Description of the attraction
Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk is a symbol and main attraction of the city.
Like the other sixteen laccolithic mountains of the KavMinVod region, Mashuk was formed by volcanic activity, as a result of the rise of cooling lava through the thickness of sedimentary deposits. In addition, mineral water sources, which originate in its depths, took part in the formation of this mountain. The water that came to the surface, under the influence of the sun, completely evaporated, leaving only salt, which soaked all the leaves and grass, turning them over time into solid rock.
There are several legends among the people about the name of the mountain. One of them says that the mountain was named after the girl Mashuko, who wept for the groom Tau, who was killed by the old Elbrus. According to another version, the mountain got its name from the Kabardian words "mash" - millet, and "ko" - valley, since most of the inhabitants of this region were engaged in agriculture.
Mount Mashuk is often called "the giver of healing waters", and this is not at all just like that. Five types of mineral water springs were found on its small territory.
Archaeological objects of various eras have been discovered on Mashuk, starting from the 4th century BC. NS. to the present day. The main sights of the mountain: the natural well-cave Pyatigorsky depression with an underground lake, a rock portrait of V. I. Lenin, a monument at the site where M. Yu. Lermontov, the old cemetery-necropolis, the temple of St. Lawrence, the military memorial cemetery. In 1901, a sculpture of an eagle was installed on the mountain, which holds a snake in its powerful claws.
At the top of the mountain there is the most notable landmark of Mashuk - a television tower built in 1958, as well as a memorial obelisk in honor of the military topographer A. V. Pastukhov. In 1971, a high-speed cable car was opened here.
Mount Mashuk is the most interesting mountain in the region, from which a magnificent panorama of the city of Pyatigorsk and its environs opens up.
