Tarelka Hotel

The "Tarelka" (Saucer), or "Futuro House," is a unique mini-hotel in Dombay that has become one of the most striking symbols of Soviet-era futurism. Its design was developed in the late 1960s by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. The original UFO-like structure was gifted to the USSR in 1969 by the President of Finland, Urho Kekkonen. The hotel was installed at an altitude of 2260 meters on the slope of Mount Mussa-Achitara and began receiving guests around 1979.

The "Tarelka" itself is an ellipsoidal plastic structure assembled from 16 panels and mounted on metal supports. Inside, there is a compact "mess hall" with a fireplace, a kitchenette, a bathroom, and three bedrooms designed for 6-8 people. Despite its modest size, the hotel offers panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.

Although the "Tarelka" was later moved closer to the ski lift, its exterior and interior have remained unchanged. In the center of the hotel is a built-in fireplace that maintains a comfortable temperature even on the coldest days. Thanks to its unusual appearance and high-mountain location, the "Tarelka" deservedly made it into the top 10 most unusual buildings in the USSR according to RBC. Rumor has it that it was once built by aliens, and Soviet engineers merely adapted it into a hotel.