35 best sights of Yoshkar-Ola - the most complete overview

Tsarevokokshaisk, founded in 1584 as a military base on the territory of the conquered Kazan Khanate, developed slowly, although a hundred years later it became the main city of the district. Until the October Revolution, it did not stand out among the policies of the Volga region in anything other than the abundance of educational institutions. The city received the status of the administrative center of the Mari Autonomous Okrug under the name Krasnokokshaysk, and Yoshkar-Oloy began to be called in 1928. During the Second World War, several large enterprises were evacuated here, which predetermined the vector of further progressive development of the policy. Today, the capital of the Republic of Mari El is a prosperous city with developed infrastructure, economy, and culture. The sights of Yoshkar-Ola, photos and descriptions of which are contained in the article, are incredibly colorful.

Sights of Yoshkar-Ola

Yoshkar-Ola can be a great place for both a quiet family holiday and an active pastime with friends. Here you will notice how many styles are mixed in the city's architecture. Yoshkar-Ola has a very pleasant and attractive atmosphere. In this city, you will not be able to stay all day in a hotel room in the company of a TV or telephone. Yoshkar-Ola will encourage you to walk along its picturesque streets for a long time, and the sights will leave pleasant memories and vivid emotions.

In this material you can study the list of attractions of Yoshkar-Ola. Among them you will definitely find places that will intrigue you. Thanks to the material, you will be able to make a list of places that interest you in advance and spend your vacation in comfort.

Patriarchal Square, Bruges Embankment, Tsarevokokshay Kremlin
Complex “12 Apostles”, Annunciation Tower, Sculptural composition “Yoshkin cat”
Annunciation Cathedral, Fountain-monument to Orthodox Saints Peter and Fevronia
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Replica of the Tsar Cannon, Museum of Glasses in Yoshkar-Ola
Monument to Lorenzo Medici, Yoshkar-Ola Wedding Palace, Church of the Holy Trinity
Arkhangelskaya Sloboda, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Spasskaya Tower, Ascension Cathedral
Republic Square and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Chavaina Boulevard, Uspenskaya Street
Voskresenskaya embankment, Central Park of Culture and Leisure, Mari Opera and Ballet Theater
Museum of the History of the Main Directorate of Forced Labor Camps
National Art Gallery, National Museum of the Republic of Mari El
Museum of the History of the City of Yoshkar-Ola, Mari National Drama Theater, Puppet Theater
Museum of Mari cheese “Bazarnaya Ploshchad”, Museum of Fine Arts, Botanical Garden

At the end of the article we have placed a map of Yoshkar-Ola with the sights marked on it that we mentioned in the article. Using this map, it will be easier for you to navigate the area, and also, if you wish, you can develop your own travel route to the sights.

Sightseeing tours

A day in Yoshkar-Ola can be filled with a more detailed acquaintance with the history of the city by listening to the legends and stories of a professional guide. If you book a sightseeing tour, you can ask the guide questions about modern attractions or the culture and religion of the Mari. Many people note that it is difficult to understand the city during a short trip, so a sightseeing walk with a guide will help you better understand its atmosphere.

City tours in Yoshkar-Ola

Clock with a donkey on the building of the National Gallery Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

What to see in Yoshkar-Ola - day 1

On your first day in the city, you should enjoy its beauty. City landscapes and architectural monuments can help you with this. You should start walking around the city from Patriarchal Square and the Bruges embankment, where you can enjoy the views of Yoshkar-Ola.

After this, you can head to the city's monuments. For example, see the Tsarevokokshay Kremlin, the “12 Apostles” complex, the Annunciation Tower, the sculptural composition “Yoshkin the Cat”, the Annunciation Cathedral, the fountain-monument to Orthodox Saints Peter and Fevronia, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a copy of the Tsar Cannon, the monument to Lorenzo de Medici, Yoshkar- Olinsky Wedding Palace, Church of the Holy Trinity, Arkhangelskaya Sloboda, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Spasskaya Tower and Ascension Cathedral.

Patriarchal Square

Patriarchal Square is one of the most popular places in the city among both tourists and local residents. It is located on the banks of Malaya Kokshaga and appeared in the city in 2010. On the territory of the square there are interesting sights: a monument to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II, a monument to the patrons of the family Peter and Fevronia, a Puppet Theater, as well as the “12 Apostles” clock.

On the square you will have a very beautiful view of the city. Here you can stroll around, taking in the sights and enjoying the good weather. In addition, on the square you will get bright photographs reminiscent of your trip to Yoshkar-Ola.

Bruges waterfront

The Bruges embankment, stretching along the shore of Malaya Kokshaga, is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Many tourists, once here, begin to doubt that they are in Russia and not Europe. The houses located near the embankment were built in the Flemish style, which is typical for buildings in European countries.

