Balakovo is a developed industrial city, which is the capital of the Volga region. It has many cultural, industrial and historical places that cause genuine interest among tourists. Let’s find out what can attract the attention of a traveler in Balakovo? Sights, photos of interesting places will be discussed later.
How to get there?
Before considering interesting places in Balakovo, the sights of the city, let's find out what is convenient to get here. You can get to the village not only by land, but also by water. Until 2003, an airport operated on the outskirts of the city. However, due to low passenger traffic, it was decided to temporarily close it.
The most convenient way to get to Balakovo is by train or bus from Saratov. Travel documents for the return trip can be purchased upon arrival at the local station. An alternative is to sail by water, which arrives at the city port.
Water locks
What might interest a traveler who ended up in Balakovo? Sights of the city should begin to explore with local gateways. Their construction started in the context of preparations for the construction of the Saratov Hydroelectric Power Station, whose functional structures blocked the Volga River dam.
Balakovo water locks were commissioned in 1968. Their construction took about 35 tons of concrete and 30 tons of reinforcement. As you can see, the gateways are a large-scale project that deserves the attention of every tourist.
Saratov hydroelectric station
Sights of Balakovo in the Saratov region can continue to be visited by going to the local hydroelectric power station, which is located on the Volga River. Today, the company provides energy not only to the city, but also meets the needs of other fairly remote settlements. Pressure structures of the Saratov hydroelectric station form a large reservoir, which travelers should watch.
Historical Museum
What else is worth seeing when visiting Balakovo, the sights of the city? Photos of the local historical museum have always been of interest to tourists. And this is not surprising, because the museum building is a mansion with original architecture. The house, located on Kommunisticheskaya Street, is built of old red brick and decorated with original turrets. It stores historical relics of the city, as well as exhibits from the Second World War.
The attention of visitors deserves a collection of ancient books, ancient coins, centuries-old household items, finds of local archaeologists. Cultural relics that previously belonged to the indigenous peoples of the region may also be interesting to the traveler.
Chapaev House
Chapaev’s mansion is an extremely popular place in Balakovo. Sights that are concentrated in this place are associated with the name of the legendary army commander.
The Chapaev Museum, at first glance, may not seem as presentable as the historical estates of the city. Despite this, once here, you can see in detail how the great hero lived.
Thanks to the efforts of the museum’s employees, not only the interior elements, but also the atmosphere that reigned during the lifetime of the owner were preserved in the original form of Chapaev’s house. Of particular interest is furniture, which was personally made by the commander, his old photographs, household items that were once in use.
Church of the Holy Trinity
From afar, this church looks like a part of a medieval castle. The well-known architect Schechtel was engaged in its planning with funds allocated by the Maltsev family. The construction of the building was completed in 1916.
The interior of the temple still amazes local parishioners, not to mention tourists. The walls and ceilings are decorated with numerous panels on which biblical scenes are displayed in detail.
Maltsev Manor
When visiting Balakovo, the sights of the city, you should definitely look into the Maltsev estate. The latter is a miniature palace in which the merchant family originally lived, which at one time provided the region with bread. Later, the estate was purchased by the local millionaire Paisiy Maltsev, after which his name was assigned to the mansion.
In the post-revolutionary time, the object was desolate for a long time. The bulk of buildings of historical significance dilapidated. As a result, the estate was at risk of destruction.
The reconstruction of the miniature palace was completed at the end of the 20th century. Upon completion of the restoration work, the object began to attract the attention of city guests and became its main attraction. Today, not a single tourist passes by the mansion.
The interior of the estate at first sight amazes with its splendor. Here you can see marble floors, elegant antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, exquisite wall paintings.
The Maltsev Manor is an indispensable place in the city for celebrations. Mostly newlyweds come here who arrange photo shoots against the backdrop of old scenery. Often, for visiting groups of tourists, employees who work at the facility organize luxurious balls.
Finally
As you can see, there are plenty of interesting corners for travelers in Balakovo. You can verify this yourself. It is only necessary to organize a tour to this wonderful Volga town.