TOP-25 - what to see in Lermontov, Stavropol Territory

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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”.

TOP 3 – what to visit in Lermontov in one day

First of all, guests of Lermontov should get acquainted with the “calling cards” of the city. These places reflect its values ​​and culture better than others.

Monument to M.Yu. Lermontov

• Address: City Park.

On June 15, 1841, the famous duel between Martynov and Lermontov took place, from which the latter did not emerge alive. The poet was buried in Pyatigorsk, and later his ashes were transferred to Tarkhany - Mikhail’s homeland.

In 1981, on the 140th anniversary of the poet’s death, a monument was erected in Lermontov in his honor. The sculptor depicted Mikhail Yuryevich in an officer’s uniform, sitting on a stone. The figure is placed on a cubic pedestal with the years of life of the young writer.

Mount Beshtau

• Coordinates on the map: 44.098059, 43.022326.

Beshtau is the highest of 17 remnant igneous mountains of Pyatigorye on the Caucasian Mineral Waters. The words “besh tau” translated from Turkic mean “five mountains”. The 5 peaks of Beshtau adorn the panoramas of all the cities located in the surrounding area, but Lermontov, the closest settlement to the hill, is especially proud of it.

Beshtau is often visited by tourists. Safe and extreme routes are laid along its slopes. Lovers of hiking, mountaineering and eco-tourism go here.

In clear weather, all the cities of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, as well as Elbrus, are visible from the slopes and peaks of Beshtau. The mountain is replete with interesting natural objects: rocks that have taken on an unusual shape under the influence of the wind, relict forests, and flowering fields. You can often meet local inhabitants: wild boars, hares, foxes and pheasants.

Assumption of the Second Athos Beshtaugorsky Monastery

• Address: 55th quarter of Mashuksky forestry.

In the vicinity of Lermontov, at the foot of Beshtau, is located one of the most famous monasteries of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. It was founded in the 9th century by monks who arrived in the Caucasus from the holy Mount Athos. The official opening took place in November 1904. During the Soviet years, the monastery was closed, its buildings were destroyed, and the monks were exiled or shot.

The monastery was revived in the late 1990s. Volunteers, builders, priests and Cossacks from all cities of the KMS took part in the restoration of the ancient monastery. Through joint efforts, a temple was erected in honor of St. George the Victorious, and later - the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The building is made in the Byzantine style and has regular, geometric outlines. The façade is lined with shell rock and terracotta tuff. The design features a lot of rusticated stone, patterned friezes and reliefs.

Currently the monastery is operational. It hosts youth forums, operates a printing house that publishes the Orthodox newspaper “Deuteronomy Leaf,” and also opens a tourist center for young men and women. When visiting it, they combine spiritual exploration with relaxation.

Links

• Development concept for the city of Lermontov
• Lermontov Integrated Public Service Center (LKTSSON)

Cultural recreation in Lermontov

The richness of the city's culture is reflected in local theaters and entertainment complexes, which are definitely worth a visit for tourists.

Multidisciplinary Palace of Culture

• Address: st. Lenina, 18.

The Lermontov Palace of Culture was founded in 1957. A building was built for it in the style of classicism: strict columns, an elegant pediment and high windows made the establishment stand out against the backdrop of Soviet urban development.

Today, the cultural center unites more than 30 creative circles, the number of participants of which reaches 600. Children, teenagers and adults learn choreography, vocals, playing musical instruments and dramatic skills.

Festive concerts organized here give them the opportunity for self-realization, and provide tourists with an exciting pastime. Some of the folk groups of the Palace of Culture have gained fame outside of Lermontov and the Stavropol Territory.

Entertaining

• Address: Teatralny pr., 8A.

is in great demand among citizens and tourists due to the variety of attractions. The only cinema in the city is open in the complex. Children will also enjoy playing air hockey and other machines. Adults will have a great time at the Centaur bowling alley and billiards room.

