Every year Sochi receives hundreds of thousands of tourists. Olympic heritage sites are one of the most important reasons people come to visit the city. The fountain in the Olympic Park is rightfully included in the list of places that everyone who comes to Sochi needs to see.
The “Olympic Flame Bowl,” the official name of the fountain in Sochi, served as the opening and closing site for the 2014 Olympics. The prototype of the “Chalice” is the Firebird, a famous and widely loved hero of Russian folk tales. Topped with a torch at the top, the “Chalice” went down in Olympic history as the largest object of the Olympic flame. The height of the structure is 50 meters, and the width of the Firebird’s wings, which form a pond and singing fountains, is 100 meters.
The diameter of the bowl is 100 m. There are a total of 264 cannons that release jets of water 30–70 m in height.
Every day since the 2014 Winter Games, the Firebird seems to open its wings and illuminate the entire Olympic Park with music and the light of singing fountains. An hour-long performance of masterpieces of Russian classics fills the hearts of all those who visit this miracle of the heritage of the past Olympics with insight and patriotic feelings.
The history of the creation of the fountain theater in the Sochi Olympic Park
The fountain show in the Olympic Park is located in its very center, in Sochi, 30 minutes. walk from the main entrance, 64 m from the Olympic flame and 34 km from the center of the resort town. A grand 12-minute show of singing fountains and colorful lights opened and closed the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Fountain Theater was built just before the opening of the Olympic Games by Krasnodar contractor Stroy International. The “water spring” project was developed by , registered in the USA, which has more than 200 fountain technologies around the world.
After the completion of the competition, the Sochi government decided not to dismantle the structure, the weight of which reached more than 200 tons, but to leave it and make it a local landmark, in memory of the grandiose event of 2014.
Olympic Park: What is worth seeing
The park contains facilities for winter sports competitions. There is also a large infrastructure, including accommodation complexes for athletes and their families, and transport for convenient movement between facilities. Due to this, the park received its second name - the Olympic Village.
Entrance to the park is free. It will take a couple of hours to examine it. The park is especially grandiose in the evening, when all objects are illuminated. It is also an excellent place for active leisure, with a large area for roller skating, walking or cycling.
Architectural and sports facilities of the Olympic Village
The Fisht Olympic Stadium is the largest building in the park. Its name comes from the snowy peak of the Caucasus Mountains of the same name, which offers panoramic views from here.
The stadium was built specifically for ceremonies: the opening and closing of the Olympic Games, for awarding athletes. Its stands can accommodate up to 40 thousand people. Each building has a grandiose architectural design that will be interesting to see both during the day and in the evening.
- Ice Sports Palace "Iceberg" Made in a form corresponding to the name. Accommodates up to 12 thousand visitors. After the Olympics, the premises are used for competitions of Russian and international significance or for entertaining cultural events.
- The Bolshoi Ice Palace is the first stadium in terms of importance and size. Capacity up to 12 thousand spectators. The Olympic hockey competitions took place here, and afterwards the local hockey club trains. Also, concerts and exhibitions are held in the palace.
- The Shaiba Ice Arena is the second most important stadium. It is made in the shape of a puck and the design of the facade is similar to a snow whirlwind. The entire structure can be dismantled for transfer to another city. The stands can accommodate 7 thousand people, including 400 seats for people with disabilities.
- Adler Arena is an indoor skating center. Previously it was called the Olympic Oval. Many competitions are held here, as well as classes and sports training.
- The curling facility is the smallest sports facility in the Olympic Park. During construction, ramps and stands for people with disabilities were taken into account. The Paralympic Games took place here. It can only accommodate 3 thousand people.
Ice Sports Palace "Iceberg" Source: Olympic-park.rf
Museums of various subjects
In addition to walks and sports training, 9 museums are open to the public in the Olympic Park, including historical, scientific and entertainment exhibitions.
- The Sirius Planetarium is the newest opening of the Olympic Village in Sochi. Was opened in December 2022. The dome size is 27 meters in diameter, it is the 5th largest dome in the world.
Tickets to the planetarium are paid. Children under 3 years of age, disabled people of the 1st group and disabled children with one accompanying person, war veterans and the siege of Leningrad can visit it free of charge.
- 3D Zoopark – a museum of ancient animals using virtual reality.
Open from 16:00 to 21:00. Entrance to the museum is paid; tickets are not provided for free.
