Kansk is rich in hot (and burning) news and unusual cultural objects. We visited a small but quite well-known town outside the region as part of a summer special project with, the previous editions of which were dedicated to Achinsk and Nazarovo.
Our guide to the “Siberian Cannes” was a native of Kansk, journalist Yulia Astafieva. And photographer Sergei Filinin showed us Kansk through the eyes of signalmen - from the heights of cellular masts. 4G mobile internet helped us navigate the city.
The most interesting places in Kansk - TOP-5
Among the huge number of attractions of Kansk, places stand out that made the city special and memorable. You can visit these sites in one day.
Triumphal Arch "Royal Doors"
- Address: st. 40 Let Oktyabrya / st. Vasily Yakovenko.
The Arc de Triomphe is an undeniable symbol of Kansk, erected in 1891. The reason for the creation of the arch was the visit of Nicholas II. It served as the gate through which the emperor entered the city during the solemn procession. In 1917, the arch was destroyed, but in the early 2000s it was subject to restoration. Its re-opening took place as part of the celebration of the 370th anniversary of Kansk.
The arch is made of brick. Architectural style - classicism. Stairs leading to the observation deck are cut into its supports. There are tented gazebos installed at both ends.
In the pre-revolutionary version, these were chapels where visitors could light a candle and pray. The central decoration of the arch is the attic with a golden sculpture of a double-headed eagle. The arch was installed in the most beautiful place in the city - on the bridgehead square, on the banks of the Kan River.
River Kan
- Coordinates on the map: 56.216350, 95.717510.
This attraction is impossible not to notice. The Kan River divides the city into two parts; bridges are thrown across it, which at night light up with lights and garlands.
Rafting on the Caen River is a great way to explore the city's riverside attractions. Along the coast there are monuments, architectural masterpieces, art objects and parks.
It is also worth swimming further and visiting the wild corners of the river. Outside the city, its banks are hilly and covered with mixed forests. These are picturesque places worth stopping at.
Museum of Local Lore
- Address: Moskovskaya st., 51.
The museum was founded in 1912 as a private exhibition, which was based on the collection collected by D.S. Kargopolov. It included archaeological artifacts, samples of Siberian copper casting, ancient icons and numismatics. In the 1920s, the museum received regional status.
Currently, the number of exhibits exceeds 35 thousand. The most valuable are the ethnographic collection, a collection of handwritten documents, thanks to which it is possible to reconstruct the history of Kansk, starting from the end of the 18th century. Of no less interest are early printed books, as well as graphics, paintings and icons that were taken from closing churches and preserved in the museum.
The building where the museum is located deserves special attention. This is a brick building, decorated with gables, turrets and triangular sandstones. The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. The city's first cinema, Furor, was located here. The museum moved here in 2001.
"Sacred Spring"
He found out that the word “kan” (or “khan”) itself is found in the ancient Iranian holy book “Avesta”! In the book, the word appears with the meaning “sacred spring” - and this is reasonable, because clean, healing water has been valued in all centuries, and the most ancient names of rivers are the words “water”, “source”, “flow” in different languages. But once upon a time the territory of Siberia was inhabited by ancient Iranian and Turkic tribes, so they could have given the name to the river. People saw the object and named it accordingly. Later, when the Kurykan tribes lived here, they could take part of their self-name from their habitat - along the bed of the Kan River. And this only emphasizes the antiquity of the name. This is exactly what Kislovsky wrote and spoke about at the end of his life, rebelling against the too folklore and negative explanation of the toponym “kan” through the legend of supposed streams of blood that mixed with the water of the river.
What museums to visit in Kansk
There are not many museums in Kansk, so tourists don’t have to guess which one to visit - they can visit them all.
House-Museum of V.Ya. Zazubrina (Zubtsova)
- Address: st. Krasnopartizanskaya, 105.
Vladimir Zazubrin was a Russian writer who boldly denounced the Red Terror and the work of the Chekists. In 1923 he wrote the famous story "Sliver". The work was subjected to severe criticism. In 1937, Zazubrin and his wife were arrested for participation in a right-wing sabotage and terrorist organization and executed.
In Kansk, the wooden estate of the Teryaevs, which belonged to Vladimir’s wife, has been preserved. Here they lived for several years. The dilapidated building has turned black with age, the paneled shutters are boarded up. Despite its abandoned appearance, the house has the status of a museum. Now restoration work is underway, and local historians and biographers are collecting a collection for future exhibition.
