Hot Key is a unique place that combines all the beauty of nature and all its healing properties. Today this territory is the resort of Kuban, where you can not only relax comfortably, but also improve your health.
If you look into history, then quite recently Goryachy Klyuch was only a province of the Krasnodar Territory. But the residents of this town themselves were able to create such a large resort, which is now one big attraction and value of the entire country. There are a lot of cozy parks and squares, beautiful streets, new and old architectural structures, which you can learn about from this article.
Lake in Goryachiy Klyuch
Lake in Goryachiy Klyuch
In the very center of the city there is a clean and beautiful lake. There is a small beach nearby where you can sunbathe during the warm season. There are also places for fishing at any time of the year.
Very close to the lake there is an amusement park where you can go with your child. The rides themselves, although not new, are reliable, and their prices are reasonable. If you come to relax without your children, here you can simply walk next to the lake along the alleys of the park and breathe in the fresh air, enjoying the surrounding view, peace and tranquility.
Iveron Chapel on video
You can walk back to the sanatorium alley through the forest. It’s very cool there! The forest in Goryachy Klyuch is magical - huge trees with roots coming out of the ground, moss, silence, and it seems that now a goblin will wink and a mermaid will peep out.
Swans in the Goryacheklyuchevsky forest
The described attractions of Goryachiy Klyuch are not the only ones in this resort city. But I have described those that you can admire if you come to Goryachy Klyuch for just one day.
And if you decide to stay longer in Goryachiy Klyuch, check out the guest houses and hotels of this resort.
Central alley of Goryachiy Klyuch
Central flowerbed of the Hot Spring
Fountain stone
In many cities, large streets or avenues are named after V.I. Lenin. Goryachy Klyuch was also no exception, because the central alley was named after him. This is a completely pedestrian street, where there are a lot of attractions and trampolines for children, there are small cafes, and benches everywhere.
The central park is located on the same street. Here you will also find something to look at: unusual fountains, a rock garden, flower beds.
In Goryachy Klyuch, local residents stood up to protect Swan Lake VIDEO
“Living Kuban” learned about the problem of Lake Goryacheklyuchevskoye from Krasnodar resident Lyudmila Averyanova. In the regional center, as you know, for many years it has been prohibited to swim in Karasuny, in Old Kuban, and, even more so, in the “routine”. Therefore, in the warm season, many Krasnodar residents go for a swim in Goryachiy Klyuch: in Psekups or Swan Lake - everything is closer to the sea than through traffic jams.
“Round is what the lake has always been called, and Swan Lake recently, when swans settled on it,” said Lyudmila Averyanova. — Currently, within the framework of the federal project “Favorable Urban Environment”, work is underway to improve the lake. The project was allegedly accepted by the commission and passed an examination. And that means – from an environmental point of view – the project should be normal. But the initiative group “We are for a clean Goryachy Klyuch” discovered that the lake, figuratively speaking, is encased in concrete and paving slabs, and there is no provision for filtration of storm drains. Work is already in full swing. Rainwater, washing away street dirt and leaks in parking lots, will flow into the lake, which will definitely die.
We contacted Tamara Tayupova, one of the members of the “We are for a clean city” group.
— In theory, water should pass through the ground, this earthen filter, and only after that enter the lake. But the company that is carrying out the reconstruction probably decided to take the easy option and dump untreated water into the lake through a “storm drain,” says Tamara Vasilievna. – On June 10, we discovered that on the section of the embankment adjacent to Psekupskaya Street, about twenty pipes had appeared at a distance of about ten meters from each other. Moreover, many of them originate from parking lots. This is probably their “storm drain”. We think this is wrong and ask you to stop the work!
Tamara Tayupova said that residents of Goryachiy Klyuch expected that the reconstruction of the lake would bring new green spaces, benches, gazebos, and sun umbrellas. Instead, Swan is “walled up” in tiles, curbs, and concrete. People protested, contacted the local administration and the prosecutor's office, but there was no effect yet.
Social activists sent a video to “Living Kuban” illustrating the current situation with the lake. Very close to the lake there are unfinished multi-storey buildings and parking lots. The tiled embankment is divided in many places by pipes that are “embedded” into the sidewalk curbs. That is, the problem really exists and is shown.
From a small structure resembling a pump or transformer box, a pipe goes into the lake. A small floating house for ducks and swans was once located on the clear water of the lake, but now it is located near the shore, in reed thickets. No birds will live there...
“People began to be indignant, and the builders threatened that they would remove the pipes and make a general slope, and rainwater would flow through the flower beds and dirty roads into the lake,” Tamara Tayupova is indignant. – We have already lost one lake!
