We leave for the amazing place of Russia - Altai Territory. Landmarks of the region are very diverse. They include both natural objects and historical and cultural. A lot of wealth is fraught with the Altai Territory. Landmarks of the region can be described for a very long time. We introduce the reader to the main ones.
Shinok River Waterfalls
The Shinok River is not one of the largest rivers in Russia. This is just a tributary of Anui, which flows, in turn, into the Ob. Nevertheless, Shinok is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Altai Territory. The fact is that this river has beautiful waterfalls. More than 120 meters is the total length of seven waterfalls. The height of the Giraffe, the largest of them (also called Big Shinok) is 70 m. Small waterfalls reach a height of 10-15 m.
The Shinok River attracts tourists not only for its picturesque views, but also for its rich fauna. Very rare species of birds and animals are represented in the reserve - two-tone leather, musk deer, wild deer, peregrine falcon.
There are several camping areas on the banks of this river. This place attracts tourists, in addition to waterfalls, in that it is located near the Denisova Cave, in which archaeologists found more than 20 cultural layers belonging to different eras. It was found, in particular, that the Neanderthal camp was located here about 280 thousand years ago.
Taldinsky, or Tavdinsky caves
The Altai Territory is amazing in its beauty. Sights of the region, created by nature itself, attract many tourists here. Taldinsky caves are one of the most interesting places to visit. They are a group of over 30 caves washed with water. At 5 km on the border of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic, rocks stretch in which this complex is located. The most popular of the caves is Bolshaya Tavdinskaya. More than 20 m is a height difference in it. For tourists, there are several routes of varying difficulty. Another natural monument, the karst arch, is located near the Tavdinsky caves. It reaches 5 m in height, and in width - 13.
Archaeological finds
These caves are local monuments of nature, which are so rich in the Altai Territory. Sights of the region attract here not only tourists, but also archaeologists. Archaeological expeditions conducted here showed that at this place were the sites of ancient people. For example, fishing gear, ceramic fragments were found. Legends about a treasure hidden in the local caves belonging to Admiral A. Kolchak are much less reliable. Many who wanted to find it appeared in the second half of the 20th century, but so far nothing is known about the result of their attempts.
The reserve "Swan"
The natural attractions of the Altai Territory are unique and diverse. Let's talk about one of them. In September 1973, the Swan reserve was formed in the Altai Territory. Seven years earlier, a flock of swans flew to a lake located near the village of Urozhaynoye for the winter. This happened for the first time since the beginning of the 20th century. Soon it was decided to create a nature reserve, which includes a lake, as well as the territory adjacent to it. The state is protected by 38 thousand hectares, which housed such attractions of the Altai Territory as a section of the Katun River, several lakes, about 70 islands, as well as Zmeinaya and Talitskaya hills. In 1999, it was finally approved, after the assigned experimental period, the status of "reserve". In addition to swans, other birds live here: gogol, mallard, black grouse, as well as large merganser included in the regional Red Book. The animal world is also represented by deer, roe deer, otters, minks, red foxes. An observation deck was built on the lake for bird watching. It is located 10 m above the water. This distance allows you not to scare swans and provides an opportunity for tourists to watch them in natural conditions.
Belokurikha
Belokurikha is a balneological resort of federal significance. This city located in the Altai Territory is located at an altitude of about 240-250 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Mount Tserkovka. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the healing properties of local mineral springs were first used. Today, tour operators often mention Belokurikha when they describe to customers the sights of the Altai Territory.
Here in 1920, an outpatient clinic, an administrative building, a solarium, and a dining room were built. The first visitors could improve their health in the baths of the hydropathic bath, as well as take a swim in the local thermal springs. Altai air itself is useful, because it has the same concentration of light air ions - one of the most important healing components - as in the famous resorts in Europe.
The famous Artek children's camp was evacuated to Belokurikha during World War II . On the territory of this resort today there are numerous recreation centers, dispensaries, sanatoriums. Alpine skiing is actively developing in the city. Today 3 slopes of varying difficulty are equipped for descents. Also in Belokurikha, meetings of the defenders of the surrounding world and nature are held, as well as the Siberian Davos, an international economic conference.
