When you come to any city for the weekend, you have to face the difficulty of choosing places to visit. I want to see as much as possible within one or two days. Not such an easy task given the limited time. Ekaterinburg can well be considered one of the most compact cities with a million population. If you plan your stay in advance, you will be able to see most of the sights.
- Art Museum
- Kharitonovsky Park
- Keyboard Monument
- Wonderland Park "Galileo"
Yekaterinburg is a kind of bridge between Europe and Asia. It is the only official “mountain city” of the Russian Federation. In 2002, a commission of the authoritative organization UNESCO decided to assign Yekaterinburg the status of an ideal city
, one of 12 on the planet.
Here history is perfectly combined with modernity. The city has a lot of skyscrapers, shopping and entertainment centers, and recreational facilities. At the same time, the capital of the Urals boasts an abundance of architectural monuments in the constructivist style that have survived to this day. In terms of population, Ekaterinburg is the fourth among Russian cities, second only to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The city got its name in honor of Ekaterina Alekseevna, the wife of Peter I. There are a lot of attractions in Yekaterinburg. One day may not be enough to see them.
There is an option for the optimal route in 1 day. It will allow you to “quickly”, but at the same time informatively travel around the city. Through the efforts of the Yekaterinburg administration and caring citizens, it was possible not only to preserve a lot of historical, cultural and architectural monuments, but also to achieve their harmonious combination with modern objects that are of interest to tourists.
Main attractions (1 day itinerary)
Vayner Street
You should start exploring the city from Weiner Street. It is always crowded here, with plenty of tourists and locals. The main pedestrian street of Yekaterinburg is preferred by walkers. Numerous shopping centers offer a large selection of goods. There are also plenty of souvenirs here, which are so important for any tourist. During the walk you will be able to admire the original sculptural images, in particular, “Lovers”, “Peddler”, “ Friends”
"
There was a place for pop idol Michael Jackson
.
Fans of the sitcom “ Happy Together
” will appreciate the figure of Gena Bukin, one of the main characters of the series.
Weiner Street in summer
Weiner Street is an ideal place for regular performances by street clowns, actors and musicians. In the winter months, you can spend time on a specially poured skating rink and visit ice sculpture exhibitions.
Square 1905
Finishing your walk along Weiner Street, you have the opportunity to find yourself at the next attraction. We are talking about the square of 1905. It is easy for connoisseurs of Russian history to understand the reason for this name and remember the events that were fateful for the entire state. Part of the current territory of the square was previously called Church Square, and later Cathedral Square. The other part was called Trading. In 1905, Ekaterinburg workers gathered here for the first rallies. The year 1930 was dramatic for Yekaterinburg. The authorities decided to demolish (explode) the Epiphany Cathedral, the main Orthodox church in the city at that time. Since then, the appearance of the square has changed little. At the moment, in its central part there is a building in which the city administration is located. Read more about the history of the square here.
Main square of the city
When leaving the square, you should turn onto Lenin Street. It will lead directly to Plotinka on Iset, another famous landmark of Yekaterinburg.
Dam
There has been a dam on the City Pond since 1723. It was repeatedly reconstructed. The opening of a plant was expected in the city at that time. The company needed mechanical energy in sufficient quantities to ensure full operation of the equipment. The constructed structure not only effectively coped with its immediate function. In fact, thanks to the dam, the construction of the city began.
Ekaterinburg dam
Ural larch was used to build the factory dam.
. This is a unique wood that is not susceptible to rotting after prolonged exposure to water. The wood becomes stronger, as if it turns to stone, ensuring the strength of the structure for many decades. The dam has undergone restoration work several times. Despite this, the structure has been preserved as close as possible to its original condition. The dam is one of the oldest such structures in the entire country.
Local residents have a special reverent attitude towards the dam. It is no coincidence that they call the structure “Dam”. On holidays, mass celebrations are held here. Young people and students often walk here. Couples in love make dates on Plotinka. Newlyweds specially come to the dam for photo sessions. Children especially enjoy feeding bread to the ducks swimming in the local ponds near the dam. Externally, “Plotinka” is similar to a bridge, since it is located between a pond on one side and a river on the other. During the summer months, boats and catamarans can be rented.
