Saratov stands on the banks of the Volga. At first glance, this great river is the only attraction for tourists, but this is just a common misconception. In fact, there are many interesting places and architectural monuments in the city that you must see. There are also museums with rich collections telling about the history of the region, and picturesque parks where it is pleasant to take a break from the bustle of the city.
Among other things, it is worth noting the Museum-Estate of the famous thinker N.G. Chernyshevsky - a native of Saratov, the Kirov pedestrian avenue, along which it is pleasant to stroll at a leisurely pace, the baroque Holy Trinity Cathedral and the exotic Lemonarium - a piece of bright tropics in the middle of the temperate Volga region.
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What to see and where to go in Saratov?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Victory Park and the monument "Cranes"
The memorial complex "Cranes" was erected in memory of the inhabitants of Saratov who died during the Great Patriotic War. It is located on the territory of Victory Park on Sokolinaya Gora and rises above the city, which makes it possible to notice the silhouette of the monument from a distance of 20 km. The architectural ensemble consists of several parts, each of which is thought out to the smallest detail and has a deep meaning.
Cosmonauts embankment
A street that stretches for 2 km along the Volga to the Saratov bridge. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were docks surrounded by narrow streets on the shore, where cargo was dumped. Landscaping began only with the advent of Soviet power and ended in the 1950s. The embankment was designed in the monumental style of the Stalinist Empire. There are several monuments and a river station here.
Saratov bridge
Reinforced concrete road bridge over the Volgograd reservoir. It connects the cities of Engels and Saratov. The length of the structure is more than 2.8 km, it consists of massive arches fortified on supports. The structure was erected in 1965, in 2005-2013, work was carried out to replace some parts and restore the destroyed elements. Saratov Bridge is one of the symbols of the city.
Kirov Avenue
One of the central streets of the city, where a pedestrian zone was created in the early 2000s. Unofficially, the street is called "Saratov Arbat". The construction of the avenue began in the 19th century. At this time, Germans and French prisoners who had moved at the invitation of Catherine II lived there. Today the street is one of the main tourist attractions in Saratov.
"There are so many golden lights"
A sculptural composition in the center of Saratov dedicated to the song, which is considered an unofficial city anthem. It is made in the form of the figure of a young boy with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. The guy is waiting for his beloved under the clock. The monument was erected in 2009 at the expense of the MegaFon company. For several years of its existence, the statue has literally overgrown with legends.
Monument to the Saratov accordion
Another city symbol, the Saratov accordion, was awarded a separate monument on Kirov Avenue. The sculpture in the shape of a merry accordion player sitting on a bench under a lantern, performing perky melodies, became a present from Express-Volga Bank for the City Day in 2009. Passers-by are often photographed next to the musician, as he has already become a local landmark.
National village of the peoples of the Saratov region
Open-air museum and ethnographic complex, which is located in the Victory Park. Here you can learn about the traditions, culture and life of the peoples living in the Saratov region, try national cuisine. The village also hosts educational events, festivals, concerts, various national holidays and other interesting events.
Church "Soothe My Sorrows"
A temple named after the icon "Quench my sorrows" with the image of the Mother of God. The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of P.M. Zybin. It is a tent-roofed church. In Soviet times, the building served as a city planetarium, so it has been fairly well preserved. In 2006-2008, restoration work was carried out, after which the facade again shone with bright colors.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
The first village church appeared on the site of the cathedral in 1675 on the only town square. In 1684 it burned down, a new building of stone was built in 1695 by “the whole world” - the inhabitants of Saratov took part in the work. This building also did not survive, as it died in the fire of a fire in 1712. The building that has survived to this day was built in the style of the Moscow (Naryshkin) Baroque.
Saratov Conservatory Sobinova
The Conservatory was founded in 1912, it is one of the very first higher educational institutions in Russia, where they taught the art of music. Initially, the institution was named in honor of Tsarevich Alexei, but in Soviet times it was renamed in honor of L.V. Sobinov, a famous opera singer, one of the best representatives of the classical school. The building of the conservatory was built in 1902 according to the project of the architect A. Yu. Yang.
Art Museum. Radishcheva
The gallery is considered one of the most significant art museums in the region. Moreover, in 1885 (after opening) it became the first exposition in Russia that people could visit in large numbers. The collection is based on the works of the marine painter A.P. Bogolyubov. We can say that the painter devoted a significant part of his life to the creation of this museum. Here you can see the canvases of Bryullov, Repin, Surikov, Perov, Aivazovsky.
Saratov Regional Museum of Local Lore
The collection was formed in 1886 as a historical and archaeological museum with private funds. Until 1930, the exposition was located in the building of the Art Museum. Radishchev, then she moved to a classic mansion of the 19th century, where she is to this day. The funds consist of 400 thousand items and continue to be replenished with unique exhibits. Visitors can see collections of various subjects - from archaeological to political.
State Museum of K.A. Fedina
The collection is located on the territory of the 18th century manor - an architectural monument and one of the oldest buildings in the city. The collection is dedicated to the history of 20th century literature. The museum contains manuscripts, books, magazines, art objects - more than 60 thousand items in total. The museum was founded in 1981 and named after K. A. Fedin - Russian and Soviet writer, Hero of Socialist Labor.
Museum-Estate of N. Chernyshevsky
N. Chernyshevsky - philosopher, writer, revolutionary and critic was born and died in Saratov. In 1920, the estate, in which the thinker lived for over 20 years, was transformed into a museum largely thanks to the assistance of A. Lunacharsky. The museum complex includes a memorial house, several outbuildings and an exhibition hall. There is also a scientific library with an archive.
Opera and Ballet Theatre
The history of the Saratov theater began in 1803, when a summer platform for touring groups appeared here. But the first professional troupe was formed in the city only in 1928. Today the stage is one of the best in the Volga region. Works of opera and ballet classics are staged on it. Since 1986, the theater has hosted the Sobinovka Music Festival.
Saratov Circus brothers Nikitin
The circus was founded in 1876 by the Nikitin brothers - artists and part-time entrepreneurs. Previously, circus performances were held at fairs and temporary venues.The first building was built in 1876, in 1931 a new arena was erected for performances according to the project of B.S.Vilensky. In 1963 and 1998, a major reconstruction was carried out. The circus is known for the fact that Walter and Mstislav Zapashny began their careers here.
City Park
The largest park in Saratov is named after M. Gorky. Its history began in the 19th century with an ordinary grove, which was gradually ennobled by the hands of captured Frenchmen (at that time the square was located on the territory of the governor's country estate). At a later time, the site constantly changed owners. The modern appearance of the park began to take shape only in the 1930s.
Park "Lipki"
The park is located in the historical center of the city; it is one of the oldest in Saratov. The date of its foundation is considered to be 1825, at that time it was called "Alexandrovsky Boulevard". Towards the end of the 19th century, alleys were laid here and several hundred trees were planted. In the evenings, the orchestra performed for the public. Today "Lipki" together with the City Park are the favorite places of recreation for the townspeople.
Lemonarium
Lemonarium is a botanical garden where dozens of exotic plant species grow. On its territory, special climatic conditions have been created that allow tropical plants to feel quite comfortable. In gloomy and dull weather, a visit to this place will bring a lot of positive emotions, as it will allow you to at least briefly travel to the country of summer and sun.
City Beach
The beach is located on the island of Pokrovsky Sands. Here you can swim in the Volga, take a break from the hustle and bustle and recuperate. On the shore there are sports grounds, sources of drinking water, benches, changing cabins, a bathroom, swings and slides for children. On fine summer days, it can be crowded here on weekends, as Saratov residents go to the beach with whole families and large companies.
