Proval lake

Proval Lake is a unique natural monument of karst-tectonic origin. It is located at the bottom of a cave on the southern slope of Mount Mashuk, at the foot of which Pyatigorsk is spread out.

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Mention of Proval is found in the story “Princess Mary” by M. Y. Lermontov. At that time, walking to the lake was a favorite pastime of the “water society”. During one of these promenades Pechorin told Mary his story. And, of course, everyone remembers the famous scene from “The Twelve Chairs”, when Ostap Bender sold tickets to those wishing to visit the Failure. The bronze sculpture of the “great combinator” at the entrance to the tunnel reminds of this fact. In his hand the man holds the famous ticket, polished to a shine by tourists who believe that this way you can get rich.

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Video: Lake Fail

Contents

Origin of the lake

This unique creation of nature owes its appearance to groundwater, which for centuries eroded the limestone rocks of Mount Mashuk. As a result, a cave was formed, the vault of which eventually collapsed, turning it into a sinkhole with two small lakes at the bottom. At the end of the XVIII century the isthmus between the reservoirs sagged, and they merged into one lake with mineral water of crystal blue color.

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Exploration of the Gap

The first explorations of the cave were conducted by P. S. Pallas in 1793. He measured the depth of the failure and described its view. In 1837, the Bernardazzi brothers at the suggestion of Prince Golitsyn stretched a wooden bridge over the sinkhole, from which everyone could admire the beauty of the lake. For the brave daredevils they made a basket, which was lowered on a rope to the bottom. In 1857 the first scientific descent was realized. It was undertaken by a group of researchers led by F. A. Batalin. The descent was difficult, but the view that opened from below was a worthy reward for it: the majestic grotto struck by the size and bizarre outlines, and located at the bottom of the lake – its beauty.

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Natural features

The height of the failure is 41 meters. The diameter of the lake is 15 meters. The depth varies from 8 to 11 meters depending on the seasonal fullness of the source. On the walls of the cave spills a gentle blue glow emanating from the lake. It has acquired an amazing blue-green color due to hydrogen sulfide and special types of bacteria.

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The water temperature reaches +25 ° C in winter and rises to +40…+42 ° C in summer. The stone grotto is favored by pigeons and bats, peacefully neighboring with each other. Perhaps the cooing of birds and hissing gas coming from the cave gave rise to the legend of a dragon living there.

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Climatic conditions

The climate of the region where Lake Proval is located can be characterized as temperate continental. It is characterized by low precipitation and low relative humidity. Due to the mildness of the climate in the vicinity of Lake Proval there are quite picturesque landscapes. There are oaks, maples, birches, lindens, rose hips, hawthorns and dogwoods growing on the mountainside. The average monthly temperature in January is -4 °С, in July +21 °С. At the end of summer the temperature can reach +37…+38 °С, but due to low humidity and weak eastern winds summer heat is easily tolerated. In winter there are often thaws, during which the air warms up to +10…+22 °С.

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History of Lake Proval

Lake Proval can rightfully be considered one of the most famous sights of Pyatigorsk. This place has always attracted tourists. In Lermontov’s time there was no tunnel to the lake, and to simply look from above into the seemingly bottomless abyss, visitors had to climb up the crumbling stony path, clinging to the bushes growing along it. Later, the way to the lake through the thick mountain was made possible by a 50-meter tunnel, which was tunneled in 1858 with money provided by the merchant P. A. Lazarik. Shortly before that, a road was built to the entrance, which started from the Elizabeth Gallery. Over time, as a result of improvements, the road turned into a boulevard, on both sides of which wealthy citizens built their houses-dachas.

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The area around Proval was declared a resort, and he himself gained popularity and became famous even outside Pyatigorsk. People came here and just to admire the extraordinary captivating beauty of the lake, and take a bath in the healing waters. In 1880 bathing inside the cave was forbidden, but those wishing to recover could do so in the so-called Shameless Baths – hollows in the rock filled with hydrogen sulfide water flowing out of the cracks below the Proval. In 1885 the grotto was consecrated by Bishop Ignatius of the Caucasus. A special niche was carved in the wall opposite the entrance, where an icon of the Sorrowful Mother of God was placed. It was later replaced by an icon of Healer Panteleimon.