Read more about the history of Plotinka.
Sevastyanov's House
This unique building can be seen while still on Plotinka. You cannot visit inside, since the mansion is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. However, nothing prevents you from admiring the house from the outside, its architectural elements made in the neo-Gothic style. The mansion is located in a special place in the city, where Lenin Avenue and Gorky Street
. The construction of the house was a large-scale project for that time. It ended in the first years of the 19th century. The Sevastyanov House, which has been repeatedly remodeled and even partially destroyed, seems to symbolize the difficult, at times dramatic history of Yekaterinburg in the first half of the last century.
Sevastyanov's House
Numerous legends are associated with this mansion. One of the city stories talks about the intention of the owner of the house to decorate the roof of the rotunda of the building with gold. Sevastyanov repeatedly had the opportunity to submit petitions on this matter to the imperial chancellery. There was a categorical refusal from there. Only temple domes are suitable for plating with gold. Moreover, Sevastyanov, who risked turning to the emperor with such a daring request, was punished. He had to go to the nearest church in the morning, wearing cast-iron galoshes.
Another legend is no less dramatic. Having completed the construction of a luxurious house, Sebastianov did not intend to settle in it. He chose to live in a small house opposite his architectural masterpiece. Contemporaries believed that the idea of such an expensive construction arose because of Sevastyanov’s desire to awaken feelings of envy among the townspeople. Every evening Nikolai Ivanovich sat on a bench and admired the palace. Subsequently, the owner of the house went bankrupt. He had to sell his creation. The new owner turned out to be the Ministry of Justice.
Read more about the Sevastyanov House.
Temple on blood
One of the most significant sights of Yekaterinburg, having both historical and spiritual value. The temple was erected in 2003 in the place where the infamous Ipatiev House
, requisitioned from its owner in 1918 by representatives of the Soviet government specifically for the temporary accommodation of the royal family.
Close relatives of the last Russian emperor, including his minor son, who were arrested along with Nicholas II The execution took place on the night of July 17.
Church on the Blood in Yekaterinburg
The mansion stood in the city until 1975, when members of the Politburo adopted a (secret) resolution on the need for its demolition. The liquidation of the house of engineer Ipatiev took place under the direct leadership of Boris Yeltsin, at that time the first secretary of the Sverdlovsk regional party committee.
The Church on the Blood is open to the public every day. Divine services are held in the morning and evening hours. You should visit the temple if only to appreciate the grandeur of its decoration, replete with red, white and gold shades.
Square in front of the temple
In front of the temple is a complex of sculptural images of members of the royal family. Regardless of the time of year, especially in spring and summer, you can see newlyweds here. Even if the future spouses do not intend to get married in the Church on the Blood, they will definitely take pictures against its background. There is a magnificent view for photo sessions. The temple is located on a hill. Closer towards the river are two bronze sculptures. These are Peter and Fevronia, saints who are the patrons of a strong family, sincere love and marital fidelity. There are many apple trees on the green slope nearby the sculptures. The trees bloom profusely in May, adding sophistication and color to this unusual place.
More about the Church on the Blood
Observation deck at Vysotsky
Yekaterinburg is distinguished by numerous beautiful views. You can take great pictures against their background. It’s worth visiting the observation deck for impressive photos. It is located in a 54-story skyscraper, the very first such building in the city. City guests admiring the surroundings are at an altitude of 52 floors. The skyscraper is named after the actor and musician Vladimir Vysotsky. On good clear days, visibility from here is 25 kilometers in radius.
View of Yekaterinburg from the observation deck
The Vysotsky observation deck allows you to see the diversity of Yekaterinburg. Many ancient low houses harmoniously coexist with new high-rise buildings built in high-tech style. From above you can see an abundance of squares and parks, domes of local churches, squares, and stadiums. This splendor is complemented by the river, like a ribbon shining with silver. Ekaterinburg is easy to explore on your own, visiting its most interesting places. There is also the possibility of a virtual tour. Thanks to the audio guide, city guests receive a lot of educational information about Yekaterinburg, its history, and attractions.