In addition, the center has cafes with a large selection of ice cream and cakes. The “highlight” of this attraction in the city of Lermontov is the unusual decorations: knightly armor standing in the lobby, and, of course, large-scale movie posters.

City Park

• Address: st. Pervomaiskaya/st. Sports.

Cultural life is in full swing in Lermontov Park. Surrounded by green alleys and flowering bushes, colorful events, folk festivals, Health Days and children's competitions are held. On holidays, animators in costumes walk around here, exhibitions and fairs are held, as well as various master classes.

The park's attractions include the monument to M.Yu. Lermontov, to whom all the alleys and fountains are reduced: “Grasshopper” and “Firefly”. “Grasshopper” got its name because of the green tiles that line the bottom of the bowl, and “Firefly” because of the night illumination. At the far end of the park is the Beach Club. Here you can relax, drink a cocktail and visit the sauna.

Population

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]:

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.

Education

City of Lermontov. Lermontov Avenue Administration of the city of Lermontov

• Kindergarten No. 2 “Little Red Riding Hood”. Opened December 20, 1962[38]
• Kindergarten No. 4 “Beryozka”[39]
• Kindergarten No. 5 “Swallow”[40]
• Kindergarten No. 7 “Zvezdochka”[41]
• Kindergarten No. 8 “The Scarlet Flower”. Opened December 12, 1963[42]
• Kindergarten No. 11 “Baby”. Opened December 31, 1958[42]
• Kindergarten No. 12 “Bell”[43]. Opened March 30, 1976[36]
• Kindergarten No. 13 “Rodnichok”[44]
• Kindergarten No. 14 “Yolochka”[45]. Opened March 25, 1986[36]
• Kindergarten No. 15 “Fairy Tale”[46]
• Secondary school No. 1[47]
• Secondary school No. 2[48]. Opened on August 15, 1958 as a seven-year school[49]
• Secondary school No. 4. Opened on April 15, 1964[50].
• Secondary school No. 5[51]. Opened April 29, 1971[36]
• Children's music school[52]
• Children's art school[53]
• Children's and youth sports school[54]
• Center for the Development of Creativity for Children and Youth "Rainbow"[55]
• Lermontov Regional Multidisciplinary College[56]
• Moscow Automobile and Highway State Technical University (North Caucasus branch)[57]

Where to go in Lermontov for lovers of monuments

Monuments to Lermontov are dedicated to important historical events, heroes of the past and outstanding political figures who changed the country.

Friendship Alley

• GPS coordinates: 44.111368, 43.001700.

“Friendship Alley” is a tourist route located outside the city. The opening of the alley took place in 2015 in honor of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. As part of the solemn event, a procession of townspeople in military uniform and with weapons took place.

Residents of Lermontov, Essentuki and the village of Sarmakovo, which is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, participated in the creation of the alley.

At the beginning of the route there is a stone with a memorial plaque, which indicates that the Alley of Friendship is a tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War from grateful descendants.

Monument to V.I. Lenin

• Address: Lenin Square.

The monument to Vladimir Lenin is located on the square in front of the Palace of Culture. The Leader of the Revolution is depicted in full growth, wearing a solid suit, and clutching an eternal cap in his hand.

Lenin's stern and firm gaze is turned into the distance - into the future that he intended to build. The bronze sculpture is placed on a granite pedestal, at the foot of which there is a circular flower bed.

Monument to the Miners (Monument to the Founders of the City)

• Address: Victory Square.

Initially, Lermontov was a closed village. Nuclear energy facilities specializing in the extraction of uranium ore were located on its territory. The miners and miners who worked here not only gave birth to Lermontov, but also participated in the creation of Russia's nuclear shield.

A monument in their honor was erected in 2011, on Miner’s Day. The chosen location is of great importance - it was from this site that the village of Lermontovsky began to be built up in 1953.

The monument is a stele made of dark granite. On one side it is decorated with a shield with the image of a cannonball, on the other - a bas-relief of miners working in the depths of the mine. In front of the monument there is a slab with bronze orders of the Hero of Socialist Labor, which were awarded to three miners from Lermontov.