It turns out that next to Swan Lake there was once another lake - Long. It was beautiful, there were fish. In fact, it is no longer there: it has turned into a swamp because sewage drains flowed into it and the trees surrounding it were cut down. So the trees around Lebediny were cut down - supposedly, new ones will be planted. But when will they grow up again?!
— My heart hurts because Goryachy Klyuch used to be a green town, but now it’s a complete building. For some reason, trees were cut down on the left bank of the Psekups. The city park has shrunk to the size of a square,” Tamara Tayupova concludes the story.
Vitaly Pronkin, assistant to State Duma deputy Nikolai Osadchy, bitterly states:
— The city administration did not control either the project or the improvement work. It’s generally difficult to control anything in Goryachy Klyuch.
And I remembered a recent case when a children’s playground was built in Goryachy Klyuch with regional money, which... did not even stand for a year, but was dismantled and taken somewhere. Allegedly, the residents were against it. But excuse me, guys: before we started building, we had to gather the residents of the house and hold a meeting. But it turns out that the regional money was spent, and there is no site!
We contacted Tatyana Pleshakova, a deputy of the Municipal Council of Goryachy Klyuch and a co-author of the statement to the prosecutor's office regarding Swan Lake.
“There is no response from the prosecutor’s office yet, but work on the improvement of the lake has now been suspended,” said Tatyana Gennadievna. “I just met with the mayor of the city, Sergei Belopolsky, about this issue, and he promised that he would “reach out” to the developer and oblige him to do something differently. I hope that a drainage system will be included in the lake reconstruction project. The problem is that the project was prepared by a company that later won the tender for the implementation of this project. It turns out that no one initially thought about where to dispose of the rainwater, and already during the work, the builders apparently did not find anything better than laying pipes directly and draining untreated stormwater into the lake.
One could rejoice at the promise of the head of the Hot Key, but it’s still somehow sad. There is a federal project and federal money for the improvement of a natural site. But why was the improvement project carried out, as they say, a blunder? Why is local government so toothless or so indifferent? How was this project defended and accepted? And we are not even talking about the absence of a drainage system in the project, but about the very concept of improvement. Instead of a green and relatively cheap zone bordering the lake, “deposits” of concrete, tiles, fittings, cast iron, bronze, marble and crystal were piled up here... Of course, we are exaggerating a little, but just a little. Apparently, in Goryachy Klyuch, both local authorities and representatives of the business community perceive the federal project for the improvement of the urban area as nothing more than a “freebie”...
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Rock Cockerel
Cockerel Rock
If you really like hiking, then be sure to visit Cockerel Rock. The rock itself bears this name because its appearance really resembles the comb of a cockerel.
There are 2 caves in the rock itself:
- Bell Cave,
- Cave of Salvation.
Between these two caves there is a stone Ladder of Life. At the very top of the rock there was once a Royal Pavilion. But back in the 19th century. It collapsed and now it’s just the Tsar’s Playground.
Dante's Gorge
Dante's Gorge
The Dante's Gorge is located on the territory of the Caucasus Foothills sanatorium. Back in the 70s of the last century, the Cossacks cut it down for better ventilation of the swamps. Time and weather conditions have expanded and lengthened this gorge to 100 m.
This is a very beautiful and unusual place: everything around is overgrown with moss, a small stream runs on one side, and in the hottest weather it is still cool here.
What is remarkable about Hot Key?
Goryachiy Klyuch is most suitable for those who wish to undergo treatment in a boarding house, sanatorium, or simply like to enjoy nature. There are not many significant architectural, archaeological and other historically significant attractions here. However, anyone can see with their own eyes the wide variety of natural resources.
Healing Park
You should start your journey through Goryachiy Klyuch from the Healing Park , which is rightfully considered the most picturesque place in the city. There are shady alleys, comfortable benches and gazebos here. Walking along each of the park's paths, you can get to one or another attraction, for example, the Iverskaya Chapel or the Pillar of Memory. And in the center of the park there is a Mineral Glade, there are also wells with mineral water. And from here the water flows to the Drinking Gallery and the hospital. But do not forget that the park does not have clear boundaries, and the wild forest begins immediately behind the park. In which you can get lost.
Next to visit may be Dante's Gorge - the result of the joint creation of man and nature. If you believe the legend, it was cut down by local Cossacks, and then significantly expanded and changed in appearance by snow and rain.