If your stay in the city is not limited to one day, you should definitely visit the main museum exhibitions.
Entertainment
Skyscraper "Vysotsky" with an observation deck
Address: st. Malysheva, 51 Phone: Website: https://www.visotsky-e.ru Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00, visiting at night - by agreement. Cost of the observation deck on weekdays:
- Adult – 250 rubles
- Children (up to 12 years old) – 150 rubles
- Pensioners, students, schoolchildren – 200 rubles
- Disabled people and veterans – free.
On weekends and holidays, in the evening:
- Adult – 3000 rubles
- Children (up to 12 years old) – 240 rubles
Night visit by an adult – 500 rubles.
The cost of the apartment for a couple: 1.5 hours, room in the southern direction - 3500 rubles, western direction - 5500 rubles, plus 500 rubles for each child, friend or relative.
The northernmost skyscraper in the world was built in Yekaterinburg in the winter of 2011 and immediately became one of the symbols of the city. Its total height is 188 meters, but already at the 180th you will find an observation deck with a magnificent view of the city. Above it there is a platform for helicopters and one floor of expensive apartments, which are rented by the hour.
The price of visiting the observation deck includes an audio guide with a story about the history of the city and its surroundings, do not hesitate to remind the staff about this!
Observation deck business business
Address: st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, 10 Phone: Website: https://www.antey-e.ru Opening hours: from 12:00 to 24:00 Cost: 50 rubles.
The site is located on the 22nd floor of the building at an altitude of 76 meters. This is not as high as in the Vysotsky skyscraper, but there are a number of other advantages: the price is much lower and the operating time is longer. It is also possible to arrange an overnight visit by telephone.
During the day, the central and Kirov districts of the city, the massive building of the state university, the pond located within the city, and the 1905 Square are clearly visible from the site.
In the evening, you can admire the sunset on the seemingly close horizon and catch a touch of futurism in the beautifully illuminated buildings of the city at night.
Yekaterinburg Zoo
Address: st. Mamina-Sibiryaka, 189 Phone: Website: https://www.ekazoo.ru Opening hours: Mon – Fri from 10:00 to 19:00, Sat – Sun from 10:00 to 20:00 Cost: adults – 300 rubles , children under 14 years old, students and pensioners - 100 rubles, children under 5 years old - free. When purchasing tickets on the zoo's website there is a 10% discount!
Thanks to a well-established exchange of adult animals and cubs, today the zoo contains more than 380 species of animals.
Five pavilions were built on the territory for heat-loving animals: monkeys, elephants, predators and reptiles from southern countries. The animals and birds of prey of Russia, bears and Amur tigers are kept outdoors.
Of all the zoos in Russia, only in Yekaterinburg you can see adult individuals and cubs of Egyptian herons, ibises and Madagascar fossas.
Museums of Ekaterinburg
The city is famous for its museums, of which there are about 60, and art galleries that can satisfy the needs of even the most sophisticated aesthetes.
Museum of the History of Stone-Cutting and Jewelry Art
There is an abundance of precious and semi-precious stones in the Ural Mountains. Mineral mining has been going on here for centuries. In its historical development, Yekaterinburg, like the entire region, is inextricably linked with jewelry. Local stone-cutters also contributed to the development of the Urals.
Exhibition of the Museum of Stone-Cutting Art
The area of the museum is not very large. It is limited to eight exhibition halls. The situation is similar with most museums in Yekaterinburg. Previously, this building was the Mountain Pharmacy. The structure appeared in the 20s of the 19th century through the efforts of the architect M.P. Malakhov. Despite the small size of the premises, there are magnificent collections here. They make a particularly strong impression on the fair sex. It is difficult to take your eyes off the unique jewelry created in different decades by the best craftsmen of the Urals.
