42 best sights of Grozny - the most complete overview

Sights of Grozny

Modern Grozny is a large metropolis with developed industry. Since 1992, the city has been the “heart” and capital of Chechnya. It is located on the slopes of the Sunzha Mountains in the North Caucasus, in the valley of the Sunzha River. The area of the Chechen capital is 305 square meters. km, the population of the city is 280 thousand people. Due to military operations on the territory of Chechnya in the 90s, buildings and historical sights were not preserved here. By that time the city was almost completely destroyed.

Only after some time did he rise from the ruins like a phoenix. Modern attractions appeared along with new houses, wide streets and alleys, green parks, and cozy squares. Today, in the Chechen capital, which has risen from ruins, there is something to see. You can have a great time in your free time, enjoying the local flavor, traditions, lifestyle and culture. So, here are the attractions that will be discussed in this article.

Heart of Chechnya Mosque, Church of the Archangel Michael, Monument to Fighters against Terrorism
Walk of Fame, A. Kadyrov Museum, Helipad, Akhmat Arena
State Russian Drama Theater named after. M. Yu. Lermontov, Kazyrov Avenue
Reception House, Stele "City of Military Glory", National Museum of the Chechen Republic
Triumphal Arch, Chechen State Drama Theater named after. Khanpashi Nuradilova
National Library of the Chechen Republic named after. A.A. Aidamirova, Autodrom
Chechen State Theater for Young Spectators, Park of National Culture named after A.A. Kadyrov.
Zoo, English castle, Grozny Sea, Sheikh Denis Arsanov Mosque
Esambaeva Avenue, Aqualand Water Park, Grozny Dolphinarium, Dino Yurt Park
Sira Din Equestrian Park, Sunzha River Embankment, Waterfall Fountain, Mother's Glory Park
Hussein Ben Talal Park, Journalists' Square
Museum Dondi Yurt Adam Satuev, Argun Museum-Reserve, Ushkaloi Towers
Phakoch Castle, Lake Galanchozh, Lake Kezenoy-Am, Tsoi-Pede, Pride of Muslims Mosque

Thanks to the map that we have placed at the bottom of the article, it will be easier for you to navigate the area, and also, if you wish, you can develop your own travel route. Let's start our journey!

The fortress becomes a city

Not only did the situation change, the fortress itself also changed - crafts actively developed there, the first brick factories appeared, and the development of oil fields began.

It is curious, but not only Russian, but also mountain settlements expanded near Grozny. The mountaineers, who had managed to taste life under the rule of the Imamate and were tired of the war, went under the protection of the Russian fortress, preferring peaceful labor to endless battles.

By 1859, hostilities in Chechnya had ceased, and a year later, the Tsar’s governor in the Caucasus, Prince Baryatinsky, ordered two fairs to be held annually in Grozny, following the example of the one that was so successfully held in 1850.

Thanks to the fairs, the development of the settlement began at an accelerated pace. On December 30, 1869, the Grozny fortress, which had lost its strategic importance, became the district city of the Terek region.

1877 Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

What to see in Grozny - day 1

The city of Grozny is imbued with Islamic culture. In addition to the fact that the main mosque in Chechnya is located in the city, Islam is a compulsory subject in school. For women, there is compulsory clothing and hijabs to visit various public institutions. And in stalls and public transport you can hear Islamic sermons. On the first day we will introduce you to the Heart of Chechnya mosque.

We suggest you dedicate the first day of your tour of Grozny to other most recognizable architectural structures, museums and parks. Visit such attractions as the Heart of Chechnya Mosque, the Temple of the Archangel Michael, the Monument to the Fighters against Terrorism, the Walk of Fame, the A. Kadyrov Museum, the Helipad, the Akhmat Arena, the State Russian Drama Theater. M. Yu. Lermontov, Kazyrov Avenue, Reception House, Stele “City of Military Glory”, National Museum of the Chechen Republic, Arc de Triomphe, Chechen State Drama Theater named after. Khanpashi Nuradilov, National Library of the Chechen Republic named after. A.A. Aidamirova, Autodrom, Chechen State Theater for Young Spectators, Park of National Culture named after A.A. Kadyrov, Zoo.

