Irkutsk | Irkutsk region

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Preview

The old Siberian town, founded as a fort in 1661. Irkutsk historical center is put on a provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Sights of Irkutsk region

Irkutsk Museum of local lore

Irkutsk Regional Museum of the local lore is one of the oldest museums in Russia; it was founded in December 1782 on the initiative of the governor of Irkutsk province F.Klichka, who called for the city fathers to donate funds on the construction of the museum and the first book repository. The founders of the museum and library were local merchants, the governor, and the naturalist Alexander Karamyshev who was in charge of the library, and a scientist explorer Eric Laxman. During his travels across Russia he gathered a unique mineralogical collection and herbariums, which are formed the basis of two museums: the Museum of the St. Petersburg Mining Institute and in Irkutsk. The heyday of the Irkutsk Museum, its transformation into a center for the study of Siberia and contiguous territories, and in the scientific and educational institution repository are associated with the opening in Irkutsk the Siberian Division of the Russian Geographical Society in 1851, under the jurisdiction of which the museum was handed over in 1854. To the museum activity in the 60 years of the nineteenth century were involved the Polish political exiles: for study the fauna of Lake Baikal, the work on the study of the geological structure of Siberia and the archaeological sites of Angara region. Also, the Museum conducted research on the ethnography of the indigenous population of Siberia and collecting ethnographic collections. A special feature of the museum's work in that time was the systematic study of the Asian part of Russia by means of large-scale expeditions. In 1879 in Irkutsk was a fire that destroyed much of the city, including the building of the museum on the Tikhvin square and more than 22 thousand unique exhibits, was destroyed a rich library, numbering more than 10 thousand books. But residents of Irkutsk restored museum at the end of the XIX century.

In 50-70 years of the twentieth century were given special attention to the development of the country's eastern regions. Museum staff could not stay away from these events: museum has received materials about the builders of the Irkutsk hydroelectric station, about the development and establishment of new industrial centers in the east: Shelekhov, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, about the building of the Baikal - Amur railroad. During the 70-80s was building of new museums: museum of Decembrists, architectural and ethnographic branch and others. At the same time the museum had opened its branches in the cities of Irkutsk region.

Currently, the museum structure includes 8 departments: department of history, the nature of the department, exhibition departments "Studio Museum" and "Window to Asia", the Children's Museum, funds department, department of development and work with media, and library. Museum staff continues the tradition of its predecessors: carried out acquisition of funds, a careful storage of collections, new exhibitions and expositions are being constructed, which are visited annually by 300 thousand people.

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Znamensky monastery

Znamensky Convent in the city of Irkutsk is one of the oldest monasteries in Siberia. Construction of the monastery, which was consecrated in honor of Holy Virgin, began from the charter, which was given by the Metropolitan of Tobolsk and the Siberian Pavel in 1689. A church was decided to build not far from Irkutsk fort, on the right coast of the Angara River at the mouth of the river Ida (now the river Ushakovka). By 1693 the first wooden temple was built, which was not only a monastery but also the parish. Unfortunately, the wooden churches are quickly become dilapidated. Because of that, in 1757 was laid the stone church in honor of the Sign of Our Lady. The temple was built with funds donated by the Irkutsk merchant Ivan Bechevin. Cloister was being built a long time, starting from 1762 till 1794. The construction of monastic cells along the north side of the monastery in 1818 was engaged in merchant N. S. Chupalov. It was he who donated the necessary amount of money that was needed to build them. The second temple is in the name of St. Demetrius and Trifon; it was also built and consecrated in 1818.

At the end of the second half of the nineteenth century Znamensky Monastery represented a great economic formation. In 1872 at the monastery was opened the hospital for monks. In 1889, there began to operate exemplary female spiritual school In addition, the monastery also served as a hospice, and sometime later was officially founded the school for girls, who studied church singing, reading and literacy; parochial school and orphanage for children.

In 1926 the Irkutsk monastery was closed. Znamensky church became a parish. In 1929 he was awarded the status of the city's cathedral. In 1936 the church was closed and later it housed aircraft repair workshops. In 1945, the Znamensky Cathedral was returned to the Church, after which it became the cathedral again.

The life of the monastery was revived in 1994. To date, from the monastic buildings are preserved only the church, the holy gates, abbot's cells and the monastic fence.

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Irkutsk Drama theatre

Irkutsk Drama Theater is the oldest in Siberia. The idea of its creating first arose at the turn of XVIII-XIX centuries, when the governor-general of Eastern Siberia was B. Letstsano, who patronized stage hobbies of citizens. Subsequently, almost all his successors as governor supported the theatrical business in Irkutsk.

In 1850, one of the itinerant acting troupes forever stayed in Irkutsk for a permanent job and actually from that moment professional theater history begins. The very first performances were staged in the Noble Assembly building, and in the next year was completed the construction of a separate building for the theater. In 1857on the stage of the Irkutsk Theatre hosted the All-Russian premiere of comedy by Alexander Ostrovsky “a familiar people - settle up!” after which, one after the other plays of other authors were staged. In 1897, a new building of the theater on the stage of which the leading Russian actors played in the following years. In Irkutsk, started his career of director Nikolai Okhlopkov and Leonid Gaidai, and the future famous actors Leonid Bronevoy and Gleb Strizhenov. In 1967 the theater was named after N. P. Okhlopkov, and after thirty-odd years has become academic.

Now the theater tours extensively and is the leading cultural institution in the region, and is a regular participant of Russian and international festivals.