In the Emerald Room of the Museum
If you are interested in the jewelry wealth and diversity of the region, you should definitely visit the “ Emerald Room”
" It contains approximately 400 exhibits, the real pride of the museum fund. Emeralds are striking in their uniqueness; the type of stones called “Zvezdar” and “New Year’s” is especially impressive. Also in the collection are alexandrites, phenactites, aquamarines, and beryls. There are several precious stones discovered at the Malyshevskoye deposit. They differ in cut characteristics and degree of purity. The real masterpieces are the products created by the joint-stock company “Jewelers of the Urals”. There are works that A.S. worked on. Panfilov, L.F. Ustyantsev, glorious masters of the Ural jewelry school. The exhibition includes jewelry from the famous factory I.P. Khlebnikov (Moscow).
Yeltsin Center
One of the newest attractions in the city. The birthplace of Boris Nikolaevich is Butka, a village in the Talitsky district. However, for certain reasons, Yekaterinburg was chosen for the construction of the Presidential Center. Yeltsin had sympathy for Western traditions. The architectural complex arose by analogy with the centers organized by US presidents.
Yeltsin Center building
The building is designed in a modern style. The shore of the pond, one of the best places in Yekaterinburg, was chosen for its construction. The lighting of the façade, covering an area of over 2000 square meters,
. LED strips were used, the total length of which is 28 kilometers. The lighting project was carried out by Stefan Hoffmann, a German lighting designer. It is no coincidence that the building is incredibly beautiful in the evening.
When visiting the Yeltsin Center, be sure to visit the local museum, one of the most professional cultural institutions of this type in the entire country. The life and professional path of the first Russian President is presented in nine halls. In the format of seven episodes, the most important days in life and political activity, the exhibition organizers managed to depict Boris Yeltsin’s tenure as head of state. It's also worth visiting the bookstore. There is a large assortment of historical, journalistic, and fiction literature. There are also shops in the Center where you can buy souvenirs.
Car of the first president of Russia
A few hours of excursion will definitely work up an appetite. You can quench your thirst and hunger in the establishments of the Yeltsin Center. Visits to the buffet and cafe are available for children and adults. Gourmets can visit the local restaurant, which is huge, but almost always half empty, with free tables. Only visitors to the Yeltsin Center have the opportunity to experience the special taste of bird cherry cake or curd cookies. Naina Yeltsin, the wife of the first President of the Russian Federation, knows how to cook these pastries masterfully.
Read more about the museum...
Vysotsky Museum
The opening of the memorial museum took place in 2012. It is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the birth of the legendary actor, singer, poet, and composer. To get acquainted with the exhibits, you need to visit the second and third floors of the skyscraper called “Vysotsky”. By the way, this high-rise building in Yekaterinburg is the northernmost building of this type on the planet. "Vysotsky" is taller than all skyscrapers in the Russian Federation, with the exception of those built in Moscow.
Vysotsky Memorial Museum
The creation of the museum became possible thanks to the active participation of Andrei Gavrilovsky, who was fascinated by the work of Vladimir Vysotsky from an early age. He invested not only finances, but part of his soul into a noble cause. This is easy for all museum visitors to see. Some exhibits appeared thanks to the capital's Vysotsky Museum, where they were previously housed, before being transferred to Yekaterinburg.
Some of Vysotsky’s personal belongings were donated to the Yekaterinburg museum by Nikita, Vladimir Semenovich’s own son. He also contributed to Gavrilovsky’s acquaintance with Vasily Bogachev, an artist who subsequently provided significant assistance in the design of the museum. Ordinary residents of Yekaterinburg also contributed to the replenishment of the exhibitions. These items also found a place in the Vysotsky Museum.
What to bring from Yekaterinburg
Cheese from Ural cheese dairies
Hard and semi-hard Tavatui cheeses - cachotta, tom, cheddar, caciocavallo - will definitely survive the trip home without losing their taste. This product is a must try and take with you, because it is prepared at one of the best Ural cheese dairies. Cheese made from fresh milk without additives is aged in a stone cellar using French sourdough, so it turns out tender and tasty. A set of four types of cheese in a gift box is suitable as a souvenir.
