Founded in the 17th century, the city of Ulan-Ude developed slowly. He was constantly under the influence of neighboring regions, but managed to preserve the national Buryat flavor. For the above reason, the sights here are very different: the legacy of communism, like the huge head of Lenin, echoes of tsarist Russia, for example, the triumphal arch, and ethnographic museums telling about the past of the republic.
Buddhism and nature are the main tourist destinations associated with Ulan-Ude. The datsans set themselves the task of attracting not only deeply religious followers, but also those who are still simply interested in religion. Tourist excursions to Lake Baikal are sent from the city on a regular basis. The unique lake is a magnet for guests of the republic.
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What to see and where to go in Ulan-Ude?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Datsan "Rinpoche Bagsha"
It is located at the highest point of the city - on Lysaya Gora. This Buddhist center aims to educate not only followers of the religion, but also those who feel close to Buddhism. Datsan was opened in 2000. 4 years later, the largest gilded statue of Buddha in Russia was erected here, and another 5 years later - the largest bell. One of the relics is a special rosary weighing 350 kg.
Soviet Square
The central square of the city, which in the past was called Nagornaya. They began to equip the territory in the 18th century. From here the road stretched to the Odigitrievsky Cathedral - the first building in Ulan-Ude, built of stone. Later, two tracts appeared. There are many significant objects near the square. Among them are the Opera and Ballet Theater, a monument to Lenin and the "Tsar's Gate" arch, rebuilt in 2006.
Lenin monument
This is the largest head of the leader of the proletariat in the world. The installation was timed to coincide with the centenary of Lenin's birth - to 1971. The sculptors, father and son of Nerod, were commissioned to create a monument to replace three existing monuments in the city. They chose a not quite typical approach and presented their project at international exhibitions. The height of the head together with the pedestal is 14 meters, the weight is over 42 tons.
Revolution square
The first city square, whose history begins in the 18th century. Was the venue for large fairs. For some time, there were even permanent shopping arcades here. The new name came after the revolution: rallies and popular gatherings were held on the square. The name was officially fixed in 1924. The main attraction is the monument to the fighters for communism, which previously stood on the Soviet Square.
Lenin Street
During its existence, it has changed several names. It was named Traktova because of the Siberian tract and Nikolaevskaya after the Tsarevich's arrival in the city. Although trees were planted here after Lenin's death, the pedestrian zone was opened only in 2004. It stretches from Sovetskaya to Kirov Street. On the Ulan-Ude Arbat, there are sculptural compositions, architectural monuments and even a triumphal arch.
Triumphal Arch "Tsar's Gate"
It was erected in honor of Tsarevich Nicholas' visit to the city in 1891. The arch was decorated with decorative elements. The first to suffer after the revolution were the two-headed eagles. The rest of the structure stood until 1936, but in the end it was also destroyed. By 2006, the arch was restored according to the old project, but increased in size. Now the height is 9 meters, and the width is about 14 meters.
Odigitrievsky Cathedral
Location - the bank of the Uda. The construction was carried out on donations from merchants. It lasted 44 years. The cathedral was consecrated in 1785. All three parts of the composition: the temple, the bell tower and the refectory are connected, therefore they look like a monolith. In the late 1920s, the cathedral was closed. The buildings survived, as there was a museum inside. Starting in 1992, the church began to be handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church in stages. Now the cathedral is a cathedral.
Buryat Opera and Ballet Theater
Founded in 1939. The theater began to develop from a local music school. He quickly gained momentum and began to collect full houses. But there were problems with the construction of the building, since the war began. It was passed only in the early 50s. The architectural style - the Stalinist Empire style - is quite typical for that time. In the 2000s, there was a period of reconstruction. In addition to the façade and stage, it is planned to renovate the rehearsal rooms.
Russian Drama Theater. Bestuzheva
The first professional theater of the republic has existed since 1928. Then guest performers from Moscow came to the city and accepted the offer to stay in Ulan-Ude. There were repeated changes of the troupe's collective and relocations. Since 1991, the theater has been named after the Decembrist Bestuzhev, and since 2009 it has occupied a purpose-built building. There is a cascade of fountains in front of the facade. There is a theater lovers club and a museum inside.
