Shameless Baths (Pyatigorsk)

The Shameless Baths (Besstyzhiye Vanny) are an undeveloped hot hydrogen sulphide spring on the southern slope of Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk, Stavropol Krai. These are "wild" sulphur baths in the open air: mineral water runs down the slope by Gagarin Boulevard and fills a cascade of natural pools overlooking the city. Bathing is free and possible all year round.

The spring and its water

The cascade of thermal pools formed where hot water filled hollows and cracks in the travertine rock of Mashuk. The spring flows out on its own and was never built over, so there is no ticket office, no coupons and no staff. Around forty mineral springs once emerged in the travertine ring of Mashuk, and the Lermontov, Pirogov, Yermolov, People's and Teploserny bathhouses were later built at many of them; the Shameless Baths stayed as they were.

The water is rich in hydrogen sulphide and contains radon, calcium, bromine, fluorine, iodine, potassium, silicon and sodium. The main pools are about 38–40 °C, and the upper ones, closer to the outlet, are noticeably hotter than those below. People warm their feet in the small puddles and immerse themselves fully in the larger pools. The water is constantly renewed, and stone steps with handrails lead down to it.

History and name

Local people knew the hot water on Mashuk long before the resort existed. Since the 19th century the pools have carried folk names, the "People's" and the "Shameless" baths. The latter is explained by the old habit of bathing naked in the open, men and women together, which was considered the height of indecency at the time. Nobody bathes naked today, but the name stuck.

Legends and accounts

Old residents say that Caucasian princes came here for treatment before Pyatigorsk became a spa town. It is also said that Lermontov and General Yermolov bathed in these springs, though there is no documentary evidence. The place looks its best in winter, when snow lies on the rocks and thick steam rises from the pools; the brave bathe even during snowfall.

Getting there

The spring is on Gagarin Boulevard in the resort part of Pyatigorsk, not far from the Proval lake. It is about a 20-minute walk from the centre: the route from Lenin Square passes the Tsvetnik park and follows Gagarin Boulevard, which is also the health trail to Proval. Minibus No. 1 stops at "Narodnye Vanny" and "Sanatoriy Rodnik". You can also take a tram to the "Teplosernaya" stop and walk up the path.

Good to know

Bathing in sulphide water is a real balneological procedure with contraindications, so it is worth consulting a doctor first. Stay in the hot water no longer than 15–20 minutes at a time to avoid overheating. The water is considered beneficial for skin, joint and spine conditions. The spot is busy all year, especially in winter, and there is often a queue for the pools. Bring a towel, a change of clothes and shoes for wet rocks.