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Irkutsk regional art Museum

Regional Art Museum in Irkutsk is one of the oldest museums in Russia. It is located in the historical center of the city, occupying two buildings. The basis of the museum's collection constituted an extensive picture gallery owned by the head of Irkutsk, the chairman of the East-Siberian department of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society (VSOIRGO) and the largest benefactor V. P. Sukachev, which was collected by them at the end of the second half of the XIX century.

The first pictures painted by Russian artists, a student V. Sukachev bought in St. Petersburg in 1870. It is precisely this date traditionally considered to be the year of the creation of an art museum. Over time, among the acquired works were paintings by Aivazovsky, Repin, Maximova, Bryullov, Myasoedova, Shishkin and copies of paintings by Western European artists Murillo, Raphael, Correggio and Rubens, which were ordered in the museums of Florence and Munich.

In 1920, the Gallery was nationalized and became a part of the City Museum, which was opened in May 1920. During the twentieth century exhibits were transferred to the Irkutsk collection from the State Museum Fund and various public and state organizations, not only of Irkutsk, but also of Moscow.

At the moment in the museum named after V. P. Sukachev, there are over 22 thousand works of art of different times and peoples. In the collection presented a small, but very rare collection of Paleolithic art sites of the Baikal region, as well as one of the most significant in Siberia collections of wooden sculptures and icons of XV-XVIII century, among which the original icon of the Siberian iconography.

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The Epiphany Cathedral

Cathedral of the Epiphany, also known as the Cathedral of the phenomenon of the Lord is the second oldest stone building in Irkutsk. It is an Orthodox church that was built in the early of XVIII century. At the turn of XVIII-XIX centuries, the temple was the main cathedral of the city. Cathedral was founded in 1693, for the construction was chosen a place behind the eastern wall of the Irkutsk Kremlin. A priori, the Church was made of wood and was called Petropavloskaya; this was the name of one of the Kremlin towers. In 1716 fire completely destroyed the wooden version of the temple. Two years later, the Cathedral was decided to raise from the ashes and used a brick in the construction. Funds for the construction were collected from residents and guests of city who donated both money and jewels. 6 years later after laying the first stone was opened the first building of the Cathedral: the chapel of the Holy apostles Paul and Peter or Peter and Paul chapel. In 1727, the Tobolsk and Irkutsk dioceses were separated from each other, and the construction was resumed. In 1755, the temple began to enclose by stone wall; in the 60s of the 18th century to three-altar Church were joined 3 chapels: the Kazan Mother of God (from the South side), John the Baptist and All saints (from North). In the early 70s of the same century prelate Sophronius of Irkutsk was buried in the Cathedral.

At the dawn of the nineteenth century was an earthquake that resulted in damage to the fifth dome and the caving of the cross. The dome was subsequently removed forever. In the autumn of 1812 ditches were dug for one more bell tower, a bell to which was cast in the late 18th century; its weight was more than 12 tons; it was called the Big, what was deserved because bigger than this bell in Irkutsk was not. At first it hung on poles, and in the spring of 1815 was picked up on a new bell tower, which is an example of Russian classicism: in summer it was covered with iron and was installed a cross on it.

On the eve of the new 1862 in Irkutsk again happened earthquakes, which damaged the city buildings, including the Cathedral. But the temple was again reconstructed. In the second half of the XIX century, beside the Cathedral was built the Bishop's residence, in which was based apartments of the Bishop and administrative rooms, then was moved theological Consistory, was organized library of Orthodox literature and rebuilt a building for the schools of the clergy.

Currently, the temple is an architectural jewel of the city of Irkutsk and one of the most interesting attractions.

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Roman Catholic Cathedral

During the Soviet period in Russia all religious buildings were nationalized and transferred to the State under the municipal institutions, or were destroyed. The 1990s were marked by the restoration of activity of the Catholic Church in Siberia. But even after the departure of the Soviet system, despite lengthy negotiations in 1998 the local government of Irkutsk refused finally to return the Church to the Catholic community. As a result, after the founding by the Holy See the Diocese of St. Joseph in the city was built a new Catholic Cathedral in the name of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The construction of a new Catholic Cathedral in Irkutsk was due to the fact that the city authorities by refusing to give back the Church to the Catholic community, handed over to the state Philharmonic the only Roman Catholic Church, located in the city of Irkutsk. For the new temple, the city authorities have allocated a new area; funds were collected by common efforts of the representatives of the Catholic communities of a number of Siberian cities, as well as Catholics from Germany, Poland, Italy and Slovakia. Construction was completed in 2000, and in the feast of the Nativity of the virgin new Cathedral was consecrated in honor of the immaculate heart of Mary.

The project of the Cathedral was built in the architectural style of constructivism. The front side is represented by two high towers connected by a crosspiece in the form of Mithras (the so-called headgear of the higher clergy). The composition is crowned by a cross, from which diverge rays in different directions. Left of the main entrance is located the chapel of the Mother of God of perpetual Help. The altar of the Cathedral is made of Baikal jade, on both sides of it are placed the statues of St. Joseph and of our lady of Fatima.

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Polish Church with the organ hall

Roman Catholic Church of the assumption of the virgin (the Polish Church), which is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Irkutsk, is located in the historical centre of the city, on the street, Sukhe-Baatar. Its history the Irkutsk's Catholic Church began in 1819, the Initiators of its construction were made by the monks of the Bernardine order, who came to Irkutsk and Tomsk on the position of Catholic priests. The temple, consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God, was built by the end of 1825. Initially, the temple represented a beautiful one-story wooden building that stood on the same spot where the modern stone church later was built. In 1879, during a severe fire burned almost the entire central part of Irkutsk, including the roman church. Soon began to raise funds for the construction of a new Church.

