Stavropol was founded in 1777 on the orders of Catherine II. The settlement, originally conceived as a fortress, grew rapidly and by the middle of the 19th century became a major economic center. Merchants and Cossacks preferred to settle here.
Even during the construction of the fortress, a cross was discovered, it is unknown how it ended up in a place that previously belonged to the Turks. The village was named “Stavropol”, which translated from Greek means “city of the cross”.
In a modern city, the streets are constantly being improved. The regional center wins landscaping competitions almost every year.
All the most important and interesting things around Stavropol in a review of the sights of the Stavropol Territory.
For ease of route planning, we have marked all the mentioned attractions on the city map:
Historical sites and museums
Grechishkin Art Gallery
Address: st. M. Morozova, 12 Phone: 8 (865) 275–33–45 Website: https://www.stavmuseum.ru/ Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Wed-Sun; Mon, Tue - days off Cost: 100 rubles
The gallery is opened in the building of an unfinished mosque. Pavel Moiseevich Grechishkin is an artist whose works are compared with the paintings of Shishkin and Levitan.
The gallery is entirely dedicated to the painter. Presented here are 530 landscapes by Grechishkin, pencil drawings, sketches, photographs and documents of the honorary citizen of Stavropol.
Fortress Mountain
Address: Intendantsky lane, 5
The place where the city began to grow in the 18th century has a conditional name: there is only a small hill here. In 1849, the first church in Stavropol, the Cathedral, appeared on the mountain, and a cross, a symbol of the city, was installed nearby. There is an observation deck behind the fence of the restored temple.
On the territory of the attraction there is a monument to the soldier-liberator; the height of a soldier with a rifle is 7.5 meters. There is a light and music fountain next to the monument.
In 1991, Fortress Mountain was classified as a protected area in Russia.
Stavropol Museum of Local Lore
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky, 135 Phone: , Website: https://www.stavmuseum.ru/ Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 100 rubles
The museum opened at the beginning of the 20th century in the building of former shopping arcades and for a long time remained the only one in the North Caucasus. Since 1927, archaeological and ethnographic collections have been supplemented by an exhibition of visual aids.
The Stavropol Museum of Local Lore has 300 thousand exhibits in its collection. Materials are distributed in three rooms:
- Finds from paleontologists are exhibited in the natural area. Among them is the world's only complete skeleton of the Elasmotherium rhinoceros.
- The archaeological hall houses exhibits from different eras, from the Stone Age to the times of the Golden Horde. Rare materials: a stone cross of the 11th century, finds from the ruins of the ancient city of Madjar.
- The ethnographic collection contains exhibits dedicated to the culture and life of the Cossacks and nomads who lived in the city: weapons, jewelry, kitchen utensils.
Stavropol Regional Museum of Fine Arts
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky, 115-119 Phone: Website: https://www.artmuseum26.ru/ Opening hours: 11.00-19.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 70 rubles
The museum began operating in 1962 on the initiative of Stavropol artists. 25 thousand exhibits are stored in three buildings at once, made in the same architectural style.
The exhibitions of the museum's auxiliary fund are dedicated to the history of the region from the 5th century to the end of the 20th century.
Fine art collections – 4:
- arts and crafts;
- painting;
- ancient art;
- graphics.
The exhibitions are divided by era:
- ancient art;
- Russian pre-revolutionary;
- Western European;
- modern.
The museum houses works by the Itinerant artists, a collection of icon paintings from the 17th-19th centuries, paintings by Aivazovsky and Kuindzhi.
Museum of Cossack History
Address: st. Vokzalnaya, 24a Phone: Website: https://www.stavmuseum.ru/kazachestvo Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 100 rubles
The Museum of the History of the Cossacks was opened in 2000 at the Stavropol Museum of Local Lore. The branch is dedicated to the history of the Cossacks; there are collections of bladed weapons and firearms, orders, and clothing. A separate room is reserved for icons, icons, and ancient Bibles that accompanied the Cossacks on the road and in battle.