Mosque "Heart of Chechnya

Let's start getting acquainted with the main building of the city, one might say, the calling card of Grozny - the mosque of A. Kadyrov (the first president of Chechnya), built in 2008. It is considered one of the most beautiful and majestic mosques in Russia and Europe. This magnificent building of Ottoman architecture is located in the middle of a park on the banks of the Sunzha River. This mosque is the largest in the world. The area of the mosque is 5000 square meters and can accommodate more than ten thousand people. The same number of believers can pray in a mosque. The minarets reach 63 meters in height, the walls of the building are decorated with white marble and painted with sayings from the Koran. The territory of the mosque is surrounded by several fountains and garden alleys.

“Heart of Chechnya” is part of the Islamic Center, which unites the Spiritual Administration of Muslims, the Kunta-Hadji Russian Islamic University, the Islamic Library and madrasah. The construction of the mosque combines oriental elements and modern European design. Local residents are very proud of this attraction, and the reviews from people who have visited the city of Grozny are very heartfelt. You should definitely visit inside!

In the center of Grozny there are the best housing options, based on price and reviews:

Mini-hotel Central City Grozny. Rating: 9.5 based on 656 reviews. Price 1350 RUB.
Guest house "Minutka". Rating: 9.5 based on 297 reviews. Price 1100 RUB.
Great City Apartments. Rating: 9.5 based on 198 reviews. Price 1450 RUB.
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Temple of the Archangel Michael

Undoubtedly, the restored Church of the Archangel Michael is known to everyone who has ever visited Grozny. A landmark like this temple attracts the attention of everyone who wants to visit this beautiful city. The only Orthodox church in the entire territory of the Chechen Republic was founded in 1892 by Terek Cossacks. This church was built with public donations from parishioners and is still in operation. The temple was destroyed at the end of the last century, but its restoration began in 2004. Today, the beautiful temple is open to the public, and you can also visit it and see the interior of the church.

Monument to Fighters against Terrorism

The city, almost completely destroyed during hostilities, today is thriving, building temples and mosques, restoring monuments - the sights of Grozny. Chechnya does not forget its heroes and culture.

Thus, a Monument to Fighters against Terrorism was erected in Grozny. A monument of 38 stone blocks was installed in 2010 on the square named in honor of A. Kadyrov. The stones bear the names of police officers, clergy and the administration of the republic who died at the hands of terrorists who invaded the freedom and independence of the Caucasus. The monument seems to say that the residents of the republic want to live and work in peace, without fear for their own lives and their children. We advise you to take a look at this impressive structure.

Walk of Fame

The next attraction of the city that we want to introduce everyone to is the Walk of Fame. This is the most ambitious memorial complex in the country. She turned 75 years old in 2022, since the alley was installed in honor of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War over world fascism. The Walk of Fame is located in the center of Grozny and occupies a large area - 5 hectares. On the territory of the complex there is a museum of A. Kadyrov. The equestrian monument to the hero of the Great Patriotic War Movlid Visaitov is located at the beginning of the alley. There is an Eternal Flame and several other monuments dedicated to the theme of war.

Local guides will tell you as much as possible about the city on these excursions:

Grozny – history and modernity. Rating – 5.0 based on 83 reviews. Price 3000 RUB (for 1-5 people)
Excursion – Mountain Chechnya in one day. Rating – 5.0 based on 67 reviews. Price 9000 RUB (for 1-3 people)
From Grozny - to the high mountain lake Kezenoy-Am. Rating – 5.0 based on 19 reviews. Price 6000 RUB (for 1-3 people)
From Grozny to the Argun Gorge. Rating – 5.0 based on 9 reviews. Price 8500 RUB (for 1-6 people)

Museum of A. Kadyrov

Museum named after A. Kadyrov can be compared with famous monuments with its rich interior and beautiful architecture. The main building of the Walk of Fame consists of several levels; in the lower part there is a museum of the first president of Chechnya - it tells about Grozny during the reign of Kadyrov, there are personal belongings and photographs of the president.

On the second level there is an art gallery with compositions about the Great Patriotic War. There is a hall where you will find portraits of Heroes of the Soviet Union - people from the Chechen Republic who died for peace. The most impressive object of the museum is a huge gold chandelier weighing one and a half tons. She greets guests right at the entrance to the museum - in the central hall. The Kadyrov Museum is one of the most beautiful and interesting museums not only in Grozny, but throughout Chechnya, so you should visit it.

