In the glorious city of Ufa, in the Urals, there are many attractions - as, indeed, in any other more or less large settlement. One of the attractions is Sofyushkina Alley. What is this place, why is it so called, and, most importantly, who is Sofyushka?
What is this alley?
Oddly enough, this is indeed a fairly wide alley, planted with bushes and trees, in the shade of which it is pleasant to the townspeople to walk and relax. It passes by many places important for Ufa and its inhabitants, which are also local sights or monuments of culture and architecture. We will talk about the history of the creation of Sofyushkina Alley later, but for now let's say a few words about the one in whose honor the aforementioned alley is named.
Who is Sofyushka?
Sofyushka, or simply Sofya Aksakova, was the wife of the first governor of Ufa, Grigory. The surname Aksakov to people close to literature should remind of the famous author of The Scarlet Flower, and it is no coincidence: Gregory was the son of a famous writer. Sophia, as a girl, bore the name Shishkov; her grandfather Alexander was vice admiral and was quite famous in the nineteenth century. The granddaughter of the character went all in him - just as active and lively. As for the wedding with Grigory, that after her Sofyushka led a very eventful life, constantly and violently engaged in public affairs. Her seething energy did not allow her to sit quietly at home and run the household, even despite the fact that shortly after marriage, the couple had a daughter, Olyushka. Sophia was the guardian of the girls’s gymnasium in Ufa, the first theater was built on her initiative, she was busy preserving her grandfather’s legacy - and this is not a complete list of the merits and deeds of Sofyushka Aksakova. She was loved during her lifetime, but she ended her days deplorably: having remained without money after the revolution, she wandered for a long time and eventually died from hypothermia. It happened in 1921.
Sofyushkina alley in Ufa: the history of creation
It all started with Ushakovsky Park, which was laid by the Governor Grigory Aksakov himself. Not far from this park was a theater - the first theater that was built precisely thanks to Sofyushka Aksakova, as mentioned above. At the insistence of the governor’s wife and thanks to her efforts from the park to the theater, an alley was laid. Initially, the new green zone in the city was called the Theater Garden, and then - Sofia.
Sofyushkina alley was really beautiful. Apple trees and pears blossomed there, flowers were fragrant, maples, birch and mountain ash were pleasing to the eye, bushes grew, paths were walked along which you could walk, benches stood. Beautiful forged fences separated the garden from other areas. The place quickly gained popularity among Ufa residents.
Further fate
Time spares no one and nothing. It flows, and everything around changes. This happened with the Theater Garden. First, Sofyushka herself died. After her death, the garden, which appeared thanks to her, was expectedly and logically renamed into Ulitsa Ufa (in the photo below).
Flowers and trees faded, overgrown paths, fences were broken - everything gradually became worthless. Nobody looked after the garden, the devastation began, and over time, a parking lot suddenly formed on the place of the alley.
Reconstruction
However, by no means everyone and not always cares what happens to places of rest, green areas, historical sights and other memorable places in cities. This happened with Sofyushkina alley. Even though at first it was forgotten, at the beginning of the century it was remembered about this garden. Reconstruction was made six years ago.
The alley was returned to its former name - and even installed a forged arch with the corresponding inscription at the entrance to the green zone. And this was not the only change: the garden was completely restored practically the same as it was known at the time of Sofia Aksakova. They again paved the tracks (this time they were made asphalt), put up fences, planted trees, set up benches and even carried out lighting - having forged lanterns placed on the sides of the tracks.
Sofyushkina alley address
It is not difficult to find the aforementioned attraction of Ufa - and not just a tourist attraction, but, as has already been said many times, a great place to relax and the green zone of the city. It is located near the First Cathedral Mosque, at the crossroads of Zainulla Rasuleva and Tukaev Streets.
As already mentioned, there are many more important urban sites nearby. Such, for example, as the House-Museum of Sergei Aksakov, the garden of Salavat Yulaev or the House of the Governor. The exact address of the alley: Sovetskaya Street, No. 2.
Interesting Facts
- Sofyushkina Alley was laid in 1860.
- An interesting feature of the garden of Sofia Aksakova was that the bushes and trees in it were planted in a checkerboard pattern. Thus, the avenue was the only classical type avenue in the city.
- Currently, lindens grow on Sofyushkina Alley. Such a diversity of flora, as in former times, is not present in the garden today.
Such is the information about the wonderful square garden in Ufa - Sofyushkina alley. If you have to visit this city, do not be lazy - take a walk in this beautiful place!