A diorama of the 18th century region occupies an entire wall of the building. The picture conveys all the features of the Cossack village of that time.
Museum-Estate of V. I. Smirnov
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky, 105 Phone: Website: https://www.stavmuseum.ru/smirnov Opening hours: 11.00-17.00 Wed-Sun; Mon, Tue - days off Cost: 40 rubles
The historical estate is a department of the Stavropol Museum of Local Lore. Since the end of the 19th century, the artist Vasily Ivanovich Smirnov lived in the building. The painter taught Stavropol children how to draw; one of his students was Kosta Khetagurov, an Ossetian artist and writer.
A separate hall of the museum is reserved for the works of Khetagurov, who often visited the house. The remaining rooms contain Smirnov's works and personal belongings: completed paintings, sketches, family photographs and household items.
On the territory of the estate, the stone well and the western part of the fence have been completely preserved, and the gazebo and barn have been restored.
Art gallery "Parshin"
Address: General Ermolov Boulevard, 1 Telephone: Website: https://parshin.com/ Opening hours: 11.00-20.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 100 rubles
The private gallery, opened in 2011, belongs to the head of the city Union of Artists Sergei Parshin. Exhibitions here feature only works by contemporaries; employees conduct master classes and performances.
The gallery design is a combination of modernism and interior elements that imitate antique ones.
Historical Park "Russia - My History"
Address: st. South-Western Bypass, 58v Telephone: Opening hours: 10.00-20.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: free
“Russia - My History” is a federal project; multimedia parks of this kind have been opened in 17 cities of the country.
Stavropolsky is located on 7 hectares and resembles a history textbook come to life. 900 information media in the park area show fragments of different eras: from the times of the Rurikovichs to modern history.
Where to go for tourists in Stavropol interesting places
Stavropol is not only historical monuments and cathedrals. There are many places in the city where you can have fun and buy something as a souvenir.
Victory Park
A recreation area has been created in the Round Forest. The central part is reserved for the Walk of Fame, the paths are paved with beautiful tiles. The pride of the park: wartime aircraft. On the territory there is a climbing wall, a zoo, a water park and attractions. Tourists come to relax with their children. These are places worth visiting.
Location: st. Shpakovskaya.
Open – daily.
Get there by trolleybuses 32, 2.
Get directions
Zooexoterrarium
Trutnev E.N. collected a collection of exotic animals, which became the reason to open a museum. Rare species of lizards, frogs, crocodiles, and snakes were collected. There is something to see for adults and children. The inhabitants of the zoo exoterrarium can be fed.
Address: st. Komsomolskaya, 113.
In summer: 10.00-20.00, in winter: 10.00-18.00.
Get there by buses 14, 10, 120.
Get directions
Central Park
Instead of a city there was a Black Forest, part of which was turned into a recreation area for citizens and tourists. There is a unique chestnut grove there. It was planted by Empress Elizabeth's gardener. There is a pond with white swans preserved on the territory. Tourists are amazed by the themed flower beds. Popular places among travelers.
Location: city center, Leninsky district.
Open – daily.
Get there by trolleybuses 4, 3.
Get directions
Travertine spring
Located near the Russian Forest, it is a small waterfall. Near the jets there is an inconspicuous cave, and under the water there is a grotto. Due to the liquid containing bicarbonate, calcium, travertine is formed on the rocks. Remains of insects have been preserved in layers of natural stone. These are the favorite tourist spots of travelers.
Address: Russian Forest.
Open daily.
They get to the place by trolleybuses 14, 10, 31, 9.
Get directions
Baiger's Pharmacy
Architectural landmark of Stavropol. Tourists buy medicines and enjoy the beauty of the building inside and out. Refers to historical attractions.
Location: Karl Marx Avenue, 50.
Operating hours: 24 hours a day.
You can get there by bus 15a.