State Russian Drama Theater named after Lermontov

State Russian Drama Theater named after Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov

The State Russian Drama Theater named after Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was founded in 1904 in Grozny as a republican theater. Evgeny Vakhtangov, the famous Russian director, was one of the founders of the theater. People's Artists of the USSR and RSFSR Leonid Bronevoy, Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Rimma Bykova, Mimalt Soltsaev, Musa Dudayev, Ruslan Khakishev and other famous theater figures also performed here. Today, the theater continues to delight visitors with professional performances, both modern and classical.

Grozny City

Grozny City Towers is a five-star hotel and business complex with skyscrapers located near the Akhmad Kadyrov Mosque in Grozny. The skyscrapers offer beautiful views of the Heart of Chechnya Mosque. In addition, there is an observation deck. Buildings with 18 and even 40 floors were built in 2011 and today are the second largest high-rise complex in Russia in Moscow City. In front of the building complex there is a beautiful park where you can eat and stroll. We recommend!

Akhmat Arena

If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with a football match. Chechen football has a great atmosphere and you will most likely see President Kadyrov sitting on the balcony watching the match. The stadium is very high-tech, since the team belongs to Ramzan Kadyrov himself, the current president of Chechnya. Be prepared for high security upon entry and a thorough search. At football matches in Chechnya you will be given Pepsi and Russian pancakes. No alcohol is sold anywhere in or around the arena. Nevertheless, the sensations are exciting!

Helipad

In 2000, the UN called Grozny 'the most destroyed city on earth'. Today it is a restored and prosperous city. At the end of Putin Avenue there is one of the business buildings in Grozny, with a helipad. You can reach it by elevator. After paying a certain amount, you can order and drink a few soft drinks and look at Grozny from a bird's eye view.

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to photograph the Presidential Palace from the sky - this rule is serious and should not be broken under any circumstances. In addition to the helipad, there is also a regular observation deck, which is also subject to the photography rule.

Akhmat Kadyrov Square

On the opposite side of Grozny City is Kadyrov Square. It is there that the main attractions of the city are located, including the Heart of Chechnya Mosque. When you walk around the square, you will notice the well-groomed territory. Beautiful flower beds and fountains, comfortable benches, and pedestrian paths made of colored paving stones make this square the most beautiful in the city and the most popular among tourists. We recommend that you take a walk here and take a photo as a souvenir!

Reception House

A remarkable architectural composition of the city is the Reception House, created in the 19th century according to sketches. The building, consisting of 12 floors, is a real palace. To create it, a white stone was needed, which distinguishes the reception house from other buildings in the city. Today, not only political receptions are held there, but also various speeches. Stars give concerts and theater troupes perform in the reception house. This is a whole cultural center that you should not miss if you are in Grozny.

Stele "City of Military Glory"

The city of Grozny was awarded the title of city of military Glory. In honor of this event, a stele was erected on Kadyrov Avenue in 2015. More than 13 meters high and with the Russian coat of arms on top, it looks very impressive. Around the stele there are four bas-reliefs telling about the history of the city. Everyone can go up to the stele and read what is written there. We recommend!

National Museum of the Chechen Republic

It is impossible not to visit the National Museum of the Chechen Republic, which is located in Grozny. It is located on Putin Avenue and attracts with its beautiful architecture. Inside you will find a large exhibition that was restored after the destruction in the city. The ethnographic and archaeological halls are considered the most interesting, so we advise you to look there first. Another special feature of the museum is the hall with works by local artists. So, art lovers will also love this place.

Triumphal Arch

When entering the city you will be greeted by the so-called triumphal arch. The passage arch was installed in honor of the birthday of the President of the Chechen Republic. It is represented by two arches - one is installed for cars that drive on the left side, the other - for those that drive on the right. On the sides of the arch there are towers with images of Vladimir Putin and Ramzan Kadyrov. The architectural structure is a symbol of a restored and prosperous city.