- Sochi Auto Sports Museum. It houses more than 40 sports racing cars and several thousand other exhibits, such as car models, racing helmets, suits, etc. Located in the main grandstand of the Autodrom.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, in the summer from May 1 to the end of September, the time is extended until 21:00. Schoolchildren can visit the museum for free.
- Sochi Automuseum presents more than 100 domestically produced cars. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free entry is only available to children under 6 years old.
- The interactive museum of Leonardo and Nikola Tesla will be of interest to adults and children. Dedicated to the scientific research and discoveries of these 2 scientists. The Tesla Electric Museum hosts interactive shows and scientific experiments, and in the Leonardo Hall you can test working mechanisms assembled according to his drawings. Admission for preschool children is free.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00, in summer until 22:00.
- Museum of the USSR with 5 thousand exhibits depicting the history and everyday life of the Soviet Union.
In addition to permanent museums on the territory of the Olympic Park, you can see temporary exhibitions and displays here. Follow the event posters in the city of Sochi.
Restaurant-attraction "Roller"
Between visits to sites, museums and exhibitions, it is recommended to visit the best restaurant in the park. In 2022, an establishment of the Rollercoaster chain called “Roller” opened here. There is no service staff in the establishment. Visitors place and pay for their order through a terminal with a touch screen, which is installed on each table. And the dishes are served on the rails of a “roller coaster” directly to the table.
Technical features of the theater
The main fountain of the theater is a fiery bird (in the image of the Firebird from Russian folk tales), wrapping its wings around a lake bowl, the diameter of which is 100 m. There are 264 fountains installed underground around the structure, which beat outward during the performance. During the performance, the jets of the fountains reach from 30 to 70 m in height.
The theater is controlled using automation and an innovative multimedia system that combines all functions.
Architect and architecture
The main architect of the theater of singing fountains is P.B. Abramov. According to his idea, the “water key” is a complex, intricate design, equipped with advanced strobe lights, water and fire cannons, and smart electronics that make the entire process automated.
At the bottom of the fountain bowl is the control center itself and all other necessary communications. During the jet show, the fountains are illuminated by powerful colored spotlights.
Interior inside the theater
Many people work on each show and individual composition to rightfully create a magical and grandiose spectacle.
During each presentation, the developers use:
- acoustic system;
- advanced LED floodlights;
- powerful video projectors;
- multi-watt speakers;
- modern fire “machines”;
- unique laser special effects;
- automatic system for controlling water masses.
During the performance, spectators are seated in stands with up to 2000 seats. And if there is not enough space for someone, then you can sit on benches or on a blanket, having first laid it on the lawn. There is also a VIP zone.
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Composition “Melody” on Platonov Alley
The very first singing fountain appeared in the center of Sochi on Platonovaya Alley in 1970. The structure was erected during the improvement of the city center. Initially, the spectacle involved the projection of colored patterns onto water accompanied by music. In 2009 it was reconstructed, new elements were added using modern technologies.
The structure is a water engineering system from several small sources. It is from them that jets of water burst out alternately with different powers under the ri, which are illuminated in different colors to the beat of the melody. The music used is both classical and modern. During the demonstration, not a single song is repeated.
It is better to watch the show in the evening, then the backlight is better visible, and only in the summer.
“Melody” has its own highlights that will interest tourists:
- there are seats around to watch the show;
- photographs against its background come out with the effect of droplets flickering in the air;
- It is considered the most romantic place in the city; lovers make appointments here.
You can get there by bus No. 2,3,17,18,22,23, 120 or by minibus going to the Melodiya shopping center stop.
Repertoire of singing fountains, special effects
The fountain show in the Olympic Park annually updates the program of performances. On the eve of the Victory Day holiday, the developers stage a grandiose military-patriotic show with legendary compositions of the Soviet era (Katyusha, Smuglyanka, Cranes and others), which recalls the victory of the Russian army over the Nazis.
During the summer season, songs by singer Michael Jackson, Adriano Celentano, Queen and other performers are played during performances. Not only the fountains dance to them, but also all the spectators around.
During 1 concert, 15-20 compositions can be played. Today, the repertoire of singing fountains is expanding. On the eve of the New Year, the theme of the singing fountains changes to a festive one.