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Drama Theater named after Lermontov
The first cultural institution, open since 1845. The theater is located in a beautiful building with pink columns. Coniferous trees grow around and flower beds are laid out. Local artists are happy to perform performances for residents and tourists.
Address: Lenin Square, 1A.
Opening hours: 9.00 – 20.00, break – 14.00-15.00.
Get there by trolleybuses 1, 4 from the railway station.
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Art gallery "Parshin"
Founded by artist and academician Sergei Parshin in 2011. Tourists come to see the paintings of local talents. This is one of the popular cultural spaces.
Address: General Eromolova Boulevard, 1.
Open: 10.00-18.00.
Get there by buses 32a, 14.
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Museum of Cossack History
The Cossacks opened it to introduce their society to the history of the people. The museum displays exhibits of weapons, medals, and orders. Open since 2000.
Address: st. Vokzalnaya, 24.
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00. Closed: Saturday, Sunday.
Tourists can walk from the railway station in 2 minutes.
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Memorial panel “We won”
Installed in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Victory. The panel is divided into two parts: on one the years of the Second World War are written, and on the other there is a scene where soldiers raise the banner on the Reichstag. If you come close to the panel, you can see that the image is made up of thousands of photographs of war veterans. These are the memorable places of Stavropol.
Address: Fortress Mountain.
They get there by minibus 4.
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Museum-reserve "Tatar settlement"
It is a monument of archeology of the Caucasus. Located on an area of 200 hectares. The Silk Road of traders passed through the reserve, and a city stood there. All that remains of its former grandeur are ruins and crypts. Beautiful historical places are attractive to tourists.
Address: Tatar Forest.
Open - 24 hours a day.
Arrive by taxi or rented car.
Get directions
Parks and monuments
Victory Park in Stavropol
Address: st. Shpakovskaya, 111 Phone: Website: https://www.stavparks.ru/ Opening hours: around the clock Cost: free
Victory Park is located on an area of 200 hectares. Most of the territory is occupied by forest, the rest is intended for recreation for citizens and tourists.
Entertainment complexes of Victory Park:
- attractions for children and adults;
- fountain;
- concert hall;
- zoo;
- exhibition of military equipment.
Entrance to the zoo and attractions is paid separately.
Tamanskaya Lesnaya Dacha tract
Address: Komsomolsky Pond
Until the 19th century, the park was called “Black”: oak and hornbeam trees grew here. Most of the trees were cut down, the forest area was replaced by maples, beeches and ash trees, and the square was renamed “City”. The recreation area received its final name only at the end of the 20th century.
The Taman Forest Dacha is located in the city center. There are artificial pools suitable for swimming, and there are paths for cycling and walking. On the outskirts of the tract there is a memorial “Cold Spring”.
Monument Guardian Angel of the City
Address: Alexandrovskaya Square
The opening of the monument in 2002 was timed to coincide with the 225th anniversary of Stavropol. The height of the structure is 25 meters, a bronze angel holds a cross - a symbol of the city. There is a fountain at the foot of the monument.
Light and Musical Fountain
Address: Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsii Ave., 2 Opening hours: 13.00-20.30 Tue-Fri, without light and music accompaniment; Sat-Sun 13.00-19.00 - in normal mode, 19.00-20.30 - with special effects; Mon - day off
The fountain opened on September 22, 2022, the Day of the Stavropol Territory. The project was developed by Russian and foreign architects. The diameter of the structure is 38 m, the height of the water jet is 30 m.
The sculptures installed along the edges of the light and music fountain depict 8 federal districts of Russia.
Triumphal Arch "Tiflis Gate"
Address: Karl Marx Ave., 13
The arch was erected in 1841 at the expense of the merchant Tamashev, an honorary citizen of the city. In the 19th century, the structure surprised the residents of Stavropol, who were accustomed to the fact that every building should have practical benefits.
In 1930, the “Tiflis Gate” was destroyed; by the end of the 20th century, the object was restored with donations from citizens.
Some architects believe that the Triumphal Arches of Stavropol and Paris were created according to the same design, borrowed from the Egyptians.
