Nalchik is the capital and cultural center of Kabardino-Balkaria. The city was founded in 1724 and during this time it has preserved its historical buildings and acquired modern buildings with original architectural solutions. The list of attractions in Nalchik is varied. It includes natural sites, monuments and monuments, parks, restaurants, museums and religious buildings.
One of the most visited places in the city is the Atazhukinsky Garden, in which natural beauty coexists with unusual architectural objects, and you can also ride a cable car in it. It is especially worth highlighting the attractions that tell about the peculiarities of the culture of the peoples of the republic. This is not only the National Republican Museum, but also the Central Market or Nalchik Arbat, where you can get acquainted with the real life of the city.
The most interesting and beautiful places in Nalchik
List, photo with names and descriptions of popular sights of the city.
Government building of Kabardino-Balkaria
Historical building, which is an architectural monument. The bright and beautiful building is made in a classical style with baroque elements. The Government House looks solemn in any weather thanks to its white facades and round columns at the entrance to it. Concorde Square in front of the building is decorated with flower beds and lawns. But its main accent is a light and music fountain dancing to classical music.
Atazhukinsky garden
One of the largest parks in the North Caucasus with an area of 250 hectares. Its main alley, one and a half kilometers long, is planted with lindens, maples and firs. There are also plantations of Japanese quince and paulownia in the park. The park is almost 200 years old, after reconstruction it has become more comfortable and comfortable. On the territory of the garden there is a cable car station leading to Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. There are playgrounds and attractions.
Resort lake
An artificial lake in the southern part of the city in the Dolinsk resort area. On both sides, the lake is surrounded by the spurs of the Forest Ridge. The lake reaches its maximum depth of 7 meters in summer. The average depth of the lake is 3-4 meters. Kurortnoye is the only one of the four lakes of the city park in which swimming is allowed. Part of the coast is equipped only for children's beaches. There are catamarans and boats for rent.
Green Theater
Concert hall for the summer period in the Atazhukinsky garden. It is designed as an elegant amphitheater with three floors and looks great in the general landscape of the park. The building of the Green Theater is built on a mountain slope, and its benches seem to descend from the top to the stage. It can accommodate 2,500 spectators. The theater has excellent acoustics, so it is used for concerts and large-scale festive events.
Palace of celebrations "Elbrus"
It is located in the Atazhukinsky Garden and together with the Green Theater is one of the main decorations not only of the park, but of the whole of Nalchik. The unified architectural complex was built in 1957; in 2002, a large-scale reconstruction took place in the palace. Elbrus looks especially impressive in spring, surrounded by flowering fruit trees. Elbrus hosts wedding ceremonies, city festive and cultural events.
"Lovers' Tower"
The tower was built by order of Prince Atazhukin in 1867 on the territory of the city park. The construction was carried out in the style of medieval architecture. In 2011, the tower was bought by a private entrepreneur and after restoration it became a popular tourist attraction. The tower is used for wedding photo sessions. Its observation deck offers wonderful views of the park area with an artificial lake and an amphitheater.
Cable car across Lake Trek
Passes from the Atazhukinsky garden to the top of Mount Bolshaya Kizilovka. The ascent is carried out to a low height - only 100 meters, but this is quite enough to appreciate the beauty of Trek Lake. The length of the cable car is 658 meters, one way trip takes no more than 10 minutes. The structure of the cable car is of a chair type, the seat is designed for one person. The cable car was built in 1958.
Mount Malaya Kizilovka
You can climb the mountain by cable car from the Atazhukinsky garden. The observation deck at its top offers a beautiful view of the park and its attractions - the Green Theater and the Palace of Celebrations. The outskirts of the city are clearly visible, including the TV tower and the mountain ranges of the Caucasus. The Sosruko restaurant is also built here, there are small kiosks selling souvenirs. At the top of the mountain, you can take pictures in national costumes.
Sosruko Restaurant
It is located on the top of Malaya Kizilovka Mountain and is one of the main attractions of Nalchik because of its appearance. The building of the restaurant is built in the shape of the head of a hero - the hero of national epics. Nearby is his hand with a burning torch. On the territory of the restaurant there is a fountain in the form of a waterfall. The decor in the restaurant has a typical Caucasian style. National gourmet dishes are served in Sosruko.
Sculpture "Star stone"
The stone was brought from the Bezengi gorge and installed in the city park. It is 4 meters high and 3 meters in diameter. The weight of the stone is 40 tons. The stone is decorated with a bronze ornament, symbolizing the beauty of the nature of Kabardino-Balkaria and the unity of the peoples of the republic. Bronze inserts are a reflection of the starry sky. They are cast in Germany at a factory specializing in the manufacture of bronze bells.