Clothes and accessories
Clothing from the Ural brand URALS is a practical gift to remember the city. For example, you can take a belt bag, a T-shirt or a bright hoodie.
Yekaterinburg is called the third capital of Russian rock, so clothing with rock attributes is also popular here. It was in the Urals that the Sverdlovsk rock club was born at the end of the 80s, where Agatha Christie, Chaif and Nautilus Pompilius began their journey.
Ural souvenirs
Gifts with a Ural theme can be found in the El online store. For example, they sell “Dirt in the Soul” soap, “Ural” cut glass, “Anton is here” sweatshirt, “Ural. Harsh. Delicious" and many other souvenirs.
Where to go for a walk in Yekaterinburg
Kharitonovsky Park
The oldest and richest in legends of Ekaterinburg park. It is located a short distance from the Church on the Blood. The appearance of the park was facilitated by the Kharitonov-Rastorguev merchants, gold miners who lived in an estate on the hill. Thanks to their efforts, the first trees appeared in 1826. With the advent of Soviet power in the city, the merchants' real estate was subject to nationalization. The estate became the Palace of Pioneers for many years. At present, clubs and sections of the Palace of Creativity for Children and Youth are organized here.
Kharitonovsky garden in English style
The park is not very large, but it is a pleasant stay, especially on summer days. A man-made pond, the banks of which are abundantly covered with sedge, is pleasing to the eye. Weeping willows are trying to reach the water surface with their branches. There is a small island in the central part of the pond. There is a gazebo on it. Locals call the structure a rotunda. Getting to the gazebo is not difficult; there is a short bridge for this purpose. There are many ducks in the pond. Small boats also appear here from time to time. The park is riddled with paths in different directions. Along one of them you can get to the grotto. Many years ago, merchants used this place to store wine. The servant used a special device to lift the bottles. According to legends, the Rastorguevs used secret passages laid under the territory of the park. However, stories about tunnels have no practical evidence. These “secret passages” have not yet been discovered.
Embankment of the city pond
A quiet and cozy corner of the city, located behind Plotinka. On the other side of the embankment is Lenin Avenue. There is a sense of calm, regularity and silence everywhere here. A completely different Yekaterinburg, without the bustle, rush and noise typical of all modern business and actively developing metropolises. The quarter is replete with old houses, neat paths, and trees. Walking along the embankment, you can see the Dynamo building in a typical constructivist style and the Cosmos cinema. The Isetsky Pond is magnificent, on the opposite bank of which is the Yeltsin Center and the regional administration building. The best time to be on the embankment is early sunrise and late sunset.
Walking along the embankment of the city pond
Historical park “Russia is my history”
The organization of historical parks is a good tradition that covers most regions of the state. Thanks to the large-scale project, knowledge of the history of the Motherland is deepening, and awareness of its contribution to the processes taking place both on the continent and throughout the world is being achieved. Exhibitions operate constantly in Yekaterinburg Park. They are dedicated to important historical events. The exhibitions cover a centuries-old period of time, from ancient Rus' to the present day. Visitors show particular interest in representatives of the Romanov family and the events of the Great Patriotic War. The park also hosts temporary exhibitions, hosts other events, and organizes exciting quests.
Arrow of the pond at Dynamo
The construction of the Dynamo stadium and water station was completed in the 30s of the last century. A 50-meter-long swimming pool was built directly in the river, next to the sports complex. It became a place for regular swimming competitions. Currently, the water in Iset is polluted. Doctors strictly do not recommend swimming in the river.
Sports complex Dynamo
The building of the Dynamo sports complex is a typical and striking example of the constructivist style. Its shape evokes associations with a ship. At the Dynamo metro station you can visit the spacious stadium. There is also a small but cozy park, available for walking at any time. Thanks to the conveniently equipped embankment, this place is preferred by couples in love, mothers with children in strollers, and cycling enthusiasts. In several places there are convenient descents to the reservoir. It is possible to get close to the water to feed the ducks.
Monasteries and churches
Church on the Blood in the name of all the saints who have shone in the Russian land
Address: st. Tolmacheva, 34A Phone: , 371-19-78 Website: https://hram-na-krovi.cerkov.ru Opening hours: daily from 7:30 to 23:00 Cost: free.
