In this post you will find a route to the most important attractions of Irkutsk for 1 day.
Sights of Irkutsk in one day
Lower Angara embankment
Lower Angara embankment
The most beautiful place for walking stretches 900 meters along the river. The history of the oldest street in Irkutsk began in the 17th century. from a small river pier, where merchant ships moored and lively trade took place.
The lower embankment is decorated with monuments and sculptures, each of which is considered a symbol of the city. The Epiphany Cathedral, the Moscow Gate, the Spasskaya Church and the Eternal Flame are also located here.
All city celebrations, folk festivals and music festivals take place on the Angara embankment. The observation deck is very popular among tourists.
Address: Irkutsk, Right Bank District
Spasskaya Church
Spasskaya Church
The temple was built on the site of a burnt wooden church, which was located on the territory of the Irkutsk Kremlin. The new temple was erected in 1710, but the bell tower, 50 m high, appeared 50 years later.
The Spasskaya Church is considered the first stone building in the city and the only church in Siberia, the outer walls of which are decorated with paintings (early 19th century). The southern façade is decorated with images of saints. On the eastern walls there are 3 compositions depicted at once, in the center of which is the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Address: st. Sukhbaatar, 2, Irkutsk
Opening hours: every day from 8:00 to 19:00
Free admission
Official website: https://spashram-irk.ru/
Akademgorodok
Akademgorodok
A special district of Irkutsk, on the territory of which all the famous research institutes are collected. Construction and improvement began during the Soviet Union, and continues to this day.
Anyone can visit Akademgorodok. The excursion program includes acquaintance with architecture, walks through green squares and beautiful alleys.
About 50 rare unique trees and shrubs grow in the area. You can organize a picnic in the pine forest or just take a walk and breathe in the healing air.
Address: Irkutsk, Sverdlovsk district
Irkutsk Datsan
Irkutsk Datsan
Construction of the Namjal Choidolbing complex began in 2006. The area, surrounded by majestic pine trees, is already home to several Buddhist temples and shrines.
The central place of the complex is reserved for a pagoda, the entrance to which is guarded by statues of majestic lions. There are prayer wheels located near the one-story structure.
Every day at 9:00 a.m. khurals are held in Irkutsk Datsan. At the end, those interested can talk, ask the lamas for advice or find out the future.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Barrikad, 56 B
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00
Icebreaker Museum "Angara"
Icebreaker Museum "Angara"
One of the oldest icebreakers in the world has turned into a museum after 60 years of operation. The ship was built before the Revolution. The ship's parts and hull were manufactured at a plant in the UK. The ship was first launched in 1900.
After restoration work in 1990, the icebreaker was converted into a museum. The first exhibition introduces visitors to the history and development of shipping in the Angara region, and the second is dedicated to the icebreaker "Angara". The most interesting thing in the museum is the captain's cabin.
At the end of the excursion, tourists will be treated to a fascinating film with archival footage about the history of the development of the Russian icebreaker fleet.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Marshala Zhukova, 36 A
Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 19:00 except Monday
Entrance: ticket price from 50 to 150 rubles.
Moscow Gate
Moscow Gate
In honor of the accession to the throne of Alexander I at the beginning of the 19th century, a triumphal arch was erected. Later it received a different name, by which it is still known.
In the last century, it was decided to dismantle the gate. There were no funds for restoration, and the building was in terrible condition. In 2011, the authorities decided to reconstruct an important historical monument.
Today the arch is part of the historical museum and is considered the hallmark of the city. None of the tourist routes bypass this place.
Address: Irkutsk, Nizhnyaya Naberezhnaya, 8/1
House of the Shastin merchants
House of the Shastin merchants
In the middle of the century before last, a building was created, which subsequently received the status of a cultural monument. It was often called the “lace” house thanks to the non-standard solution of the architects.
It was originally built from wood. The fancy decorations were shaped like flowers, small stars and formed winding patterns.
Currently, within the walls of the former possessions of the Shastins, there is an organization for international relations between Irkutsk and European countries. Local residents often call it the House of Europe.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Friedrich Engels, 21
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00; break from 13:00 to 14:00
Entrance: from 120 rub.
