10 popular places in Irkutsk
Where does tourist Irkutsk begin? Of course, fr om the 130th quarter. But there are a great many interesting places in Irkutsk, and even after living in this city all my life, it's difficult to get around them all. But it's definitely worth a try.
1. Upper embankment (Gagarin Boulevard)
The upper embankment stretches from the Glazkovsky Bridge to the hydroelectric dam. The most interesting section of the promenade, passing along Gagarin Boulevard.Here you can sit on a bench, admiring the view of the Hangar, wander along the landscaped alleys and look at local monuments: to the fallen policemen, Yuri Gagarin, Alexander III and the Baikal seal. And during the navigation season, river trams depart from the pier on Gagarin Boulevard. A standard walk around the Hangar takes about 30-40 minutes.
2. The island of "Youth"
"Youth" is visited by local residents and guests of the city on any day of the week, regardless of the time of year. On its territory there is a small forest area, which has been refined with skillful hands and turned into a shady park: there are asphalt paths, comfortable benches, as well as various things for a pleasant pastime. The island can be reached via the road located near the shopping and entertainment center "Yarkomall", and the bridge from Gagarin Boulevard. There is also a children's railway and a large Ferris wheel on the island. The island of "Youth" is a great place to have a good time with your family.
3. Karl Marx Street
If you want to visit somewhere in Paris, but at the same time staying in Irkutsk, then you definitely need to visit this street. Karl Marx Street is one of the main streets of Irkutsk. The former names are Bolshaya Perspektivnaya and Bolshaya. The length of the street is 2350 m.
Karl Marx Street always attracts with its fascinating views and buildings. There are many buildings of various styles from constructivism and neoclassicism to Art Nouveau. A street that is definitely worth visiting.
4. The Museum "At the dump"
This is the only museum in the world based on an active landfill. Its history began with the gate, which the employees of the landfill of household waste built from garbage. The entrance group turned out to be in the form of a prison. Next came two life-size frigates, armed knights in armor and other exhibits made from waste. In addition to homemade objects, the museum "At the dump" has an exhibition of curious things found among the mountains of discarded garbage.
5. Lower Angara embankment
The two-level Lower embankment of Irkutsk is located in the historical center. Its length reaches almost 2.5 km.This is one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city. The main attractions of the promenade include the Cathedral of the Epiphany, the Moscow Gate (Triumphal Arch), the sculpture of Saints Peter and Fevronia and the monument to the founders of the city. Walking along the embankment, you can not miss the observation deck located on the lower tier.
6. The Decembrist Museum
After the unsuccessful uprising on the Senate Square, some nobles were exiled to Siberia, or rather to Irkutsk. The wives of the Decembrists went into exile together with their husbands. To this day, the houses of the Trubetskys and Volkonskys have been preserved in the capital of the Baikal region. They formed the basis of the Decembrist Museum. Here are stored the authentic things of the Decembrists, telling about their life in hard labor and exile.
7. "Nerpinarium"
The Baikal Seal Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist locations in the city. All the seals got here as toddlers — some were snatched from the hands of poachers, others were rescued from natural traps. For several years, the cubs were nursed, fattened and taught various tricks. During performances, Baikal seals perform acrobatic numbers, sing, dance and even draw.
8. «130 quarter»
Irkutsk Sloboda or 130 block is a zone in which the monuments of architecture and history of the city of the XVIII — early XX centuries are concentrated. Some of the buildings were moved here from other parts of the city, another part was rebuilt, thus creating a historical center. At the moment, more than 60 houses can be seen in the 130th quarter. 130 block is famous for a large number of beautiful buildings, restaurants and clothing stores. And there is also a planetarium here.
9. Angara Icebreaker Museum
The Angara icebreaker is among the oldest not only in Russia, but also in the world. It was launched on Lake Baikal in 1900. The ship served the Russian and Soviet fleets for more than 60 years. Since 1990, it has been permanently parked on the shore of the Irkutsk reservoir and works as a museum. The exposition tells about the history of the ship itself, as well as about the history of shipping on Lake Baikal. It is especially interesting to look at the partially recreated environment and personal belongings of the crew members.
10. Uritsky Street
Another picturesque street in Irkutsk. 1st Arsenalnaya, Pesterevskaya, Uritsky. Three names of one of the oldest streets in Irkutsk, which has an unspoken folk name - Irkutsk Arbat. Almost all the stone buildings on it are monuments of regional significance. There are many buildings built in the style of classicism, Empire and Stalinist Empire. As in the old days, Uritsky Street is a shopping street. There are many shops and cafes, as well as quiet coffee shops wh ere you can spend time.