National Museum of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
The National Republican Museum was founded in 1921. During this time, it has collected several thousand exhibits of various subjects - archaeological, numismatic, ethnographic. In the art department of the museum there are works by Bryullov, Aivazovsky and Roubaud, transferred from museums in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The museum employs guides who have developed different programs taking into account the age of the visitors.
Museum of Fine Arts A. L. Tkachenko
The museum displays over 2,500 works of art by local authors, as well as about 200 works of foreign art. In addition to permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions are exhibited - in exchange with other museums, from the personal funds of collectors. The exhibitions are varied in subject matter and time periods for the creation of works. The works of the Soviet period and exhibitions of the decorative and applied nature of the peoples of the republic are especially interesting to visitors.
Central Mosque of Nalchik
The main cathedral mosque of the city. It was built in one of the city squares. According to the sketch of the architect Asanov, construction was carried out for 4 years and ended in 2004. Local decorative stones and minerals were used for interior and exterior decoration. The building looks typical for a national religious building; at the entrance to the mosque, two minarets were erected with a height of 30 meters. The dome of the mosque has a bright blue color.
Cathedral of Mary Magdalene
The largest Christian cathedral in the republic. The cathedral is made in the classical Byzantine style. A two-storey building with an area of 800 m² can accommodate up to 1000 people at a time. The temple is decorated with five domes and a four-tiered bell tower. The inside of the temple was painted by Moscow icon painters, who used the technique of Andrei Rublev in their work. The shrines of the temple are the icon of Mary Magdalene and Matrona of Moscow.
Monument "Forever with Russia"
The monument is located opposite the building of the Musical Theater, on the square of the 400th anniversary of the annexation of Kabarda to Russia. The image of the Motherland is symbolized by the bronze statue of Queen Maria Temryukovna. Traditionally, it is believed that she protects the calm and peace of her people.On the lower tier, the bas-reliefs tell about important events in the history of the peoples of the republic. The monument was installed in 1957.
Friendship Memorial Arch
Installed in 2007 on the Baksanskoye highway. Outwardly, it resembles the famous Parisian Arc de Triomphe. The arch symbolizes friendship between the peoples of Russia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The architectural project of the arch in the classical and austere style was carried out by Muzarib Bzhakhov. The memorial arch is combined with the natural landscape and the general architectural ensemble around. It was built with the personal funds of the President of the Republic.
Nalchik Hippodrome
An important place for the entire republic, where horse breeding has long become a part of the national culture. The construction of the hippodrome was completed in 1939. A large-scale reconstruction has updated the existing infrastructure and at present the racetrack is a modern complex that can organize international competitions. The original stable of the racetrack is made in the form of a horseshoe.
Central "Green Market"
A popular place among city residents and tourists. Here you can buy almost any product, including national goods that can be brought home as souvenirs. The market is located in the historical center of the capital near the square named after Gorky. The entrance to the market is decorated with an arch with columns and sculptures installed in niches. Their style is reminiscent of the style of some sculptures at VDNKh in Moscow.
Drinking gallery "Source Nalchik"
Located in the spa park. The gallery began its work in 1970, in 2003 it was reconstructed. The pavilion with medicinal water is available to any visitor to the park. The gallery is capable of serving more than 4,000 people per day. Mineral water enters the gallery taps from a depth of about a kilometer. 36 taps are installed for water supply. Drinking water is recommended to improve the functioning of the liver, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.
Nalchik Arbat
Partially pedestrianized street in the historic city center. A completely pedestrian area has been allocated 300 meters of the street, which was previously called Vorontsovskaya, and now it has become Kabardinskaya. Both local residents and guests of the city love walks along the Nalchik Arbat. On the street are exhibits of the Museum of Stone Artifacts, there are cafes, benches and flower beds, a beautiful fountain. A children's park with swings and slides has been built.
Nalchik Zoo
The zoo with a total area of 6.57 hectares is located in the resort area of Dolinsk. The zoo is home to about 350 animals and birds of 150 different species. Monkeys, lions and bears are of the greatest interest to visitors. Comfortable spacious enclosures have been built to keep the animals; there is a pond with an island for waterfowl. A children's town with slides and free admission has been erected for young visitors.
Memorial "Tree of Life"
Installed in the Svoboda park in 2004 in memory of the victims of the Russian-Caucasian war. The "tree of life" symbolizes a turning point in the life of the people and is an ancient symbol of the Circassians. Its seven branches represent seven generations of the family. The monument is made of bronze and has a height of 7 meters. The author of the memorial is the sculptor Arsen Guchapshev. According to the master, the memorial personifies the wisdom of the Adyghe people.
State Musical Theater
Opened in 1968. The ballet troupe was created from the students of the cultural and educational school and was finally formed in 1969. Vocal performers of the theater can perform complex musical works, therefore the performances of the theater troupe are popular not only in the Caucasus. The theater successfully tours across Russia and Ukraine. The theater's repertoire includes world classics.