Feinberg House
Feinberg House
In the very heart of the city there is a building with an unconventional style. It was erected at the beginning of the last century. Initially, the building belonged to Feinberg, a local public figure. He was going to open a store within its walls.
The project required some changes; over time, an apartment building appeared on this site, which also contained living rooms and premises for household needs.
After the revolution, the building became communal apartments. Now part of the building is reserved for an art college. The house is distinguished by its rich decor and unusual interior. The architectural monument has a rich history, which will be useful for visitors to learn about.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Khalturina, 1
Kharlampievskaya St. Michael the Archangel Church
Kharlampievskaya St. Michael the Archangel Church
One of the oldest churches was built at the end of the 18th century. Initially it was a small wooden building, but later the material was changed to stone.
The church was built with donations from the merchant and traveler Yugov, so locals often called it the Sea Temple. Sailors often came here when setting out on voyages and asking God for blessings.
The building has a rich history. At different times there was an almshouse, a parochial school, an orphanage and a college here.
Rich interior decoration will attract the attention of visitors. It was possible to carry through the centuries all the treasures that had previously been kept within the walls of the temple. Currently, it is the spiritual and educational center of the city.
Address: Irkutsk, st. 5th Army, 59
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00
The entrance is free
Official website: https://harlamp.ru/
Cathedral of the Epiphany
The Cathedral of the Epiphany is one of the most beautiful churches in Irkutsk, a real architectural decoration of the city. In addition, the Epiphany Cathedral, built during the time of Peter I, is one of the oldest stone buildings in all of Eastern Siberia. The light walls of the cathedral are decorated with paintings and carvings, and decorative kokoshniks and elegant window frames give the temple an even more elegant look. The highlight of the temple is the presence of two bell towers, which is extremely rare in Orthodox architecture. The second bell tower was built specifically for the huge Siberian Tsar Bell, cast by a local craftsman at the end of the 18th century. Nowadays, the Cathedral of the Epiphany is one of the most visited attractions in Irkutsk. For several years in a row, the opening of the annual all-Russian festival “Radiance of Russia”, dedicated to Orthodoxy and Russian culture, has been held here.
Sights of the surrounding area of Irkutsk
Tunkinsky National Park
Tunkinsky National Park
A huge territory is divided into the valley of the same name. Everyone will be able to find something to their liking and spend their time wisely.
Tourists will be able to admire the natural beauty, go down to the lakes, and see the rarest plants, many of which are listed in the Red Book. Amazing sights will not escape the attention of curious travelers.
There are natural and archaeological monuments here. Professional guides will help you learn more about them. A huge number of excursions are held in Tunkinsky Park.
You can visit extinct volcanoes, a Buddhist datsan, an ethnographic museum, as well as Lake Khubsugul, which is located nearby.
Address: Republic of Buryatia, Tunkinsky district, village. Kyren, st. Lenina, 130; GPS: 51.68155, 102.13786
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Entrance: 300 rub.
Museum of Wooden Architecture "Taltsy"
Museum of Wooden Architecture "Taltsy"
At the end of the last century, an architectural and ethnographic museum was opened. On its territory there are unique buildings dating from the 17th-20th centuries.
The buildings were specially transported from different parts of the Baikal region. In total, there are 4 main thematic sections, each of which deserves special attention.
Visitors will be able to learn more about the history of the indigenous population, get acquainted with objects of peasant life, and even look into ancient craft workshops. Every year, holidays are held here in honor of the upcoming New Year, Maslenitsa and Easter.
Address: Irkutsk, 47th km, Baikalsky tract; GPS: 51.99585, 104.66487
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 16:00
Entrance: 300 rub.
Pribaikalsky National Park
Pribaikalsky National Park
The grand opening took place in 1986. Today, the total area of one of the most visited places occupies over 500 thousand hectares.
In the park you can find amazing representatives of flora and fauna. Its landscapes are different. Starting from mountain steppes, dense coniferous forests and ending with pebble beaches.
Some plants or animals can only be encountered by visitors within the park. There is a natural uniqueness preserved here that cannot be described in words or photographs. A visit will leave a pleasant impression and will make you linger for several hours.