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Mini-hotel "Gorodok". Rating: 9.5 based on 279 reviews. Price 1350 RUB.
Hotel "Continent". Rating: 9.3 based on 339 reviews. Price 1300 RUB.
Apartment "Apartment in the center". Rating: 9.5 based on 83 reviews. Price 1500 RUB.
Hotel Tiinala. Rating: 9.3 based on 840 reviews. Price 1550 RUB.

Chechen Drama Theater

The Chechen Drama Theater deserves your attention equally as other attractions of the city. It was built before the war. We advise you to appreciate the architecture of the building - it looks very modern. Today the theater shows both Chechen and Russian productions. You can also watch foreign plays. Everyone will find something to suit their taste.

National Library of the Chechen Republic named after. A.A. Aidamirova

If you come to Grozny, you should check out the National Library. National Library of the Chechen Republic named after. A.A. Aydamirova is a real treasury of literature of various genres. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, but was damaged by bombing in 1996.

The building was restored only in 2013. The modern building houses reading rooms where you can find literature in other languages or rare publications. Library visitors can look into the beautiful winter garden or have a snack in the cafe. Even children will love this place, as they have a separate reading room with children's books. We recommend visiting this place!

State Gallery named after. A.A. Kadyrov

In 2010, the State Gallery named after. A.A. Kadyrov. Inside you will find interesting works by artists from different countries. Temporary exhibitions often feature works by such famous Chechen artists as Alkhazov, Zakriev and Mutsaev. The permanent exhibition includes paintings by the Yusupov brothers. In addition, the museum exhibits ancient musical instruments.

Park of National Culture named after A.A. Kadyrov

The National Culture Park is the next attraction of Grozny. The park has an entertainment area where you can go on rides. There are fountains, benches and well-tended flower beds throughout the park. From here you can clearly see the Heart of Chechnya mosque. Locals often walk their dogs or roller skate in the park. And yet, the main object in the park is considered to be the zoo.

Autodrome "Fortress Grozny"

Fans of extreme sports and thrills can go to the Fortress Grozny Autodrome. This is one of the most important circuits in Russia, where competitions at the republican level are held. The location of the stands is very convenient - you can see every track. In addition, there are areas where you can drive your own car. We think that you should visit the Fortress Grozny Autodrom as a spectator or a racer.

Chechen State Theater for Young Spectators

We would like to introduce you to another church in Grozny - the Chechen State Theater for Young Spectators. Initially it was a puppet theater, the foundation of which was laid before the Great Patriotic War. Today, anyone can visit the Chechen State Theater for Young Spectators and get acquainted with its performances. Children especially like the performances “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf”, “Doctor Aibolit”, “Little Red Riding Hood”. If you come to Grozny with children, be sure to visit this place.

Zoo

On the territory of the city of Grozny, or rather in the National Culture Park named after A.A. Kadyrov, there is only one zoo that is worth a visit. Its area is small, but the variety of animals can be impressive. The Grozny Zoo features both predators such as tigers and lions, bears and crocodiles, as well as cute rodents - raccoons and hamsters. The zoo also has birds, camels and even llamas. We think that after visiting the zoo you will get only positive emotions.

What to try in Grozny?
If you're hungry, we have some tips for you on where to eat deliciously. We advise you to visit the Kupol restaurant, which is located on the 32nd floor of one of the skyscrapers in Grozny City. An interesting fact, but in Chechnya and Grozny you can’t buy alcohol almost anywhere. They sell it at Kupol, but for a fairly large amount. The average bill without alcohol will cost approximately 1000–2000 rubles per person.
If you love meat and steaks, we recommend the Myasko steakhouse. Locals say that they sell the most delicious steaks in the city. For a juicy steak you will pay 500 rubles, a burger or kebab costs 300 rubles. And you will find the best pizza at the Pizza House, which is located in an old building with impressive architecture.

A fortress that does not disgrace its name

Construction was completed in four months. The efficiency was dictated by the difficult situation - the fortress was initially considered a “hot spot”.

When many people hear the word “fortress,” a picture of a medieval castle comes to mind. There was nothing similar in Grozny. It was a regular hexagon, each corner of which protruded forward with a bastion with embrasures for two guns. The ramparts of the fortress were earthen, fortified with palisades. Inside the citadel there were rooms for storing weapons and ammunition, barracks and guard rooms for units performing garrison duty. The fortress itself and the surrounding area were surrounded by ditches. The buildings in Grozny were wooden or turluch (consisting of poles dug into the ground, intertwined with vines or brushwood and coated with clay), rarely adobe (built from clay brick, consisting of a mixture of clay, sand and straw), all buildings had roofs made of reeds.

