According to researchers, the history and attractions of Engels are connected with the development of trade in the Volga region. In the letters of travelers there are references to the Pokrovskaya Sloboda, which appeared on the left bank of the Volga River in 1701. Many remarkable places in Engels trace their history back to those times.
Many of the city's attractions are associated with the development of trade.
The best things to do in Engels
Every city has entertainment and cultural institutions that become part of its unique image. Below are the most noticeable and atmospheric places in the city of Engels.
Yacht club "Edelweiss"
- Address: Lesokombinatskaya street.
This is probably the best yacht club on the Volga. Serious sailing ships and pleasure boats are based here. Some of them are equipped for long journeys. The establishment has a vast green area and a restaurant. The piers have water and electricity. The parking of transit ships is free for three days.
From the berths of the yacht club there is a breathtaking view of Saratov. There is a boat depot for large vessels nearby. You can admire the ships of a very unusual design. "Edelweiss" is the base for holding regattas of various levels. The club is visited by yachts and athletes from many cities in Russia and Europe.
Recreation center "Volzhino"
- Coordinates: 51.470053, 46.044989.
It's about a place where you can forget about the outside world and devote yourself entirely to family or friends. In addition to hotel rooms and cozy houses, the Volzhino recreation center has a stunning landscape park and its own pier, for which it has become a tourist attraction.
There is a private pool, sandy beach, and a pier with sofas. The establishment has a restaurant that serves delicious dishes. The recreation center leaves a very pleasant impression. It hosts weddings, anniversaries and other special events that also attract tourists.
Saratov Regional Operetta Theater
- Address: Teatralnaya street, 2.
Due to its territorial proximity, Engels is called a satellite city of Saratov. Therefore, some establishments in it are called “Saratov”. These include the regional operetta theater - a place that every inquisitive tourist should visit.
The theater was created in 1968. Over the years, hundreds of performances have been staged there. He performed on tour in many cities in Russia and neighboring countries.
The main mission of the theater is to make the world a better place. Make people take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and remember spiritual values. The repertoire of the cultural institution includes classical and modern innovative productions.
Embankment
A popular pedestrian street in the city is Rudchenko Embankment. Its relief has preserved the natural contours of the coast. Here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy beautiful views and feel the special atmosphere of the fusion of man and nature.
The extended recreation area is well landscaped, there is the necessary infrastructure: several cafes, gazebos, a place for a festive or friendly feast. Newlyweds come here to place the lock of family longevity on a beautiful fence and throw the key to it into the Volga.
On the embankment there is a monument to Gagarin and Korolev “Before the Flight” (by M. Galina). Around the historical figures sitting on the pedestal there are 4 forged lanterns, symbolizing the revolution of a rocket around the earth, the first artificial satellite of the Earth, an astronaut in outer space.
Beautiful and memorable monuments in Engels
The city has many monuments, monuments and memorial complexes. We present you the most interesting of them.
Landing site of Yu.A. Gagarin
- Coordinates on the map: 51.270780, 45.997530.
We are talking about a snow-white obelisk 27 meters high. A statue of Yu.A. was installed next to him. Gagarin. The astronaut is depicted in a spacesuit, holding a helmet. He smiles welcomingly and waves his hand.
The monument was erected in Engels for a very good reason. The fact is that in 1961, in the vicinity of the city, the cabin of the ship on which Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin went into space landed.
The object fell in a field a few kilometers from Engels. First, they put a small column here with the date and time of landing. Then it was turned into a full-fledged memorial complex.
Monument to Chernobyl victims
- Address: Lomonosova street, 30.
A very expressive monument. It was installed in 2008 in honor of the liquidators of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. 500 people were sent from Engels to eliminate the accident. Not all of them returned home. Many became seriously ill and died after returning to their native lands.
The monument represents a hand hanging over the reactor button. It is made of black granite. Several steps lead up to it. The city's coat of arms and the name of the monument are carved on them. People come here to honor the memory of people who sacrificed themselves for the life and health of their compatriots.
