
- 2. Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
- 3. Airport and railway station
- 4. Eagle Sculpture
- 5. Every tourist should know
- 6. Video
Despite its name, the resort town of Mineralnye Vody does not have a single source of medicinal mineral water on its territory, but despite this, thousands of tourists visit it every year. What should vacationers pay their attention to first of all?
Minvody
Mineralnye Vody cathedral photo
Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Visiting museums
For those looking for something to see in Minvody, there are several museums. One of them, the local history museum, was founded in 1998. Since that time, more than 20 thousand exhibits of archeology, painting, numismatics, geology and ethnography have been collected here. Visitors can see old photographs and coins, household items, clothing, dishes, paintings and much more that will help them immerse themselves in the history of this region.
In the center there is another museum that collects Soviet aviation equipment: biplanes, airplanes and helicopters. Next to these exhibits there are stands with interesting information about each model of this air transport.
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Mineralnye Vody
The main Orthodox attraction of Mineralnye Vody is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built relatively recently. In 1990, with the approval of the Metropolitan of Stavropol, a plot of land was consecrated for the construction of the Cathedral. Some time later, local residents discovered an icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God at this place, which served as a good sign for construction. In 1997, the construction of the Cathedral was completed. Today, on the territory of the cathedral, everyone can see a whole architectural complex, which includes a temple, utility and administrative buildings and a large belfry with 8 bells. Look at the photos and videos in the article. Every year the Cathedral is visited by pilgrims from all over the country; every guest of the city considers it his duty to kneel before the icon of the Mother of God. Even non-believers remain deeply impressed by the beauty, wealth and luxury of the Cathedral.
Mineralnye Vody Cathedral of the Virgin Mary
cathedral inside
service with the patriarch
A small but very green resort town is Zheleznovodsk, where there are many sanatoriums.
Mineralnye Vody Cathedral
Minvody Cathedral of the Virgin Mary
Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mineralnye Vody church
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
One of the significant attractions of Mineralnye Vody is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is not the only Orthodox attraction of Mineralnye Vody. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, also built in the second half of the twentieth century, is no less popular among city guests. The exterior and interior decoration of the church is very simple, but this does not make it any less beautiful. In this place, believers feel peace and extraordinary lightness. You can clearly see what the church looks like in the video and photos in the article.
In addition to the church, the architectural complex includes only a bell tower. The entire territory is fenced with a red brick fence; all other buildings are made of the same material. Visiting tourists should definitely visit the church, appreciate the simple beauty and feel the calm atmosphere reigning here.
Mineralnye Vody Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Mineralnye Vody Airport
Mineralnye Vody airport at night
Thermal springs
Bathing in a hot spring is one of the popular recreational options in the Caucasus, and it is especially pleasant in winter. Warm water allows you not only to warm up: with its help, beneficial minerals penetrate the skin better.
The closest thermal springs to Kislovodsk are in the village of Suvorovskaya , 45 km from the city. Next to each other in the village there are two complexes with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, locker rooms, lockers, hotels, and cafes. Suvorov springs are recognized as unique, having the properties of “living water”. You can not only swim in them, but also drink. The water temperature in the baths reaches +43…+50 °C.
Hot pools at the sports complex "Mashuk Aqua Therm" Photo: © Official page of "Italian Therms" Vkontakte
Even further, 80 km from Kislovodsk, in the village of Kavkazsky in Karachay-Cherkessia, there are thermal springs “Pearl of the Caucasus” . The complex with the hotel and cafe has five outdoor and indoor swimming pools with cold, warm and hot water, two of them with an area of 300 sq. m. m. There is a separate women's pool. A bathhouse, hammam, sauna, massages, phyto-barrel and salt cave will help diversify your holiday.
Outside Pyatigorsk, at the Mashuk Aqua Therm , there are “Italian Baths” - five outdoor pools with different mineralization and temperature, massage. In addition to them, there is a hammam, a Roman bath, aromatic and salt saunas, hardening baths - a Kneipp path and other spa services.
October Baths Photo: © Vladimir Shefer
If you don’t want or have the opportunity to leave Kislovodsk, you can swim in the city itself at the “October Baths” or any health resort. Narzan, pearl, iodine-bromine, pine and other baths are health procedures with a certain effect; consultation with a doctor is required.
More options for where to go swimming:
Thermal springs of the Caucasus
Eagle sculpture
What resort town of the Caucasian Mineral Waters can do without a sculpture of a majestic eagle. In Mineralnye Vody, this bird greets all guests at the station square. Almost every tourist knows that an eagle with open wings holding a snake in its claws symbolizes victory over disease.
The eagle was erected in the 20th century from bronze. Since then, the sculpture has not undergone any changes and today pleases the eye of every person who comes to Mineralnye Vody. Tourists love to take pictures near the Eagle - the symbol of the entire Caucasus. Look at the photo to see what an eagle looks like.
eagle sculpture photo
Mineralnye Vody monument to defenders
memorial Complex
Mineral beautiful alley
Every tourist should know
During their visit to Mineralnye Vody, tourists should not miss the opportunity to visit the Tersky Stud Farm, located at the foot of Mount Zmeyka. It was built in 1880 by order of Count S. A. Stroganov, who attempted to breed Arabian horses in Russia. Up to this point, he had tried several times to bring an “overseas horse” into the country, but to no avail. Then he began to look for an area that would be similar to the animal’s natural habitat, and his choice fell on Mineralnye Vody.
Revolutions and wars had a negative impact on the development of the stud farm; in the mid-twentieth century, the number of horses decreased sharply, but did not disappear completely. It was at this plant that a new breed of horses was bred - Terskaya. Today, the Terek Stud Farm holds animal exhibitions and international auctions. Animal connoisseurs have the opportunity to admire noble animals and also ride them.
Mineralnye Vody at night
What to do in Kislovodsk in winter with children
For vacationers with children in Kislovodsk, there are several entertaining options that will appeal to both children and adults.
For a walk, go, of course, to the Resort Park . On its territory above the Flower Calendar there is a children's playground with a wooden town: fairy-tale huts, sculptures, ladders, climbing frames and swings. In dry weather and there is no snow, you can ride a scooter or bicycle. Young children will also be interested in the area itself, which includes quirks of nature, for example, the Red Stones, which resemble huge mushrooms. There are always birds and squirrels in the park that need to be fed. There is also the opportunity to ride a cable car or ride a huge stone crocodile. When visiting the park with a child, it is worth getting acquainted with its layout, since some paths go far from city streets, and you can only return from them along the opposite route.
Baba Yaga's hut at the Lukomorye playground Photo: © Vladimir Shefer
If it is really winter in Kislovodsk and snow has fallen, a small ski slope opens on Mount Baran in the outskirts of the city. At the Sosnovy Rai shopping center they go skiing, sledding, cheesecake, and then have lunch right there in the cafe.
The Kislovodsk Dolphinarium receives a lot of rave reviews . Visitors are offered hour-long performances featuring dolphins, fur seals and beluga whales. After the show, for an additional fee, those who wish can take photos with the artists or ride on a boat with a dolphin.
You can see other animals at the Ostrich Farmstead near Koltso Mountain. In addition to African ostriches, the farm is home to raccoons, rabbits, turtles, and sheep. Some will gladly accept treats from guests. The courtyard is open from 10:00 to 18:00 except Monday and Tuesday.
Circus in Kislovodsk Photo: © miljkovic14
The Kislovodsk Circus is also worthy of the attention of adults and children. It has recently been renovated and makes a good impression. The circus program includes performances by touring troupes, the program of which will be presented on the official website of the establishment.