Plan of the Grozny fortress. 1918 Photo: Frame youtube.com

The not very formidable appearance of Grozny aroused the desire of the mountaineers to test its strength, but the defenders of the fortress made it clear that it was not for nothing that it received its name.

It must be said that the coexistence of Russians and highlanders began from the moment the fortress was founded - Grozny was surrounded by several populous villages, which most of the time did not annoy the Russians.

What to see and where to go in Grozny - day 2

On the second day in Grozny, we recommend that you visit the English Castle, the Grozny Sea, the Sheikh Denis Arsanov Mosque, Esambaev Avenue, Aqualand Water Park, Grozny Dolphinarium, Dino Yurt Park, Sira Din Equestrian Park, Sunzha River Embankment, Waterfall Fountain . We also invite you to visit the parks and squares of the city of Grozny. Go to Mother's Glory Park, Hussein Ben Talal Park, Journalists' Square, Muslim Pride Mosque.

English castle

First of all, on your second day in Grozny, we suggest you go to the English Castle. The building in the Gothic style is completely uncharacteristic of Grozny. In fact, this is the Grozny Institute, which studied oil refining. The building was founded in 1927 and has been preserved in its original form, which is a very rare occurrence for someone who suffered during the bombing of Grozny. The building is abandoned, and tourists come here for beautiful shots and to admire the architecture.

Grozny Sea

In Grozny you can go to the sea! The Grozny Sea is how local residents nicknamed the artificially created Chernorechenskoye Reservoir. Soft sand and clean territory are the determining factors when choosing a place for a beach holiday. However, it is worth saying that the beach is divided into women's and men's areas. If you swim there during the day, then in the evening you will admire the unique underwater fountain. The light-music fountain, shimmering in different colors, can reach 100 meters in height. Be sure to check out this impressive light show when you visit Grozny!

Mosque named after Sheikha Denis Arsanova

The construction of the mosque, named after Sheikh Deni Arsanov, was started in 1989 by his son. However, due to the fighting in Chechnya in the 1990s, construction was suspended. The grand opening of the church took place in 2014. The façade of the building is made of Turkish marble, and Islamic patterns were created by craftsmen from the Middle East. The trees planted around it give the mosque a special flavor.

Esambaeva Avenue

This completely new avenue, which bears the name of the talented, beloved People's Artist of the USSR, Chechen dancer Makhmud Esambaev, was opened in 2022 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Grozny. Its area is small, only 700 meters, however, the avenue is very beautiful and deserves your attention.

Esambaev Avenue is located in the very center of Grozny and is parallel to Putin Avenue. It began to bear the unofficial name of Grozny Arbat, where traffic is generally prohibited. The avenue is paved with paving stones, there are benches, lanterns, trees and flower beds planted there. You can grab a bite to eat at various cafes along the avenue. Esambaev Avenue is still under development today. When you walk along the avenue, you will see how much they are investing in its development.

Aqualand water park

If you want to not only look at buildings, but also have active recreation, we suggest you head to the Aqualand water park. This is a real entertainment center, because in addition to the aqua zone you will find many other entertainments. For example, guests of the water park are invited to visit the spa or cinema. For children there is a special play area with laser tag, a climbing wall and slot machines. There is also a large food court area. We are sure that you will have a great time relaxing in this place!

Grozny Dolphinarium

The next entertainment place in Grozny that we suggest you visit is the Grozny Dolphinarium. Interesting shows with dolphins will appeal to both adults and children. But the Grozny Dolphinarium is much more than just a dolphinarium. This is an entire entertainment and health complex, which includes the dolphinarium itself, a dolphin therapy center, the Dino Yurt park, a stable and a riding school, an ethno-village, playgrounds, attractions, a race track, a theater, a pond and a restaurant.

Dino Yurt Park

In Grozny there is the Dino Yurt theme park, which was mentioned above. There are many dinosaur figures of their real size installed there. All the figures move and can make sounds - this gives you the feeling that you have really been transported to the era of dinosaurs. There are small figures so you can climb on them and take pictures. Dino Yurt will appeal to both adults and children. We recommend!