The construction of the temple began in 1881; the Project has been made by known Irkutsk architect Juzef Tamulevich. A Pole, H. Shvemitsky, supervised by the construction works. The Cathedral has turned out beautiful and fitted well into the overall ensemble of the Central Square. Near the Church there is a small chapel in the name of St. Innocent. The chapel was built in September 1868. The construction of the Church ended in 1884; the solemn consecration of the Church dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God took place in December 1884. Construction of premises took place rather slowly and was completed only towards the end of the 1890s. The main altar of the temple was consecrated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. The side altars were built in 1892: the left one - with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and right one - with the image of St. Joseph.

With the advent of Soviet government have come not the best of times for the church and the commune as a whole. In 1921, the property of the Catholic community, including religious buildings and all are in their utensils was nationalized. In 1938 the Church was finally closed; have since it was used by various agencies. In 1978 in the building of the Church was installed a concert organ. Today it is an amazing organ hall of the regional Philharmonic society of the city of Irkutsk.

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Fainberg's house

The Feinberg house it is a unique building, an architectural monument of Irkutsk city and one of the most interesting sights. In 1899, having a solid capital, merchant Feinberg began construction of the stone house. He built the house within three years and finished the construction in 1902. The first tenants of the stone two-storey building become the Department for the construction of Circum-Baikal railway. During the First world war, the headquarters of Irkutsk military district housed in the house of Feinberg; then - lithography, an art gallery and Museum of local lore. In 1924 the second floor of the building was transferred to the Irkutsk regional Museum; on the first floor located are the geological, historical and Zoological departments of the Museum. In 1952 the building was transferred to the regional consumer's Association, except a few downstairs rooms, which was occupied by the artists; and in the 60 years here was housed the Computing center of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In the early eighties of the twentieth century-from-home Feinberg a struggle flared up: it was very much willing to accommodate here. In 1985 the house of Fainberg was transferred to the regional library of a name I. I. Molchanov-Sibirsky. The library is located in the building at the present time.

And still the Feinberg house is haunted. Anyway, so say the security staff, which sometimes sees a woman in a vintage cream-colored dress on the stairs and man in tailcoat and top hat. To unravel this mystery, the library staff even hired Ghostbusters from the science research group "Irkutsk - Kosmopoisk".

Getting here

Address: 1 Halturin street, Irkutsk

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Krestovozdvijenskaya Church (Holy Cross Church)

Holy Cross Church in Irkutsk this is one of the oldest temples of the city. The church is located in the historical center of Irkutsk on the Sedov street, and is a prime example of the Siberian religious architecture.

In 1717-1719 on the Cross Mountain appeared first wooden Church in the name of the Holy Trinity. However, local residents called it Krestovskaya or Holy Cross church. In the middle of the XVIII century instead of the wooden Church was built a new stone one. The Church was founded in 1747. Its construction lasted eleven years. The newly built Church, like the former, was consecrated as in the name of Trinity, but despite this, parishioners stubbornly held to the name "Holy cross church". As a result, was decided to legalize this name. In 1860 was formed the final shape of the Church building, when by the project of architect V. Kudelsky to the West side of the belfry was attached the stone blind porch. However, the main feature of the temple is not original architecture, but rather a complex pattern that covers its outer walls is almost continuous carpet. It is noteworthy that the pattern is made in a purely oriental style. Unknown craftsman has created not just a beautiful and sophisticated décor: the researchers suggest that in this ornament is encrypted some semantic meaning and its sense is yet to be solved.

From 1929 to 1936 and from 1948 to 1991 Holy cross Church fulfilled the functions of a Cathedral. In 1936 in the Church worship services were ceased. From the belfry was removed the bell, and then was placed anti-religious Museum. However, thanks to this, the Church has retained its original appearance and iconostases. In 1943, the Church was returned to believers and in 1948 it was declared a monument of architecture of Federal significance.

Recently, to the Church was returned to its original color, and the locals have to get used to his "new old" look. Today Holy cross Church is not just a decoration of the city, but also one of the core buildings.

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The merchant Vtorov house

The merchant Vtorov house is a historical monument and one of most beautiful buildings of the city of Irkutsk, and its business card.

Once, in 1862, Alexander F. Vtorov arrived to live in Irkutsk. Here he started to engage a wholesale trade of textiles, and then started trading and retail: he has opened stores in which were sold ready-made clothes, shoes, haberdashery and other goods. In 1880-ies Vtorov became one of the largest merchants of Siberia, his partnership started to deal with other kinds of trade, real estate and industrial production. In 1913, the merchant and his sons are left the Irkutsk and moved to Moscow, and after the revolution emigrated to England. Then, in the early XX century, the Vtorov house passed into other hands. In October of 1917, there was held the first Congress of Siberian Soviets. Delegates are representatives of the Soviets of Siberia. In 1936, a new epoch began in the history of the building. December 9, the city authorities adopted a resolution on the conversion of a former mansion of Vtorov family under the city Palace of pioneers and Young Octobrists.

Currently, in the mansion is located Palace of Children and Youth Creativity of Irkutsk, where several generations of children have learned to sing, to dance, to invent, to sew, to knit and more.