Monument to the deported Germans of the Volga region
- Address: Lenin Square, 13.
Installed in 2011. Dedicated to local residents deported in 1941. Symbolizes the exodus and return of the Volga Germans to the lands to which they were once invited. The monument makes a strong impression on others. It reminds people of the difficult fate of the Volga Germans, who suffered in vain during the Great Patriotic War.
Stele of Memory and Sorrow
- Address: Letny Gorodok microdistrict.
Installed in 2001. The author is local sculptor A. Shtyrko. It is located in the area of the city's Engels airbase, where future cosmonauts and test pilots are trained.
The stele is dedicated to the heroes who died while testing new technology in peacetime. More than 70 people were injured. Their names are carved on a white marble slab, which is shaped like a fighter plane.
The honor of lighting the eternal flame at the monument fell to Lieutenant Colonel Yu.M. Daneko. Two years later, he himself died while testing a new bomber. His name is also carved on white marble. People remember and honor their heroes.
Capsule at the landing site of Yuri Gagarin
- GPS coordinates: 51.272494, 45.995791.
Interesting fact: Yuri Alekseevich completed his first flight into space not in the cockpit. He ejected at an altitude of 7,000 meters and parachuted down to the ground. At this place there is a monument in the form of a rescue capsule.
This information was once classified. But other times have come, when such data is no longer hidden from the public. Now everyone can see the landing site of the first cosmonaut and pay tribute to his bravery and courage.
Monument-locomotive series "L"
- Address: Soviet Ring.
Installed in 2010. For its delivery, a special railway 570 meters long was built. Steam locomotives of this model were invented back in the 1940s. At first they were assigned the series “P” from the word “victory”. Then the “L” series - in honor of the creator, Lev Sergeevich Lebedyansky.
The L series locomotives were a real salvation in the difficult post-war years. They dragged behind them huge trains weighing up to 2,300 tons.
They transported building materials, things, and food. Only in 1965 did the railway abandon steam locomotives and switch to diesel traction. As a result, the honored “veterans” were left with no destiny. Now one of them flaunts on a pedestal in the city of Engels. It serves as a reminder of the glorious past of a great country.
Churches and temples of the city of Engels
There are many holy places in Engels - this is due to the rich spiritual life of the city. Its residents decided to build their own temple back in Soviet times. And we got permission to do it. The legendary church still receives parishioners. And since that time, many new beautiful temples have appeared in the city.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Address: Freedom Square, 5.
Erected in the 19th century. It was built gradually. At first he had one throne, consecrated in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity. Then two more appeared - in the name of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Later, a bell tower and stone fences were erected.
Interestingly, the church premises were used as offices. For a long time, two vocational schools operated on the territory of the temple. The office of these educational institutions was located in the gatehouse of the cathedral.
In 1929, the temple began to be used entirely for economic purposes. First, it housed the republican museum, then the central library. The bell tower and domes were considered unnecessary and destroyed. The interior decoration was also irrevocably damaged. Restoration work began only in 1990 and is still being successfully carried out.
Now the temple again pleases the eye with its austere beauty. In 2012, it was given the status of a cathedral.
Temple in the name of the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky
- Address: 1st Geological Ave., 21.
Built in the mid-19th century. It was located on the territory of the cemetery of the city of Pokrovka (modern Engels). In 1931 it was destroyed to the ground. After 30 years, the ancient cemetery also disappeared. Residential buildings were built in its place.
Now the temple has been returned to its historical purpose. He again stands in the cemetery located on the outskirts of the city. Construction proceeded very quickly. It was built literally in six months. The result was a beautiful building with white walls and a blue roof.
The first service in the Alexander Nevsky Church took place in September 2005. Now it is deservedly popular among the townspeople. All church sacraments are carried out in it.
Temple in honor of the Intercession of the Mother of God
- Address: Station street, 4.
As history says, this is the first city church. She appeared in the settlement in 1747. The building was clearly visible from the Volga. Townspeople rushed to him in need of guidance and help.
