Astrakhan is one of the colorful cities in southern Russia. Many peoples lived in this territory. Walking along the streets, you can find traces of different peoples - Persians, Armenians, Hindus, Tatars. There is even a huge variety among religious attractions - from a classical Orthodox temple to a Jewish synagogue.
Many guidebooks call Astrakhan a city of merchants and fishermen. And this is not easy. Trade was active here for several centuries. During the Ottoman Empire, the city was at the crossroads of trade routes. When Astrakhan became part of the Russian state, it became the gateway to Asia.
With fishermen, everything is much simpler - Astrakhan is located on the banks of the Volga and the Caspian Sea. Back in Soviet times, the city turned into a center of fishing tourism. Astrakhan still retains this status.
What to see in Astrakhan first
Astrakhan Kremlin
It is best to start your acquaintance with Astrakhan with the main attraction of the city - the Astrakhan Kremlin. The construction of the defensive structure began during the life of Ivan the Terrible. Troubled times required decisive measures - and so the idea of building a Kremlin in Astrakhan appeared.
The Astrakhan Kremlin is located on an island washed by the waters of the Volga, Kutuma and Tsarev Erik. There is a museum attached to the Kremlin where you can learn more about the history and construction of the Kremlin. You can also sign up for a master class and have a photo shoot in historical costumes.
Tickets: for children under 3 years old - from 20 rubles, for students - from 30 rubles, for adults - from 50 rubles
Address: Trediakovskogo street, building 2
City embankment
The embankment of the Volga River is another attraction that is worth visiting during your holiday in Astrakhan. The total length of the embankment is 2 kilometers. During your walk you will see a bronze Lady with a dog and fountains.
If you are on a walk with children, they will definitely like the “Fish” and “Water Attraction” fountains. In the evening, the light and musical fountain turns on - it looks very impressive.
Address: embankment of the Volga River
Nikolskaya street
In the 19th century, Nikolskaya Street appeared on the city map during the construction of the Kos quarter. This is one of the oldest streets in Astrakhan.
Every house on Nikolskaya Street is a real architectural monument. For example, merchant mansions in the Art Nouveau style.
Nikolskaya Street stretches from the Astrakhan Kremlin to the city embankment. After visiting the Kremlin, you can stroll to the embankment and have a snack in one of the cafes.
Address: Nikolskaya street
House of merchant Tetyushinov
As you already know, in the old days Astrakhan was a shopping center. To this day, many merchant estates have been preserved on the streets of the city. One of them is the house of the merchant Tetyushinov.
You will not pass by this building, it is different from the typical buildings of that time. Wide two-tier panels with carved oak columns and rich decoration.
The house did not bring happiness to the merchant, and in Soviet times it became the property of the city. Since the 1930s, the building has housed communal apartments. Later the question of demolishing the house arose. But, fortunately, it has survived to this day. This is the only surviving wooden building from the late 19th century in the Lower Volga region.
Address: Kommunisticheskaya street, building 26
Market "Selenskie Isady"
If you want to feel the real atmosphere of Astrakhan, go to the Selenskie Isady market. This is one of the most famous markets in the city, which has existed for more than 150 years.
Local fishermen caught a lot of fish - they needed a place to sell. This is how the market appeared in Astrakhan. The market still sells local fish - dried, smoked, and caviar. You can try everything before purchasing.
Address: Pokrovskaya Square, building 3A
Astrakhan Kremlin
The Kremlin is the symbol of Astrakhan. When you walk around the territory of the Kremlin, you feel that this place is loved and cherished. Very clean, many different plants, good paths.
A number of important historical events are associated with the Astrakhan Kremlin: the Crimean-Turkish campaigns in the 16th century, the “Troubles” and peasant uprising under the leadership of Stepan Razin, the Streltsy uprising of 1705-1706, the Persian campaign of Peter the Great, the strengthening of state borders and the entry into Russia of the Caucasus territories and Central Asia.
Gate Church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Trinity Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral and Prechistenskaya Bell Tower
Construction of the Assumption Cathedral lasted from 1698 to 1710. After the revolution, the cathedral was used for other purposes and the interior decoration was lost. The bell tower was built at the beginning of the 20th century, its height is about 80 meters. The main gate of the Kremlin, the Prechistensky Gate, passes through the bell tower.