Victory Square

• Address: pl. Victory.

Victory Square was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. In 2009 and 2022 Restoration work took place, giving the square a modern look. Its main attraction is the Eternal Flame.

The flame bursts out of the bowl in the shape of a five-pointed star. Nearby there is a stele - a fragment of granite, symbolizing the ruins of the war, with a bronze tablet on which is engraved the inscription of dedication and the date “1941-1945”.

There is a fountain in the center of the square. The stone bowls are located at different levels, thanks to which the fountain has a cascading shape. It is decorated with an openwork wrought-iron bridge with a decorative waterfall.

Since the last restoration, Victory Square has been deservedly recognized as the most picturesque and well-kept Lermontov park.

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].

Top things to do in Lermontov

Every year, active recreation and sports tourism are becoming more and more popular in Lermontov. This is due to the opening of new complexes and country clubs.

Outdoor swimming pool "Dolphin"

• Address: Sportivnaya st., 4A.

"Dolphin" is a magnificent sports complex, the main pride of which is a huge open-air swimming pool. Children's swimming, aqua gymnastics, synchronized swimming and water polo classes take place here.

During free time, the complex is open to tourists. Residents and guests of the city attend health programs, including water aerobics.

The pool is equipped with six lanes and there are convenient descents. The building contains changing rooms, showers, storage rooms and a buffet. The complex is located in a beautiful location overlooking forested mountains.

Bath complex "Polivnoye Lake"

• Address: Polivnaya st., 5.

Irrigation Lake is a quiet, secluded club that fishermen love to visit. The complex of wooden guest houses is located along the perimeter of an artificial reservoir in which carp live.

On the territory there are gazebos for picnics, barbecues, piers for fishing and, of course, bathhouses. You can order homemade dumplings, pastries and drinks. Tourists who have visited “Irrigation Lake” note the beauty of this place: flower beds, green lawns, spreading trees and a panorama of the mountains.

Shooting Range

• Address: Nagornaya street, 6.

The shooting range is located on the territory of school No. 206. Pupils attend it during life safety lessons. They are taught how to assemble machine guns and shoot. The shooting range is open to visitors outside of school hours. For a small fee, tourists will have access to the shooting range. They will be provided with weapons, headphones, targets and a certain amount of ammunition.

Equestrian club "Beshtau"

• Address: Beshtaugorskoe highway, 3.

In the village of Vinsady, on the outskirts of Lermontov, there is an equestrian club. The complex includes stables, as well as indoor and outdoor arenas.

Experienced riders are given the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the area. Beginners can ride a few laps in the arena on horseback, accompanied by an instructor.

Children really enjoy visiting “Beshtau” - here they are allowed not only to ride horses, but also to feed and pet them. On holidays, the club organizes interesting events with costumed performances, tea parties, karaoke and games.

A large number of tourists come to Beshtau when the show jumping season starts. During the competition, horses overcome obstacles, dance and obey the jockey's commands.

Industry

There are 34 industrial enterprises in the city (of which 8 are large and medium-sized[58])[59]. The most important industrial facilities on the territory of the city of Lermontov are:

• "Hydrometallurgical Plant" (production of mineral fertilizers);
• "Electromechanical Plant" (production of electric pumps, electric motors, water treatment plants and other electrical equipment);
• enterprises "Lermontov Fur Factory" and "Progress" (tailoring of fur products);
• (production of polypropylene food containers);
• (production of plastic mesh);
• food processing plant "Favorit" (processing of agricultural products) and a number of others[60].

Picturesque surroundings of Lermontov

In the novel “A Hero of Our Time,” Mikhail Lermontov wrote: “I will spare you from describing the mountains, from exclamations (which express nothing), from paintings (which depict nothing), especially for those who were not there...” And he said it right. It’s better to see the beauty of Beshtau once than to hear about it a hundred times from other people’s stories.

Mount Sheludivaya

• Coordinates: 44.094514, 42.969951.

