(Source: http://fotokto.ru/photo/view/1682808.html)

 “We are strangers at this festival of life” – the words have been pronounced by Ostap Bender immersed in the atmosphere of the main Pyatigorsk “Tsvetnik” (“Flower Garden” in Russian) Park. However, as it was noted by Ilf and Petrov, it had very few flowers then.

Today there are more than enough flower beds in well-groomed alleys, and during summer season the park fully justifies its “flower” name. In addition, the windows of the residence of the president’s representative in the North Caucasus look directly at the park, so this place is not only loved by citizens and guests, but is also kept in perfect order. You can walk, admire the views from the mountain, explore the old resort architecture and drink “Narzan” mineral water, including free of charge, in the “Tsvetnik” Park. Holidays are being held in the park, and music sounds here: this tradition is as old as a century and a half.

The park has existed almost as long as Pyatigorsk itself. It is located in the centre of the historic resort, at the beginning of the main avenue. Its most beautiful feature is the fact that it is located on a slope, on different tiers. Another example of a peculiar urban architecture is the coffee house of Gukasov at the entrance to the park.

It was built in 1909 by the Pyatigorsk confectioner Aleksandr Gukasov. It is a two-storey building of the Art Nouveau style, but with obvious Caucasian motives, such as an open gallery, it remained a public catering establishment after the revolution and during the occupation of the World War.