The Orenburg region is the land of beautiful lakes located on the endless steppe plain. It is located in the confluence of two parts of the mainland - Asia and Europe. The northern regions of the region border on the Republic of Tatarstan. The history of Orenburg is very unusual and interesting. The city has many historical and modern attractions that will be of interest to tourists and guests.
The history of the foundation of Orenburg
A small city with a population of more than half a million people is located in the Kazakh border, on the Ural River. The history of the creation of Orenburg is quite unusual. On the site of the modern city, the first fortifications were built in 1735. The place for construction was chosen at the confluence of the Ori and Ural rivers. The choice in this area fell by chance. The construction of the city was associated with the further development of trade routes to the Bukhara Khanate.
In the future, a new place was chosen, located much lower upstream of the Urals. However, he soon had to be abandoned, because the terrain was too rocky. In addition, there were absolutely no forests and water nearby. They refused to build fortifications without having started it.
Admiral Neplyuyev, who was appointed the head of the expedition, chose a new place for laying the city near the Krasnogorsk tract. Here was once the Berd Fortress. Talking about the history of Orenburg (photos of the city are given in the article), they often use the expression "conceived three times, but born once." The phrase is fully true. They really tried to lay the city three times, and only the last attempt led to the appearance of Orenburg.
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The history of the name of the city of Orenburg is very mysterious. Scientists have not come to a consensus on why the settlement was so named. There are currently several versions. One of them says that the name is associated with the Auru River, on the banks of which it was originally planned to build. As a result, fortifications were erected 300 kilometers from the river.
According to another version, the name came up with one of the leaders of the expedition - Ivan Kirilov - even during the development of the strategy of the expedition to Asian countries. Be that as it may, but the name has been fixed to the city for many centuries. The order on the foundation of the city and the assignment of a name to it was signed by Anna Ioannovna back in 1735. And only in 1938 Orenburg was renamed Chkalov. He wore a new name for almost twenty years. The city was named after the famous pilot, whose monument can be seen on the embankment of the Uralische River. Later, the historical name was returned to Orenburg.
Orenburg fortress
The history of the development of Orenburg can be judged by numerous historical attractions. Among them, a special place is occupied by the Orenburg fortress. Unfortunately, time did not spare her. It is almost completely destroyed. Only fragments have survived to this day. The fortress was built in the eighteenth century. Its walls formed a closed circle. In fact, the city was closed on all sides, except for the area adjacent to the river. The fortress lost its significance in the nineteenth century and since then began to gradually decline.
In the historical part of the city to this day survived:
- Artillery Yard.
- Val in the region of the ninth Nikolaev bastion.
- Part of the Water Gate.
- One of the fortress towers.
- Military hospital.
Elizabethan Gate
Elizabethan Gate - one of the historical attractions of the city, preserved to this day. Empress Elizaveta Petrovna herself granted them to the city in 1755 in gratitude for the suppressed uprising that broke out in the Bashkir steppes.
The gate is made in the form of an arch: on stone columns decorated with figures of angels, a wooden ceiling is installed, which is crowned with a stone bas-relief.
Caravanserai
Another attraction that has survived to this day is the Caravanserai. The architectural complex was erected in 1837-1846. for the Bashkirs who came to Orenburg on business.
The caravanserai consists of a mosque, a main building, a park and a minaret. Once the green spaces around the complex occupied a vast territory, but today the park has a small area. All other buildings are in good condition.
Sovetskaya Street
According to reviews, Orenburg is a very beautiful city, which is worth a walk. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the center. The main street of Orenburg is considered Sovetskaya.
Locals call it "Orenburg Arbat". In the evenings, musicians play on the street, numerous tourists and guests of the city walk. In the promenade, shops and cafes are concentrated.
Gostiny Dvor
In many reviews of Orenburg, you can see a recommendation for a walk through the historic center. According to tourists, this is the most interesting part of the city. The bulk of its buildings are old mansions and merchant houses. During the walk, you should pay attention to the Gostiny Dvor, located between Pushkinskaya and Sovetskaya streets. The building was built in the nineteenth century. Not so long ago, it was restored and put in order. The Gostiny Dvor is an important part of the architectural composition of the historical center of Orenburg. Currently, the complex operates office premises and shops, cafes and restaurants.
Pedestrian bridge
The sights of the city include a pedestrian bridge across the Ural River. At the same place, the first wooden structure appeared in 1835. But every year after the next flood, the bridge had to be repaired. The modern design was erected only in 1982. The bridge is a kind of symbol of the city. It connects Europe and Asia. In fact, passing through it, you get from one part of the world to another.
the Red Square
In Orenburg there is Red Square, which locals love to walk on. In fact, this is a quarter of elite new buildings on the coast of the Urals. The landscape of the area was carefully thought out during construction. Now it is a beautiful and good resting place for the townspeople, since a playground, a beautiful promenade, cobblestones and an observation deck are equipped on its territory.
