Nalchik

Welcome to Nalchik, the serene and hospitable capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Situated at the base of the Great Caucasus Range, the city’s name is a subject of fascinating etymological debate. …

Our exploration begins in the Atazhukin Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in Russia. Established in the mid-nineteenth century and named after Prince Atazhukin, this park is a living laboratory of…

Perched high above the city on Mount Kizilovka is the Sosruko Monument, perhaps the most iconic landmark of Nalchik. Sosruko is a legendary hero of the Nart Sagas, a central mythological cycle for many North Caucasian peoples. …

No visit to Nalchik is complete without experiencing its lifeblood: the mineral waters. We now visit the central Mineral Water Pump Room, a classic piece of Soviet resort architecture. …

For a change of pace, we head to the outskirts of the city to visit the famous 'Kozy' or Goat Market. Despite its name, you won't find many live goats here; instead, this is the premier destination for high-quality wool products. …

To understand the heart of Nalchik, one must experience its cuisine. We stop at the 'Bochka' restaurant, a unique landmark built in the shape of a giant wooden barrel. …

Our final interior stop is the Madina Saralp Art Center, a private museum and gallery dedicated to Circassian fashion and cultural identity. Madina Saralp is a world-renowned designer who has made it her mission to preserve and…

As our tour of Nalchik comes to an end, we reflect on a city that is a master of balance. It is a place where the monumental history of the Soviet era meets the ancient traditions of the Caucasus mountains, and where the bustling…