Mount Sheludivaya is recognized as a natural monument. It is located on the southern outskirts of Lermontov, less than two km from Beshtau.

It got its name because of the rocky outcroppings and frequent screes. Its landscape, cut by ravines, is softened by a dense relict forest. There are shrubs, broad-leaved trees, and meadows here. Thanks to the unusual landscape, Sheludivaya was awarded the title of a natural monument.

Despite the rock slides and difficult terrain, the mountain is a popular hiking destination.

Lake Monastyrskoe

• Coordinates: 44.084925, 43.010231.

The lake is located in a natural area near the Assumption of the Second Athos Monastery. The landscapes of this place are strikingly beautiful: the lake is surrounded by tall grasses and deciduous groves. Beshtau rises very close.

The lake itself blooms thickly with water lilies. You can often see wild ducks and swans on its surface. In winter, the surface of this landmark is covered with ice and silver in the cold light of the sun.

Top Two Brothers (Fox Nose)

• Coordinates: 44.086316, 43.017774.

“Two Brothers” or “Fox Nose” is one of the peaks of Mount Beshtau. It consists of two stone pillars of natural origin. For thousands of years now, two pillars (two brothers) have stood side by side, looking at the foothills of Beshtau. This place is known among tourists as an ideal location for photography, as well as an observation deck with magnificent views.

Slope with relict poppies

• Coordinates: 44.084768, 43.017363.

This slope of Mount Beshtau outshines all the surrounding places in its beauty. In the thick grass, magnificent poppies burn scarlet. This is a rare and unique natural monument that is worth seeing with your own eyes.

It is prohibited to pick flowers or cause any other harm to this area of ​​the reserve. All excursion routes on Mount Beshtau pass through the Poppy Slope.

Goat Rocks

• Coordinates: 44.099555, 43.034429.

The Goat Rocks are a mountain range characterized by incredibly steep slopes and sharp, impassable ledges. Trees and alpine grasses add a beautiful touch to the gray, stone composition.

The rocks got their name because only goats are able to climb to the top. These animals can literally walk on walls. Tiny stones and narrow ledges serve as strong support for them. Goats overcome such a dangerous-looking path to feast on grass and leaves of bushes.

Rock "Behemoth"

• Coordinates: 44.098037, 43.027167.

“Behemoth” is a modest but unusual landmark of Beshtau. The rock was nicknamed the Hippopotamus because of its funny shape: low, with round sides and a flat protrusion (nose), it really resembles a hippopotamus emerging from the water. If you look closely, your imagination will turn the uneven surface of the rock into the ears and eyes of an animal.

Pine Grove

• Address: slopes of Mount Beshtau.

Another valuable natural site is located on the slope of Beshtau. This is a relict pine grove, among the trees of which there are hundred-year-old specimens, as well as those whose youth fell in the time of Lermontov.

This place is an ecologically clean, protected area. The air here is incredibly fresh, saturated with the smell of pine needles and resin. Hiking trails are laid through the grove.

You may also be interested in the sights of other cities of Stavropol - Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nevinnomyssk, Georgievsk and Essentuki

Lermontov is lost in the shadow of Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk, but tourists of the Stavropol Territory who pay attention to it will certainly find this city unique, amazingly beautiful and rich in interesting sights.

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.

Reviews from vacationers

The sights of Lermontovo in the Krasnodar Territory will give you a huge amount of the most positive and pleasant emotions. It doesn’t matter where you stay: in a hotel or a private house, in any place the staff will offer information about the most interesting and exciting excursions in the Krasnodar region. Here you can forget about your problems and everyday bustle for a long time, enjoying the leisurely flow of life.

Entertainment in Lermontovo will appeal to both adults and children. Therefore, it is very good to come here with whole families or large friendly groups. The people who live here are very friendly and will always be happy to answer any question and provide the necessary information. High-quality service and a large amount of entertainment will bring you only positive impressions, which you will cherish until next year. After all, you will definitely return here!

"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.

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.