House of Jaroslav Hasek
- Address: Kalinina street, 1.
Another old hut in Kansk is associated with a writer, this time with the Czech playwright Jaroslav Hasek. He moved to Kansk after the revolution. In this city, in this house, he wrote his main work, “The Good Soldier Schweik,” and met his future wife, Alexandra Lvova. Nowadays Hasek's estate is residential. A plaque is installed on the façade in memory of the writer.
Showroom
- Address: 11B, Severny microdistrict.
The exhibition hall is one of the most popular cultural venues in Kansk. Events are held both indoors and outdoors on the square in front of the building.
The institution organizes exhibitions of paintings, photographs and sculptures on various topics: revolutionary Kansk, modern city life, author’s compositions, the nature of the native land, history in photographs. Citizens follow the announcements on the poster so as not to miss an interesting exhibition.
Embankment WPP
st. Kobrina, 26
The main city embankment is located on the left bank - not far from the office of Eastern Electric Networks. You are not allowed to swim here, as the high fences clearly hint at, but they, of course, do not stop the local children.
During the day, you can take a quiet walk along the embankment with your family, but from dusk to dawn, a completely different life is in full swing here. In the wooden gazebos that line the shore, birthdays are celebrated, lovers hug, yesterday's schoolchildren make noise. Music is blaring from almost every parked car, and girls are dancing on the sidewalks. There is also a hotel there, impressively named “Cannes” and generously awarded five stars to itself on the façade. If you watch the nightlife of the embankment from its terrace, decorated with a white colonnade, you are guaranteed an unforgettable surreal experience.
Where to go in Kansk in the evening
A huge number of theaters and entertainment centers are open in Kansk. Tourists have a wide choice of where to spend the evening.
Drama Theater
- Address: st. 40 years of October, 31.
The Kansk Drama Theater was founded in 1907, when the first society of drama connoisseurs was registered in the city. Soon, artists from Irkutsk, as well as director V.V., joined the theater. Karavaev. In 1920 the theater became state-owned.
In the first half of the 20th century, exiled residents of Kansk joined the troupe. Revolutionaries, former nobles, and people exiled on false charges found solace in organizing performances.
Over time, the theater has changed, adapting to the changing interests of generations. Today it is a modern institution where original performances, spectacular shows, and children's performances are staged. History is not forgotten either: the theater often covers the theme of the Great Patriotic War and the 1917 Revolution. In addition, it is worth attending performances of folk ensembles to see the immortal art of the indigenous peoples of Siberia.
During the International Cannes Video Festival, event organizers rent a stage for events.
House of Culture "Builder"
- Address: 56, Stroiteley village.
“The Builder” makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of the city. It hosts children's and youth clubs in vocals, choreography, playing musical instruments and arts and crafts.
In addition to classes and performances in the recreation center building, the organization organizes outdoor events: exercises, games at stations, performances on the summer stage and live music concerts in the park. The House of Culture is also the venue for some programs of the Kansky Video Festival.
Cinema "Cosmos"
- Address: Moskovskaya st., 82.
Kansk was one of the first cities in Siberia where cinemas began to open. In the 1960s, the ancient Furor cinema retired and was replaced by the modern Cosmos cinema. There was a large screen and a spacious hall with 600 seats.
In 2005, Cosmos was completely reconstructed. The Soviet building was replaced by a high-tech complex, in which an improved hall was opened, as well as a stylized cafe “Coffeemania” and an area with slot machines.
Natives
- Askarov, Yuri - Russian showman, TV presenter.
- Ermolaev, Vladimir Petrovich - Russian ethnographer, researcher of Tuva.
- Taymazov, Vladimir Aleksandrovich - rector of the St. Petersburg State University of Physical Culture named after P. F. Lesgaft.
- Permyakov, Vladimir Sergeevich (born December 2, 1952) is a Russian actor who became famous thanks to the role of Lenya Golubkov in an MMM advertisement.
- Stelmakh, Valery Pavlovich (1943-2010) - Soviet and Russian chemist, translator, poet.
- Shelegov, Valery Nikolaevich - member of the Union of Writers of Russia, born December 13, 1953.
