Park Tsvetnik

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This lovely wooded park with many architectural and monumental features forms a 1km-long arc around the eastern end of pr Kirova on the lower slopes of Mt Mashuk. Walk through the ornate entrance gate and around the right side of the Lermontov Gallery and ascend to the park via Diana's Grotto, a favourite picnic spot in Lermontov.

At the top of the hill, a network of paths leads to a much-photographed bronze eagle sculpture. Continue northeast and you'll reach the Academic Gallery, perched above the eastern terminus of pr Kirova. This attractive classical building was built in 1851 to house one of Pyatigorsk’s best-known springs, No 16 (currently closed). It was here that Pechorin first set eyes on Princess Mary in Lermontov's novel A Hero of Our Time. Inside a wing of gallery is the Insect Museum housing a small collection of critters (spiders, snakes, frogs) as well as a lovely butterfly collection from around the globe.

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Nearby attractions

1. Bronze Eagle

0.1 MILES

A network of paths in Park Tsvetnik leads to this much-photographed bronze eagle sculpture at the top of a hill.

2. Diana's Grotto

0.13 MILES

This is a favourite viewing and strolling spot for locals.

4. Drinking Gallery

0.16 MILES

You can sample the local mineral water (small/large cups R2/5) here. It tastes rather sulphurous, but the best reasons for dropping in are the wonderful…

5. University

0.22 MILES

Adjacent to the drinking gallery is the university, which has some expressive gargoyles and bas-reliefs on its upper facade.

6. Insect Museum

0.23 MILES

This small museum houses a small collection of critters (spiders, snakes, frogs) as well as a lovely butterfly collection from around the globe.

7. Academic Gallery

0.23 MILES

This attractive classical building is perched above the eastern terminus of pr Kirova. It was built in 1851 to house one of Pyatigorsk’s best-known…

8. Spa Research Institute

0.29 MILES

The striking, classical-style Spa Research Institute, built in 1828 and rebuilt in 1955, was once Restoratsiya, the town’s first hotel and scene of the…