Address: located on the territory of Slyudyansky, Irkutsk and Olkhonsky districts; GPS: 52.25909, 104.35997
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00, on Monday – until 16:00
Paid entrance
Temple of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God
The Temple of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God occupies an honorable place among the main Orthodox attractions of Irkutsk. It was built at the end of the 19th century at the expense of the Irkutsk millionaire gold miner Evfimy Kuznetsov and other wealthy citizens. For several decades, the Kazan Church was the main religious building in the city of Irkutsk, until in the 30s it was blown up by order of the Soviet leadership. Nowadays, the temple has been completely restored: this time, a large trading company donated funds for its construction. From the outside, the temple is impressive with its colossal size, the splendor of the Byzantine style and a huge bell. The interior decoration of the temple also deserves close attention: the central place is occupied by a luxurious iconostasis made of Indian granite, and the walls are decorated with skillful frescoes based on biblical scenes. And, of course, here you can pray in front of the patroness icon of the temple - the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God.
Where to go in Irkutsk and what else to see
Decembrists Museum
Decembrists Museum
After the suppression of the uprising in St. Petersburg (1825), a large number of participants were executed, and the rest were exiled to Siberia. Princes Trubetskoy and Volkonsky were sent to settle in Irkutsk. The museum’s collection is located in the houses of the disgraced Decembrists.
The interior of the 19th century is recreated as much as possible in the rooms. Visitors can see the furniture of the previous owners, personal belongings of the counts and learn interesting facts from the life of the Volkonsky and Trubetskoy families. Every year in December, the museums host the Decembrist Evenings festival.
Address: Irkutsk, lane. Volkonsky, 10; st. Dzerzhinsky, 64
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Entrance: cost of visiting both estates – 300 rubles; ticket to one museum – 200 rubles. for adults
Art-
Art-
For a long time, the once famous brewery fell into disrepair. Thanks to businessman Efremov, the building and territory have turned into one of the most interesting modern attractions of Irkutsk, bearing the name of the founder of the mead and brewing industry, F. Dorenberg.
The owner has gathered the most creative and imaginative people under one roof. The building houses studios and shops with original products made by local craftsmen. Exhibitions and creative evenings are held in the open square.
In the summer, those who wish can enjoy watching films in the open-air cinema.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Barricade, 51/9
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Victor Bronstein Gallery of Contemporary Art
Victor Bronstein Gallery of Contemporary Art
The exhibition hall has existed in the city quite recently, since 2011. More than 1,500 paintings and sculptures by Siberian masters are exhibited in a huge area. There is a souvenir shop at the gallery.
Most of the paintings are dedicated to the magnificent Siberian landscapes. On separate canvases, the artists depicted significant places in Irkutsk. A special place in the collection is occupied by bronze figurines made by Buryat craftsmen.
In addition to the main exhibition, every month the gallery hosts temporary ones, which present works by Korean, Chinese, and Mongolian artists.
Address: Irkutsk, st. October Revolution, 3
Opening hours: every day from 11:00 to 22:00
Entrance: 150 rub.
Znamensky Monastery
Znamensky Monastery
The oldest convent in Siberia has existed since 1689. The monastery is located in a beautiful place on the banks of the Angara. Several buildings have survived to this day: part of the fence, a church, the Holy Gate, monastic cells and a necropolis.
The monastery is active and included in the list of protected historical and cultural monuments. In the Znamenskaya Church there is the main relic and pride of the monastery - the icon of the Savior Almighty (1791).
For connoisseurs of antiquity, the carved iconostasis and unique icons of the late 18th – early 19th centuries are of interest.
Address: Irkutsk, Right Bank District
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00
The entrance is free
Official website: https://iemp.ru/
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
A beautiful Orthodox church on the outskirts of the city is one of the most visited attractions. The cathedral has been rising in Irkutsk since the end of the 19th century. There are many amazing and sad moments in his story. Beginning in 1936, the church building housed first a stable, then a warehouse, a workshop, and an educational building of a school.