Srostki village
The sights of the Altai Territory are connected not only with nature, but also with the culture of our country. The village of Srostki is one of the oldest settlements on its territory. It gained all-Russian fame thanks to Vasily Shukshin, his native.
The intergrowths were first mentioned in 1753 in the report of Colonel de Garrigue. By 1811, more detailed information about it belongs. During the census, or the audit carried out at that time, it was attested that 19 families live in this village. The first church was built on donations from local residents in 1910.
Tourists come to Srostki today in order to learn about the life of Shukshin. This writer’s memorial museum is located in the village. It consists of a depository, an exhibition museum, a house-museum of the writer's mother, as well as a house in which Vasily Shukshin himself spent his childhood and youth. On Mount Picket, Shukshin readings are held annually, which bring together writers, musicians, artists from all over the country.
Altai village
The village of Altai (Altai Territory) also enjoys some popularity. Sights of this place are not numerous today, however, the tourist and recreational sector in this village has been actively developing in recent years. Here is, in particular, the SEZ "Turquoise Katun". On the river bank Kamenka, near the village of Altai, is a very picturesque area called "Fir". It is located on a river terrace with pine trees overgrown with pine trees and is one of the most beloved vacation spots for guests of the village and local residents.
Pokrovsky Cathedral
In the fall of 1898, the Intercession Cathedral was founded. After 6 years, the first service was held in it. The part of the city of Barnaul in which this cathedral is located was considered at that time the poorest. It was inhabited by workers, artisans, petty bourgeois, peasants. All the more surprising is the fact that the temple was built specifically on their donations.
Pokrovsky Cathedral replaced the old wooden church, which has been operating since 1863. Byzantine, or pseudo-Russian, style was chosen for the new building. Religious frescoes, the plots of which are based on the plots of paintings by N. Kramskoy, V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, prevail in the design of this red-bricked cathedral.
The Pokrovsky Cathedral, starting in 1917, was going through difficult times - it was fired upon, a cross was demolished on the dome, and the bell tower was destroyed. In the temple in 1943, restoration work began. He remained for a long time the only active temple in the city. At Pokrovsky Cathedral, services are currently underway. The restoration of his wall paintings was carried out in 2011.
Trading House Polyakova (Red Store)
In Barnaul there are many attractions of the Altai Territory. A photo of the next, which we will talk about, is presented below.
This is the Polyakov trading house, built in 1913. The building is occupied today by the Red shop. It belongs to the merchant period of development of the city of Barnaul and fully reflects all the architectural features inherent in that time. The eclectic-style two-story building has a U-shaped layout.
Red brick was used to clad the facade. This became the basis for the name of the trading house that has spread among the people. Traditional elements of the Russian style were chosen for the design of the building: forged openwork ornaments, folk ornaments made of brick.
In Barnaul in 1917 there was a strong fire. During it, many attractions of Altai and the Altai Territory located in this city were destroyed: not only wooden, but also brick and stone buildings. However, the merchant Polyakov was able to save this trading house. Local legend has it that a felt dipped in water was ordered to wall the workers. In Soviet times, the USSR People’s Commissariat department store was located on the ground floor of the building.
Museum of theft. Y. Detochkina
Interesting historical and cultural attractions of the Altai Territory offers tourists the city of Barnaul. One of the most unusual museums in Russia is located here. It is dedicated to motorists. However, not old or expensive cars are collected here as exhibits. Its main “heroes” are those items that are related to car theft.
This museum was created on the basis of the local rescue service. The first items were obtained from the archive of city services. Representatives of the law and order handed over to the collection a door shot during a chase, fake car numbers and driver’s licenses. Citizens themselves have made no less contribution. The Barnaul residents with the museum shared folk remedies against theft, as well as other inventions. In the fund of this museum today there are more than 150 exhibits.
The sights of the Altai Territory do not end there. We have listed only a few of them. You can get acquainted with this amazing place for a very long time. Everyone will be able to find something interesting for themselves by exploring the sights of the Altai region, Altai Territory.