National village
If you take into account the reviews about Orenburg, then you can choose for yourself the most interesting places to visit. Numerous city guests recommend visiting the National Village complex.
In their opinion, this is one of the most interesting sights of Orenburg, which is a park divided between national and ethnic groups. There are restaurants and cafes of all nationalities on the territory of the complex: Armenian, Tatar, Ukrainian, Mordovian, German, Kazakh, Belarusian and Russian.
Monuments of the city
Guests of the city will be interested to see not only the historical monuments of Orenburg, but also more modern work-attractions. The streets of the city are decorated with works of sculptors dedicated to famous personalities who had something to do with the region. One of them is a monument to Pushkin and Dahl. The monument was erected in 1998 on the day of the celebration of the next anniversary of the city. The sculptors decided to put on one pedestal two famous literary figures, whose work and work served as a powerful impetus to the development of the Russian language. Pushkin wrote his "Captain's Daughter" after visiting Orenburg. Dahl served in the city for several years as an official under the governor.
In Orenburg, you can see a monument to the famous astronaut - Yuri Gagarin. The future pilot studied at a local flight school. A memorial monument in his honor was erected in 1986 on Cosmonautics Day. The sculptural composition consists of a full-length bronze figure of the first astronaut of the Earth, in protective overalls, with hands outstretched to the sky, mounted on a 1.5-meter rectangular pedestal, and two vertical stela of different height behind the space explorer.
Not far from St. Nicholas Cathedral is a monument to the Orenburg Cossacks. It is located in the city square. He appeared in the city not so long ago, in 2007. The sculpture is dedicated to the Cossacks, who played an important role in the defense of the southern borders of the Russian Empire during its active expansion. The monument is made in the form of a figure of a brave warrior sitting astride a horse.
The monument to Chkalov can be called the most famous monument of the city. After the death of the test pilot, Orenburg was even renamed in his honor. The monument was erected on the banks of the Ural River in 1953. The sculpture is made of bronze, its height reaches 13 meters. It is located on the waterfront and is its decoration.
In the Urals, many monuments have been erected, symbolizing the conditional border between Europe and Asia. But the very first obelisk was installed in 1981. It is a tall pillar, decorated with a round structure. An alley with flowerbeds and benches leads to the monument.
Parks and gardens of Orenburg
Guest reviews characterize the city as very green and beautiful. On its territory there are numerous gardens and parks, which are a favorite vacation spot of local residents.
Frunze Garden could claim the title of the oldest in Orenburg. It was founded in the 1930s of the last century. But during the Patriotic War, all of his plantations died. The garden was revived again only in 1948. A little later, in 1973, a complete reconstruction of the square was carried out. In fact, a new one was laid out on the site of the old park.
In 2005, an open-air museum was opened on its territory, which presents samples of military equipment and weapons. All exhibits are open to the public. Each of them can be felt. After the opening of the museum, the park gained a new life. Now guests of the city and townspeople spend time in it.
If you want to have fun with children, then go to the central park of Orenburg. Guest reviews characterize it as a great place for a family holiday in nature. The park has children's attractions, a cafe with summer verandas, concert venues and a cinema. For the convenience of guests in the park "Topol" is equipped with parking.
The Trans-Ural Grove is no less interesting for guests. You can get to the park by crossing the Urals by funicular or by walking along the bridge. In the grove you can walk along the shady alleys, the promenade and visit the water attractions.
In Perovsky Park you can engage in extreme sports. On its territory there are special areas for skateboarding, roller skating and biking.
Cafes and restaurants of the city
If you decide to visit the city, then you will certainly be interested in food establishments of Orenburg. Reviews of tourists and citizens will help us navigate this issue. In Orenburg you will find a cafe for every taste and budget. Guests of Orenburg should definitely try the chak-chak. A terrific dessert will appreciate everything sweetened. The treat is prepared from pieces of dough fried in oil, glued together with honey syrup. Marmalade, nuts and dried fruits are added to the dessert. Delicious sweets can be purchased as a souvenir for loved ones.
Due to the multinational composition of the local population, many national dishes are included in the usual diet of residents. In each institution you can taste pilaf, lagman, barbecue and other dishes.
The food industry in the city is quite diverse, as evidenced by numerous reviews. Orenburg Café serves national, Japanese and European dishes. The choice of institutions is quite familiar. The menu of each of them contains a mix of different dishes: rolls, pizza, barbecue, pasta, lagman and more.
If you want to find a cafe suitable for food in Orenburg, visitor reviews will help you do this. Citizens recommend paying attention to a network of Japanese cuisine establishments called Green Mustard. An extensive menu of restaurants consists of European, Thai and Japanese dishes. Institutions of this network operate throughout the city. In addition, they provide overnight food delivery. Locals recommend "Green Mustard" as a worthy institution.
