Pyatigorsk, a beautiful resort city located in the south of Russia, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, healing springs, and historical landmarks. This unique corner of the Caucasus attracts tourists from various parts of the country and beyond. If you are planning to visit Pyatigorsk and want to learn about the variety of activities this resort offers, you're in luck! In this article, I will present the top 10 ideas on how to enjoy and have a great time at the resort. So, here's what to do in Pyatigorsk:
Lermontov's places
One of the most popular and equally interesting decisions is to go on an excursion to Lermontov's places. This will be especially informative and beneficial if you are on vacation with schoolchildren. During the excursion, you will visit the house where Lermontov lived (now the Lermontov House-Museum), the site of Lermontov's duel, his initial burial place, and a number of historical locations mentioned in his novels.
The eagle
The eagle pecking the snake is a vivid and recognizable symbol of Pyatigorsk. Be sure to take a walk to this monument to capture a memorable photo and purchase souvenirs with its image.
Pyatigorsk ice cream
Pyatigorsk ice cream has long captured the hearts of both children and adults. The variety of flavors is growing with each passing day. Treat yourself to an ice cream marathon and try a new type of Pyatigorsk ice cream from the local ice cream factory every day.
Mount Mashuk
Climb to the top of Mount Mashuk on the longest unsupported cable car in the world and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. If you visit closer to sunset, you can witness the sun setting beyond the horizon and the Beshtau Mountains. Shortly after sunset, the illumination on the television tower located at the top of Mashuk is turned on, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Shameless Baths
In Pyatigorsk, there is a local version of the famous Turkish Pamukkale called "Besstyzhie Vanny" (Shameless Baths). These are natural baths formed by the action of hot mineral springs flowing from Mount Mashuk. At any time of day or night, you can relax in the warm (and in some baths, even hot) water and admire the beautiful views of Pyatigorsk. Next to the baths, you can find the famous underground lake called "Proval" (The Abyss).
The open-air cinema
In recent years, Pyatigorsk has become a popular location for various film shootings due to its picturesque historic part of the city. One film crew even set up an open-air cinema on the slope of Mount Mashuk as a backdrop. The idea was so well-received that the local administration decided to build a real open-air cinema there, and now everyone can enjoy free evening movie screenings in the fresh air. Just don't forget to bring mosquito repellent!
Victory Park
Besides the historic part, Pyatigorsk boasts many parks, and one of them is Victory Park. Here, you can take a leisurely walk along flower-lined alleys, visit the interactive museum of Russia (admission is free), and sunbathe on the beach of Novopyatigorskoye Lake, which is adjacent to the park.
The Kirov Park
In Pyatigorsk, the only planetarium in the North Caucasus is located in the Kirov Park of Culture and Leisure. Besides the planetarium, the park offers various carousels and children's playgrounds. After enjoying the planetarium and carousels, it's delightful to take a stroll around the park's lake and feed the ducks and turtles living there.
The Aeolian Harp Pavilion
The Aeolian Harp Pavilion is another symbol of Pyatigorsk, no less than the previously mentioned eagle. Built by the architects the Bernardazzi brothers at the very beginning of its existence, the harp had special strings. When the wind passed through them, it produced melodious sounds. Unfortunately, the instrument broke over time, and now the Harp is almost silent. Almost, because if you come here at dawn, with the first rays of the sun, a special mechanism under the dome of the harp produces a beautiful and harmonious chord.
The radon sanatorium
Everyone knows from their school program that radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Anything related to radiation can be a bit scary for us, but in Pyatigorsk, there is a whole radon sanatorium. Here, you can undergo various procedures based on radon, and the most famous of them, of course, are radon baths. All these procedures will only benefit the body.
More about Pyatigorsk, its landmarks, parks, and museums in my video about Pyatigorsk. Watch, get inspired, and come visit the glorious city of Pyatigorsk.
Город красивый, но требует больше вложений и заботы градоначальников.