The architecture of the cathedral stands out among other religious buildings in Irkutsk. The complex composition, the symmetry of which is broken only by the bell tower attached to the western wall, is decorated with a row of turrets along the entire diagonal.
The central part of the temple is crowned with a 12-sided drum with a dome. The facade is decorated with paired columns, panels of various shapes and onion kokoshniks, characteristic of the architectural style of the second half of the 19th century. Not only the appearance of the cathedral, but also the interior amazes the imagination.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Barricade, 34/1
Opening hours: every day from 8:00 to 19:00
Free admission
Official website: https://iemp.ru/
Art Museum named after. V.P. Sukacheva
Art Museum named after. V.P. Sukacheva
The richest collection of masterpieces of fine art in Siberia is collected in one place - the Irkutsk Art Museum. The foundation of the funds consists of paintings donated by the city mayor of Irkutsk V.P. Sukachev, who ruled the city for 12 years (1886 - 1898).
The exhibition halls occupy several old mansions located in the central part of Irkutsk. The museum's collection contains many unique exhibits.
The most interesting: the most valuable collection of icons and wooden sculptures made by Siberian masters. The highlight of the museum collections is I. E. Repin’s painting “Beggar Woman. Fishing girl."
Address: Irkutsk, st. Lenina, 5
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday – closed
Entrance: ticket price for adults – 200 rubles, schoolchildren – 100 rubles.
Museum of the History of the City of Irkutsk named after. A.M. Sibiryakova
Museum of the History of the City of Irkutsk named after. A.M. Sibiryakova
The magnificent mansion, built in the mid-19th century, houses a unique collection of exhibits dedicated to the history and development of the capital of Eastern Siberia. The museum collections contain about 120 thousand archaeological finds, books, manuscripts, maps and notes of famous personalities.
Visitors will learn a lot of interesting things about the life, culture, and traditions of indigenous people in different eras. The museum includes 5 branches with thematic exhibitions.
The main building hosts an exhibition that takes visitors back to the founding of the city. The collection of the House of Crafts and Folklore tells about the peculiarities of traditions and customs.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Frank-Kamenetsky, 16 A
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, closed on Wednesdays
Entrance: from 120 rub.
Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore
Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore
The history of the museum began in 1782. The collection of exhibits expanded significantly during the period when the institution came under the control of the Russian Geographical Society.
Now the museum has 7 branches: historical exhibition, nature department, “Window to Asia”, icebreaker “Angara”, Rasputin Museum, KPC named after. Saint Innocent.
In the old mansion (main building) there are permanent exhibitions telling about the ancient Siberian peoples (Evenks and Tofalars).
A separate room displays unique artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic era. The exhibition dedicated to the history of the development of the Angara region deserves special attention.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Karla Marksa, 13
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 daily
Entrance: 200 rub.
Rasputin Museum
Rasputin Museum
Located in a small wooden mansion built in the mid-19th century. An extensive collection is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Russian writer V. Rasputin. The grand opening of the museum took place in 2007. The main part of the exhibits was given to the museum by the son of Valentin Grigorievich.
The tour starts from the ground floor. An exhibition of photographic materials and books from the family archive introduces visitors to the biography of Rasputin.
The first floor of the mansion is dedicated to the creative activity of the writer. Early works, manuscripts and essays are on display here. The highlight of the museum is the study of V.G. Rasputin.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Sverdlova, 20
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, except Monday
Entrance: from 50 rub.
Drama Theater named after. N.P. Okhlopkova
Drama Theater named after. N.P. Okhlopkova
The founders of the first drama theater in the city were Governor General Muravyov-Amursky. From 1850 to 1896, performances took place in a wooden building. In 1897, a 2-story stone building was erected, and 4 years later another floor was added.
The first season opened with the play “The Inspector General,” based on the work of the same name by N.V. Gogol.
The basis of the repertoire of the Irkutsk Drama Theater consists of plays based on works of Russian and foreign classics. The bill also includes modern musical performances.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Karla Marksa, 14
Opening hours: daily from 12:00 to 18:30
Entrance: from 200 rub.
