- Zheleznovodsk
Zheleznovodsk ( _ru. Железново́дск) is a town in
Stavropol Krai ,Russia . It is located at around coord|44|8|22|N|43|1|1|E. Population: 25,135 (2002 Census).The name translates as Iron Waters as the mineral waters springing from the earth in Zheleznovodsk were believed to have high content of iron. Zheleznovodsk, along with
Pyatigorsk ,Yessentuki ,Kislovodsk , andMineralnye Vody , is a part of the Caucasus Mineral Waters, a renowned Russian spa resort. The town economy revolves around sanatoriums, where dozens of thousands of people from all over Russia and former Soviet republics come year-around to vacation and rest, as well as prevent and treat numerous stomach, kidney, and liver diseases.Zheleznovodsk is a town of exceptional and mesmerizing natural beauty. The walks in the Lechebny Park (Healing park) on the picturesque slopes of Mount Zheleznaya and Mount Razvalka are unforgettable.
Zheleznovodsk is situated in the saddle between Mounts Beshtau and Zheleznaya, in what the locals refer to as airo-dynamic tube, which attracts strong winds in the winter.
In 1841,
Mikhail Lermontov , famous Russian poet, spent the last day of his life in Zheleznovodsk, from where he departed to his fatal duel on the slopes of Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk. Over the past several years Zheleznovodsk has become the site of the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.Dozens of spas operate in Russia's Caucasus Mountains region, exploiting the mineral springs in the area, and apparently colonic treatment is a specialty. In fact, in June (2008), the Mashuk-Akva Termspa in Zheleznovodsk unveiled a large monument to the enema (an 800-lb. brass syringe bulb held aloft by three angels). "Let's beat constipation," read one banner. Said the sculptor, "This device is eternal; it will never change. We could promote this brand, turn it into a franchise with souvenirs and awards for medical doctors." [CNN-AP, 19 June 2008]
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