Temple architecture of the city of Kansk
Temples and churches of Kansk are diverse and sometimes surprising. These buildings will attract the attention of tourists from afar and can tell a lot about the history of the city.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Address: Moskovskaya st., 68.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the first stone building in Kansk. It was built in the mid-18th century in the Siberian Baroque style. The basis of the composition is a high quadrangle, topped with a dome with a belvedere. The roof is decorated with small domes at four corners. Adjacent to the temple from the west is a refectory and a six-sided octagonal domed bell tower.
After the cathedral was closed in 1930, a flying club settled in the building, which was visited by Hero of the Soviet Union Anelia Krzywoń. Later there was a drama theater here, and then a museum. The cathedral was restored and re-lit in 1992. Currently, this is the main religious center of Kansk, in which the episcopal see of the Kansk and Bogouchan diocese is located.
Church of St. Andrew the First-Called
- Address: st. Herzen, 9.
The Church of St. Andrew the First-Called was erected in 2000 in honor of the sailors of the Russian Navy who died in the battles of the Second World War. The brick building is a quadrangle with an altar and an apse, above which a belfry with a golden dome is erected.
The inscription of dedication on the arched vault at the main entrance, as well as sculptures of anchors near the fence posts and the image of a steering wheel in the center of the forged lattice, remind us of the sailors.
At the base of the temple there are capsules with soil taken from the mass graves of sailors. The land was brought from St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Kaliningrad and other port cities of the Russian Federation.
Temple of the All-Merciful Savior
- Address: st. Krasnaya Ilanka, 100.
In 1964, a wooden Spassky Church was erected on the ruins of the Trinity-Perevozinskaya Church. In the 1990s the temple was expanded. A superstructure with two domes on solid drums and a hipped bell tower were added to the rectangular volume.
Car-temple of Princess Olga
- Address: st. Newspapers Power of the Soviets, 2.
The unusual temple was created in 2009. A typical carriage was decorated with a golden kokoshnik, bells at the entrance and an icon of Princess Olga. For several years the carriage ran as part of the “Health Train”. Services and prayer services were held there.
Soon the operational life of the car came to an end, and the Krasnoyarsk diocese decided to transfer it to stationary mode. Today the temple-car stands at the Kansk-Yeniseisky station and is open to visitors.
Memorial compositions: Kan monuments
Among the memorial compositions of Kansk there are monuments dedicated to the heroes of the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars, as well as monuments in honor of legendary personalities.
Walk of Fame
- Address: Central Square.
The main memorial complex dedicated to the Great Patriotic War is located on the central square of Kansk. Its creation began in 1955 with the Victory Memorial, which is a bronze figure of a soldier. The background of the monument is a mournful black wall with the names of the Kan heroes.
In 2002, the Walk of Fame was opened on the square, consisting of busts of Heroes of the Soviet Union. The most famous monument is the bust of Anelia Krzywoń, an 18-year-old resident of Kansk, who died on her first day of service while saving headquarters documents from a burning car.
Mass grave of Civil War Heroes
- Address: Lenin Square.
The mass grave is located near the Walk of Fame, in the park named after. IN AND. Lenin. The first chairman of the Kansk Association of the Council of Workers', Soldiers' and Peasants' Deputies N.I. is buried here. Korostelev, revolutionary D.S. Petrushin, commanders of the Vaider and Aunev divisions.
All four were shot by Kolchak’s men in 1919. Today, a stone tombstone with a bronze slab is installed at the burial site. During the last restoration, the Eternal Flame was lit at the foot of the monument. The bowl is decorated with a green grave wreath with gold stars.
Mass grave of partisans and residents of Kansk
- Address: Frunze street.
In 1919, the White Terror occurred in Kansk, during which Kolchak’s troops shot civilians and Red Army soldiers. The victims were buried in a mass grave, on the site of which two monuments were erected during the Soviet years:
- granite obelisk topped with a red star;
- stone sculpture of the Red Army banner.
Fraternal cemetery of soldiers who died in hospitals
- Address: Kan-Perevozinsky cemetery.
During the Great Patriotic War, a dozen military hospitals operated in Kansk. From 1941 to 1945, 361 people died from wounds in Caen hospitals. The soldiers were buried in a mass grave, over which an impressive monument was erected in 1979.
