Spa Research Institute


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 balls described in Lermontov’s A Hero of Our Time.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. University

0.08 MILES

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

2. Drinking Gallery

0.14 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…

4. Diana's Grotto

0.19 MILES

This is a favourite viewing and strolling spot for locals.

5. Lermontov Museum

0.19 MILES

Many Pyatigorsk attractions revolve around larger-than-life writer, poet, painter, cavalry soldier, society beau and duellist Mikhail Lermontov. Chief…

6. Bronze Eagle

0.21 MILES

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

7. Park Tsvetnik

0.29 MILES

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…

8. Insect Museum

0.47 MILES

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