If you like Caucasian cuisine, be sure to visit the Baklava, which is recommended by many customers in their reviews. There are many restaurants in Orenburg, but not all of them are equally good. In “Baklava”, you are guaranteed the best combination of price and quality. Moreover, delicious Armenian and Georgian food will not leave anyone indifferent.
Walking in the city center along Sovetskaya Street, you can look into the Amore restaurant. According to the townspeople, the local chef offers the best pasta and risotto in all of Orenburg. Fans of French dishes can be recommended to visit La Vie de Chateau and Nostalgia.
There are a lot of coffee houses in Orenburg, among which it is worth highlighting the network “He coffee”, “Coffee flowers” and “Travelers coffee”. Fast food lovers will not be bored: in the city there are establishments of all fast-food chains, as well as traditional pancake houses - Blinburg and Russian Pancakes. If not everyone likes fast food, then the pancake house is definitely worth a visit. According to guests, in an institution of this format you can eat well.
Night life
There are several night clubs in Orenburg: Raspberry, Chicago, Rasputin, Infinity. Such institutions will interest young people. Entrance to any club is paid. On certain days, an exception is made for girls. According to reviews, clubs in Orenburg are empty on weekdays. Interesting programs are usually held from Thursday to Friday. Of particular interest are theme parties that require a certain dress code. Having the right outfit, you can go to the club for free on such days.
Aquapark
If you came to the city with your whole family and want to relax, you can have fun in the water park of Orenburg. According to visitors' reviews, interesting water entertainments are collected on its territory. The institution provides a system of discounts for children and senior citizens. On weekdays, visitors to the park are much less, as evidenced by reviews. In the water park of Orenburg you can not only visit the rides, but also organize a children's party or look into the spa. According to guests, the park is a great place for families.
Museums of Orenburg
If you want to learn more about the city itself and the history of its foundation and development, visit local museums. According to tourists, the most interesting are three of them. All of them are located in the historical center, in the area of Sovetskaya Street.
The Museum of the History of Orenburg deserves the most attention from tourists. He appeared in 1983. The reason for its appearance was the 240th anniversary of the city. The institution has a stationary exposure. Most of it is dedicated to the history of the city of Orenburg. In the museum you can learn about the stages of development of the city from ancient times to the present. During the tour, visitors are told about the most outstanding events in the history of the city, as well as about famous people whose life at a certain stage was associated with it. Of no less interest is the building itself, made in the late Gothic style. Outside, the museum resembles a medieval fortress.
Locals also recommend visiting the Museum of Local History, which is considered one of the oldest in Russia. The exposition of the institution is dedicated to the history of the region, culture, fauna and flora. In addition, the museum hosts stock exhibitions.
Art lovers should go to the Museum of Fine Arts. Not only stationary exhibits are presented there, but also author's works from private collections are exhibited. Therefore, in the walls of the building you can see the work of famous and not very masters.
What to see in the vicinity of Orenburg?
One of the attractions of the region is the Salt Lake, located in the Sol-Iletsk district. The natural reservoir has a unique salt composition, which, according to experts, is not inferior to the famous Dead Sea. People from all regions of the country come to the reservoir for treatment and rest. In addition, famous melons and watermelons are grown here.
Just 90 kilometers from Orenburg, near the village of Chesnokovka, there is an unusual mountain formation - the Cretaceous Mountains. Rare plants grow here and the remains of the ancient fauna are found.
Temples of Orenburg
A special place among the attractions of the city is occupied by temples. In the very center of Orenburg is the St. Nicholas Cathedral, or the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In 1883, it was founded by the Cossacks. In 1936 it was closed for a while. It was opened for parishioners in 1944. Now the temple is the most visited in the city. Within its walls is an icon of the Tabyn Mother of God.
In the pre-revolutionary period, about 20 temples were built in the city. But only 4 of them have survived to our days: Dmitrievskaya Church, Pokrovskaya Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Theologian Church.
Tourists reviews
Orenburg is a small but very green city. If you plan to visit it, then you should think over an excursion route in advance. A city with a rich history has many historical sights. In Orenburg there are many parks and squares, so with children there is where to walk. Tourists strongly recommend visiting Central Park and the water park.
Fans of extreme sports in Orenburg will not be bored. There are places in the city where you can go in for extreme sports: hang gliding, parachute jumping and more. For children of senior school age, several rope parks are equipped in the squares. The city has a school of mountaineering and a climbing wall.
Tourists leave the warmest reviews about Orenburg. According to guests, the city is incredibly interesting, it has many attractions and entertainment venues. Active people will definitely not be bored. For excursions, tourists recommend coming to Orenburg in the summer or in May and September. If you like to ski, it is better to postpone the trip to the cold season. In winter, the Dolina ski base will be happy to welcome you.