Astrakhan is a real paradise for lovers of hunting and fishing, a land of abundance and sweet watermelons. This is the opinion that most tourists have about this city. It is also the final stopover point for cruise ships sailing from the upper Volga. But Astrakhan can boast not only of delicious fish balyk and excellent caviar, first of all it attracts with its historical sights.
It is worth starting your acquaintance with the city with a visit to the majestic Astrakhan Kremlin, founded under Ivan the Terrible. Then you should definitely walk along the updated embankment, admire the luxurious building of the opera house and, if possible, go to the Astrakhan reserve. And only then go shopping at the famous Selenskiye Isady market.
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What to see and where to go in Astrakhan?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Astrakhan Kremlin
An architectural ensemble consisting of military, civil and religious buildings, which was finally formed in the 16th – 20th centuries. It is located on the Hare Hill and is washed by the Volga and its tributaries. In total, the complex includes 22 objects: seven surviving towers, several cathedrals, gates, barracks, administrative buildings. The length of the Kremlin walls is about 1.5 km, in some places the thickness reaches 12 meters, the height - up to 8 meters. The construction of the stone ensemble began during the reign of Ivan the Terrible two years after the capture of Astrakhan, which was due to the need to defend the lands conquered by the tsar.
Assumption Cathedral
The temple is part of the Astrakhan Kremlin ensemble. It was erected in 1699-1710 according to the project of the architect Dorofey Myakishev in the Moscow Baroque style. The modern building was preceded by a wooden one, which was laid after Ivan the Terrible sent the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God to Astrakhan, and the first stone one, which was dilapidated by the end of the 17th century. A classic three-tiered bell tower was erected separately from the main building.
City embankment
The main walking area of the city is 2 km long. In the middle of the 20th century, the embankment was part of the port area - all landscaping was limited to a few concrete slabs and a square. In 2009, with the financial support of Gazprom, the territory was completely reconstructed: the pavement was laid with artificial stone, lanterns, benches and attractions were installed, lawns were laid out.
Lenin Square
In the 16th century, the Zhitny Dvor adjoining the Kremlin was located on the site of the modern square. In the 19th century, all buildings were demolished and a garden was laid out in honor of the arrival of Alexander II. In the middle of the 20th century, the main city square was created in its place, where several fountains, a monument to V.I.Lenin and a tribune were placed. For the 450th anniversary of the city, the square was once again reconstructed, decorated with architectural "excesses" and giving it a modern look.
Monument to Peter I
The history of Astrakhan is inextricably linked with the name of Peter I. It is believed that it was he who determined the role of the Caspian outpost of the country for the city. In 1717, by the decree of the tsar, the Astrakhan province was established. A monument in his honor was erected in 2002. The figure of Peter I is depicted, as on all statues that adorn many Russian cities, - energetic, fierce, with a burning gaze directed into the distance.
Sculpture "Lady with a Dog"
Bronze figures of a lady and her cute pet appeared on the city embankment in 2012. The heroine of A.P. Chekhov from the work of the same name is depicted in a thoughtful and slightly sad image. Before the Revolution, it was quite common to meet such persons walking the streets and hiding under hats and umbrellas from the sun. The statue was made in the Moscow workshop "Altair".
Cathedral of St. Vladimir
An Orthodox church of the early 20th century, built in a pseudo-Byzantine style, designed by V.A.Kosyakov. During the events of the 1917 Revolution, the building was destroyed, but, nevertheless, survived. In the Soviet period, it was used as a warehouse and a bus station, due to which the interior decoration was badly damaged (for example, they painted over all the murals with images of saints). In 1999, the temple was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Tower of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery
In fact, the tower is the only surviving building of the Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya monastery, destroyed in the 1930s. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the Moscow Baroque style. Many elements of the facade and roof are borrowed from traditional church architecture typical of the 16th – 17th centuries. The tower is made in the form of an octahedron topped with a tent.
Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater
A young music scene founded in 2010. The first concert took place in 2011 - the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra headed by V. Gergiev came on tour. The building is a magnificent example of modern interpretation of Art Nouveau and eclecticism - the facade is decorated with carvings and stucco moldings, wide arches of windows are framed with openwork ornaments, the roof is crowned with several decorative towers. The interior design matches the exterior.