Monument “Khoper Tent” in Stavropol
Address: st. Suvorova, 3
The monument is located on Fortress Hill near the dilapidated wall of the former fortress. The creators of the project are artist Yu. Voinov and architect M. Epstein.
The monument, erected at the end of the 20th century, is made in the form of a camp tent. The slabs on the stone tent depict a diagram of the Stavropol fortress of the 18th century. The symbolic key to the city is kept inside the building.
Beautiful places in Stavropol that are worth visiting
Tourists and guests of Stavropol can visit the theater and watch an interesting performance or admire paintings by local artists at an art exhibition.
Light and music fountain
The attraction was opened in 2022. The bowl is 37 m in diameter, the jets rise to a height of 30 m. The dance of water is complemented by music and a light show.
Address: Vladimirskaya Square.
Opening hours: 10.00-22.00 - normal hours, and after 10 pm on weekends the performance begins.
Get there by trolleybus 15.
Get directions
Cold springs
Famous places are located in the Taman Forest, one of the springs is near Osetinskaya Street. Tourists go down the stone steps. The spring consists of 4 pools of dark-colored water. There is a beautiful suspension bridge where people like to take pictures. The small spring is a little further. Children swim there, as the water reaches their waists. A place worth visiting.
Address: city center, Tamansky forest.
Get there by buses 10, 2, 32a, 32.
Get directions
Fortress Mountain
The mountain is recognized as a historical reserve. It contains not only monuments, but also a number of fountains, a cascading staircase that leads to the Cathedral. It's a must visit.
Address: city center, Leninsky district.
Get there by buses 10, 4.
Get directions
Tract "Taman Forest Dacha"
In the center of the city there is a landscaped forest. The Tashla River flows through the entire territory. There are 5 springs with clean water, forming small waterfalls and pools that are suitable for swimming. There are many walking and cycling routes for guests and residents. Interesting places for tourists.
Address: city center, Leninsky district.
Open – daily.
Get there by buses 10, 31, 9, 1.
Get directions
German Bridge
Railway bridges were built between the southern cities on the coast and Stavropol. When the Civil War raged, some of them were destroyed. One bridge has survived in Stavropol. It is called German because it was built by the Germans. It was built from shell rock, the height is 18 meters, and it offers beautiful views of the forest.
Location: Mamaysky forest.
They get there by bus 122, 10 from the bus station, walk for 35 minutes.
Get directions
Tiflis Gate
Built on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War. The townspeople used them as a gateway to the city. There used to be a high stone wall on both sides. In 1930 the gate was destroyed. Oleksyuk took over the restoration. Travertine was used for construction.
Location: Karl Marx Avenue.
Get there by minibus 26, trolleybus 22 from the railway station.
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Religious sites
St. Andrew's Cathedral
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky, 157 Phone: Website: https://stavropol-eparhia.ru/ Opening hours: 07.00-19.00 Mon-Sun
The stone building of the cathedral was built in 1897 according to the design of the architect G. Kuskov. The pre-revolutionary building was painted by Kosta Khetagurov. 10 years later the bell tower was erected.
In the 1930s, the belfry was partially destroyed and the temple was closed, transferring especially valuable Orthodox paraphernalia to the Museum of Atheism. The cathedral was returned to the believers by the Romanians, who entered the city as part of the German army.
Orthodox invaders in 1942 transported the decorations from the museum back to the temple. The bell tower was restored only in 1990. The cathedral has preserved:
- ancient icons collected from different churches of Stavropol;
- items for 19th century church services;
- relics of Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov.
Temple and Source of St. Seraphim of Sarov
Address: st. Oktyabrskaya, 221 Phone: Website: https://st-serafim.cerkov.ru/ Opening hours: 08.00-19.00 Mon-Sun
The healing spring was discovered in 1848 during the foundation of the convent.
Then the key was called the eye key - according to legends, water gushing from underground even cured blindness.
