Take a scenic route from Grozny to the alpine lake Kezenoy-Am, covering more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 2.5 hours. Along the way you'll see ancient structures and Khoy, the “town of guards.” It's best to set off early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes. Susanin's Tip • The road to the lake includes a long stretch of hairpin bends. Bring motion sickness medicine, hard candies, and chewy sweets. • Don't forget warm clothes and sunscreen: the weather in the mountains changes quickly, and evenings can be chilly. • Bring snacks, as there are no shops along the way. • Carry cash: cards are not accepted here. • There are no pharmacies either, so bring any medicines you need.
Aimani Kadyrova “Heart of a Mother” High-Tech Mosque
🕍 Place of worship · 🏙 Modern architecture
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali
🕍 Place of worship · 🏙 Modern architecture
Vedeno Fortress
🏯 Fortress remains · 📜 Historic site
Monument to the Abrek Zelimkhan
🗿 Monument
Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am
🔭 Viewpoint
Khoy, the Ancient Town of Guards
🏟️ Architectural landmark · 📜 Historic site
Point 1
🕍 Place of worship • 🏙 Modern architecture
In the town of Argun, 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Grozny, stands an unusual mosque that combines traditional elements with a high-tech style. Known as the “Heart of a Mother,” it is named after Aimani Kadyrova, the mother of the head of the republic.
The building was designed by the Turkish architect Deniz Baykan. The Heart of a Mother is the first mosque in Russia built in an ultramodern style. It can hold up to 15,000 worshippers at once. The walls are faced with marble. In the main prayer hall hangs a huge futuristic chandelier in the shape of a crescent, weighing 5 metric tons (5.5 short tons). The oval vaults of the hall are crowned by a dome 23 meters (75 feet) high and 24 meters (79 feet) in diameter, engraved with the names of Allah. During the day, depending on the weather, the mosque's vaults change color from light gray to turquoise blue. At night the mosque is lit by colored lamps and floodlights.
The rules for visiting are the same at all mosques: modest clothing that covers the body, and women must cover their heads. Dresses, skirts, and headscarves are usually provided at the entrance. Note that visitors are not allowed in during prayers, but you can stroll around the grounds until the prayer is over.
Point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Point 1
🕍 Place of worship • 🏙 Modern architecture
In the town of Argun, 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Grozny, stands an unusual mosque that combines traditional elements with a high-tech style. Known as the “Heart of a Mother,” it is named after Aimani Kadyrova, the mother of the head of the republic.
The building was designed by the Turkish architect Deniz Baykan. The Heart of a Mother is the first mosque in Russia built in an ultramodern style. It can hold up to 15,000 worshippers at once. The walls are faced with marble. In the main prayer hall hangs a huge futuristic chandelier in the shape of a crescent, weighing 5 metric tons (5.5 short tons). The oval vaults of the hall are crowned by a dome 23 meters (75 feet) high and 24 meters (79 feet) in diameter, engraved with the names of Allah. During the day, depending on the weather, the mosque's vaults change color from light gray to turquoise blue. At night the mosque is lit by colored lamps and floodlights.
The rules for visiting are the same at all mosques: modest clothing that covers the body, and women must cover their heads. Dresses, skirts, and headscarves are usually provided at the entrance. Note that visitors are not allowed in during prayers, but you can stroll around the grounds until the prayer is over.
6 points
91 km
8 hours