After the chiming clock on December 31, residents and guests of Sochi can hear the following compositions:
- "5 minutes";
- “Somewhere in this world...”;
- “Suddenly happiness...”;
- “If only there were no winter”;
- “The January blizzard is ringing”;
- "Snowflake".
The singing fountain is also famous for its unique special effects, including lighting. During the presentation of the filter, those on powerful spotlights alternately change to the rhythm of the compositions. The jets of water flying out of the cannon either gain speed or slow down, making it seem to viewers that the fountains are “dancing.”
Waterfalls
Zmeykovskie waterfalls
Location: Khostinsky district, Sochi.
The waterfalls are located on the Zmeyka River, hence their name. Five waterfalls fascinate with their beauty. In summer you can swim in the upper pool of the first waterfall. The Emerald spring flows nearby, the water of which remains icy in the hottest weather. Thanks to such springs, the water here does not dry out even in the summer season.
33 waterfalls
Where is it located: Sochi National Park.
On a note! The cascade of waterfalls, the height of which reaches 12 meters, is a creation of indescribable beauty. An object of state protection, the waterfalls are a natural monument. You can get to them all year round, but it is better to visit the cascade in the warm season. If you come here on an excursion, you have the opportunity not only to see the waterfalls, but also to meet the Adyghe people, try local dishes, learn about their culture, and, of course, buy souvenirs.
Psydakh and Shapsug waterfalls
Location: village. Kalezh, Krasnodar region.
Another picturesque spectacle of the water element is the Psydakh and Shapsug waterfalls. The first of them, Bridal Falls, is famous for the fact that there is a bridge leading to it that makes dreams come true. The second, whose name comes from the people living in those places, is known for the wishing stone. There is a belief that all wishes made on this stone come true.
The waterfalls captivate with their beauty. Here, guests of sunny Sochi will receive wonderful memories from their trip to the resort city.
Daytime and evening show
The fountain show in the Olympic Park presents viewers with 2 grandiose programs that differ in duration.
The daytime singing fountain show starts every 30 minutes. Spectators can watch how a huge fountain sprays water with smooth, chaotic movements. Classical music of Russian composers (Tchaikovsky, Khachaturian, Shostakovich and others) in modern adaptation plays in the background.
Viewers can also hear various operas and show ballets, the most popular of which are:
- "Nutcracker";
- "Ruslan and Ludmila";
- "Don Quixote";
- "Spartacus";
- "Anna Karenina";
- "Swan Lake";
- "Romeo and Juliet";
- "Eugene Onegin".
The evening show lasts 1 hour: from 20:00 to 21:00 - at this time the atmosphere in the Olympic Park becomes fabulous. During the performance, the water masses turn into fireworks, which are created using LED spotlights, and a shiny small scattering of stars appears on the surface of the reservoir. It seems that the starry sky is reflected in the fountain.
To enhance the magical atmosphere, translucent white smoke is released from the cannons, which turns into a dense fog.
After the performances end, tourists will be able to walk around the Olympic Park, ride the rides and buy memorable souvenirs. For the youngest travelers, balloons and toys are sold next to the fountain. And for active tourists, there are bicycle and electric car rental points.
Similar events
Aqua theater in Sochi Park
Location: Sochi Park, Sochi, Adlersky district, Imeretinskaya lowland, Olimpiysky prospect, 21.
A similar performance can be seen in Sochi Park, but the difference from the Olympic fountains is the following - only those who have previously purchased a ticket will be able to see the aqua theater performance.
Aqua theater in Sochi Park
Fountains in Sochi Park
There are as many as 4 themed fountains here. The “Boat” fountain resembles a ship made of water jets, while the “Gear” fountain forms numbers, various pictures and even letters with the help of water drops. The “Stone” fountain will create the feeling that water jets are supporting a huge cobblestone in the air, and the “Pedestrian” fountain will give you the opportunity to walk between the water streams.
Fountain "Cascade"
Where is it: Olympic Park, Adler district, Sochi city, Imeretinskaya lowland.
From the platform to the main square of the park, right in front of the famous Olympic rings, there is an excellent “Cascade” fountain. The water begins its journey from the so-called bowl and flows down the steps leading to the official symbol of the Olympics. The fountain is illuminated by 204 spotlights.
Note! In the evening, the fountain is especially striking in its beauty.