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Philharmonic

Three quarters of a century Irkutsk regional Philharmonic is one of the main centers of Siberian musical culture. The team of Irkutsk Philharmonic society brings together the best creative forces of Eastern Siberia and makes a significant contribution to the spiritual life of Russia. Artists of Philharmonic orchestra are graduates of major music schools of the country. The biggest musical ensemble of the Philharmonic it is the Governor's Symphony orchestra, founded in 1958.

Concert life of the Philharmonic is not confined by the borders of Irkutsk; it covers everything, even the most remote areas of the Irkutsk region and goes far beyond it. Creative teams toured the cities of Russia, CIS, Japan, Korea, Germany, USA, France, Belgium, Latvia, Mongolia, China and other countries.

In turn, at the invitation of the Philharmonic society, groups and soloists from other regions of Russia and from many countries is constantly coming to Irkutsk. Creativity potential of Philharmonic is very high; its activity is making a significant contribution to the spiritual life of the region.

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The Decembrists Museum

Irkutsk Decembrists Museum is a complex of two separately located parts: the House-museum of Trubetskoy and the House-Museum of Volkonsky. In the Museum of the Decembrists have been perpetuated the memory not only above the aforementioned princes, but else about 30 the Decembrists.

The exposition of the Museum reflects the traditions and life of princely families Volkonsky and Trubetskoy. Partially were recreated historic interiors of houses, where unique memorial relics of Decembrists are presented: the original family things of Volkonsky, Trubetskoy, Muravyovs, Ivashov, etc. In Addition to the rather interesting exhibits with personal items, home furnishings and documents of the exiled Decembrists, mansions are both constitute interesting instances of wooden buildings of Irkutsk sample of the mid of XIX century. In the summer in the courtyard of the estate Volkonsky shows "Open Air Cinema".

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Wooden architecture

The role of wood as a building material for Irkutsk is hard to overemphasize. Like all Siberian cities, Irkutsk was built among endless taiga, and was originally wooden. The first Russian settlers appeared in the middle of XVII century at the confluence of the Angara with Irkut, and since then the city has grew, changed, burned, was rebuilt and acquired a unique appearance.

An original wooden architecture is an important part of the architectural heritage of Irkutsk, and was largely determining its shape and identity. In the process of evolution, thanks to the synthesis of folk traditions and professional architecture, it reached a high level and has absorbed a huge cultural potential of past generations. The unique architecture style of Irkutsk is caused by the influence of Orthodox (Eastern European), Buddhist and shamanic (Buryatia) crops. Cossacks, merchants, and farmers, which moved from the European part, built their homes involuntarily taking over decorative motifs of traditional culture of Siberia: carved Buddhist symbols and atypical forms for the European part of Russia. At this time continued borrowing of practice from the Europeans.

Irkutsk architecture is unique! There are many mixed architectural styles: the wooden buildings for many years are registered in the preliminary list of UNESCO, about the Irkutsk Baroque have been compiled albums. Researchers from all over the country and the world come to see the historic architecture blend in Irkutsk. The architectural ensemble of Irkutsk is one of the few in Siberia, which is still not much different from what was adopted by the planners of the imperial Russia. Whatever it was, but the earliest buildings, for example, Irkutsk Kremlin, which grew on the site of Irkutsk fortress that more than a century protected the city from attacks of the Siberian tribes were destroyed. But most of the old wooden mansions, despite the past century have been preserved. Among these houses there are samples of real art. Irkutsk Baroque frames hold a special place in the history of Russian house carving.

The decoration of wooden houses it is not just beautiful curlicues or meaningless but the original patterns. On the facades of houses depicted the culture and spirit of the peoples who inhabited Siberia, their ideas of beauty, their belief in the existence of good and evil forces of nature. Decor can be read like a book; to unravel, as a coded message; to understand as a kind of "portrait" of those who once inhabited these houses. Wooden decor of Irkutsk houses has several styles, one of which is "Siberian baroque". Another rare style is "ancient Russian pagan." Wooden decorations of this style contain signs expressing rituals and mythological representations associated with the agricultural cult, and also bear pagan religious and magic symbols. It bears the signs of the sun, rain and germs of plants. Magical-symbolic wooden ornament covers the facades of the houses. Oriental motifs are widespread in the decor of wooden houses in Irkutsk.

The most prominent representatives of the wooden architecture of Irkutsk are such houses, as Zhelyabovsky complex, House of Europe, and 130-quarter, Actor's House, Manor Sukachev, Volkonsky House, the Museum of modern art, House of Architects "Dutch House".

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The Sukachev Estate

This place is worth a visit for every tourist who is interested in history and outstanding people. Vladimir Sukachev is known as patron of the arts of the 19th century, the trustee, the founder of the first art gallery in Siberia and only one head of the city in Irkutsk, who stayed in office for 13 years - from 1885 to 1898. The manor is the ancestral home of Sukachev. He lived here with his family, held a charity events, taking friends and close in spirit to him guests: scientists, writers, musicians, artists, actors. Today in a saved and recreated atmosphere of that era are holding tours, thematic classes on the history of culture; performances and dances. Walk through the exhibition halls will enrich the knowledge about the history, art, culture and will immerse into the atmosphere of a bygone era of the 19th century and will bring aesthetic pleasure.

