With the opening of the Mineralnye Vody-Kislovodsk railway line in May 1894, the flow of vacationers to the region in search of balneological treatments[1] increased significantly. In 1896, construction of the Upper Nikolaev [Nicholas] Baths, named after Emperor Nicholas II in Yessentuki [2] began.

The construction of the building began in October 1895 after the decree of the Administration of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, when the demand for mineral and mud baths greatly increased. The building was constructed according to the project of architect Nikolai Vsevolodovich Dmitriev (1856-1936)  and engineer B.K. Pravzdik.

The one-story building – made of local light yellow brick – was constructed in late Russian Classicism Style with elements of Baroque. It is a square structure [see photo at the end of this post], with a ring-shaped pavilion in the courtyard, connected to the main building by four corridors.

PHOTO: early 20th century view of the Upper Nikolaev [Nicholas] Baths, Yessentuki

The entire square part of the building is divided into two parts: the right side is reserved for women, the left side is for men. Each of the halves has a separate entrance from the main façade, in the center of which there is a waiting room for procedures.

The baths catered to the wealthy aristocracy, so they met the highest standards. The interior decoration of the waiting and recreation halls were admired by their magnificence. The bathing tubs in the cabins were made of solid pieces of light gray Carrera marble, specially brought from Italy.

The courtyards were decorated with ancient Greek sculptures and beautiful flower beds, providing the perfect ambiance for rest and relaxation.

In the summer of 1898, the Upper Nikolaev Baths welcomed its first visitors.

PHOTO: the Bath building of Nicholas II (Upper Baths) as it looks today
Above the entrance is written ‘Императора Николая II / Emperor Nicholas II’

The project provided for nineteen rooms allocated for balneological treatments [1], and fifteen (located in the circular part of the building) for mud bath treatments.

In terms of technical equipment, the Nikolaev Baths were in no way inferior to the most popular European spas, and the miraculous properties of local springs and mud made them unsurpassed.

Emperor Nicholas II was no stranger to the Caucasus region. In 1903, he had a hunting lodge built in the village of Krasnaya Polyana. It was during his visits to the region – particularly during World War One – that the Emperor and his entourage could enjoy the bath’s healing waters.

PHOTO: aerial view of the mineral springs at Yessentuki, the circular Bath building of Nicholas II (Upper Baths)

Today, the Upper Nikolaev Baths have retained much of it’s historical elements, and is recognized as an architectural monument of federal significance. It is part of the invaluable historical and cultural heritage of the Yessentuki resort, which dispense over 2000 treatments per day.

NOTES:

[1] Balneotherapy is a natural therapy that involves bathing in mineral-rich waters to treat various health conditions, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. It is often used for pain relief, stress reduction, and the management of chronic skin and joint disorders.

[2] part of the resort region of the North Caucasus region.

© Paul Gilbert. 6 May 2025