There are only three Churches on the Blood in Russia. The first is in Uglich, at the site of the murder of Tsarevich Dimitri, the last of the Rurik dynasty. The second is in St. Petersburg at the site of the death of the Tsar-liberator from serfdom, Alexander II, who was killed, oddly enough, by a representative of the liberated people. The third is located in Yekaterinburg on the site of Ipatiev’s house, in which Nicholas II, his wife, five children and four devoted servants, who died with them voluntarily, were kept and then shot.
The five-domed temple in the Russian-Byzantine style is an architectural and sculptural complex, divided into upper and lower parts. Regular services are held daily in the upper church, only funeral services are held in the lower church. In the premises of the lower church, based on the preserved architectural elements of the basement, the room in which the execution took place was recreated; it is a museum.
A spiral staircase leads from the upper to the lower temple, along which the Romanov family “descends” in a sculptural group to execution.
In memory of the violent death of the royal family, on the night of July 16-17, a liturgy is held annually with a procession of the cross to the Ganina Pit, where the remains of the victims were dumped.
The new bright temple does not have an oppressive atmosphere - it is located in a picturesque space opposite Kharitonovsky Park, to the left of the Iset River embankment. You can see and capture the beautiful view of the temple from the “Voznesenskaya Hill” - Ascension Square near the Church of the Ascension of the Lord.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Address: st. Rosa Luxemburg, 57 Telephone: Opening hours: 07:00-21:00 Mon.-Sun. Cost: free
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is made in the style of classicism. It was built over several decades with the money of the Old Believer merchant Ryazanov. As a privilege, members of the Ryazanov family could come to the temple through an underground passage from their home. Later, the Soviet authorities walled up this passage.
In the twentieth century, the church was also looted. In the 1930s, the House of Culture was located here, and rock concerts were held here in the late 1980s. Only in 1997 the cathedral began to be restored. Today it is considered the main temple in the city.
The location of the modern Holy Trinity Cathedral is very interesting. It is located between the buildings of the Atrium Palace Hotel and the Kozhvendispenser, and there is a city bathhouse nearby. Local residents joke that in this place you can sin, be cured, wash yourself off and beg for forgiveness.
Maximilian Church (Big Chrysostom)
Address: st. March 8, 17 Phone: Website: https://bolshoi-zlatoust.ru Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 Mon.-Sun. Cost: free
In the very heart of Yekaterinburg rises the majestic church-bell tower “Big Chrysostom”. This is a temple with a difficult fate, which is painfully reminiscent of the history of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Big Chrysostom is, in fact, a bell tower located next to the Holy Spirit Church of the 18th century, called “Little Chrysostom”. In 1839, after a severe fire, they wanted to dismantle the temple and build a new one in its place, which would be similar to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. However, these plans failed to come true, and the Synod approved only the construction of the bell tower. It turned out to be simply enormous in size; it even fit two altars. This is how it turned out to be an unusual temple, built in the Russian-Byzantine style.
Before the revolution, the Maximilian Church was the tallest building in the city.
Under Soviet rule, the temple was looted and severely damaged; restoration began in 2006 and lasted seven years. The church reopened its gates to parishioners and tourists only in 2013.
Unusual sights
Keyboard Monument
One of the most original monuments not only of the city, but of the entire country. The placement of massive concrete keys exactly matches the layout of a computer keyboard. The slabs are installed in the middle of the grass, being an additional “highlight” of the slope of the Iset embankment
. By jumping on the keys, you can “type” your name or compose a short text.
Keyboard Monument
The huge keyboard has been here since 2005. She appeared as part of “Long Stories of Yekaterinburg”, and immediately attracted the attention of all festival participants. An unusual “keyboard” project was implemented by Anatoly Vyatkin. The concrete keyboard attracts Yekaterinburg residents and city guests. True, regular maintenance of concrete slabs is required. In the spring, cleanup days are organized here. Activists are cleaning and painting the slabs. From time to time, IT specialists organize exciting computer mouse throwing competitions here.