Musical Theater named after. N.M. Zagursky
Musical Theater named after. N.M. Zagursky
The theater opened in the middle of the last century. At the request of local residents, the actors of the theater named after them stayed in the city for a while. Gorky, who were part of the first troupe. The performances were a great success.
The theater was moved to a new building at the end of the 20th century. It is made in the Art Nouveau style and has almost completely preserved its original appearance.
The repertoire is very multifaceted and extensive. Theatergoers and art lovers will definitely be able to find a performance to their liking. Music festivals are held here every year.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Sedova, 29
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00
Entrance: ticket price from 500 rub.
Museum-Estate of V.P. Sukacheva
Museum-Estate of V.P. Sukacheva
The architectural and park complex belonged to the former mayor several decades earlier. The house was built at the end of the last century. To date, many unique exhibits and details of the building have been preserved, which they tried to save during the renovation.
The main building houses a museum, the exhibitions of which allow you to better get acquainted with the extensive biography of the public figure.
The exhibits on display include furniture, works of art from Sukachev’s personal collection, unique papers and household items.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Decembrist events, 112
Opening hours: the ticket office is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays
Entrance: full ticket price 150 rubles, for preferential categories – 50 rubles.
Circus
Circus
The first performance in Irkutsk was shown on the square in 1795. It was then that the Italian dog trainer and acrobat Micheletto came to the city. In 1908, the first circus troupe appeared in Irkutsk.
The largest circus in Siberia and the Far East opened in the city in 1964. The spacious auditorium can accommodate 1,600 people. The arena hosted performances by famous Soviet and Russian artists, as well as tours of circus troupes from Poland, Germany, Bulgaria and Mongolia.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Proletarskaya, 13
Opening hours: the ticket office is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00
Entrance: ticket price from 800 rub.
Irkutsk Experimentarium
Irkutsk Experimentarium
The unusual museum-laboratory opened in 2005. Most of the experimental programs are aimed at children of middle and high school age. Interactive exhibitions give children and adults the opportunity to feel like pioneers.
In the form of an exciting game, children study physical phenomena and discover the secrets of optical illusions. The mirror maze, quest rooms and planetarium are especially popular among the children.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Lermontov, building 289 (1st floor)
Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 19:00
Entrance: for children – 340 rubles, for adults – 380 rubles. Ticket prices for the Planetarium and a visit to the science show are 300 rubles.
Prince Vladimir Monastery
Prince Vladimir Monastery
A men's monastery was formed at the temple in 1903. The Prince Vladimir Church, better known among townspeople as the White Church, was founded on a significant date - the 900th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'. The local merchant Litvintsev acted as a patron of the construction.
The monastery is now operational. On the territory of the monastery, the central place is occupied by an ancient temple. The church building is very similar to a box, decorated with elaborate carvings. The white stone temple is crowned with 5 onion domes, painted sky blue.
No ancient paintings or icons have been preserved in the interior decoration, but during the restoration work the craftsmen tried to give the interior an atmosphere of the 19th century.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Kashtakovskaya, 58
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00
Free admission
Church of the Exaltation of the Cross
Church of the Exaltation of the Cross
One of the oldest Orthodox churches in Irkutsk was built on Krestovaya Hill in 1760. The Church of the Exaltation of the Cross is the only one in which the original interior has been preserved. The paintings and iconostasis were made by masters of the 18th century.
The wedding ceremony of the Russian admiral, explorer of the Far East G. Nevelsky, took place in this temple. In memory of the significant event in 2008, a memorial plaque appeared on one of the walls of the cathedral.
The architecture of the building is strikingly beautiful. The façade is decorated with complex patterns that combine geometric shapes and floral patterns. The decoration is influenced by national motifs of indigenous peoples.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Sedova, 1
Opening hours: Mon. – Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00. Sunday service starts at 7 am
Free admission
Official website: https://iemp.ru/uprav/arh.php
Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God
Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God
One of the few Catholic churches appeared by the end of the 19th century. The church was rebuilt several times. During the Soviet era, the condition of the building fell into disrepair.
It was possible to restore it only a century after its construction. The church has become active again, and dozens of believers are again coming to its doors.