It is a red brick wall with bas-relief portraits of three soldiers. On both sides of the bas-reliefs there are boards with the names of deceased men and youths. At the base of the wall there is a stone tombstone with a five-pointed star. The mass grave is located on the territory of the Kan-Perevozinsky cemetery, in a pine forest.
Memorial "Dugout"
- Address: 40 Let Oktyabrya Street.
The monument was erected in 1975. This is a bronze sculpture of a front-line father and his little son, to whom he conveyed his love for the Motherland. The monument is dedicated to the 20 thousand men who left their families in 1941 to fight for the country's freedom.
In 2008, the composition was supplemented with 76-caliber artillery weapons. The memorial complex is located in a pine forest.
Sculptural portrait of the founding fathers of Kansk
- Address: st. Moskovskaya, 51.
In 2003, a monument to the conqueror of Siberia, Ermak, was erected on the territory of the local history museum. The bronze bust is a simple composition, but the sculptor managed to convey the courage and strength of character of the Cossack. Ermak is wearing a Cossack hat, his mustache is dashingly curled, and his gaze reveals steadfastness and intelligence. Kans especially love this monument.
Art objects and sculptures of Kansk
A striking touch to the landscape of Kansk is added by original compositions that were created to decorate the city and lift the spirits of its residents.
Palm alley
- Address: st. 40 years of October.
In 2008, during the famous Cannes Video Festival, this bright alley was “planted”. Despite the name, there are no palm trees here. But there are two-meter carrots, green onions, beautiful but incomprehensible zagibulins, pretzels and other funny “trees”.
The alley was created as a temporary facility, but the townspeople loved it so much that they decided to leave it. Today it is one of the most striking attractions of Kansk. A tent roof was installed over the alley so that the composition would not be damaged by precipitation.
Art object "Bell Tower"
- Address: st. 40 years of October, 62.
Another art object that appeared during the Kansk Video Festival is the “Bell Tower”. It was made from birch logs by the Moscow artist A. Savin. There is a mechanism installed inside the structure that is driven by metal cables, and the bell tower (as it should) makes a ringing sound. In 2014, vandals burned the art object, but it was soon repaired, the cables were replaced, and now the bell tower is like new.
Monument to the Unknown Artist
- Address: Central Square.
The monument to the Unknown Artist was erected in the Central Square. Its author is (ironically) unknown. The artist sits on the asphalt, bowing his head low, and writes the name of his beloved in chalk. It has become a symbol of eternal love. There is a legend among couples that if you stroke an artist on the head, you will find true love.
Bench of reconciliation
- Address: intersection of st. Moskovskaya and st. Lenin.
This art object is also dedicated to the theme of love. It will be useful for couples who have encountered difficulties on the romantic path. The bench is designed in such a way that you can sit on it only by clinging to each other.
The back is decorated with a forged lattice with the image of a heart. Ribbons are tied to it and wishes are made. The bench was created by the Union of Orthodox Youth. Not far from it there is a monument to Peter and Fevronia, which symbolize a strong marriage.
Why are they named like that?
Later the book “Why are they called that?” was published. From the pages of the dictionary we learn not only about the names of settlements, rivers, lakes, hills, we recognize ourselves as residents of Krasnoyarsk, our culture and identity, and above all the language of Central Siberia. He spends his small salary as a teacher on books, magazines, newspapers, and he spent his free time at a heavy desk, constantly working. Each card made by his hands is a unique material, made with exceptional precision and accuracy.
Sports complexes of Kansk: active recreation
There are several active recreation centers in Kansk, each of which develops different sports.
Bowling club "Wild West"
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/bowlingkansk.ww/
The Caen bowling alley is decorated in a Western style: on the walls hang posters depicting cowboys, wild animals and the endless deserts of Texas. Here you can rent a track and have a great time chasing balls and chatting with friends. The bowling club also hosts children's parties. The complex includes a cozy café serving pizza and sandwiches.
Ski resort
- Address: st. Kaytymskaya, 65.
Not far from Kansk there is a popular ski resort. There are four trails on a low hill, partially covered with mixed forest. The longest stretches for 750 meters. The infrastructure includes a children's ski tow and sports equipment rental. It is also possible to use the services of an experienced instructor.
Sports and recreation complex "Dolphin"
- Address: st. Gorky, 44.