During the Soviet era, the spring was forgotten; it was remembered in 1998. A swimming pool for ablutions was built next to the spring, a cross was installed and a small church was built. The spring and the new temple were named in honor of Seraphim of Sarov - local Orthodox believers say that the appearance of the saint at the spring was observed more than once.
People come to the temple and to the spring to ask for recovery. Those who are healed believe that the waters of the spring improve vision, heal wounds, and restore peace of mind.
Kazan Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Square, 1a Phone: Website: https://stavropol-sobor.cerkov.ru/ Opening hours: 07.30-20.30 Mon-Sun
The cathedral, built in 2008, is an exact reconstruction of the temple destroyed during the Second World War. The construction plan was approved by Emperor Nicholas I himself. The temple is the tallest building in Stavropol.
The Kazan Cathedral contains copies of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, painted by Athonite monks. It is believed that prayer to holy images helps speed up the treatment of cancer.
Armenian Apostolic Church named after. Saint Mary Magdalene
Address: st. Voitika, 33 Telephone: Opening hours: 09.00-17.00 Mon-Sun
The Orthodox church was built in 1830. The church was closed in the 1930s, looted and finally destroyed by 1967.
The Armenian temple was rebuilt in 2009. The building is made in the Byzantine style, and there is a chapel nearby.
What to see in Stavropol in 1 day
You can’t come to the city and not see the cathedrals, temples, and tracts known throughout Russia - these are the main attractions. Tourists know: there is something to visit in Stavropol and where to go.
Kazan Cathedral
At first there was a stone cross on the site of the temple (in the 19th century). In 1847, the wooden church was removed and a cathedral was erected. 20 years later, a four-tier bell tower 98 m high was built. In the 30s, the temple was destroyed. It was restored only in 2004. They did not forget about the high bell tower, which is what the cathedral is famous for. Construction ended in 2019.
Location: st. Suvorova, 1B.
Open: 8.00-17.00.
Get there by minibuses 10, 19 m, 39 m, 21 m, 48, 51 m.
Get directions
Mosque
Not only Christians, but also Muslims live in the Caucasus. The decoration of Stavropol is a mosque of an unusual shape. The building was built in 1915. The project was created by the architect Grigory Kuskov. During the Soviet era there was an archive here, but already in 1986 the mosque was opened to the public. We have organized an exhibition of paintings by the artist Pavel Grechishnik, there is somewhere to go and admire the works of art.
Location: st. Morozova, 12.
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Tourists can walk from the bus station in 5 minutes, and from the railway station they can take minibuses 4, 14, 32a, 32, 15.
Get directions
Assumption Cathedral
In the temple there is the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. The cathedral has been standing for 1.5 centuries; the building was not demolished even during the Soviet era. All icons and relics have been preserved.
Address: Fadeeva Lane, 1a.
Open: 7.00-19.00.
Get there by minibuses 22, 26 from the railway station.
Get directions
Monument "Guardian Angel"
The main attraction of Stavropol is installed on Alexander Square. The 25-meter-high column is lined with red granite. At the top stands an angel holding a crucifix. Local residents make wishes while looking into the face of the guardian of Stavropol.
Address: Alexandrovskaya Square.
They get there by trolleybus 4, bus 48, then walk for 10 minutes.
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"Khoper tent"
Located on Fortress Hill, this is a historical landmark, which is a military tent with three walls. Inside the monument there is a pedestal resembling a drum with the image of a key. A piece of the fortress was installed near the tent - there is a place to go to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers.
Location: st. Goleneva.
They get there by trolleybus 1, bus 9 from the bus station, walk for 10-15 minutes.
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St. Andrew's Cathedral
At first it was a small wooden church, then a stone temple was erected. The cathedral is located on Mount Athos. Part of the temple was destroyed during Soviet times. The complex was completely restored in 1990. In the courtyard of the cathedral there is a broken bell as a reminder of the Second World War.
Location: st. Dzerzhinsky, 155.
