Riviera Park in the center of Sochi
A huge park in the center of Sochi, which is loved by both adults and children – this is Riviera. More than 14 hectares of different entertainment: here you will definitely spend the whole day, and there will not even be enough time for all!
Some people confuse Riviera with Arboretum. This is because there are so many different plants here, as if you are in a rainforest. It’s nice to walk along the palm avenue in the heat. Breathe in the coniferous scent of larch and cedar. And the magnolias are in bloom! Some come to Sochi especially in the spring to see these wonderful trees, which are considered the symbol of the city. A whole rose garden was laid here, which gives its aroma all summer long.
Families come here, because there are more than 70 different attractions for children. Five sites of crazy slides, merry-go-rounds, a “fall tower”, go-karting, a room of laughter – all the joys cannot be enumerated.
The residents of Sochi go in for sports here. The park has outdoor fitness equipment and tennis courts.
History
It is generally accepted that Sochi as a resort began precisely from here. The fact that there is such a large collection of different plants in the Riviera Park is due to the entrepreneur Vasily Khludov. In the early 1880s, he inherited the inheritance of his father, the owner of a textile factory, and invested most of the money in the purchase of Sochi lands. As a person who was interested in botany, he began to collect plants from around the world. Luxurious gardens with apple trees, grains, olives blossomed here, vineyards grew.
Khludov hoped to build a business on this, but it did not work out. The economy had to be sold to the city treasury. At the beginning of the 20th century, the entrepreneur’s gardens were turned into a park.
During the Civil War, many valuable trees were sent for firewood. The restoration of the “Riviera” began in 1920, and now nothing reminds of the fact that it was once destroyed. Today, exotic plants are again collected here, which delight the eyes of visitors.
What to see
In addition to various attractions, the park is full of street sculptures, from the pearl clock at the entrance to the crow and fox from the plot of the well-known fable. Take a look at the drinking pump room with mineral water. And if you are with the other half, they have set up a shop for you from hundreds of forged hearts. Each corner is a separate attraction! We have chosen the most important for you:
Glade of Friendship
This is the main walking area in the park. The first magnolia was planted here by the German politician Otto Gretevol in 1960 as a sign of peaceful relations between Russia and Germany. So the place began to be called – Field Friendship. Then the tradition of planting trees was continued by cosmonauts German Titov, Valentina Tereshkova, Alexei Leonov and other famous people. Today it is customary to come here with loved ones and make wishes together.
Dolphinarium
A bright show with dolphins, seals and lions – not only children, but also adults will be delighted. Is it possible to convey emotions from communication with these animals? You can not only look at them, but also swim with them in the dolphinarium.
Oceanarium
Few people dare to look sharks in the eyes on the high seas. But when they swim behind thick glass, it is safe even for small children. The whole family can plunge into the underwater world and see moray eels, stingrays and funny clown fish in the aquarium.
Khludov’s dacha
Remember how it all began? Entrepreneur Vasily Khludov collected various plants and laid out gardens in this place. He also built a two-story summer cottage here. It has not survived to this day. A new house was built in its place – they say, very similar to the one that stood before.
Green theater
An open area where different stars come on tour in the summer. However, even if you missed the concert, you can climb to the upper rows of the amphitheater and see the stunning panorama of the Sochi coastline. The theater is open daily from 12 to 20 hours.