Within the walls of the church there is a large, richly decorated organ hall. Regularly, after a short concert, a service begins.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Sukhbaatar, 1
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 19:00
The entrance is free
Railway station building
Railway station building
In the 19th century The first building of the railway station was built, to which another building was subsequently added. They were connected to each other by a long passage, above which there was a second floor.
Despite the fact that the building was severely damaged several times, restorers managed to preserve its original appearance.
For several hundred years, the railway station has been performing its main functions, without stopping work for a moment. In addition to waiting rooms, you can find shops, cafes and hairdressers inside. For many tourists, a trip around the city begins with getting to know this place.
Address: Irkutsk, Chelnokova street, 1
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Free admission
Nerpinary
Nerpinary
This unique establishment first opened its doors in 2004. The participants in each show are Baikal seals. The animals make the audience hold their breath in anticipation of the next trick.
They live in freshwater lakes, and during the performance they behave like pets. The shows are a huge success among both locals and tourists.
In addition to watching an impressive performance, spectators can purchase souvenirs. One of the most memorable souvenirs can be a picture painted by a seal. A certificate confirming the authenticity of the canvas is also sold along with it.
Address: st. Gorkogo, 101a, Irkutsk
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:30
Entrance: adult ticket – 600 rubles, children’s ticket (under 12 years old) – 400 rubles.
Synagogue
Synagogue
The church was built at the end of the 19th century thanks to donations from Jews. The synagogue has been reconstructed more than once. This was due to frequent fires.
During Soviet times, the building was used for other purposes. By 2009, the synagogue was completely restored and given the name of a historical and cultural monument of the city.
The architectural features of the synagogue are also interesting. The building is built in the shape of the letter "T". Rich decoration attracts the attention of curious tourists. Above the facade there is a dome, which is crowned with the Star of David. Over 300 parishioners can be in the church at the same time.
Address: Irkutsk, st. Karl Liebknecht, 23
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 20:00, on Sunday – from 9:00 to 18:00
Free admission
4. Nerpinary
If you come to Irkutsk with children, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting such an attraction as the Irkutsk seal nursery and see an unforgettable show with the participation of Baikal seals. The Baikal seal is a rare freshwater seal species that lives only in Lake Baikal. In the wild, seals are quite shy and cautious, but in the nerpinarium during a performance they work real miracles. These funny pinnipeds frolic merrily in the water, dance, sing, draw and even count, delighting both children and adults. As a souvenir of your visit to the nerpinarium, you can purchase photographs of your favorite artists, as well as original drawings made by waterfowl “artists.”
FAQ
Where can you go with children in Irkutsk? 130th block, Lower Angara embankment, Irkutsk Datsan, Icebreaker Museum "Angara", Moscow Gate, Irkutsk Experimentarium, Circus, Nerpinarium.
What to see in the Irkutsk region? Tunkinsky National Park, Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture, Pribaikalsky National Park.
What to see in Irkutsk in winter? Count Speransky Square, Irkutsk Datsan, Moscow Gate, Icebreaker Museum "Angara".
General impression
In Irkutsk you can find magnificent merchant mansions, wooden houses with cozy courtyards, and even constructivist projects. It has a rich history, which you can discover in museums, and amazing nature, including the Angara River and Lake Baikal.
A separate plus is the relatively low prices for accommodation, food, taxis and public transport. At the same time, establishments with a decent level of service, fashionable coffee shops and modern hostels are opening. That is why budget tourists will especially like Irkutsk.
Best hotels of Irkutsk
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Church of the Exaltation of the Cross
Address: st. Sedova, 1 Telephone: Opening hours: Mon-Sat - 09:00-19:00, Sun - 07:00-19:00
The first church on Krestovaya Hill was built in 1719. But in the middle of the century it was demolished and the construction of a stone temple began. The work was completed by the end of the 1750s. The church was built in a unique style - Siberian Baroque.
The temple is famous not only for its appearance. It contains more than 600 icons, and 400 of them have artistic value.
With the advent of Soviet power, it was decided to demolish the church, but in 1936 an anti-religious museum was organized here. However, after 7 years, services were restored thanks to the efforts of the religious community.