Memorial-art exhibition dedicated to the life and activities of Vladimir Sukachev and his family, is represented in the main two-storey building of the manor complex: art gallery. The exhibition presents memorabilia that once belonged to the V. P. Sukachev and his family: furniture, clocks, porcelain, musical instruments, books, photographs, documents and works of art from the collection of V. P. Sukachev (Western European and Russian paintings), decorative arts and sculpture. The exhibition includes recreated from photographs and documents a unique historic Winter garden that existed in the house during Vladimir Platonovich.

At the same time, the manor life is closely connected with the present through the contemporary art of the XXI century. For strong impressions you can go to the exhibition of graphic works "The fragility of the world", dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the tragic events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Artists Iri and Toshiko Maruki, who were witnessed the bombing, reflected this terrible experience in the works and left on the canvas a place for the beauty of peace life at the same time. Also, all of August in the mansion hosts an exhibition of miniature dolls "Little world," the artist from Kazakhstan, Irina Verhgradskaya: a world woven of fairy tales and human destinies, a warmth and subtle charm. Among the 300 exhibits in height of 10 to 15 centimeters meets many acquaintances: from Peter I and Catherine II to Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and Harry Potter.

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The Angara Ice-Breaker Museum

The Angara icebreaker Museum is one of the most fascinating and unique museums of Irkutsk. The steam-powered icebreaker "Angara" is one of the first icebreakers in the world and probably the oldest of the ships of this type preserved to the present days. In 1898 the Russian government was placed an order for the construction of the icebreaker. Order was fulfilling English shipbuilding company "Sir VG Armstrong" in the Newcastle. The icebreaker had been completed in 1899 and was delivered in parts to Lake Baikal, where it was assembled. The crew of vessel with a displacement of 1400 tons and with a capacity of machines in 1250 horsepower was 50 people. Launched in late July 1900, "Angara" together with the ferry boat "Baikal" was intended to ensure the crossing of trains across the Lake Baikal, by paving the way in the ice. In the period 1907-1916 the vessel was on the hitching. With the adoption of the decree "On the nationalization of the merchant fleet" icebreaker "Angara" was also nationalized. During the Civil War ship, armed with cannons and machine guns, took part in the hostilities on the shores of Lake Baikal. Since 1922 and until 1960 the icebreaker "Angara" had cruised on Lake Baikal, delivering passengers and cargo and towing barges in the winter time. Due to improper care and moral depreciation the vessel was removed from the Navy and transferred to the Irkutsk reservoir for the needs of DOSAAF. In 1975 it was written off and sent for recycling, but it ran aground in the transition to the port, where it was until 1987. Exactly then have been decided about the restoration of the ice-breaker and turning it into a museum. In November 1990, "Angara" was staged at the pier in front of the Irkutsk micro district "Sunny".

The museum exposition is represented by two complexes: A History of Navigation on Lake Baikal and the History of the icebreaker "Angara". The first one is considered to be leading.

Currently, the icebreaker "Angara" needs in restoration. By the decision of the Arbitration Court of the icebreaker was transferred into the possession of the rescue service of the Irkutsk region, which had planned to conduct a survey of the technical condition of the icebreaker and the necessary repairs.

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Baikal Lake

Baikal Lake it is a narrow blue Crescent almost in the center of huge continent of Eurasia. In the Baikal mountain area, surrounded on all sides by high mountain ranges, it stretches on 636 kilometers length and almost 80 km of width. By its area Baikal is equal to that of Belgium, with its nearly 10 million people and multiple cities! 336 permanent rivers and streams flows into Baikal; herewith almost half the volume of water entering the lake, brings the Selenga. Angara is the only river that flows from the lake. The surface area of the lake is 31470 square kilometres. The maximum depth is 1637 m, average is 730 m.

Undoubtedly, Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world. At Baikal lake there are 30 islands, the largest of them is the island Olkhon. The question about the age of Baikal should be considered open. In the literature is given the figure in 20-25 million years. If to assume that this is not errancy of scientists, the Baikal can be considered the ancient lake in the world.

Baikal water is unique and surprising as the lake itself. It is unusually transparent, pure and saturated with oxygen. At all times it was considered curative, with its help were treated diseases. In spring, transparency of Baikal water is as much as 40 meters! This is due to the fact that the Baikal water, thanks to the activity of living organisms inhabiting in it, very slightly mineralized and is close to distilled. Baikal has more water than all five Great Lakes combined!

More interesting facts ►►►

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Taltsy Ethnographic Museum

Taltsy Architectural-Ethnographic Museum is a unique collection of monuments of history, architecture and ethnography of XVII-XX centuries. The museum complex in the open air attracts visitors by the possibility of direct acquaintance with the material and spiritual culture of the peoples of the Baikal region. In the Museum are retrospectively recreated four historical and cultural zones: Russian, Buryat, Evenk and Tofalar. The Buryats, the Evenks and the Tofs are indigenous peoples of the Baikal region.

"Rural municipality Village" exposition Complex, that recreates the administrative center of the late XIX – early XX century, includes a complex "Township Board", the parish school, a manor house of the parish clerk, the manor of the Cossack of town. Its main sight is the unique historical and architectural monuments of defencive and religious architectonics: carriageway Spasskaya tower (1667) and Kazan Church (1679) of Ilimsk stockaded town. Picture of life of old residents of the Baikal region are complementing the expositions of the cascade of water mills of the late XIX century, small villages, consisting of peasant estates of XVII–XIX centuries and Siberian cemetery.

The Museum traditionally held folk festivals, coming together masters with the skills of weaving, wickerwork, manufacturing of products made from birch bark and clay. Several peasant houses are adapted for workshops, where craftsmen share their secrets and demonstrate their products.