Singing fountain on Sycamore Alley
Location: Sochi, Platanovaya Alley
Once again, Sochi delights with the enchanting performance of singing fountains. Entrance here is completely free, but the fountain turns on only in June and stops working in August. However, the evening show remains a wonderful time for viewers of all ages.
Singing fountains on Flag Square
Location: Flag Square, Sochi.
On the analogue of Moscow's Red Square, Flag Square in Sochi, tourists will be able to see a mesmerizing light show. The flat fountain will give you an unforgettable experience: the water jets reach a height of 14 meters.
Singing fountains on Flag Square
New program for the Fountain Theater
The fountain show in the Olympic Park in the summer of 2022 will present viewers with a new program called “Phoenix. Revival". It will include 5 short mini-films, accompanied by various special effects and music. The duration of the entire performance will be 25 minutes.
Mini-films will be broadcast on a special water screen. Its height reaches a 5-story building. The premiere of the new program took place on May 6, 2022 and was a great success. The developers used a grandiose multimedia show in which the following laser, fire, and water special effects were used. Large-scale video projections were also used.
Residents and guests of Sochi can visit the Phoenix program every day. Revival." at 20:30 Moscow time. One of the main advantages of the Singing Fountain Theater is the fee, which is included in the price of admission to the Olympic Park.
Singing fountain under the roof in the Moremall shopping center
The unique structure under the roof, built in 2015, surprises with its dimensions. This is the tallest indoor hydraulic structure that could be found in Russia.
The composition is a huge bowl made of Spanish marble. In the middle, jets of water can shoot 18 meters high. The dance of water is accompanied by lighting effects.
Interesting facts about the fountain:
- the tallest in Russia among similar indoor structures;
- the loudest, the sound of water is comparable to the noise of Niagara Falls;
- To drown out the noise of the water, loud music is played on all floors.
The singing fountains are a grandiose performance that is definitely worth seeing, combined with a pleasant night walk around the city. Viewing a unique spectacle will give you the opportunity to take unique, beautiful photographs and allow you to experience incredible aesthetic and emotional pleasure.
How to get to the singing fountain?
The fountain show is located at the address: Sochi, Imereti Lowland, in the Olympic Park. To get to the “water spring”, tourists first need to be at the bus stop and wait for one of the bus numbers: No. 131, No. 124 or No. 125C, which goes to their destination. Then get off at the Fisht Stadium stop and go around the building on the other side.
To get to the fountain show in the Olympic Park, you need to go to the stadium.
If you get there from Abkhazia, it’s even easier here; you can even walk. First you need to move from the Psou checkpoint along Urozhaynaya Street, then turn onto Tavricheskaya Street, which at the very first intersection borders on Olympic Avenue - it will lead tourists to the resort city to their destination.
If city guests do not want to walk, then you can use minibus No. 57, which goes to the Olympic Park. The third way to get to the singing fountains is a train express called “Swallow”, which you can take already in the Krasnodar Territory and get off at the “Olympiysky Station” station.
Interesting Facts
Everyone knows about this legend: “In a place where you would definitely like to return again or several times, you need to find a fountain and send a coin to its bottom. And then, you will definitely visit this place again.” After the 2014 Winter Games, the fountain was cleaned, and enough coins were found at the bottom of the fountain to fill three large buckets to the top.
To build this fountain, a company from the city of Krasnodar called Stroy International was hired , but, as you know, it was not the only one involved in this project. The WET Design company was called in to help the Russian developer; they specialize in the construction of innovative water features and fountains all over the world.
How to get to Sochi?
You can get to Sochi from Moscow in 3 ways, which are presented below:
- By plane. The price of a ticket for a direct flight from Moscow to Sochi is 3,000 – 6,000 rubles, depending on the airline and class of flight. Travel time will be 2-3 hours one way.
- By train. The journey along the railway lines from the capital to Sochi will take 1.5 days. Prices vary: reserved seat – from 3000 to 3500 thousand rubles; coupe - from 3200 to 4600 thousand rubles; for a SV place 15,000 – 16,000 thousand rubles. Trains leave from Kazansky, Kursky and Paveletsky stations in Moscow.
- By bus. Sochi bus station receives buses from several southern cities. The travel time from Stavropol or Rostov-on-Don will be 12-15 hours, and from the Krasnodar Territory 6-8 hours, the ticket price is 1000-1700 rubles.