Kirov Square
Kirov Square, located in the center of Irkutsk, is the main square of the city. Here are the main government institutions and architectural attractions of Irkutsk, including the Spasskaya Church, the Epiphany Cathedral and the Polish Church. In addition, Kirov Square has a wonderful walking area: an abundance of greenery, flowers and a large round fountain invite you to relax in the very center of the city. On holidays, entertainment events are held on the square, and in winter, the main city New Year tree is decorated here and the skating rink is filled.
Decembrists Museum
One of the key events in the history of the Russian Empire was the Decembrist uprising, the participants of which were sent to eternal settlement in Siberia. Irkutsk was also among the notorious Siberian cities. Many exiled Decembrists lived here: the Volkonskys, Trubetskoys, Muravyovs and other representatives of noble noble dynasties, who left a noticeable mark on the culture of the city. At the end of the 20th century, a museum of the Decembrists was opened in the house of Sergei Trubetskoy, where you can get acquainted with the history of the stay of convicted rebels in Irkutsk. Here you can not only see a collection of documents and things that belonged to the exiled Decembrists, but also become a spectator of one of the performances of the Volkonsky Home Theater.
Trubetskoy Estate
Address: st. Dzerzhinsky, 64 Phone: , Website : https://imd38.ru/o-muzee/ Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, Mon, Wed-Sun, Tue - day off. The last Wednesday of the month is sanitary day. In the summer, on Thursdays, the museum is open until 20-00 Cost: entrance fee - 200 rubles, school students, vocational schools - 70 rubles, disabled people of groups I and II - 30 rubles, children under 7 years old - 15 rubles, pensioners, veterans - 70 rubles . Full information on all prices and services here.
The second house included in the Decembrist Memorial Museum is the estate of Prince Sergei Petrovich Trubetskoy. The exact time of its construction is unknown, but presumably the middle of the 19th century. After the revolution, communal apartments were located here, but in the second half of the 20th century, the original interior was restored, and a museum was established in the estate.
An interesting secret of the house is the underground passage leading to Volkonsky’s estate, which was mentioned in manuscripts from the beginning of the last century. Although during the restoration the secret descent was never discovered.
In 1970, the first exhibition “Decembrists in Irkutsk” was presented. The museum is filled with an intelligent atmosphere, reflecting the life of the princely family; their personal belongings and furniture are exhibited. In addition, the estate hosts musical and literary evenings, exhibitions of contemporary artists.
9. Taltsy
The architectural and ethnographic complex “Taltsy” on the banks of the Angara is a unique protected area of the Irkutsk region, by visiting which you can take a fascinating journey through time and get acquainted with the life of the indigenous peoples of the Baikal region. On the territory of the museum complex, ancient sites of Evenks and Buryats are adjacent to later Russian settlements of the 17th – 20th centuries. Here you can see ancient wooden churches, visit the parish school, look into the house of the city Cossack, admire the cascade of mills and watch the work of local craftsmen. The museum often hosts folklore festivals, celebrates national holidays on a grand scale, organizes tea parties at the samovar, and also hosts fascinating master classes on ancient crafts. The perfect end to the excursion will be a hearty lunch at the tavern, where you can taste traditional local dishes: stuffed pike, lingonberry pie and aromatic sbiten.
Moscow triumphal gates
Address: st. Nizhnyaya Embankment, 8/1
A relatively new attraction, but with a long history. The first Moscow Gate was built in 1811 and served several functions: exit to the western part of the state passed through it, it served as an outpost and ceremonial events were held there, and later there was an archive here. In addition, since the building is located on the banks of the Angara River, it was a rescue station.
The Moscow Gate stood for more than a hundred years. And in 1928, due to their deteriorating technical condition, the city administration decided to dismantle them. But in 2009, for the 350th anniversary of the city (2011), it was decided to rebuild them.
The appearance of the arch is completely consistent with the original one: four tiers 19 meters high, more than 16 meters long and 7 meters wide. The facade of the memorial, made in the Empire style, is decorated with stucco, restored from old photographs and descriptions of contemporaries.
