Pyatigorsk

Pyatigorsk, located in the Stavropol Krai area of Russia, has a population of 142,511 according to the 2010 Census. About 20 kilometers from Mineralnye Vody and 45 kilometers from Kislovodsk, this picturesque urban center rests on the Podkumok River. Pyatigorsk has been the administrative center of Russia’s North Caucasian Federal District since January 19, 2010, therefore enhancing its importance in the area.

Accurately reflecting its geographical location among five peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, the name of the city, Pyatigorsk, is a linguistic fusion of the Russian phrases “pyat” (five) and “gora,” (mountain). Meaning “five mountains” in Turkic, the majestic Beshtau mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the cityscape. At 512 meters above sea level, Pyatigorsk offers both residents and guests breathtaking views including clear days’ views of the snow-capped Mount Elbrus to the south.

Reflecting Pyatigorsk’s topographical diversity, the history of this city is rich and varied. Although Russian interest in the area did not first surface until the late 18th century, the oldest known mention to the mineral springs in the area came in the 14th century in the chronicles of Arabian adventurer Ibn Battuta. With the founding of the first Russian town, Konstantinogorskaya fortress, in 1780, the area entered a new era. Tsar Alexander I‘s signed order on April 24, 1803, essentially set the groundwork for Pyatigorsk’s development as a well-known health spa.

Acknowledging their great value and potential, this imperial proclamation recognized the Caucasian mineral waters as state property. Thus, new villages started to flourish close to the springs; Goryachevodsk (now Pyatigorsk) was the first development in Mount Mashuk‘s slopes. Pyatigorsk’s registration as a health spa in 1803 started scientific research on the medicinal properties of the springs, therefore laying the groundwork for the city’s development as a top center for health and welfare.

Pyatigorsk’s importance as a resort and administrative center grew steadily in the 19th century. It was the administrative center of the Pyatigorsky Otdel in the Terek Oblast within the Russian Empire. The city’s creative significance grew in light of its relationship to the eminent Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov, who died tragically in a duel in Pyatigorsk on July 27, 1841. Today, a city museum honors Lermontov’s heritage and attracts readers of literature from distant distances.

For Pyatigorsk, the 20th century brought development as well as hardship. The city’s development into a health resort continued, but it also came upon the terrible reality of World War II. German soldiers captured Pyatigorsk during this turbulent time; Einsatzkommando 12 of Einsatzgruppe D set its headquarters in the city in 1942. Particularly for the Jewish population of the region, a great number of whom died during this period, this occupation produced disastrous results.

Notwithstanding these past tragedies, Pyatigorsk has grown into a city known for both natural beauty and healing qualities. With more than forty mineral water springs in the area, each with unique chemical compositions and temperature, Radon level distinguishes some springs and increases their medicinal value. Pyatigorsk has been designated as “Natural Museum of Mineral Waters” thanks to the diversity of these springs, concentrated in a somewhat narrow area around Mount Mashuk.

Pyatigorsk’s mineral waters fall into several balneological categories, each with special medical benefits. This covers carbonated fluids at various temperatures, carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide waters with complex ion-salt compositions, radon waters, Essentuki-type mineral waters, and a class of liquids devoid of defined components yet with unique characteristics. These mineral waters have an amazing total flow rate—more than 12 million liters daily.

Apart from its mineral springs, the medicinal mud derived from the nearby Tambukan Lake enriches Pyatigorsk. The therapeutic properties of this sulfide silt mud are well-known, so it is used in many treatments at the local medical institutions. Pyatigorsk is a perfect venue for climatotherapy when these natural resources are combined with the favorable summer and early fall temperatures.

The mineral springs of Pyatigorsk reflect human curiosity and scientific advancement. Therapeutic uses first came from just the thermal sulfur springs issuing from Mount Goryachaya‘s fissures, an offshoot of Mount Mashuk. The first focus on hot springs led to the original name for the settlement—Goryachevodsk, which means “hot waters.” More springs thereafter were found and investigated, most notably the Cold Narzan and Warm Narzan springs, which were found in 1902 and 1914 respectively.

When physicist A.P. Sokolov found the radioactivity of the sulfur waters in October 1913, a major progress in the knowledge of Pyatigorsk’s mineral waters was made. Still, radon waters were not widely used in therapeutic settings until the 1980s, therefore marking a new phase in the balneological activity in the city.

Pyatigorsk runs a network of 38 wells now, of which 15 serve as reserve or observation wells and 23 are used for medical needs. This all-encompassing system ensures a constant supply of therapeutic waters for the several health facilities including sanatoria in the city.