Storeroom
This building was used to store stocks of weapons, equipment, uniforms and food. Nowadays one of the Kremlin museums is located here.
Red Gate Tower
The exhibition “Astrakhan - the southern outpost of Russia (XVI-XIX centuries)” includes three exhibitions, by visiting which you can learn about the history of the city and the Astrakhan Kremlin.
You can find out about prices on the website of the Astrakhan Kremlin astrakhan-musei.ru
Brother's Garden
Across the road from the Kremlin is the Brotherly Garden. Many years ago this was the main square of Astrakhan.
In February 1918, 180 workers who died during the battles for the establishment of Soviet power were buried in the Brotherhood Garden. Already in September 1918, a monument was erected at the grave. The monument depicts a worker with a rifle.
There is an obelisk and an Eternal Flame in the park. Every year on May 9, local residents lay flowers at it.
Museum of Military Glory
The museum is located in a merchant's mansion near the Brothers' Garden. The museum contains original documents, photographs, and personal belongings of historical figures.
In front of the entrance to the museum there is a monument to the Astrakhan Cossacks, defenders of the fatherland.
What to see in Astrakhan with children
If you come to Astrakhan on vacation with children, then be sure to visit the Planet Park. This is the largest amusement park in Kazan. In addition to the attractions, there is a petting zoo, a pond with catamarans and a small waterfall.
There are many attractions to choose from, both for little ones and adults. Ferris wheel, autodrome, Ermark swing, Sparta carousel...
Address: Nikolay Ostrovsky street, house 146
Museum of Local Lore
In the museum you can get acquainted with the history of Astrakhan and the Astrakhan region, as well as with the local fauna and flora. Children will be interested in looking at the guns and military ammunition in the Armory Room.
Address: Sovetskaya street, building 15
House-Museum of B. M. Kustodiev
Art connoisseurs will be interested in visiting the house where the famous artist spent his childhood. In Astrakhan, the painter received his first impressions that influenced his fate.
The house-museum opened its doors to visitors in 2002 . This was preceded by 12 years of restoration work. The exhibition presents preserved belongings of the Kustodiev family and the work of the master.
House-Museum of B. M. Kustodiev
What to see in the vicinity of Astrakhan
Saray-Batu
There are attractions not only in the center of Astrakhan, but also outside the city. 130 kilometers from Astrakhan there is a historical one. Scientists suggest that the capital of the Golden Horde was once located here.
Now Saray-Batu is a real open-air museum. For the film "Horde", real scenery was recreated, which was preserved after filming was completed.
It is better to come here on a tour with a guide who can tell you more about the Golden Horde and the creation of the city.
Ticket: for adults - 400 rubles, children under 12 years old - free
Address: Selitrennoe village
Sturgeon farm "Beluga"
There is a sturgeon farm 45 kilometers away. An area of 20 hectares contains about 250 tons of sturgeon fish!
The sturgeon farm operated back in Soviet times. In 1990-2000, the number of sturgeon fish decreased so much that the production of this type of fish was limited. The Beluga farm was one of the first to raise sturgeon and beluga in captivity.
At the farm you can buy hot smoked sturgeon, fish pates, fish soup sets, frozen fish and caviar.
Address: Narimanov city, Water divider, lock No. 32
Demidovskoye Compound
It is located near the Tent Tower. The courtyard occupies an entire block and consists of warehouses . Between them there was a market. The farmstead belonged to the Loshkarevs and Demidovs. At one time, merchants built a pier and Gostiny Dvor.
Now the premises are occupied by various organizations. The building itself has the status of a monument of federal significance.
Demidovskoye Compound
Embankment
an ideal place for a walk, relaxation and photo shoots . There are many old buildings, fountains and sculptural compositions here.
The steamboat restaurant on the water invites tourists to relax and refresh themselves. Pleasure boats depart from the pier , on which you can take an excursion along the Volga.