Schedule for the fountain in the Olympic Park in 2022
The mild, warm Sochi climate allows the Singing Fountain Theater to delight residents and guests of the city every day; their work schedule is presented below.
| Opening hours of the Singing Fountains Theater | Season |
| 18:00-19:00 | Winter |
| 19:00-20:00 | Spring |
| 20:30-21:30 | Summer |
| 19:00-20:30 | Autumn |
It is better to arrive early for the evening performance, since you will have to walk about 30 minutes from the entrance to the Olympic Park to the singing fountains.
Tips for visiting a musical fountain show
If it is important for you to be on time for the evening show, then arrive early, taking into account travel time and the method of transportation you have chosen.
If your goal is to watch the show as close as possible, arrive an hour or two before the start. It will be convenient and comfortable to take a place on the green lawns around the facility.
It is recommended to take a camera or video camera with you for better image transmission. Because you will definitely have a desire to photograph the beauty around you.
Preventive actions
To maintain the functionality and cleanliness of the fountains, park employees carry out preventive work, during which the theater is not open. In winter, the singing fountain also does not turn on, only musical accompaniment plays.
The Singing Fountain Theater is closed for maintenance work:
- March 13-16;
- May 15-June 4;
- June 30-July 4;
- July 30-August 4;
- August 6-10;
- August 28-31;
- September 25-28.
It is better to check more accurate information on the official website, in the “News” section.
Hotels nearby
For guests arriving in the city of Sochi, not far from the Olympic Park there are hotels and hotel complexes of different star ratings, where they can stay for 1 or several days if they wish.
| Name | Category | Service | Price per day |
| Hotel Imeretinsky (1.6 km from the Olympic Park) | Has no star rating | Guests can enjoy 2 swimming pools (outdoor, indoor), a SPA center with a Turkish sauna, and a private sandy beach. The room has a kitchenette, modern furniture, and a bathroom. There are several restaurants on site where guests can choose from an all-inclusive or à la carte menu. | The price per day for 1 person in double occupancy will be 7,200 thousand rubles. |
| Hotel complex Bogatyr (0.7 km from the Olympic Park) | 4* | Guests can enjoy a 24-hour SPA center, a heated swimming pool, and a conference room. The rooms are equipped with high-quality modern furniture, a restroom and a minibar. There are several restaurants on site where guests can choose from an all-inclusive or à la carte menu. | The price per day for 1 person in double occupancy will be 14,000 thousand rubles. |
| Radisson Blu Resort and Congress Center (1.5 km from the Olympic Park) | 5* | Vacationers have their own sandy beach with sun loungers, a health sports club, and modern comfortable rooms. The hotel has 3 restaurants with European, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, several bars and a couple of lounge areas. The price of the tour includes buffet breakfast. For hotel guests there is a fitness room, a heated swimming pool, and a Turkish hammam. There is a playground for small children. | The price per day for 1 person in double occupancy will be 9,450 thousand rubles. |
The fountain show, located in the Olympic Park, has long won the hearts of local residents and guests of the city. Tourists who have visited this unique show at least once leave enthusiastic, grateful reviews about it and recommend visiting it to their friends.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
Fountains in Riviera Park
Location: central district of Sochi, st. Egorova, 1, Park Riviera.
Riviera Park, well known to Sochi residents and guests of the city, also houses several fountains.
The “Seagull” fountain, striking in its name, now has nothing in itself similar to this bird. However, there is an explanation for this. Previously, the fountain was decorated with a sculpture of a seagull, but it was dismantled in 2005. Despite this, “Chaika” continues to be called exactly that and delights park visitors with its beauty.
The well-known plot of the Russian fairy tale “The Stone Flower” is embodied in the fountain of the same name in Riviera Park. Danila the master diligently carves a beautiful flower from an ordinary stone - a moment that is forever captured in this fountain. The sculpture allows you to plunge back into a fairy tale, remember your childhood, and then enjoy pure mineral water from the drinking pump room located directly above the fountain.
Fountain of Love in Riviera Park
The next design received the attractive name “Fountain of Love”. It resembles a clay jug entwined with various flowers. It is not easy to get water from here: this can only be done in pairs, simultaneously closing the holes at the top and bottom. A kind of quest helps a couple unite and make sure that love can overcome any obstacles, and, naturally, quench their thirst.
