Iverskaya chapel

The small town of Goryachiy Klyuch became famous for two tourist places – Abadzekh mountain and a small Orthodox chapel located at its foot. The latter was named in honor of the Iberian icon, which depicts Mary.

The Iverskaya chapel was built on the site of a healing spring with waters saturated with microelements (especially iron). Pilgrims from all over came here to admire the extraordinary beauty of the area and collect water. The gate with the icon of Mary surrounded the spring, and the entrance itself was laid with stone steps.
At the beginning of the 19th century, there was a shift in the landscape, as a result of which the Iversky spring ceased to be filled, and now only a bowl-shell and a chapel reminds of it. Every Friday, a morning service is held before the image of Mary.

Iverskaya chapel today — it is a graceful design, as if built into a mountainside. At the entrance there is a welcoming high arch, and the vault is decorated with a neat dome in the best traditions of Christianity. The interior and the central niche have a modest but solemn decoration. Here is the very historical value – icon of the Iberian Mother of God, created by the famous artist Ryzhikova on special order. Surround the last faces and other saints.

The history of the Iversky resort itself began with the consecration of the Psekup mineral waters. The consecration ceremony was held at the foot of the Abadzekh mountain, where the enriched waters came to the surface. It was held in front of noble nobles and the ataman of the Kuban Cossack army. Until now, the place is called the Mineral Glade, on which the modest Iverskaya chapel huddles. There is also a one-of-a-kind obelisk monument dedicated to "living water".

It is believed that the chapel is located at the place of power, and the icon located in it is life-giving, allowing you to recover from any ailments. Nearby you can find the entrance to the Dantovo Gorge – tourist trail of the city with a picturesque view. Passing through the gorge, the travelers come to the ancient Psyfabe fortress and the Petushok rock.

How to get there

You can get to the Iberian Chapel and other local attractions by visiting the western outskirts of the town of Goryachiy Klyuch. If you drive your own car along the highway, then you need to focus on the Old Castle restaurant. Then it is necessary to cross the river and the above-mentioned Dantovo Gorge on your own. In the case of a trip by minibus, ask for the Sanatorium stop, which is the final stop for many routes.