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What the natural monument looks like today

In front of the tunnel entrance is a square paved with colored tiles. On the opposite side is an observation deck, which offers a stunning view of Pyatigorsk and its surroundings. On both sides of the entrance, as if guarding it, are bronze sculptures of lions. The tunnel, illuminated on the sides by small lamps and resembling a runway, ends with a viewing platform fenced with a grate. No more than 20 tourists can be on it at a time. The cave is in semi-darkness, giving a certain mystery to what you see. It seems that through a hole in the stone vault of the grotto in the blue water of the Failure is reflected in the sky.

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To the left of the entrance to the cave there is a stone staircase leading to the upper part of the funnel-well. However, its steps do not reach the end, and you will have to walk along the same crumbling dirt path. You can’t get to the hole itself and look into it, as it is fenced with a net for safety reasons. However, you will be able to see the very historical place where the heroes of the story “Princess Mary” may have walked.

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Tips for tourists

Every day Proval is visited by hundreds of travelers and locals who want to admire the beauty of the underground lake, so if you have planned a photo shoot, you need to wake up early and hurry up. Otherwise, in order to take a photo with the “great combinator” and rub his nose and ticket in his hand for good luck, you will have to stand in a long line of those who want to.

Of course, you can get to the Cavity by bus or cab, but the most unforgettable impressions you will have are on foot. Start your way through the park “Tsvetnik”. Here you can meet another bronze hero of “The Twelve Chairs” – Kisa Vorobyaninov. The former member of the State Duma stands lonely, begging for money for food.

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In the vicinity of the park you will also find many interesting places: the Museum of Stone Antiquities, Pyatigorsk Eagle, Diana’s Grotto, Chinese gazebo. There are also several observation platforms with stunning views, so don’t forget to charge your camera. The stone-paved paths with mossy and grassy parapets on both sides will take you back to the atmosphere of Lermontov’s time. Along these paths you can reach the Academic Gallery, not far from which the Lermontov Grotto and the Aeolian Harp are located. From it you go to the Gagarin Boulevard and along it you get directly to the square in front of the Rupture. The whole distance will be about two kilometers.

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Along the way you will meet tents with various souvenirs, but most of them are in “Souvenirs of Caucasus”. Be sure to take a look there. This is probably one of the best such stores in Pyatigorsk. Here you will find kitchen utensils, various statuettes, magnets for every taste, ashtrays, bags and many other products with drawings, symbols or photos of local sights. There is also a Sberbank of Russia ATM in case you suddenly run out of cash.

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Where to eat

If during the tour you get hungry and want to have a rest, you can do it in the cafe “Proval”. You will like the cozy interior of this institution and attentive staff. Prices are not biting. Here you will cook delicious kebab, rack of lamb, “lamb pistolets”, meat tongues. Be sure to try the pride of local winemakers – the famous wine “Praskoveyskoye”, which goes well with fish dishes.

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It is recommended to come to “Proval” even for a couple of minutes to have a cup of Turkish coffee with an exquisite dessert. You can share your impressions of the tour and upload a couple or three photos to social networks right from the cafe, using free Wi-Fi. In summer time it is recommended to choose a place on the veranda. This way you will not only enjoy your meal, but also continue to enjoy the picturesque view. Near the cafe there is a stepped descent to the mineral spring, the water of which is indicated for gastrointestinal diseases, so if necessary, stock up on containers or just quench your thirst: single glasses are sold here.

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Where to stay

If you came to Pyatigorsk for a few days to improve your health and decided to stay near Lake Proval, there are numerous mini-hotels and sanatoriums located along Gagarin Boulevard. The nearest of them is the Pyatigorie Sanatorium, a five-minute walk from the lake. The staff offers tourists various treatment programs and procedures. The baths of the sanatorium are filled with water from its own mineral spring. Budget double room will cost approximately 4500 rubles per day of stay.

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How to get there

Tourists get to Proval by cab or by bus number 1, which runs from the train station. You can also get there by your own transport, but you should take into account that at the beginning of Gagarin Boulevard there is constantly a car with traffic police officers, who from vehicles allow only bicycles. Keep in mind that about fifteen minutes will still have to spend on foot. The lake is accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily except Monday.

Lake Proval is included in the list of 25 Wonders of Russia, created by nature, so if you are ever in Pyatigorsk, be sure to visit this natural monument!

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