Astrakhan is an old town of Russia. It is located in the upper part of the delta of the great Russian river Volga, on the Caspian lowland. The history of the city dates back to the time of the Golden Horde. Subsequently, Astrakhan grew and developed. Over the centuries, the city has witnessed many historical events. Currently, it is a modern village with a lot of different attractions.
Guests who first arrived in the city, probably wonder about where to go in Astrakhan. There are many interesting places, some of which will be discussed in this article.
The Kremlin is the main attraction
The main historical attraction of the city is the Kremlin, which is a unique example of Russian fortification architecture. It was an outpost that defended the southern borders of the country from numerous enemies (troops of the Crimean Khan, Ottoman Turks). The Kremlin was built in the second half of the 16th century. It is located on the island, at the confluence of the Volga and several small rivers.
Throughout its history, the Kremlin has constantly improved and rebuilt. Currently, this is a museum and ethnographic complex. You can get to it from the train station by bus, or by taking a taxi.
Many visit Astrakhan as part of a business trip or a weekend trip. Such tourists are interested in the question of where to go to Astrakhan today, since time may be limited, and I would like to see something interesting.
Astrakhan Kremlin as a museum and exhibition complex
The museum in the Kremlin was opened in 1974. In the 70s of the XX century, the structures of the tower and the Kremlin itself were repaired. Since that time, it has the status of a reserve. On its territory (in the Artillery Tower and the "Red Gate", as well as the office of the head of the fortress) is an ethnographic museum. There are also many exhibitions devoted to military history.
Climbing to the observation tower of the "Red Gate", you can admire the panorama of the city and the Volga open spaces.
Where else to go to Astrakhan? What can you see in the heart of this wonderful city?
Brotherly garden
It is located near the central square of the city. Until 1802, it was called the Trading, or the Parade Ground. After the governor’s residence was located on it, the square was called the Governor’s. In 1884, it was once again renamed and named in honor of Emperor Alexander II. Here was his monument, created by the architect A. M. Opekushin. It was at this time that a park was formed on the territory of the square, which became the favorite place for walks of citizens. In the evenings and holidays, an orchestra played in the park for residents of the city.
In 1918, 180 workers who died in the struggle for the establishment of Soviet power in the city were buried in a park, in a mass grave. On the pedestal of the monument demolished by this time, the emperor was erected a monument in honor of the dead. Since that time, the garden is called the Brotherhood.
In 1977, the monument to the workers was replaced by a new one created by the sculptor G. A. Potapov. At the same time, a monument was erected in the western part of the garden in honor of the soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War, and an eternal flame was lit.
The Astrakhan region is famous for its variety of natural resources. But immediately evaluate it is simply impossible. Where to go in Astrakhan to touch the natural heritage of these amazing places?
Museum of Local Lore
The museum has fourteen branches - both in the city and beyond. Here are collected more than three hundred thousand exhibits. Museum collections include archaeological finds, household items, samples of the local animal and plant world, numismatic collections.
The museum is a large regional scientific center in the field of restoration of historical exhibits. In addition to the exhibition halls, it also has workshops in which restoration work is carried out. There are also laboratory facilities.
History of development
The local history museum was founded in 1837 by decision of the governor. The basis of the museum exposition was a private collection of ancient finds. However, due to insufficient funding, the museum was soon closed, and the exhibits were lost.
The second time the museum was reopened after forty years. He was then located in the building of the port store. At that time, objects related to the creation of a fleet on the Caspian Sea were collected here. These exhibits are also not preserved.
For the third time, the museum was opened in 1897 and exists to this day.
For those who come to the city with their children and are interested in where to go with children in Astrakhan, the Museum of Local Lore is the best option. It will be interesting and informative not only for adults.
Museum exhibitions
In Soviet times, the exposition was replenished with exhibits related to the revolutionary events in Astrakhan. In 1980, by merging with the Kremlin funds, the Astrakhan Museum-Reserve was created . It is in this form that it exists at the present time.
Among the many unique objects, visitors deserve special attention the exhibition “Nomad Gold”, the exposition of which presents gold and silver objects dating back to the era when the territory of the Kama region was inhabited by the Savromato-Sarmatian tribes who led a nomadic lifestyle. The quality of jewelry made by ancient nomads using primitive tools is amazing.
Visiting the exhibition "Living past of the earth", you can see the skeletons of ancient animals (mammoths, cave lions). The tourists will also be interested in the stuffed 6-meter beluga caught in the Volga.
In almost every corner of Russia, a huge number of unique plants grow. Where to go in Astrakhan to get acquainted with the flora of this region?
The interactive exhibition “The Doctor’s Bench” will be interesting in terms of exploring medicinal plants growing in the Astrakhan region. The exhibition is organized using modern technology. During the tour, visitors receive an audio guide that tells about the healing properties of plants.
The museum has souvenir shops where city guests can purchase all kinds of magnets, other souvenirs and ceramics.
You can get to the museum both on foot and using public transport services.
"Baba Frosya" - a zoo in Astrakhan
Where can I go with children in Astrakhan and enjoy the trek yourself? Another city attraction is the zoo with an unusual original name - “Baba Frosya”. It is spread over a vast territory. On an area of two hectares there are numerous aviaries. At the zoo, visitors can see all kinds of exotic animals. In total, fifty species live here. Guides are always ready to talk about each of the inhabitants of the zoo. You can also observe their habits, the feeding process.
At the request of visitors, you can take pictures next to pets for an additional fee. During the tour you can learn a lot of interesting things about the animal world and experience a lot of vivid emotions.
Zoo inhabitants
The greatest interest among visitors will be caused by ostriches. You can get an ostrich feather or a piece of eggshell as a gift. You can also watch predatory animals - Siberian lynx, leopard. Graceful fallow deer, funny raccoons, massive yaks, buffalos, bears - this is not the whole list of inhabitants of the zoo. In special bird cages there are bright peacocks, pheasants, owls and many more birds. The cafe, which operates on the territory of the zoo, in terrariums contains rare reptiles. The zoo is an ideal place to go to Astrakhan in July. It is especially beautiful at this time.
According to tourists' reviews, it is the attractions listed above that are of most interest to city guests and can be recommended for visiting. Where to go in Astrakhan in the first place? You decide.