Mineralnye Vody: What to See in the City and Surroundings
Very often, tourists use Mineralnye Vody as a transit point for traveling around the Caucasus. However, there is plenty to see in the city. Today we will tell you how to get to Mineralnye Vody, what places to visit, and where to eat.
How to Get to Mineralnye Vody
The easiest way, of course, is by plane. There is an airport near the city, so we buy flight tickets to Mineralnye Vody and start our journey through mineral resorts of Russia. The price of tickets for a flight in the direction St. Petersburg — Mineralnye Vodystarts from 5,000 rubles one way, — from 4,000 rubles.
What to Definitely Visit in Mineralnye Vody and its Surroundings
City Park
A must-visit for those who came with children. The park itself is quite small, but very cozy. On its territory, there are fountains with shaped pools, statues of cartoon characters, and attractions. Be sure to ride the Ferris wheel — you will get an incredible panorama of Mineralnye Vody and its surroundings.
Mineralnye Vody Station Building
Perhaps one of the main attractions of the city, which opened its doors in 1955. The station is considered an architectural monument, made in the Baroque style. The facade is decorated with a colonnade, and above it is a tower with carved patterns and a dome with a spire. Near the main entrance is a domeless rotunda, in the center of which is installed the symbol of the Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts: a sculpture of an eagle tearing a snake.
Tersky Stud Farm
We recommend visiting if you have never been interested in the life of horses. At the Tersky plant, purebred horses are bred, and lectures are given about their life and breeding. Sometimes you can even ride a horse here. Since 1970, international auctions for the sale of elite breeds have been held here, which have glorified Russian horses worldwide.
Mount Zmeyka
Mount Zmeyka, whose name comes from its winding ravines and ditches, is a natural monument. The mountain's height is 994 meters. At its base, three springs flow, which are considered miraculous by religious tourists. In addition, climbing the slopes of Zmeyka, you can admire stone crosses and excavations of a settlement dating back to the VII–IX centuries.
Lake Tambukan
The salty Lake Tambukan is located 10 km from Pyatigorsk, so we head outside Mineralnye Vody. Tourists come here because of the healing mud, rich in mineral substances — this composition gives the water a dark blue color. It is better not to swim in the lake itself due to the abundance of salts, but nothing prevents you from coming here to relax in nature.
Mount Elbrus
The road to Elbrus (the highest mountain in Russia) from Mineralnye Vody will take about three hours, but this trip to Elbrus is worth it. We'll leave the summit conquest to professional mountaineers, and we'll take a walk around Prielbrusye. You can visit Lake Gizhgit and Azau, Terskol waterfall, and other natural attractions both independently and with a tour. It's up to you which option you prefer, but these beauties definitely need to be seen firsthand.
Museums and Temples
Museum of Our Childhood
A museum that will surely evoke a lot of emotions in everyone who spent their childhood in the USSR. Here are displayed Soviet-era dolls, furniture, spinning wheels, and other items that awaken pleasant nostalgia. A special delight are the filmstrips and a sawdust-stuffed bear.
Museum of Aviation Technology
A museum with the most interesting examples of aviation technology from different years, located on the territory of a former aircraft repair plant. The most interesting thing is that all models are made from decommissioned parts. Here are displayed the Li-2 cargo plane, the Soviet multi-purpose Po-2 biplane, Mi-1 and Mi-2 helicopters. In short, for aviation enthusiasts, this is the best place in the city.
Local Lore Museum
The Local Lore Museum in Mineralnye Vody is a must-visit for those who want to learn more about the region. Inside, there are more than 20,000 exhibits of archaeology, paleontology, painting, and ethnography. It also stores documents from the war years and materials that tell about the development of education and culture in the city.
Holy Nikolsky Temple
A modest church in the center of Mineralnye Vody with a small gilded dome and an arch at the entrance is the oldest in the city. However, the building has been restored: now this temple is a red-brick building with arched windows. Tourists note that it is one of the coziest churches they have ever visited.
Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
This cathedral will be interesting not only to believers but also to those who love to enjoy the architecture of the building. The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos was built in 1997 according to the design of architect Koerbek Makheev in an eclectic style with elements of ancient Russian architecture in its decor. Inside are the relics of Saint Theodosius of the Caucasus.
Architecture and Monuments
Monument to Peter and Fevronia
The monument to the patrons of family and marriage is located near the registry office and is a favorite place for photos among local newlyweds. It was created in the image of the Murom monument by Kamil Alimov. The object can be found at: Karl Marx Avenue, 79.
Monument to Tankmen
In 1965, a monument in the form of a tank on a stone elevation was erected on the bank of the Dzhemuha River. The names of the tankmen who defended the city and died during the war are engraved on the pedestal.
Monument to Sergius of Radonezh
The monument to the saint was unveiled in 2014. The place is very popular among religious tourists. The author of the sculpture of Sergius of Radonezh is Ilya Iliadi.
Where to Eat in Mineralnye Vody
Novy Baku
Lyulya, kutaby, khinkali, and other delights of Azerbaijani and Russian cuisine. Large portions, delicious coffee, and the best shashlik in the city. Restaurant guests note the cozy interior and live music.
Address: Torgovaya St., 2
Vremena
Want to sit in a place with a modern interior and try delicious Pinterest-style breakfasts? Then go to the Vremena cafe. They serve burgers, pizza, cold cuts, Dutch waffles, and other dishes that will delight you at any time of day.
Address: Lenina St., 26
Coffee Sounds
For dessert — coffee. The best coffee cocktails are served right here. In addition, visitors note great desserts here: croissants, pastries, and cakes.
Address: 22nd Party Congress Ave., 38
Well then, we wish you a great trip to the Caucasus and an excellent mood on your journey!