Museum
Among the cultural attractions, it is worth paying attention to the Psyfabe fortress , one of the oldest in Russia. It was intended to protect local residents from enemy attacks. Here it is important to mention the Arch with Lions , installed in 1914 at the entrance to the Healing Park. It symbolizes a person’s struggle with diseases and victory over them. History buffs will really enjoy the Museum of Local History , where you can see interesting geological and archaeological collections.
Waterfalls
Be sure to visit the local waterfalls. There are as many as 22 of them in the district . And be sure to visit Adov, Ayuksky and Kaverzinsky. The first got its name because of the strange, dark sensations that everyone who looks at it involuntarily experiences. Ayukskiy is known for the unusual white color of its water jets, which occurs due to very large foam. Kaverzinsky waterfalls are a chain of more than 10 streams of water, many of which are quite spectacular.
Iverskaya Chapel in Goryachiy Klyuch
Iverskaya Chapel
The Iverskaya Chapel was built near the foot of Klyuchevaya Mountain. In Goryachiy Klyuch the Iveron Icon was greatly revered because it healed. That is why the healing stream near the mountain was given the name Iversky and a chapel was erected nearby. But the stream was here for a short time, only until the middle of the 19th century, after which the rocks shifted slightly and it disappeared. Every Friday at 11 o'clock a special service is held in this church - an akathist.
The most popular attractions of Goryachiy Klyuch
You can go to the Cockerel Rock (or Salvation Rock), then walk along the famous Dante's Gorge and drink holy water from the spring.
The paths along which you go from one attraction of Goryachy Klyuch to another are quite convenient. There are often benches and gazebos where you can relax and gain strength before the next push.
But I still advise you to wear comfortable sports shoes. It was a pity to look at the ladies wearing beautiful high-heeled shoes.
In Goryachiy Klyuch you can walk along health trails in the forest and see such sights as the Bogatyrsky Caves or the Mirror Rock. Just wear suitable clothing and shoes.
Cockerel or Salvation Rock in Goryachy Klyuch
The first name of the rock is very simple. It is called that because it looks like the comb of a Cockerel. It is best to admire the Cockerel rock from the other bank of the Psekups River. You can go to her on a catamaran.
- One hour on a three-seater catamaran costs 250 rubles
- For a four-seater – 300 rubles
The rock has two small caves - the Zvonkaya cave and the Salvation cave. Between them is the Ladder of Life, carved from stone.
At the very top of the rock, the Tsar's gazebo was built back in the 19th century. After many years, part of the rock in this place collapsed. Now the observation deck on the very edge of the cliff is called the Royal Platform
Salvation Rock has its own story, beautiful and sad
In ancient times, there was a princely palace on Mount Abadzekh. The prince was very rich, but his most important wealth was his beautiful daughter.
One day, a young and rich young man wooed her. The princess did not like him and she refused him. The heart of the young rich man was full of black anger and hatred. He decided to take revenge on the beautiful and proud princess and went to the evil sorcerer to ask him for help. The sorcerer turned into a beautiful black swan and flew to the prince’s palace.
The young maiden went for a swim in the morning, admired the swan and stroked its wing. As soon as she touched the bird, its entire body was covered with terrible sores.
Life in the palace faded, the princess did not leave her room and no one could help her. The best doctors were powerless. The old prince grieved for his daughter and cried out to the Gods. And the Gods heard his prayer. They imprisoned the cruel young man underground for his atrocities.
He is still there, crying and grieving. And tears of repentance burst out from the depths of the earth like hot springs. The princess washed herself with this healing water and became even more beautiful than she was.
Since then, the young prince’s tears of repentance have healed everyone who comes to the hot springs.
Dante's Gorge in Goryachiy Klyuch - photo
The gorge is named after the Italian poet Dante and his great “Divine Comedy”. The dark, damp and cool gorge symbolizes the road to hell described by Dante. And the picturesque nature outside the walls of the gorge is paradise.
This is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Goryachy Klyuch. I haven’t seen Dante’s Gorge, and I’ve never even been to Goryachiy Klyuch!
You can walk along the gorge; there are railings and even steps. However, the water that constantly seeps through the rocks makes the gorge often very wet. Comfortable shoes are needed there. No flip flops!
Iverskaya Chapel in Goryachiy Klyuch
Near Dante's Gorge there is a chapel in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God or simply the Iveron Chapel.
The Iverskaya Chapel is carved into the rock, and next to it the spring of the same name comes out to the surface of the earth.
Every week on Fridays at eleven o'clock an akathist (a special solemn service) is performed in it before the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. It is located in the central niche of the chapel. On both sides of him are icons with the faces of the Savior and saints.
There are always quite a lot of people there, especially on weekends.
