Pyatigorsk- Russia's Jewel Royalty-Free Stock Photo

Yet another, and rather peculiar monument, is located in Tsvetnik resort park. The quaint- figured person begging for small money (alms) is nobody but an old Russian aristocrat, Kissa Vorobyaninov, was a key character in a satirical novel (“The Twelve Chairs”). He and his crony, Ostap Bender, were hunting for diamonds hidden in a chair-bottom of one the 12 chairs. Running out of money, he had to go begging in Tsvetnik park. The old-styled Russian letters on the wall are translated as “Park Tsvetnik” – they were carefully repainted in the early 2000-s. Of course, the novel was nothing but pure fiction, but still it enjoys immense popularity with contemporary readers… Have you noticed that the nose of the statue is shining? After the monument had been established, somebody launched a rumour that “if one rubs the nose of the statue, his wealth will be increased’. So nearly every tourist rubs the nose…