Astrakhan Drama Theater
The dramatic stage has existed in Astrakhan since 1810, for many years it was the cultural center of the city until it shared this honorary title with the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater. The second theater building in the classical style has survived to this day, which was erected towards the end of the 19th century. The repertoire is based on works by Ostrovsky, Griboyedov, Shakespeare, Moliere, Chekhov and Gorky.
Picture gallery named after P.M.Dogadin
Art Museum, presenting a collection of Russian painters of the 18th – 20th centuries. Most of the exhibition is devoted to works in the style of the Russian avant-garde. Here you can also see collections of European engravings and collections of works by artists from the Volga region. Famous canvases include paintings by I.E. Repin, N. Argunov and I. Shishkin. The gallery was founded in 1918.
Museum of Military Glory
The museum was opened in 1975 for the 30th anniversary of the Victory. The collection was housed in a building of the early XX century - the former headquarters of the Astrakhan Cossack army. The exposition consists of weapons, armor (some valuable items date from the 16th – 17th centuries), personal belongings of soldiers, documents, diorama paintings, models and sculptures. Of the nine halls of the museum, five are dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War.
Museum of the history of the city of Astrakhan
The exposition is located on the territory of the house where V. Lenin's father was born. The Ulyanov family has owned the estate since the beginning of the 19th century. Naturally, in Soviet times, there was a museum of the corresponding subject. Exhibits of that era are exhibited in the halls of the museum today: personal belongings of family members, archival documents, historical materials, household items and furnishings.
Astrakhan Museum of Local Lore
The Museum of Local Lore is a whole complex, which includes 14 branches located in the city itself and in the region. Its collection numbers over 300 thousand items and combines archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, natural and other expositions. The main building of the museum is a three-story red brick house of the early 20th century located in Astrakhan.
House of the merchant Tetyushinov
Wooden mansion in 1872, which belonged to the merchant and honorary citizen of Astrakhan G.V. Tetyushinov. The house was built in the Russian style, which is characterized by a large number of decorative carved elements, openwork platbands and a gable roof.A feature of the estate is the presence of wide galleries - summer verandas, where it was pleasant to relax on warm evenings. Today, the museum often hosts folklore festivals, fairs and concerts.
Matrimonial Palace
The Astrakhan registry office is located in a picturesque stone mansion built in 1910, built according to the project of V. B. Varganek-Valdovsky in the style of Art Nouveau with elements of constructivism. The building was built for the stock exchange, but after the Revolution of 1917, its purpose changed. The wedding palace has been located here since 1964. Today this building is a true decoration of the city landscape.
Lovers' bridge
The bridge connects the banks of the Kutum River. It is an obligatory stop for wedding corteges, as a result - dozens of metal locks of love hanging on its fence. It gained popularity after the 2005 reconstruction. In front of the entrance to the bridge, there are metal arches, completely covered with colored ribbons, which are also tied by the newlyweds.
Market "Selenskiye Isady"
Famous city market and popular tourist attraction. It has existed for a century and a half. The main specialization is Astrakhan fish of all possible types. True, they practically do not sell freshly caught, smoked, dried fish, a lot of caviar and fish products are on display. Trade is mainly aimed at tourists, so prices are quite high. Organized tours with tastings can often be seen here.
Swan Lake
The reservoir is located in the city center. Around it is organized a walking area with alleys, decorative lanterns and benches, in the middle there is a picturesque white gazebo. The lake was created for the 450th anniversary of Astrakhan on the basis of a small pond. In summer, this place turns into one of the most popular recreation areas, in winter the water surface freezes and you can skate on it.
Astrakhan reserve
A natural area in the Volga delta, which is home to about 300 species of birds (including several dozen rare ones), including magnificent swans and egrets. The reserve was established in 1919 with the aim of preserving and maintaining the unique natural diversity of the area. 17 species of mammals are also found here: wolves, wild boars, otters, foxes, ermines and other representatives of the fauna.
