Some 200 years ago, few people heard about this resort. Of course, local mineral springs attracted people, mostly officers of the army of the Russian Empire. At one time, there was even a military hospital in Goryachiy Klyuch.
Beautiful nature, clean air and healing mineral water served the hospital located there well: patients quickly recovered. Soon, many people learned about this place, and the resort began to develop rapidly.
Gorge Formation
Perhaps the most recognizable place in the Hot Key is Dantovo Gorge. It is small: the length is only 100 meters, the width varies from 4 to 8 meters. At the same time, the gorge is quite deep: rocky walls rise to a height of 10–15 meters.
Dante's Gorge in Goryachiy Klyuch was created by the joint efforts of human hands and natural elements. There are two versions of the origin of the gorge. According to the first, the locals cut through the rock to ensure good ventilation of the new resort site. The second says that the gorge was originally conceived as a walking trail for tourists. already existingthe passage was widened, ennobled and steps cut down.
Be that as it may, the result turned out well. People have made it more convenient to pass through the rock, and nature has completed the sculpture of a new monument. Rain and snow smoothed out the sharp ledges and corners of the walls, and tenacious moss quickly covered them with a velvety green blanket.
Because the depth of the gorge is significant, 49 steps were carved into the rocks. A sonorous stream flows next to them, which during the flood overflows into a small river. The steps and the path between the rocks are covered with asph alt, so that the walk can be made without the slightest inconvenience.
Natural Beauty
The gorge is located in a very picturesque place, on the territory of the Healing Park on the western outskirts of Goryachiy Klyuch. The forest on the rocks is formed by pines, ash-trees and oaks. Bright moss covered the ancient stones, smoothing out their sharp outlines.
There is a comfortable asph alt path between the high rocks. In such a place it is pleasant to take a walk, to think about the eternal. The unique nature creates a special beauty of the Dante Gorge. Photos of vacationers who have been here confirm the charm of a gloomy, but at the same time charming place. Human efforts to improve harmoniously intertwined with the canvas of wild nature, and something amazing came out. It is not for nothing that the gorge attracts everyone who has ever heard of it for walking.
Origin of the name
To whom does Dante's Gorge owe its name?
There is hardly a person who has not heard about the "Divine Comedy", the creationthe great Italian poet Dante Alighieri. According to the plot, the main character, personifying all sinful humanity, descends into the underworld. Guided by the shadow of the ancient poet Virgil, he passes through all the circles of hell, from where he ascends to Purgatory. From Purgatory, the hero Dante, together with his beloved Beatrice, ascends to Paradise - the abode of eternal bliss, reason and peace.
For a long time, people have noticed that this gorge is strikingly similar to the entrance to the underworld described in the Divine Comedy. The analogy can go on and on! From a gloomy, gloomy and cool gorge, a person climbs the steps up: why not Purgatory? Above, among the air, light and healing mineral springs, it is so easy to feel the approach of Paradise.
Iverskaya chapel
At the foot of the Abadzekh (or Key) Mountain is a chapel dedicated to the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God. Against the background of dark rocks, the light blue structure of the chapel looks both modest and sublime.
Earlier, this place was a spring with healing ferruginous water. Believers from all over the country flocked to the source, nicknamed Iversky by the locals. To touch the living water of the spring, the travelers had to pass through the Dantovo Gorge. Local residents told them how to get to the source.
But in the 19th century, the healing spring dried up. Scientists say that the reason for this was a noticeable compaction of the soil and the displacement of water from it (consolidation).
The Iberian Icon of the Mother of God, which adorned the entrance to the spring, was transferred to the chapel. And believerstourists walking through the gorge must visit it.
Journey to another world
And yet Dante's Gorge got its name not without reason. This place is shrouded in a halo of mysticism.
Some tourists told strange stories. People who walk through the gorge late at night suddenly find it difficult to breathe, their heart stops and starts to beat faster. When fog descends on the rocks, the landscape with mossy rocks, trees and rocks becomes very mysterious.
Is this true or fiction? The descent into the damp and cool passage between the rocks brings to mind the entrance to the underworld from the Divine Comedy. That is why a person worries - unconsciously, gradually. What awaits him there, around the corner? After all, there are several strange beliefs about the gorge.
Legends
Many legends are connected with Dante's Gorge in Goryachiy Klyuch. In the morning hours, when the sun sends the first golden rays to the earth, the gorge is especially beautiful. And the belief says that at this time a magical nymph comes to the stream between the rocks - the mistress of these places. In time immemorial, she was forever separated from her lover. And now the nymph will come to the place of their last meeting until the world changes, time turns back. Only then can lovers finally be together forever.
There is a legend about the ancient battle between the forces of good and evil that unfolded in these places. An incredibly powerful sorceress wanted to destroy the human race, but, fortunately, she was prevented. When the sorceress stood on a rock, she was struck by lightning. Strengththe discharge was such that he not only destroyed the witch, but also cut the rock. And the healing springs in these places serve as a reminder of the triumphant power of good.
Place of power
Legends are legends, but Dante's Gorge is really an unusual and wonderful place. And it's not just the healing mineral water, clean and fresh air and the beautiful Iberian chapel.
There is a peaceful atmosphere in the vicinity of the gorge. Thoughts calm down, problems fade into the background, there is a feeling of incredible peace and harmony. No wonder many people come here for meditation, searching for answers to exciting questions. Someone just walks through the gorge and the surroundings, and someone comes into the chapel to bow to the icon of the Iberian Mother of God. The main thing is that everyone finds in these places the peace that our souls need so much.
How to get there?
The gorge is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Krasnodar, on the western outskirts of the city of Goryachiy Klyuch. From Krasnodar to the city can be reached by train or intercity bus. From the railway station in Goryachiy Klyuch, you need to take bus number 3 and get to the Sanatorium stop.
When getting from Krasnodar by bus, you should get off at the center of Goryachiy Klyuch, and from here get to the gorge by local transport or on foot along Lenin Street. Walking time will be approximately 30 minutes.
The Stariy Zamok Hotel usually becomes a reference point for travelers looking for Dantovo Gorge in Goryachiy Klyuch. How to get to the hotel itself, usually notproblem. Several city buses and fixed-route taxis stop near the Old Castle.
The M-4 "Don" highway runs nearby. Travelers with private vehicles stop near the hotel or at the local parking lot, and from here they get to the gorge along the Lucky Bridge over the Psekups River.
The gorge, nicknamed Dante, is a very mysterious and attractive place. Tourists are attracted by fresh air, healing water and ancient legends. Walking through the gorge is absolutely free. This place has a special power and energy, so no traveler will remain indifferent and take away only good impressions and pleasant memories!