Sira Din Horse Park

The Sira Din Equestrian Park is the next facility on the territory of the Grozny Dolphinarium. It is located on the territory of an ethno-village and there is a riding school and a hotel complex there. The horse park has developed hippotherapy, and there is the possibility of horseback riding. On the territory of the ethno-village there are objects that characterize the atmosphere of rural life. Archery can be an interesting activity. We recommend you visit this place!

Embankment of the Sunzha River

If you like walks, we recommend that you take a walk along the embankment of the Sunzha River. There are special walking paths, gazebos and benches. Local residents come here with their families and take a stroll after a hard day at work. Couples in love also walk along the embankment. You can ride a catamaran on the river, sit in a cafe by the water. This place is very atmospheric, so we recommend visiting it.

Fountain "Waterfall"

On M. Ali Avenue you will see a unique waterfall. It was specially created and represented by a fountain. The waterfall flows down a stone hill to a wooden bridge. Very often people come here to take pictures, because the fountain in the form of a waterfall looks really impressive. The pine needles growing next to the fountain give the shots a special flavor. We recommend that you visit the fountain in the evening, when the special lighting comes on, then the waterfall looks even more spectacular.

Mother's Glory Park

Next, we advise you to visit the Mother's Glory Park. This is an amusement park where you will find the largest number of attractions in the city. There are many vans selling cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream. The park has five musical fountains that delight visitors with music. Mother's Glory Park has this name for a reason. On its territory there is a memorial in honor of all women of the Chechen Republic. We recommend you visit this place!

Hussein Ben Talal Park

Next, we suggest you visit Hussein Ben Talal Park. Previously it was called Pavel Musorov Park, but in 2011 it was renamed. More recently, the park area has been renovated and delights residents and guests of the city with modern buildings. The renovated sports ground in the park was especially liked by local residents. Today people often ride bicycles and rollerblades there, and run in the mornings and evenings. They also planted many flowers and trees in the park and created a pond. There is a wooden bridge across the pond, which glows beautifully in the evenings.

Journalists' Square

We suggest going to Journalists' Square. Many people don't even realize how dangerous this profession can be. So, the park bears the name of all those journalists who died for writing the truth, who were for freedom of speech, but strangely disappeared. A memorial has been erected in honor of the journalists, which we also advise you to pay attention to. This park is quite calm. It is decorated with topiaries and fountains, cozy cafes.

Climate

The climate in the city differs from the weather in Krasnodar, located at the same latitude. The winter here is colder due to strong northern winds. The air temperature in the cold season can drop to -20 degrees. The capital of Chechnya has quite long and hot summers. The thermometer often rises to 35 degrees, and this is in the shade! This difference in summer and winter temperatures can be explained by the fact that the city is located in a zone of temperate continental climate. Hence the interesting climatic conditions.

What to see in the vicinity of Grozny

On the third day of your stay in Grozny, we invite you to visit the outskirts of this city. You can visit the following objects: Dondi Yurt Adam Satuev Museum, Argun Museum-Reserve, Ushkaloy Towers, Phakoch Castle, Lake Galanchozh, Lake Kezenoy-Am, Tsoi-Pede.

Dondi Yurt Museum Adam Satuev

One of the most interesting museums in Chechnya is the Dondi Yurt Museum of Adam Satuev, 31 km from Grozny. Adam is a former wrestling champion. Even in his early 60s, Adam will still challenge the toughest men he meets. We advise you not to be deceived by his age, because Adam Satuev will defeat you in any case!

More famous than his wrestling antics is his personal museum. During the Chechen conflicts, Adam drove a Lada Niva into the center of Grozny during heavy Russian bombing and rescued artifacts of the history of the Chechen people before they were destroyed. Today he displays them in his house on the compound. The museum features unique exhibits, from Tyrannosaurus rex eggs and military cannons to Civil War relics and the pelt of the infamous sheep-killer wolf that Adam himself hunted down and killed as a favor to the local Chechen tribe. After your tour of the museum, his wife will cook you a traditional Chechen meal while Adam takes a photo of you for his collection.