The Beatles Monument
The originality of the monument to the Liverpool Quartet will be appreciated by fans of the legendary group. It is not difficult to find in Yekaterinburg. From the business center you should move towards Iset. Next you need to walk along the river bank. A brick wall with silhouettes of musicians in the background will catch your eye. This is the first monument to The Beatles in Russia.
Monument to the Fab Four
After admiring the Beatles, you should also pay attention to the graffiti. The phone booth from Doctor Who is impressive. The following picture shows Chester Bennington, the former lead singer of Linkin Park, who passed away in 2022.
White Tower
This industrial facility has a well-deserved status as a symbol of Uralmash. The need for a water tower has long ceased. Its functioning has ceased. The White Tower is actively visited by tourists interested in avant-garde architecture.
Constructivism of Yekaterinburg in the form of the White Tower
The price of visiting as part of a group of tourists is 250 rubles. The cost of ordering an individual tour is 3 thousand rubles. The excursions are conducted by specialists who are committed to preserving the White Tower and returning it “to the life of the city.”
Externally, the structure is not particularly attractive. The peeling plaster evokes melancholy. Rocks are visible in many places. The former bright whiteness is long gone. The tower is now gray. There is a lot of various graffiti on the concrete walls inside. The floor is covered abundantly with crumbled sand. The broken staircase is not in the best condition. However, a visit to this industrial monument should be included in the program of exploring Yekaterinburg.
Hotel "Iset"
The building, which appeared in Yekaterinburg in the 30s of the last century, is distinguished by its unusual architectural forms. The spirit of constructivism is felt. Initially, it was a dormitory for OGPU employees. Later the building became the NKVD Housing Complex. The name exactly corresponds to the specifics of the life of the residents. A common factory-kitchen was intended for their food. Shower rooms were located on the floors for washing. Only decades later a hotel appeared here.
Chekistov town
“Iset” is part of a single architectural complex called the Chekist Town. Local houses were not originally equipped with kitchens and bathrooms. There are many legends associated with the hotel, as with the entire Town. True, many of them are fiction that has no confirmation. For years there were rumors that the construction of the Town was planned in the shape of a hammer and sickle, the state symbols of the USSR. For certain reasons, only part of the buildings that formed the crescent were built. Circumstances did not allow the construction of the hammer-shaped buildings to be completed. The stories are not true. There are many horror stories about torture, for which the extensive basement rooms under the complex were used. Access to the dungeon is still open. You can get there if you use the door in the “Sleeping Dog”, a bar located at 40 Pervomaiskaya.
The hotel is currently not operational. Only restaurants located on the ground floor of the building are accessible to visitors. A few years earlier, Iset became the venue for the Ural Industrial Biennale of Contemporary Art. It was assumed that the event would attract attention to the premises and the hotel would have a new owner. Alas, hopes were not met.
Shartash stone tents
Unlike most of the attractions of Yekaterinburg, the “tents” are not man-made, they are of natural origin. The peculiarity of mountain relief forms is the accumulation of flat boulders. Since the stones are located next to the lake, from a distance they really look like tourist tents. This corner of Yekaterinburg is a natural and cultural heritage and is included in the list of protected sites. The age of the “tents”, over 18 meters high, is approximately 300 million years.
"Tents" made of stones - a natural attraction
The attraction is located on Vysotsky Street. The distance from here to the central part of the city is approximately 2 kilometers. In the 19th century, the heritage was under threat of destruction. Only thanks to the Ural Society of Natural History Lovers have the “tents” survived to this day. Not far from the complex during the Great Patriotic War there was a prison building. Also at that time, active construction of residential buildings began. As a result, the “tents” became an actual part of the city.
Where to go with children
Wonderland Park "Galileo"
The favorite vacation spot of Ekaterinburg children consists of the Labyrinth of Illusions and the IQ zone. In the park you can put into practice the knowledge gained in physics lessons. Without them, it is impossible to pass the IQ zone. There are numerous physical and optical effects. More complex is the Labyrinth of Illusions, in which there is not enough school knowledge. Resourcefulness and ingenuity are needed. Visitors to the park of wonders are guaranteed a lot of emotions and delight.