State Concert Hall
It began work in 2001 and is a building unique in its architecture in the North Caucasus. During its construction, translucent structures were used, enamel was used in the glazing of the facade. The technical equipment of the concert hall meets all modern requirements. A fountain in the shape of an octahedron was erected in front of the building of the concert hall. The architects of the project are Asanov, Kiryazev and Logovatovsky.
Memorial to the victims of repression of the Balkar people
Dedicated to the history of the forced eviction of the Balkar people from the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria from 1944 to 1957. The memorial was opened on Kanukoeva Street in 2002; since then, mourning rallies have been held around it every year. The style of the memorial combines the techniques of Balkar architecture and features of Central Asian architecture. The exposition of the memorial consists of personal belongings, documents and household items of immigrants.
Terrenkur "1000 steps"
The trail laid out for therapeutic walking. It is popular with locals, athletes and tourists alike. The route leads from the lower to the upper station of the abandoned cable car on the Bolshaya Kizilovka mountain. This is a beautiful mountainous area with clean air and pristine nature. The total length of the route is 2640 meters. The highest point is 843 meters above sea level.
Cathedral of the Monk Simeon the Stylite
Located in the central part of the city. Built in 1851, destroyed almost to the ground in 1928. Restored in 1943 and is currently one of the city's landmarks. The temple is small and made according to strict canonical rules. The cathedral consists of three parts - the altar, the temple and the vestibule. The dome is crowned with an Orthodox eight-pointed cross. The walls are covered with frescoes inside.
Art Gallery "Panorama"
Located in the center of Nalchik. The gallery's permanent exhibition occupies three levels. The gallery's exhibitions are photographs with views of the Caucasus. Mountains, gorges, lakes and rivers - in the photo you can see the most secret, inaccessible places of Kabardino-Balkaria. Wide-angle panoramic shots are especially interesting - they create a real effect of presence. Some of the pictures were taken from a helicopter, they allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Caucasian nature.
Stele "Nalchik - City of Military Glory"
In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the honorary title of the city of military glory. In honor of this, a stele was erected, which was installed in 2015 in the Nut Grove. There are several steps at the base of the stele's pedestal. The stele itself is a column crowned with a two-headed eagle. On the sides of the stele there are plates containing the text of the decree and the heraldry of the city of Nalchik, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Russian Federation.
"Monument to the soldiers of the 115th Kabardino-Balkarian cavalry division who died during the Second World War"
The memorial complex was erected at the intersection of Idarova and Malbakhova streets. Installed in honor of the 115th Cavalry Division, which took part in battles during the Great Patriotic War in the North Caucasus. The author of the monument is the Honored Artist of Russia and sculptor Mikhail Tkhakumashev. The sculpture depicts a warrior on horseback, which, according to the author, symbolizes a heroic struggle against the enemy.
Memorial "Eternal Flame of Glory"
Located in the city park. It is a rectangular square with an obelisk in front of which an eternal flame is burning. Evergreen fir trees have been planted around the memorial complex. The obelisk was erected in 1949, the eternal flame appeared in 1965 - to the 20th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. At the memorial, solemn events are held during memorable dates, the newlyweds lay flowers here.
Bochka Restaurant
One of the most unusual and extravagant restaurants in Nalchik. It is built in the form of a natural wooden barrel. The interior of the restaurant is made in shades of brown. The first and second floors are connected by a curved staircase with massive railings. Most of the dishes in the Barrel are prepared using a barbecue. They are served with original national sauces and seeds. Baking according to author's recipes is unusual in taste.
Memorial House-Museum Marko Vovchok
The expositions of the museum are dedicated to the work and life of the Ukrainian writer Marko Vovchok. In the house built in 1906, where the museum is located, she lived the last two years of her life. Among the exhibits are her personal belongings, photographs and documents confirming close ties with famous writers - Turgenev, Dumas, Shevchenko, Chernyshevsky. Her grave is also located on the territory of the estate.
Monument to the heroes of the Komsomol
The author of the monument is the sculptor Gid Bzheumykh. It was opened in 1968, during the triumphant screening of films about Fantômas. The image of the Komsomol hero became popularly associated with the image of the main villain of the film. Hundreds of angry letters were sent to the party organs. By the decision of the commission, the monument was left almost unchanged, and among the residents of the city, the unofficial name "Fantomas" was stuck behind the monument.
Nalchik river
A small river Nalchik, 54 km long, flows through the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria. The river is known for large floods; to prevent their consequences, the coastal zone within the city is regularly strengthened. The river is not navigable. Currently, active work is underway to improve the river bed for recreational and resort purposes. Nowadays it is a shallow and narrow river, along which you can take a walk.