Open: 7.00-19.00.
Get there by bus 10 and 45 from the bus station.
Get directions
Railway station building
It was built of red brick, elongated in shape, and has a row of crenellated turrets. In appearance it resembles an ancient castle. The Germans completely destroyed the station during the war. The restoration was completed in 1950. The building became taller and painted bright blue; the architects decorated the facade with beautiful stucco.
Address: st. Vokzalnaya, 15.
Open 24 hours a day.
Get to the square by buses 4, 14, 18.
Get directions
Temple of St. Seraphim
Located near the Chlinsky forest, built of white stone. It's so quiet around that you can hear the birds singing. Next to the cathedral there is a healing spring, tourists bathe and collect water. Local residents are sure that it helps cure eye diseases.
Address: st. Oktyabrskaya, 229.
Open: 8.00-19.00.
Get there by minibuses 1, 10, 9.
Get directions
Monument to the merchant-founder of Stavropol
Merchant families were engaged in charity work, opening hospitals and schools. When the city turned 240 years old, the administration presented the local residents with a new monument. The sculpture was made by Dmitry Lyndin. The merchant holds a box of bread in his hand, and he leans on a barrel - the date of the founding of the city is written on the lid. Refers to famous monuments.
Location: intersection of General Ermolov Boulevard and st. Goleneva.
Get there by buses 14, 1, 32, 3 from the railway station.
Get directions
Monument to the Janitor
Represents a bearded man who is dressed in a pre-revolutionary uniform: felt boots, a cap and an apron. The image of a janitor evokes sympathy among local residents and tourists. Reminds you to pick up trash after yourself.
Location: intersection of Pushkin and Dzerzhinsky streets.
Get there by buses 1, 2, 4, 9, 31, 32.
Get directions
Entertainment
Waterpark "Aquarius"
Address: Shpakovskaya st., 111, room 60 Phone: Website: https://parkaqua.ru/ Opening hours: 10.00-20.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 900 rubles
The water park is located on the territory of Victory Park. Having paid the entrance, you can use:
- water slides;
- swimming pools;
- locker rooms;
- bath;
- sports equipment;
- children's trampoline;
- sun loungers;
- toilet;
- showers;
- storage room.
Rental of swimming equipment is paid separately.
Stavropol Zooexotarium
Address: st. Komsomolskaya, 113 Phone: Website: https://www.zoostv.ru/ Opening hours: 10.00-19.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 250 rubles
The zooexotarium opened in 1998. The Museum of Wildlife is located in the house where revolutionary G. A. Lopatin lived in the 19th century.
The building has 30 terrariums and 13 aquariums.
The Stavropol Zoo Exotarium is home to more than 70 species of animals:
- water dragon;
- viper;
- crocodile;
- raccoons;
- rabbits.
A petting zoo has been set up next to the zoo-exotarium building: here you can pet and feed the animals.
Attractions in the surrounding area
German Bridge in Stavropol
GPS coordinates: 45.01222, 41.97039 Address: Mamayskaya Dacha tract How to get there: by bus No. 7 to the stop. “Razin’s House”, then walk to the end of Elagin Pond
The bridge was called German because the authors of the project were engineers from Germany and Austria. The bridge was built by German prisoners of war during the First World War.
The 20 m high structure was part of the railway until the 1920s. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the region was a trading region, there was no land road to Tuapse, then it was decided to build a direct route. After the Civil War, relations between the regions worsened and the railway was dismantled.
The bridge made of Stavropol shell rock, built almost without concrete, remained untouched in the 21st century.
Cold springs
Address: Komsomolsky Pond
The Cold Spring memorial was installed in the Taman Forest. Since 1936, a pumping station operated here. During the Great Patriotic War, the Germans destroyed the water supply system. The memorial was opened in memory of the victims of fascism.
Technical buildings next to a group of springs were demolished, and gazebos, sports facilities, and swimming pools were installed instead.
Artificial ponds here are suitable for swimming.