Argun Museum-Reserve

50 kilometers from the city of Grozny is the Argun State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve. It was founded in 1988 and occupies an important historical significance for the whole of Chechnya. On the territory of the reserve there is a complex of towers and tower settlements of the Middle Ages. It is worth saying that the location of the reserve is not the most convenient and is considered one of the most inaccessible in Chechnya. However, there are always a lot of tourists here. We also advise you to come there.

Ushkaloy towers

Further from the Argun Nature Reserve, we suggest you drive to the Ushkaloy Towers. They are located approximately 60 kilometers from Grozny and 10 km from the reserve. The Ushkaloy towers are represented by stone buildings of the 11th century and are located on the banks of the Argun River. The towers themselves are located inside the rocks - it looks very impressive. This place will appeal to lovers of ancient architecture and history, as well as those who like to discover something new.

Phakoch Castle

Phakoch Castle is the next place you should visit. The 12th century castle is located in the village of Itum-Kale, 65 km from Grozny. Previously, people lived in the castle towers. This is evidenced by outbuildings and mills. In one of the towers there is a local history museum, which is also worth a look. There they will tell you about the life of the Chechen people in the past. Each exhibit is unique, and its age is more than 100 years.

Lake Kezenoy-Am

Lake Kezenoy-Am is the deepest lake in the Caucasus Mountains, mainly in Chechnya and partly in Dagestan in the Russian Federation. The lake passes through the Andean Ridge. It is located at an altitude of 1870 m above sea level and covers an area of 2.4 km2. The maximum depth of the lake is 74 m.

In winter, the surface of the lake freezes, and in summer the water temperature is about 5 °C. The lake water has a year-round supply of oxygen in which plankton survive. Salmo ezenami is a rare trout species found only in this lake, but their population is endangered. The lake is very beautiful, you can come there for beautiful shots or to have a picnic in a fabulous atmosphere.

Lake Galanchozh

Lake Galanchozh, which we recommend visiting, is located 90 km from Grozny. This is one of the most picturesque places in Chechnya: blue water and beautiful nature around cannot but delight. People come here to be alone with themselves or with someone surrounded by nature. Connoisseurs of history and architecture also often come to the lake, as there are watchtowers in its vicinity. We advise you to go to Lake Galanchozh and admire the picturesque place, as well as explore the ancient towers.

Tsoi-Pede

In the vicinity of the village of Itum-Kale is located Tsoi-Pede or, as it is called, the city of the dead. The city has 42 crypts and watchtowers, some of which are 500 years old. Tsoi-Pede is located at the top of the Malkhistinsky gorge and getting to it is quite difficult - the road up the mountain along stone paths will take a decent amount of time. The dead city has beautiful landscapes; one of the towers was even turned into an observation deck. The mountainous terrain combined with rocky slopes gives this place a special atmosphere, which is why you should visit it.

Mosque Pride of Muslims

The Pride of Muslims Mosque is the second main mosque of the Chechen Republic after the Heart of Chechnya Mosque. It is located in the city of Shali, located 40 km from the city of Grozny. The height of the main dome is 43 meters, on the sides there are four minarets with a height of 63 meters. The mosque is built of white marble and decorated with pure gold. The interior decoration is also impressive. The eight-meter central chandelier weighing more than two and a half tons and 395 lamps are decorated with Swarovsky stones and gold.

The building was built in 2012, and the opening of the mosque was timed to coincide with the 68th anniversary of the birth of the first President of the Republic, Akhmad Kadyrov, the father of the current head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov. A park area with 12 fountains is laid out on an area of 5 hectares. About 2,000 trees were planted here and a real valley of roses was created.

The will and mind of the Russian general

Article on the topic Grozny Yarmul: how General Ermolov developed the Caucasus
By 1813, Georgia and Northern Azerbaijan joined Russia, but ensuring the security of these territories was difficult because they were cut off from Russian territory by the Caucasus Mountains - a zone controlled by warlike mountaineers who were in conflict with Russian and supported by the Ottoman Empire.

In 1816, General Alexei Ermolov , appointed commander of the Separate Georgian Corps and manager of the civilian unit in Georgia, Astrakhan and Caucasus provinces.