Entertainment complex Galileo
Yekaterinburg Zoo
The zoo has been operating in the city since 1930. At the time of opening there were approximately 60 animals. Now the Yekaterinburg Zoo has about 400 inhabitants. Among them are 70 rare animals listed in the Red Book. For comfortable living of animals, 5 pavilions are equipped.
In your free time, you can visit the zoo with your child
Yekaterinburg Circus
The circus is named after Valentin Filatov, a famous trainer and honored artist. One of the most unusual buildings on the western bank of the river. Structurally, it is made in the shape of a dome with an overhanging ball. This architectural solution is recognized as one of the most successful and original in all of Europe. The circus has been operating since 1980. True, he is not the first in the city. In 1883, townspeople had the opportunity to attend circus performances. Wood Square was used for the stage. Up to 900 people could watch the circus performers at the same time. The modern version of the circus has approximately 2,500 seats.
Modern Circus of Yekaterinburg
Theater for Young Spectators
Not far from the Rastorguev-Kharitonov estate is the building of the Yekaterinburg Youth Theater, one of the most interesting Russian theaters. You should definitely attend his performance. The team is highly professional. The troupe has repeatedly won awards at prestigious theater festivals. The Ekaterinburg Youth Theater was awarded the “Golden Mask”, the National Russian Theater Award.
The building of the Yekaterinburg Youth Theater
Waterpark Limpopo
The complex opened in 2005. Limpopo is a true oasis of warmth. The water park provides a constant temperature from +28 to + 30 degrees. An excellent place for active recreation on the water and a variety of entertainment. The Ekaterinburg water park has a developed modern infrastructure. There are plenty of water slides of varying degrees of difficulty and swimming pools. Parents can leave their kids in a comfortable children's area and spend time in the spa complex. There is also a corner in “Limpopo” where a comfortable, secluded rest is provided.
It's always summer at Limpopo Waterpark
There are cafes and bars in the food court of the water park. In them, visitors have the opportunity to have both a light snack and a full lunch.
The aqua zone is sufficiently provided with corners for relaxation. There are comfortable sun loungers and tropical plants pleasing to the eye. The walls are decorated with photo wallpapers depicting colorful beach landscapes.
Arboretum
To get to the dendrological park, you need to visit the Kirovsky district of the city. The distance is short from the central part of Yekaterinburg. The arboretum is located in a kind of rectangle formed by Akademicheskaya, Sofya Kovalevskaya, Mira and Pervomaiskaya streets.
Visiting the arboretum on Pervomaiskaya is free and available from 8:00. Citizens and guests of Yekaterinburg can stay there until 22:00. An ideal place for lovers to meet, for romantic walks, and for families to relax. In the arboretum it is easy to meet people of any age, from children to retirees. Here you can not only relax, but also play sports and improve your physical fitness. In summer, cycling is popular, as are Nordic walking and running. In winter, there are a lot of people skiing in the park.
Alley of the dendrological park
A distinctive feature of the arboretum is the attention to detail in all elements of its landscape. High-quality landscape style was created by real professionals. There are a large number and variety of flowering plants, trees, and shrubs here. The rosary is made up of collection varieties. There is an abundance of ducks in the reservoir, feeding which is one of the favorite pastimes of visitors.
The arboretum is magnificent regardless of the time of year. In spring and summer, flowering plants are fragrant here. The park becomes full of bright colors and enchanting aromas. It is comfortable to walk here during the hot summer months. The spreading crowns of the trees create a pleasant coolness.
Autumn in the arboretum is not a “dull time.” The leaves on the tree branches change color. The park is filled with a variety of colors.
In winter, not only walks are available in the park. There is an opportunity for skiing. In winter, the coniferous trees here are especially charming, creating a unique landscape.
It is impossible to see all the sights of the city within 2–3 days. However, this is an excellent reason to visit Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals, again!
Author of the article: Nikitin Anatoly
