Grandfathers Fountain

The "Grandfathers" Fountain, also known as "Gnomes" and "Fairy Tale," is located in Pushkin Square in Pyatigorsk and is a cultural heritage site of the Stavropol Krai. Its modern appearance was given by sculptor Ludwig Karlovich Shodky in 1910–1912, inspired by Roman fountains with grottos and artificial rocks. The composition resembles a mysterious mountain with four entrances to caves, guarded by mascarons — bearded faces of fairy-tale gnomes, symbolizing the guardians of healing mineral waters. In 2010, for the city's 230th anniversary, the fountain was equipped with multicolored lighting that effectively highlights the reliefs in the evening.