Embankment
Astrakhan is not a place for boredom. There are a lot of interesting places here. In addition to museums and architectural monuments, the city has theaters, libraries, and parks. Each has its own direction, its own history. A visit to Astrakhan will leave many unforgettable impressions.
Triumphal Arch
To the left of the planetarium is the Arc de Triomphe, which opens the entrance to Governor Anatoly Guzhvin Avenue. The arch, built for the arrival of Emperor Alexander II, stood until 1980.
A new one was built on the same site using more reliable materials in 2017. A musical fountain is installed next to the arch .
Triumphal Arch
Planetarium
It is located on the territory of the Druzhba Park in a building known as the “pavilion”. It was built in the mid-20th century in the traditions of classicism and resembles buildings of the 19th century.
Guests are invited to visit the “Star Hall” , where, sitting comfortably in a chair, you can admire the view of the starry sky.
Planetarium
Churches, temples, mosques
What to see in Astrakhan in one day for those who are attracted by churches, churches or mosques? See for yourself!
- Intercession Cathedral – Pokrovskaya Square, 6.
- John the Baptist Monastery - st. Magnitogorskaya, 9.
- Blagoveshchensky Novodevichy Convent - st. Sovetskaya, 29.
- Temple-Cathedral of St. Prince Vladimir - st. General Epishev, 4.
- Kazan Church of the Mother of God - st. Chekhova, 10.
- Temple of St. John Chrysostom – st. Donbasskaya, 61.
- Roman Catholic Church, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the church is not permanently active, but masses and organ music concerts are regularly held here. Address: st. Babushkina, 81.
- Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery - after the Trinity Cathedral in the Astrakhan Kremlin, this was the second monastery in the city. Unfortunately, the only thing that remains of its former grandeur is the northeast tower. Address: st. Communist, 11.
- Worship cross Khachkar is an Armenian worship cross and three-arched stele. Address: Park "Armenia".
- The White Mosque is the oldest Muslim mosque in Astrakhan. People of any religion can visit it. Address: st. Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, 41.
- The Red Mosque is currently the permanent residence of the Mufti of the Astrakhan region. Address: st. Kazanskaya, 62.
- Black Mosque – Address: st. Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, 48.
Sovetskaya Street
This street is interesting because it belongs to those from which the city began . It led to the Church of the Nativity. There are many old stone buildings here.
It begins at the cathedral bell tower of the Astrakhan Kremlin. Here are the Astrakhan Conservatory, the Drama Theatre, Armenia Park, the Sea Garden, and Pushkin Square.
Sovetskaya Street
Assumption Cathedral and Bishop's Compound
Address : st. Trediakovskogo, 2, Kremlin Telephone Website : astrsobor.ru Opening hours : 08.00-19.00, seven days a week Cost : free
Assumption Cathedral
The Assumption Church is located on the territory of the Kremlin; when built in honor of the 900th anniversary of the baptism of Rus', it was the largest building in all of Astrakhan. Coincidentally, the illumination of the construction site coincided with the day when the Synod adopted a decree on the solemn celebration of the religious holiday.
During Soviet times, many churches were destroyed and blown to the ground. But the Assumption Cathedral survived, although it was closed for a long time and played the role of the city’s bus station. They say that the preservation of the historical monument was facilitated by one riot that occurred in the 60s of the 20th century. To protest the demolition, one woman climbed up and tied herself to the cross on the topmost doll. The rest of the Astrakhan residents stood in a ring and lit fires, not allowing the equipment to approach the temple.
Bishop's Compound
The courtyard began with the construction of the Bishop's house in the 17th century on the territory of the Kremlin. The building then grew and became chambers. In the 18th century, a temple named after the Savior Not Made by Hands was erected there.
Then the third and fourth floors of the main building were completed.
It is noteworthy that on the façade you can see ancient tiles with scenes of Alexander the Great. Reconstruction of the building is still underway, with plans to demolish the top two floors to restore the house to its 17th-century appearance.
On the façade of the building, original tiles with scenes from the life of Alexander the Great have been preserved. They plan to reconstruct the bishop's courtyard in Astrakhan and give it its original appearance by demolishing the superstructure.
