There is a place on Lake Baikal where every treasure seeker should visit at least once in his life. Here you can find over 300 varieties of gems and minerals. Of course, this is not only why Slyudyanka is so attractive to tourists. Sights of this settlement, located in the Irkutsk region, are famous for their unusualness and beauty. Which ones are definitely worth seeing?
Slyudyanka: attractions and natural beauties
Where to start exploring this amazing place? From a visit to the lake, which is located a few kilometers from the city called Slyudyanka. Sights created by nature itself are what picturesque Baikal is famous for. A vivid example is Lake Heart, which tourists can discover at the foot of Chersky Peak.
Those who want to go around the lake will spend no more than half an hour on this occupation, since it is famous for its beauty, not its size. This natural pond looks wonderful at any time of the year. In winter, the Heart Lake is covered with the thinnest ice, on which knowledgeable people do not advise walking. In summer, it is fantastically framed by emerald herbs. Large stones protruding from the water create a special atmosphere. On the shore you can have a picnic and an unforgettable photo shoot.
Chersky Peak
What other attractions can Sludyanka offer its guests? Chersky Peak is a place that cannot be ignored when listing local properties. The height of this miracle of nature is 2090 meters, even beginners can decide to climb, since the path is not too dangerous. However, it is still worth considering before daring to do so, since steep descents and climbs are still present.
The peak was named after the famous traveler Ivan Chersky, who once traveled all over Lake Baikal. The researcher ended up in these places as a result of exile, so he was punished for participating in the revolution that took place in Poland. In the warm season, the peak is occupied by climbers who seek to conquer it. Those who manage to climb to the top receive an award in the form of an unforgettable panorama. They are waiting for an amazing view of Lake Baikal.
Shaman cape
The shaman cape is another creation of nature, which is famous for Slyudyanka, whose sights are not only beautiful, but also have their own history. This place will be interesting primarily to tourists who are keen on everything related to shamanism. Legend has it that in one of the caves a shaman was buried, possessing mystical powers. In ancient times, the cape was used to perform sacrifices, which were supposed to appease the gods. Also, large-scale religious rites were held here.
The shaman cape was once famous for wave-breaking caves, but now most of them no longer exist. This is due to the increase in water level in Lake Baikal associated with the construction of the Irkutsk Hydroelectric Power Station, which took place in 1956. For example, the majestic rock Khobot, which the locals were once proud of, no longer exists. The rock was blown up, as it prevented the extraction of lime.
Mineralogical Museum
Of course, not only natural beauty lures tourists Slyudyanka. Attractions located within the boundaries of the village are also worth a visit. For example, you can’t visit the city and not look into the mineralogical museum, famous for its rare exhibits. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the amazing collection of local minerals.
It is known that the museum was opened in 1990. Its founder is Valery Zhigalov, who devoted his life to collecting minerals. The museum features more than 10 thousand exhibits. Most of the samples fell into it from local landslides and quarries, there are those that are delivered from other countries. The Mineralogical Museum is famous not only for minerals; its connoisseurs of beautiful gems will also like visiting it. On the territory of the museum complex you can even rent a small house, such a service is provided only in the summer.
Church of St. Nicholas
The Church of St. Nicholas is located on the territory of the railway station. This is one of those amazing places that Slyudyanka is famous for. The sights of the city, which belong to historical and cultural monuments, are protected, and this temple, protected from demolition by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, is one of those.
The construction of the temple was completed in 1915, it was carried out with donations from the local population. After the consecration, services began to be held here. The history of the church was not easy, in different years it was used as a club, warehouse, space for living quarters. Only after the completion of the Second World War the temple was returned to its former status.
It is interesting that once upon a time there was a chapel on the site of the church, among the visitors of which there is Nikolay II. The emperor visited Slyudyanka, returning from Japan.
Park "Pass"
What else can tourists offer Slyudyanka attractions? Park "Pass" - one of the most visited by local residents of urban areas. Various events are often held here, and festivities are held.
The most interesting park is a memorial, which was erected in honor of the brave warriors who died during the Great Patriotic War. The main sculpture is the figure of a soldier with a sword in his right hand, there are also 12 plates on which the names of the fallen defenders of the state are carved. Among them are the names of Beresnev and Tonkonog - Heroes of the Soviet Union. Next to the memorial, the Victory Parade is annually held, and a review of the Unarmeans is also held here.
Monument to the monkey and bear
On the territory of our country you can find a huge number of original monuments, Slyudyanka is also famous for them, the sights of which are considered in this article. Guests of the village can find a monument to a monkey and a bear at the intersection of two streets - Gornaya and Lenin.
The creators of the sculpture drew inspiration from the famous Krylov fable - “Mirror and Monkey”. A monument was erected as a warning to drivers that they should not be distracted while overcoming a sharp turn. The sculpture has become a kind of obstacle, forcing motorists to reduce speed. Her age is about 35 years. The monument has not yet been restored, but it already needs it, as it is partially destroyed.
What else to see
Of course, not all the treasures that Slyudyanka possesses are listed above. Sights, the description of which should also be included in this article, are a monument to the astronaut, the Rocket monument.
The monument to the astronaut can be seen on the outskirts of the city, heading towards the village of Sukhoi Ruchey. A funny story is connected with its construction. The head of one of the builders was stuck in the helmet of the astronaut when he made an attempt to try it on.
The “Rocket” monument can be seen near the Regional Clinical Hospital. Its creation is attributed to the former head physician, who was inspired by the flight into space, committed by Soviet cosmonauts. The monument is made of pipes.
These are the treasures that Slyudyanka is famous for - sights, photos of which can be seen in the article.