Modern Architectural-ethnographic Museum "Taltsy" is not only a place of preservation of monuments of folk wooden architecture, but also a popular tourist centre, which is visited by all who are interested in the past of the Baikal region.

Getting here

Taltsy Ethnographic Museum is located on the right shore of Angara River at the 47th km of the Baikal highway on the way from Irkutsk to Baikal Lake.

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Transport

 

Irkutsk Airport

Irkutsk airport is one of the largest Siberian airports. Irkutsk airport is a member of the AERA alliance, which was created to develop the transport system of the region and to create a direct link between Asian and European countries.

VIP lounge of Irkutsk airport provides the following services: transfer from and to the plane by a private car, recreation areas, room with a cable TV and a free Wi-Fi, negotiations room, separate check-in counters, departures board, bar with a selection of drinks. "Air Harbor" is a hotel that was formerly reserved exclusively for the recreation of pilots and aircraft maintenance personnel. After the reconstruction, the hotel was opened to passengers. The services offered include a lobby bar with free Internet, conference hall with 80 seats for negotiations (the booking fee includes the office equipment and catering for the participants), laundry service, a cafeteria with a varied menu (the room rate includes breakfasts, which are served here). Passengers not willing to pay for the rest at the airport can relax in the general waiting room. The clients can use comfortable seats, newspaper stalls, the Internet throughout the entire hall, a variety of shops (to buy the travel goods, medicines and much more). Besides that, you can pay to store your luggage and charge your mobile devices.

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Railways

Travelling by train, you can get to such cities as Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Tomsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Tobolsk, Tumen, Barnaul, Irkutsk, Chita, Ulan-Ude and other. The Siberian rail system is also a part of the Transsiberian Railway. Taking the Transsib is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia and Siberia. Imagine travelling for a week, still being in the same country and seeing it all from the window of your train (still, we recommend to make some stops and spend a couple of days in some major cities along the way or see the wonderful nature of Siberia in Altai mountains or at Baikal lake).

Trains in Russia are divided into 5 categories depending on their comfort and fares: (1) the cheapest and the least comfortable are the seating carriages (they are mostly used for the interregional connections); (2) economy class (‘platskart’)is the most wide-spread category (and the cheapest among sleeping car options), although not very comfortable, as each block consists of 6 berths; (3) compartment cars are very comfortable sleeping cars with 4 berths per closed block; (4) premium is a very comfortable type of car, equipped with working areas, showers, etc.; (5) first-class sleeping cars are the most comfortable and the most expensive category with maximum of 2 berths per compartment. In every car, there is a steward, who at any time of the day is ready to offer a hot tea or coffee, snacks, newspapers, and board games. These can be included in your ticket price, or the extra payment may be required. Each train has a restaurant car that works 24 hours a day. You can also buy some food and drinks in the station shops in the large cities.

Train tickets can be bought at any railway station. Tickets for most routes can also be bought electronically on the web-site. At the boarding, you will only need to show your passport to the steward.

It is good to remember that in Russia, a train ride is a good reason for a new acquaintance and an interesting conversation; you should also be ready to be treated to a meal by your companions.

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Local railways

The Local railways can take you to any place within Novosibirsk region and also to Barnaul, Tomsk and Kemerovo. For more information please check the map above or contact us.

Tickets for the local trains can be purchased at the special counters in the train station buildings. You will need to pay extra attention to check if the train actually stops at the desired destination point.

A regular ticket entitles you to travel on any local (electric) train current direction except the high-speed (express). To ride the express train, you will need to buy a special ticket.

The ticket shall be kept until the end of the journey. It can be checked by inspectors along the way, and you will also need it to exit the station at the destination point.

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River Port

The river systems have long served as important transport routes linking the localities within the Siberian region and connecting the South and North Siberia in general. The river fleet performs this function until today. Usually, an intraregional river transport trip is not very comfortable, as opposed to the long river journeys where you can select cabins of different categories of comfort.

On the other hand, this is the only way to move around Siberia while seeing the picturesque Siberian nature from this perspective, enjoy a clean air and a leisurely movement on the water.

Tickets for the river transport can be purchased at the box office in the river station building. The long-term, multi-day tours on the rivers can also be purchased at travel agencies that organize these trips. To purchase a long tour, you will need a passport.

In the river transport, it is generally forbidden to smoke and drink liquors. This rule does not apply to the boats for the multi-day trips, as there are special facilities on board.

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Bus Terminal

Buses in Siberia are a convenient way of transportation within the region or to the adjacent regions.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the bus station or in the special booking-offices. You can also buy an e-ticket on the website. To buy an intraregional ticket, there are no special requirements. If you buy a ticket to travel outside of the region, you will need to show your passport at the bus station counter; you may also be required to show it while boarding the bus.

While traveling in the winter, you will need to remember that due to the bad weather conditions the bus can be delayed or even canceled. Also, most buses don’t have a toilet, which also should be considered before going on a long journey, if you want it to be not painful but pleasant. Remember that the distances in Siberia are quite long.

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City bus

Regular shuttle transportation.

Buses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the bus to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Minibus (marshrutka)

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Minibusses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid when entering the minibus, directly to the driver, and only in cash. The fare depends on the length of the journey; the details are always displayed in the cabin.

It is very common that the passenger closest to the driver is asked by the others to pass the money on to the driver. So, if you sit in that place, it would really help if you’re able to count quickly (and are quite familiar with the local money to pass the change back to everyone). Minibusses stop on demand, so in order not to pass your stop, you should exactly know its name and ask the driver to stop, loudly and in advance.