Ermolov, a talented military commander and tough leader, put forward the following plan: massive cutting of clearings in mountain forests, massive construction of roads for the rapid transfer of troops to the most problematic areas, creation of a defensive line of outposts and fortresses.

The problem for the Russians was the Chechens and residents of Mountainous Dagestan, who constantly threatened transportation along the Georgian Military Road. At the same time, the Ossetians and Ingush were loyal to the Russian emperor.

Ermolov was not liberal - the resistance of the mountaineers was harshly suppressed, the rebellious villages were burned, and their population was expelled to the plain under Russian control.

In accordance with the plans of General Ermolov, on June 22, 1818, a Russian fortress was founded in the lower reaches of the Sunzha River, called Grozny. The fortress was built six versts from the Khankala gorge and was intended to block the mountaineers’ access through the gorge to the plain.

Fortress Grozny. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

About the urban environment

When booking an overnight stay in a city, I often focus on the distance to the attractions that interest me. It was also in Grozny, I figured that 2.5 km is half an hour of walking at a normal pace, so I considered this distance acceptable. However, there is something I didn't take into account. Firstly, it was still spring and it was getting dark outside early, so we often had to walk in the dark for those half an hour. And no, walking around Grozny at night is not dangerous, but it’s just that in the part of the city through which my route lay, the lighting was very bad, and in some places I had to walk using my phone to illuminate my way. Secondly, the weather was a little let down and it rained all day on Saturday, but, as it turned out, the further from the center, the fewer not only asphalt sidewalks, but also sidewalks in general. As a result, a theoretical half-hour night walk around the city sometimes turned out to be an obstacle course. Photos on the Internet usually give an inaccurate impression of the city; in fact, most of Grozny appears to be private houses, although the houses here are very decent. As a local taxi driver told me, Chechens build housing for the whole large family and for a long time, so do everything on a large scale and thoroughly. Of the interesting details in the private sector, I noted for myself the methods of throwing away garbage. The bags are hung on special hooks near the road, then they are collected by a garbage truck passing along the street.

The central part of Grozny is strikingly different from its main part, and Putin Avenue can easily be confused with a street in some European town.

Here you can already find smart bike paths that automatically count the number of cyclists, bins for separate waste collection and benches with built-in solar panels and phone chargers:

Recently they even invited street artists to paint graffiti on buildings, some of which look really cool, but I found myself at a time when most of the work was still unfinished. Personally, I think the coolest image is the three-dimensional tower on Kadyrov Avenue.

In fact, walking along two avenues, you are surprised how cool everything is here, from parks to workout grounds and modern football “boxes” for children:

Only then do you go a couple of blocks to the side and don’t understand how to normally cross the bridge over the Sunzha if there are no sidewalks or they suddenly disappear.

About transport

The idea of visiting Grozny had been in my head for a long time, but, as often happens, there were always other plans and other directions. Having immediately received a newsletter that you could fly there for 5,600 rubles with Utair airlines for the weekend (Fri-Sun), I decided that the time had come. And now, on the last weekend of April, I am already leaving the Northern airport in Grozny:

I always prefer to get from the airport to the city by public transport to immediately immerse myself in the atmosphere of the city, although taxis in Grozny cost very reasonable money. One evening it was raining heavily and in the dark I had no desire to get to the other end of the city on my own, so the trip cost 85 rubles (I ordered through the Maxim app). The public transport stop is located near the parking lot (landmark - parking meter), which is no more than 200 meters from the entrance. I needed minibus No. 111, which goes to the railway station, the fare cost 22 rubles.

As I understand it, minibuses are the main form of transport here, because all the times I traveled by public transport, they were the ones who arrived.

For some reason, the minibus from the airport that I was traveling on was less than halfway, and the driver suggested that everyone change to another one, and, of course, took money for the journey. I don’t know if it was just me who was so lucky or if it was supposed to be this way, but I decided to continue walking. I stayed quite far from the center (2.5 km) on Zhukovsky Street and I can say that while I was walking to the hotel, I probably saw the largest concentration of tire shops and car services per square meter. In principle, I can say the same about the concentration of domestic cars (in the neighboring city of Argun, Priors have even been assembled at the Chechenavto plant since 2011), and for some reason it seems to me that these facts are related. By the way, local services are always busy.