Martsialnyje Vody, human settlement in Kondopozhsky District, Republic of Karelia, Russia
Martsialnyje Vody is a small settlement in the Kondopozhsky District of the Russian Republic of Karelia, built around iron-bearing mineral springs. The wooden buildings and pavilions sit within a dense pine forest, with the springs located at the center of the settlement.
The settlement was founded in the early 18th century when Peter the Great ordered the development of the mineral springs and had one of Russia's first spa facilities built here. This made it one of the earliest places in Russia to serve as a health resort open to a wider public.
The name of this settlement comes from the Latin word for Mars, the god of war, because the iron-rich water was once seen as a source of strength. Visitors can still see the old wooden pavilions built over the springs, where people come to drink the water on the spot.
The springs are easy to reach on foot since the settlement is compact and the forest paths between points of interest are short. Sturdy footwear is a good idea because the paths can become slippery when wet.
Peter the Great is said to have personally tested the springs and was so convinced of their effect that he ordered the resort to be built. A small on-site museum keeps documents and objects from that period, which visitors can look at during their time there.
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