On the street, you can stop the minibus by raising a hand, just like a taxi, but only at the stopping sites.

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Trolleybus

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trolleybuses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the trolleybus to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Tram

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trams run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the tram to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Taxi

You can use the taxi to move around the city or region. You can order a cab by calling a special service or you may just stick your hand out and stop the taxi when you see it. We don’t recommend using any kinds of an illegal taxi (a regular car with no signs of a taxi service on it).

Don’t be surprised if a car stops, that is not marked as a taxi – anyone can give you a ride. But it is important to agree on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. Sometimes you can even get it for free.

The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center or vice versa should not exceed 1000 rubles. It is paid mostly in cash (some taxi companies also accept major credit cards, but you better check it before the ride).

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Hotels

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Night life

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Activities

 

ATV tours

ATV is a unique vehicle, specially designed for the off-road driving. There is nothing more exciting than traveling with friends by ATV through the rugged areas of the wild, primitive Siberian nature.

Driving the ATV Riding ATV does not represent any special difficulty, even for a beginner. One or two hours spent behind its wheel are enough to feel confident. Bright emotions, thrill, and an indescribable excitement before the start of a trip are guaranteed!

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Snowmobile tours

A snowmobile is a driven vehicle designed to travel on snow. No matter what the Canadians say, but the first snowmobiles drove across the expanses of Russia, on the banks of the Neva River at the beginning of the last century. This fact is recorded in the documents as the tests of "Russo-Balt". Naturally, the first snowmobile developed a speed of only 40 kilometers per hour and it looked very much different as compared to the modern snowmobiles.

Snowmobiles have long been an integral part of winter recreation in Siberia, whether snow safaris, ice fishing, or just a ride between the mountain slopes. Snowmobiling gives a lot of impressions both to the seasoned drivers, and to those who is behind the wheel for the first time. Snowmobiling is a fun and a rush of adrenaline brought up by the speed, freedom of movement, the ability to see the pristine beauty of wild Siberian land, and to look into the hidden corners of the taiga.

Today, snowmobiling tours are among the most interesting components of active recreation in Siberia. Test the new machines, explore new routes, conquer new heights - savor the taste of freedom that’s brought to you by this winter miracle of technology!

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Ski trips

Participants of the ski trips and photographers that make amazing shots of winter scenery somewhere in the mountains or wild forests are not mythical characters, who love the crazy adventures. Everyone can see the beauty of winter nature and, moreover, there are special clubs for this, organizing these unforgettable tours. Winter trips are almost always about ski tourism, and you will not have to walk waist-deep in the snow and plow the snow drifts with your body. The only difficulty in the winter trip is the ability to ski. But at the same time, it does not require a lot of time to learn how to ski, a few hours or a total of one day will be enough, not only to learn how to slide but also not to fall when descending by the slope.

The landscapes, most fantastic in their beauty, when everything sparkles and shines, and the day is sunny and clear, usually happen at a temperature of -30 to -40 Celsius. But if you are dressed properly, the cold won’t scare you. And, considering the sunny weather, you can even forget about the cold at all.

However, you need to keep in mind that ski tourism is one of the most difficult sports. Low temperatures require you to make decisions quickly and accurately and to move actively along the route. Great attention is paid to the outfit: outer clothing, and especially ski because without it you will not be able to make a single step on a snow cover. But the most important thing is that ski trip is only possible if lead by a professional athlete; no other options, like instructor-guide, will be suitable here. Each route must be coordinated with EMERCOM at its start and finish, and all participants of the trip must be insured in case of emergencies.

Ski tourism is extremely good for your health. It is a true, pure and undiluted elixir of health. Active movements in winter conditions provide an excellent tonic effect because it activates the endocrine system and improves metabolic processes. In the cold, the defense mechanisms of the body start working, which increases immunity and resistance to colds and viruses. Furthermore, the cold air, as opposed to the hot one, is several times richer in negative ions, which are more biologically active. There are less dust and gas impurities - they are successfully absorbed by the snow. Add to this the healing phytoncides of conifers – and voila, your health cocktail is ready. Skiing provides an excellent exercise, develops flexibility and coordination. In just three hours of skiing, a person makes almost three thousand repetitions of abdominal exercises! Cardio develops endurance, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your mind also unloads, exhausted by the everyday office life and multi-level tasks. You just go and admire the wonderful pictures of the sleeping winter nature. Eyes get free from the blur, and you start to notice the details - the traces of animals on the snow, the frost pattern on the branches. Depression, stress, melancholy, and a feeling of hopelessness all go away. You get a new taste for life!

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Bicycle tours

Biking can be divided into two categories: amateur rides and pro biking tours. While the amateur ride is simple to just arrange with your friends in search of adventure, the professional bike tour is a serious route under the guidance of experienced instructors. Biking tours are the paid trips, i.e. trips, where you can buy a ticket to join. The bike tour routes are repeatedly explored and inspected by the guides of travel agencies, hotels are booked, first aid kit contains the necessary medications, and all the necessary wrenches are in the repair kit. Often there is also a support vehicle. You will only need to spin the pedals, see the sights and socialize with new people. In a word – have fun.

The 2 or 3 days long trips often gather up to 30 people. If you join such bicycle trip, you will meet the people you will love to talk to and to plough the wild Siberian nature together.

