Stavropol is one of the biggest cities of the North Caucasus. This city has a rich and incredibly beautiful history. It was founded as an outpost in 1777. Eight years after, Stavropol gained the status of the city thanks to its successful geopolitical location. The fortress was built upon the order of Count Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. The city was named by Duke Potemkin. It should be noted that Catherine II came up with the name of the fortress city but the order for renaming the settlement into Stavropol was issued by her former favorite, Potemkin.
The city is often called the “Gate of the Caucasus”, which explains its strategic importance. Stavropol has long been the important industrial center of the region. It attracts a lot of tourists with its beautiful nature and rich heritage that has been preserved by the natives. In total, there are over two hundred historical monuments attracting inquisitive travelers in the territory of the city and its surroundings.
Fans of excursions will be really impressed by a huge choice of architectural monuments. Those travelers who arrive at the railway station of Stavropol can consider the building of the station as the first object of their sightseeing program. The luxurious building with a white and blue facade, drown in green plantings, looks very spectacular. The actively developing city does not forget about its cultural traditions. Like many years ago, all the national holidays go hand in hand with the performances of Cossack ensembles. Stavropol offers its guests different kinds of recreation from extreme hiking along picturesque mountain areas and health tourism to funny family leisure.
Many people start exploring the city with the Stavropol Local History Museum. It is located in the building of former trading rows that was built in the 19th century. The museum was opened in 1905. When it was founded, it became an only museum on the territory of the North Caucasus. Nowadays, the museum exposure includes almost 300 000 exhibits, including archeological, ethnographic and historical artifacts, as well as pieces of art.
The unusual culture center is the P. M. Grechishkin Art Gallery. It occupies the building of the old mosque. In 1987, the exhibition of famous artist P. M. Grechishkin’ works were held in Stavropol, after which he presented 160 canvasses to the city. They became the core of the gallery collection. Now, it includes over 500 paintings.
The main religious monument of the city is Kazan Cathedral. It was built in the first half of the 19th century. After the Revolution, the old cathedral was destroyed but was restored less than 20 years ago. The new cathedral is more modest than the original one but it still impresses with its incomparable exterior.
The natives and city guests’ favorite place for walks is the Central Park that started to be formed in the 19th century. At one time, there was the luxurious mansion that belonged to General A. A. Velyaminov. The adjacent area of the mansion was the vast garden with artificial ponds, gazebos, and small stages, on which concerts often took place. The historical monument has not survived to this day but the garden has been preserved and developed. Today, there are well-equipped beautiful recreation areas, playgrounds, and children’s rides.
Even the building of the Stavropol railway station is an important historical monument. It was built at the site of the old destroyed station after the Great Patriotic War. Since its construction, this building has been one of the most beautiful in the city. Its blue facade is decorated with fine moldings and arches. There is the beautiful garden opposite the station.
Sightseeing in Russia: things to see
The most famous resort destinations in Russia are Sochi, Anapa and Adler. These cities are also rich in numerous historic buildings and modern entertainment centers. Travelers are recommended to visit the dolphinarium, which is open in Adler. Here visitors will be able to see entertainment performances and shows. Besides dolphins, the shows feature seals and visitors can see a true king of the sea - a giant white whale. The tomb of Hercules remains the most unusual landmark of Anapa. It was discovered during archaeological excavations in 1975. The tomb belonged to Gorgippia, a noble family. It's more than 1500 years old and got such an unusual name because of beautiful drawings that feature scenes from myths about Hercules.
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