Top 20 Astrakhan Attractions, Russia

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. And yet - this is the final stop of cruise ships following from the upper reaches of the Volga. But Astrakhan boasts not only delicious fish salmon and excellent caviar, but 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. Next, you should definitely walk along the renovated embankment, admire the luxurious building of the Opera House and, if possible, go to the Astrakhan Nature Reserve. And only then go shopping at the famous Selenskiye Isady market.

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, finally formed in the 16th-20th centuries. It is located on the Hare Hillock and is washed by the Volga and its tributaries. In total, the complex includes 22 objects: seven preserved 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 king.

Assumption Cathedral

The temple is part of the ensemble of the Astrakhan Kremlin. It was erected in 1699-1710 according to the design of the architect Dorofei 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 building, which fell into disrepair by the end of the 17th century. Separately from the main structure, a classical three-tiered bell tower was erected.

city ​​embankment

The main walking area of ​​the city with a length of 2 km. In the middle of the 20th century, the embankment was part of the port area - all the improvement 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 out with artificial stone, lamps, benches and attractions were installed, and lawns were laid out.

Lenin Square

In the 16th century, Zhitny Dvor, adjacent to 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. By the 450th anniversary of the city, the square was reconstructed again, 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 defined the city as the country's Caspian outpost. In 1717, by 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 the statues that adorn many Russian cities, energetic, frantic, 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 way. Before the Revolution, one could often meet such persons walking along the streets and hiding under hats and parasols from the sun. The statue was made in the Moscow workshop "Altair".

Cathedral of St. Vladimir

Orthodox church of the beginning of the 20th century, built in the pseudo-Byzantine style according to the project of V. A. Kosyakov. During the events of the Revolution of 1917, the building was destroyed, but, nevertheless, survived. In the Soviet period, it was used as a warehouse and a bus station, which caused severe damage to the interior (for example, the entire wall painting with images of saints was painted over). In 1999, the temple was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Tower of the Transfiguration Monastery

In fact, the tower is the only surviving building of the Transfiguration Monastery, which was 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. A. Gergiev came on tour. The building is a magnificent example of a modern interpretation of Art Nouveau and eclecticism - the facade is decorated with carvings and stucco, the wide arches of the windows are framed with openwork ornaments, the roof is crowned with several decorative towers. The interior style 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 Theatre. The second building of the theater in the classical style, which was erected towards the end of the 19th century, has survived to this day. The basis of the repertoire is the works of Ostrovsky, Griboyedov, Shakespeare, Molière, Chekhov and Gorky.

Art Gallery named after P. M. Dogadin

An art museum presenting a collection of Russian painters of the 18th–20th centuries. Most of the exposition is devoted to works in the Russian avant-garde style. Also here you can see collections of European engravings and collections of works by artists of the Volga region. Of the famous paintings - paintings by I. E. Repin, N. I. Argunov and I. I. Shishkin. The gallery was founded in 1918.

Military Glory Museum

The museum was opened in 1975 for the 30th anniversary of the Victory. The collection was placed in the building of the beginning of the 20th century - the former headquarters of the Astrakhan Cossack army. The exposition consists of weapons, armor (some valuable specimens date back to the 16th-17th centuries), personal belongings of fighters, documents, paintings, dioramas, 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 in which V. I. 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 theme here. Exhibits from that era are exhibited in the halls of the museum to this day: personal belongings of family members, archival documents, historical materials, household items and furnishings.

Astrakhan Museum of Local Lore

The local history museum is a whole complex, which includes 14 branches located in the city itself and in the region. Its collection includes more than 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.

Merchant Tetyushinov's House

A wooden mansion built 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 architraves 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 folk festivals, fairs and concerts.

Matrimonial Palace

The Astrakhan registry office is located in a picturesque stone mansion built in 1910, designed by V. B. Varganek-Valdovsky in the Art Nouveau style 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 urban landscape.

bridge of lovers

The bridge connects the banks of the Kutum River. It is an obligatory stopping point for wedding processions, as a result there are dozens of metal locks of love hanging on its fence. Popularity came to him after the reconstruction of 2005. In front of the entrance to the bridge, metal arches are installed, completely covered with colored ribbons, which are also tied by the newlyweds.

Market "Selenskiye Isady"

Famous city market and popular tourist attraction. It has been in existence for a century and a half. The main specialization is Astrakhan fish of all possible species. True, they practically do not sell freshly caught fish, in the windows there are smoked, dried fish, a lot of caviar and fish products. Trade is focused mainly on tourists, so prices are quite high. Often here you can see organized tours with tastings.

Swan Lake

The reservoir is located in the city center. A walking area with alleys, decorative lanterns and benches is organized around it, 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 Nature 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. Also, 17 species of mammals are found here: wolves, wild boars, otters, foxes, ermines and other representatives of the fauna.