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Upon entering Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, visitors are greeted by the Friendship Memorial Arch. It was erected in honor of the 450th anniversary of Kabarda's voluntary accession to Russia. In 1557, the Supreme Prince of Kabarda, Temryuk Idarov, seeking an ally in the struggle against the Crimean Khanate, concluded a treaty with Ivan the Terrible. To strengthen friendly ties with the mighty tsar, the prince gave him one of his daughters in marriage. After baptism, she became Maria Temryukovna.
One of the streets leading to the arch is named after the prince. The princess is immortalized on the monument "Forever with Russia," unveiled in 1957 on the square commemorating the 400th anniversary of the city's annexation to Russia. The monument is popularly known as the Maria Monument. The square, decorated with fountains and colorful flower beds, is one of the city's favorite recreation areas for residents and visitors.
Mary Magdalene Cathedral
Malbakhova Street, 23.
The Mary Magdalene Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Kabardino-Balkaria and one of the largest in the North Caucasus. It was built over 12 years with donations from believers and opened in 2016. Among the cathedral's main relics is the icon of Mary Magdalene, considered the patroness of the Kabardian princess Maria Temryukovna. The cathedral is adorned with a large carved iconostasis and frescoes. The surrounding area is equally magnificent, with apple trees, grapevines, and fragrant roses.
Cathedral Mosque
41 Shogentsukov Ave.
The Nalchik Cathedral Mosque is also a work of modern architects. Its design skillfully combines Islamic architectural traditions with elements of high-tech style. The mosque was built in 2004 with funds from Arsen Konakov, who became president of Kabardino-Balkaria a year later. Its slender 30-meter minarets are visible from afar, and the enormous dome crowning the golden octagon is very impressive. The mosque can accommodate about 1,000 people, but on major Muslim holidays, many more gather.
Concord Square
Concord Square, located in the very center of the city, can be called the heart of Nalchik – it is home to the Government House. In winter, the main New Year's tree is erected on the square, and in summer, the vibrant flower beds, green trees, and jets of a musical fountain delight the eye.
Nalchik Arbat
And of course, when in Nalchik, you should definitely take a stroll along Kabardinskaya Street, one of the oldest and longest. However, its pedestrian section (the very beginning of the street) is only 1.5 kilometers long, and it is this section that is called Nalchik Arbat. Here, ancient mansions have been preserved, there are charming cafes and art galleries, you can admire works of street art and visit an open-air museum that houses stone artifacts from various corners of Kabardino-Balkaria. Opposite this unusual museum is Nalchik's first cinema – "Pobeda", built in 1932.
We also recommend visiting Atazhukinsky Garden and Zoo, the Botanical Garden, and the picturesque surroundings of the Kabardino-Balkarian capital.