During the revolutionary years, the church was destroyed. However, in 1959 it was restored using the personal funds of the townspeople. In those days, gathering for prayer was prohibited. But the residents of Engels acquired such a right for themselves. They also found a place to build a new temple.
Construction work was completed only in 1991. Now the temple makes a very strong impression. He has changed and become prettier. Many townspeople have been visiting the Church of the Intercession since childhood.
Temple in honor of the Resurrection of Christ
- Address: ave. Stroiteley, 19E.
Built in 1999. The author of the project is A. Zenkin. The church has a Sunday school and library. This place can rightly be called the center of the cultural and religious life of the city. It is one of the ten best attractions in Engels and is a must-see on any excursion program.
Temple in the name of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky
- Address: Poltavskaya st., 42D.
Small but very cozy church. Its history began with a tiny construction trailer, where church services began to be held. Then they decided to build a temporary wooden temple on this site. By the day of memory of St. Spyridon, all work was completed. On December 25, 2014, the first festive liturgy was held in the new church.
There is a Sunday school at the church. In addition, it contains a real shrine - a copy of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “It is Worthy to Eat.” It was brought from the holy Mount Athos. Currently the temple is still under construction. He has a very unusual fate. Every curious tourist who comes to Engels or Saratov should visit it.
City Park
On the banks of the Volga River there is a wonderful park that cannot but interest tourists. Upon entering, the white arched gate immediately catches your eye. In the park you can find huge majestic oak trees, whose age reaches several hundred years. All the trees are beautiful and well-kept, as they are looked after daily by local gardeners.
The park is equipped with gazebos, benches, trash cans and paved paths. Therefore, this place can be safely called a real paradise. And also in the center of this entire picturesque setting there are attractions that anyone can ride.
Children's play center Igrik
This center organizes daily recreational activities and parties for children and their parents. This center often hosts children's performances that bring children a lot of positive emotions. While the children are having fun, parents have the opportunity to relax with a cup of tea and also play various board games.
Location: Krasnodarskaya street - 9.
Interesting Engels museums
There are several museums in the city. Among them there are some very unusual ones. Each of them is worthy of close attention.
Engels Museum of Local Lore
- Address: st. Maxim Gorky, 4.
Appeared in 1925. At first it was called the Central Museum of the Republic of Volga Germans. However, in 1941, due to the outbreak of war, it was closed and disbanded. After the Second World War it was revived, but this time as a local history museum. Gained some fame in the 1960s. In the 1990s it flourished with renewed vigor.
Now it is the cultural center of Engels. Located in the very center of the city, on the banks of the Volga. Nearby there is a city square, a park and an embankment. The institution has no conceptual framework. Its employees are building a model of a new museum adapted to modern life.
This museum complex boasts extensive exhibition and display areas, a presentable appearance and high attendance. It hosts a variety of events - from local excursions to large-scale festivals.
Museum ship "Pokrovsky Watchdog"
- Address: Kondakova street.
This is a real combat boat. It was decommissioned in 2014. After that he was sent to Engels. In 2015, it was moored to the banks of the Volga.
Local residents decided to organize a museum of military glory in it. It was planned to collect in it photographs and personal belongings of sailors, and other interesting evidence of the past. However, this idea was never fully realized.
Currently there are excursions on the ship. This is a very interesting place for those who are partial to military equipment.
Lev Kassil Museum
- Address: st. Lev Kassil, 42.
The famous writer was born in Pokrovskaya Sloboda (present-day Engels). In 1995, a museum was opened in his honor. It is located in an old house. The cultural figure spent his childhood here and lived before moving to Moscow.
The museum's exhibition is addressed primarily to children. They are invited to get into the special world of Lev Kassil and be imbued with the noble spirit of adventure. Excursions are conducted in a playful way. There is room for exciting new discoveries.
On the first floor of the museum there is a literary exhibition, on the second - a memorial one. The fund contains up to 15 thousand storage units. Among them are the writer’s personal belongings, his letters, photographs, books with dedicatory inscriptions.