"Dolphin" is a multifunctional complex that hosts health programs and competitions in various sports. Tourists are welcome here:
- three swimming pools: a large one with 8 lanes, a children’s pool with a water slide and a three-meter bathtub in which children are taught swimming;
- fitness studio located in a spacious room with mirrors, a ballet barre, sports equipment and an audio system. Suitable for any type of fitness;
- a gym equipped with barbells, dumbbells and treadmills;
- a universal sports hall, where classes in gymnastics, wrestling, tennis, football and basketball are held;
- an outdoor playground designed for volleyball, football and hockey;
- sauna;
- conference hall;
- massage room.
"Dolphin" is the best sports institution in Kansk and is very popular among local residents and tourists.
Tekstilshchik Stadium
- Address: st. 40 years of October, 33.
Tekstilshchik has existed in Kansk since Soviet times. Despite its age, it remains popular thanks to regular repairs and taking into account modern trends. In the summer, football matches are held at the stadium, and folk ensembles perform on the open stage. Health Days with mass exercises and competitions are also held.
In winter, the stadium has a skating rink and hockey and speed skating competitions begin. During free time from training, the skating rink is open to the public. Ice skating enthusiasts note the pleasant atmosphere, high-quality ice and good sports equipment, which can be rented.
Tekstilshchik is also the venue for the closing program of the Kansky Video Festival. On such days there are especially many guests here.
Paintball club "Gladiator"
- Official website: https://ok.ru/gladiator24
The paintball club opened relatively recently and quickly won the love of townspeople and tourists. By appointment, anyone can join a team participating in a strategic game.
Participants are given protective uniforms, masks and, of course, weapons. The game follows an exciting scenario with elements of strategy, combat and risk. The fight between two or more teams takes place in a neglected forest with a lot of loopholes, shelters and false paths.
Both adults and children can sign up for the team. Paintball will provide tourists with a lot of impressions, an adrenaline rush and the acquisition of useful skills.
Don't miss: Sights of the Krasnoyarsk Territory
Where to go for a walk in Kansk and the surrounding area
Wanting to relax in the fresh air, tourists go to secluded parks and magnificent corners of pristine nature.
Natural monument "Sosnovy Bor"
- Address: between st. 40 Let Oktyabrya, st. Muromskaya and st. Herzen.
In 1985, the pine forest located in the center of Kansk was declared a natural monument. It is protected by the state in order to preserve the unique forest area. Ship pines grow in the forest; some are centuries old.
It is prohibited to light fires, litter, cut down trees or collect medicinal herbs on the territory. Nevertheless, the forest is open to visitors. There are ecological trails here, and in winter there is a ski track.
Truly this is a wonderful place for outdoor sports. The air in the forest is considered healing and useful for restoring the respiratory tract and the body as a whole.
Kansky Park of Culture and Recreation
- Address: Krasnoyarskaya street.
The Park of Culture and Recreation was opened during the Soviet years. There were amusement rides and a summer cinema here. Currently there is no entertainment here, but there are beautiful green alleys, walking paths and gazebos in which you can relax.
There is a small playground for children with slides and swings. In the future, they plan to restore the park: return the attractions and improve the area.
You may be interested in the sights of other cities of the Krasnoyarsk Territory - Minusinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Achinsk, Norilsk
Kansk will give tourists a relaxing weekend filled with walks, games and cultural events. This is a pleasant town with a harsh climate, but a cozy atmosphere. In Kansk, travelers will feel at home.
Karaoke bar "Balcony" and restaurant "Perchini"
There are not a lot of bars in the city, so the owners of “Balcony” (Sovetskaya Street, 2, 3rd floor) decided to collect all the best at once. There are burgers, rolls, cocktails, hookahs, and authentic karaoke, where the most popular song is still “A glass of vodka on the table.” And this bar also has a summer terrace - with such a stunning view of the city that it will compensate for any Leps.
There is one way to satisfy both your hunger and thirst for new pleasant experiences at once - go to the Italian restaurant “Perchini”, which is on the first floor of the Siberia Hotel (Kaitymskaya, 65). A unique case: a large federal chain, represented in Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Tomsk, is now also in small Kansk - they say it was not easy for the owners to bring a franchise here. But now in the city there is a place of a completely Krasnoyarsk level, with a varied menu, excellent thin-crust pizza and a cozy summer veranda.