Museum of Nature of Buryatia
The only one of its kind in the Far East and Siberia. It opened in 1983, although the collection began to form a few years before. The exhibits are displayed in 5 halls. The museum is engaged in environmental education. Much attention is paid to the interaction of man with nature. The diversity of the Buryat flora and fauna is also described. The center of the exposition is Lake Baikal and its features.
Museum of the History of Buryatia
One of the oldest museums in Siberia. The year of its creation is considered to be 1919, although it was opened to visitors only a few years later. The first exhibit is a clock made by the Decembrist Bestuzhev during his hard labor. Since the funds reached the mark of 100 thousand storage units, the museum was allocated a spacious building - a former merchant store. Among the exhibits are objects of worship, numismatics, old books and clothing items.
Museum of the history of the city of Ulan-Ude
Year of foundation - 1999. The exposition is dedicated to significant events from the past and present of the Buryat capital. Since 2001, the collection has been exhibited in the former house of the merchant Goldobin, an honorary resident of the city. The mansion is known for the fact that the Tsarevich, the future Tsar Nicholas II, stayed here. There are 6 permanent exhibitions in total. The museum also accepts guest collections.
Art Museum. Sampilova
In 1946, when the museum first opened, its few funds consisted mainly of works by local artists. A year after the first exhibition, the collection was replenished with works of art from the Russian Museum. Now the exposition includes not only painting and graphics, but also national arts and crafts and jewelry of different eras and techniques.
Monument "Mother of Buryatia"
It has several other names, including - "Buryat Statue of Liberty" and "Hospitable Buryatia". The tallest monument in the city was erected in 2002 in the central part of Ulan-Ude. In 2008, it was moved to the Selenginsky Bridge, as there were few attractions in the area. The sculptor Mironov depicted Buryatia as a woman with a national khadak in her hands. Height with a pedestal - about 16 meters.
Monument to Geser
Inaugurated in 2006. Dedicated to a brave warrior - the hero of local myths. Geser is found in the legends of not only the Buryats, but also the Mongols. He is depicted sitting on a horse, as if he is now guarding the city's tranquility. The height of the sculpture itself, including the spear, is about 9 meters. The Victory Park was chosen as the installation site. The monument is clearly visible from here; any sightseeing tour is not complete without visiting Geser.
Victory Memorial
It is a complex of several objects. The central role is assigned to the T-34 tank, installed here in 1967. A decorative sculptural composition appeared nearby in 2000.A few years later, the monument was supplemented with the "Eternal Flame" and a wall with portraits of the heroes of the USSR who were born in Buryatia. The monument has tablets indicating important dates and explaining what it is dedicated to.
Ethnographic Museum of the Peoples of Transbaikalia
Opened in the suburb of Ulan-Ude in 1973. One of the largest open-air museums in Russia in terms of area: covers an area of 37 hectares. The territory is divided into 7 ethnographic complexes. About 11 thousand exhibits and about 40 architectural monuments are exhibited here. There is also an extended version of the living area at the museum. The pets are typical representatives of the local fauna.
Ivolginsky datsan
It is located in the Upper Ivolga, which is 30 km from the capital of the republic. Construction was completed in 1945. This complex is called "Khambyn Sume". It is the center of Russian Buddhism and the residence of the head of the country's Buddhism. There are several temples, university buildings, a hotel for tourists and a museum on the territory. The interior decoration is striking with splendor: the walls are decorated with originals of art objects and precious stones.
Ethnic complex "Steppe nomad"
It is located at the foot of Mount Tamkhita, which is considered sacred. Guests are offered a wide cultural program. You can get acquainted with the customs of the Buryats not only in theory, but also in practice. For example, try local cuisine, stay in felt yurts, play traditional folk games, or go horseback riding. From here excursions to the nearby datsan go.
Lake Baikal
The deepest lake on the planet. Although it is almost 140 km from the nearest shore of Lake Baikal to Ulan-Ude, tourists prefer to spend time on the road, but to see this natural miracle. Area - 31.7 thousand km², depth - up to 1642 meters. Unique plants and animals are found on the coast and islands. The area is rich in natural and historical monuments, including the Frolikha tract, Chersky peak, the Baikal harbor lighthouse.