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Skiing & snowboarding

Someone is waiting for a summer to go to the sea, someone would rather take a trip in the desert, but there are people who are looking forward to the winter, preferring to rest at ski resorts. For the true fans of this type of relax, for those who love snowboarding and skiing, Siberia is one solid skiing area where you can enjoy your ski or a snowboard almost anywhere. In Siberia, there are trails of various difficulty levels, surrounded by beautiful nature and unique landscapes. The infrastructure is presented with excellent ski bases and resorts, whose recreation conditions and level of service are not inferior to many well-known European resorts.

Beginners, professional skiers and snowboarders, heli-ski fans, freestylers, back country skiers, freeriders – everyone will find perfect facilities in Siberia. They meet the highest international standards not only for snowboard and ski, but also for half-pipe, big cross-country, cross-board, slalom, biathlon. Siberian nature is striking for its beauty, it helps forget about the stress and problems, feel a surge of strength and get loaded with life energy, which is carried in a real winter recreation.

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Hunting

Siberia has always been famous for its hunting and fishing. It has everything you may need – thick taiga with bears, wild boars, deers, fur-bearing animals, and various birds; rivers full of all kinds of fish. Hunting enthusiasts can experience all the excitement and bring out the best properties of a trapper when hunting wild boar or elk, when at any moment they can get one on one with the beast. By the way elk, one of the largest animals found in the hunting grounds in Siberia, has an average of about 250 kg, although there are considerably larger specimens. Wild boar’s body may have a length of 2 meters, the height at withers of 1.5 meters, and body weight of 270 kg. One of the most popular kinds of hunting is fowling – shooting duck, woodcock, goose, partridge and other birds.

There are various ways of hunting, but of course, every hunter has his own way that brings him more luck. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about hunting in Siberia, as well as personally plunge into the primeval impassable Siberian taiga.

Cities of Siberia host many exhibitions, forums and other sites where hunting, fishing and sports tourism professionals can meet. These are: The International Tourism Fair "Yenisei", exhibition "World of Sports. Hunting. Fishing”, All-Russian Fair "National Hunting and Fishing", "Tourism. Sport. Recreation" and "Hunting. Fishing".

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Winter fishing

What can be peculiar about winter fishing in Siberia? You don’t have to be an expert to say – the climate, of course. Siberia is primarily associated with heavy frosts and huge snowdrifts. Depending on the region, the winter temperature in Siberia can drop below fifty degrees centigrade. But that is not a trouble for real fishermen because a huge variety of all kinds of fish are splashing in the lakes and rivers of Siberia. That is why neither frost nor serious distances nor the almost complete absence of roads in the forest are not hindrances for the avid fishing fan. Taiga hunting cabins, bass, pike, rudd, Siberian pelmeni – these are just some of the features of Siberian fishing, which attract anglers from all over the world.

The winter fishing has a lot of advantages as compared to the summer one. The first is a complete absence of mosquitoes and gnats. Because in summer it really hassles even the local fishermen, not to mention those who come from other places to go fishing in this wonderful region. The second advantage of the Siberian winter fishing is the accessibility of many spots because everything is frozen. So, the areas that in summer can only be reached by helicopter, in winter can be driven to by a snowmobile. And, which is equally important, you can drive almost straight forward. In winter, you will need much less gear (unlike the summer), which simplifies the transportation.

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Picking berries and mushrooms

Although most people associate Siberia with permanent frost, the experienced mushroom and berry pickers know that the local forests are rich with mushrooms and berries. Nature of Siberia, unlike that of any other region, is generous with gifts. It makes mushroom and berry picking in Russia an exciting adventure for individuals and groups, which also can be combined with a picnic or a simple recreation in the fresh air.

For those who are going into Siberian taiga searching for the forest berries for the first time, an advice of the locals will be extremely useful – always stay close to the banks of the bodies of water. Near every stream, several kinds of berries can always be found. In the meantime, if you move along the bank, it’s almost impossible to get lost. The mixed forests are the richest in berries, and the coniferous forests are the poorest.

Of course, in every case, the tourist must be confident that the trophy is quite edible, digestive and can bring him pleasure. Mushroom picking requires specific knowledge and skills. After all, the book descriptions alone will not teach you to distinguish edible mushroom from inedible; you need some practice under the guidance of an experienced mushroom picker, otherwise you run a serious risk of heavy poisoning. In order to avoid such a risk, each group of tourists should always include someone who has an extensive experience in mushroom and berry picking.

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Russian bath

The story of the bath is very interesting, because the tradition of bath sweating has ancient roots and is still popular. In Russia, bath has always been highly respected and esteemed. There’s an idea that the Russian bath is the most ancient one. References to it can be found in the works of Slavic oral lore, as they were pagans, and attached great importance to the forces of fire and water. Many peoples of Siberia, the Urals and the Volga region had their steam houses. In our days, for example, you can find hunters’ houses in the forests which are built according to the steam houses principle.

It is worth noting that the Russian baths have always impressed foreign visitors. They never could understand why someone would pour kvass or ice water on himself, why people would beat each other with brooms, why someone would sponge himself down with snow. The invitation to the bath sweating was always like a voluntary torture to all visitors. However, after going to the real Russian bathhouse the guests felt fine; and the impressions were so strong that the rumors about the miraculous effect of the procedure quickly spread throughout the world.

Today, everyone knows Russian baths. They are popular in our country and abroad. And their beneficial properties and health-improving effects are recognized by the whole world. In fact, many health-improving properties largely depend on the correct broom steaming, so stop hesitating – it is time to go straight to the bath. See you there :)

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