On the embankment you will see incredibly beautiful landscapes. You can stroll here both during the day and in the evening. However, in the afternoon the embankment is transformed thanks to the rays of beautiful lighting.

In the very center of Yoshkar-Ola there are the best housing options, based on price and reviews:

Hotel Revizor. Rating: 9.7 based on 880 reviews. Price 1350 rub.
Apartment "Pijama". Rating: 9.4 based on 290 reviews. Price 1150 rub.
The popular Virginia Hotel. Rating: 9.8 based on 1215 reviews. Price 1550 rub.
Apartments "Green Lamp". Rating: 10.0 based on 140 reviews. Price 1650 rub.

Tsarevokokshay Kremlin

The Tsarevokokshay Kremlin, built in 2009, is located on the site of a wooden fortress that stood in the city many years ago. The Kremlin is the youngest defensive building in Russia. Its outlines resemble the fortress on Kokshag. The Kremlin includes four towers, which are connected by fortress walls.

The appearance of this attraction in no way betrays the fact that it was built in the 21st century. The Kremlin rises majestically in the middle of the city street and attracts the attention of tourists. In addition, you can go inside the Kremlin and see the museum of archaeological finds, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, as well as the “Mari Apiary” exhibition, which is open in the summer.

Complex "12 Apostles"

The “12 Apostles” complex is a clock that attracts many interested tourists. When the hand of this clock reaches the number 12, people hear the ringing of bells, and after that a door located on the left edge of the terrace, connecting the two towers, opens. A donkey appears from the door, and on its back is Jesus, followed by his disciples - the 12 apostles.

These figures are worth seeing with your own eyes. The watch looks very impressive and beautiful. In addition, everyone recently had the opportunity not only to look at the “12 Apostles” movement, but also to climb the tower and see how this unique clock works.

Annunciation Tower

The Annunciation Tower is a copy of the most famous tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Its dimensions are 55 meters in height. Some elements differ from the original, but it is still very recognizable. The tower was built in 2011, but it was not called the same as the original, so the tower is Blagoveshchenskaya.

Near this attraction you can take very interesting photographs that will remind you of your trip to Yoshkar-Ola. You can walk around the tower, enjoying the beauty of the architecture. It’s worth stopping by here on the way to another city attraction to save your time.

Local residents will tell you about the city in as much detail as possible on these excursions:

Hello, Yoshkar-Ola! Rating: 5.0 based on 60 reviews. Price 900 rubles (per 1 person)
Yoshkar-Ola is just space. Rating: 5.0 based on 40 reviews. Price 1690 rub. (for 1-6 people)
Gastrotour in Mari style. Rating: 5.0 based on 18 reviews. Price 3200 rub. (for 1 person)
Evening Yoshkar-Ola. Rating: 5.0 based on 16 reviews. Price 400 rub. (for 1 person)

Sculptural composition “Yoshkin the cat”

The sculptural composition “Yoshkin the Cat,” built near the University of Mari in 2011, is a bronze bench on which a cat is positioned importantly. The expression "Yonkin cat" has no connection with the city. The idea to erect such a sculpture came from the head of the republic and turned out to be very successful.

This is another attraction of Yoshkar-Ola that is worth visiting on the way to other places in the city. You can take funny photos next to the sculpture. The cat will definitely appeal to both children and adults.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

The Annunciation Cathedral is a majestic architectural complex that was erected in the central part of the city in 2010. The building was built in Russian style. The cathedral is decorated with a facade with rich decoration and paintings, as well as a luxurious entrance ring and domes that sparkle brightly in the sun.

You definitely won't be able to drive past this cathedral. It seems to attract tourists with its grandeur and unforgettable beauty. It is worth seeing with your own eyes at least once.

Fountain-monument to Orthodox Saints Peter and Fevronia

Fountain-monument to Peter and Fevronia

The fountain-monument to Orthodox Saints Peter and Fevronia is located on Patriarchal Square. It represents bronze monuments to Prince Peter and his wife Fevronia, who are considered patrons of family and marriage. The fountain-monument was built in 2010, and a year later the chapel of Peter and Fevronia was consecrated.

Many young people come to the monument-fountain to lay flowers at it. Here you can always see tourists taking photos against the backdrop of the attraction. If you walk along Patriarchal Square, be sure to come to this monument.

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 2006 for the 60th anniversary of the Victory. You won't see much decoration on the building. The temple looks quite interesting and festive due to the color contrast of the walls and roof. The vaults and ceiling of the building are covered with mosaics, which were worked on by graduates of the Yoshkar-Ola Art School.

The temple looks especially beautiful against the backdrop of the blue sky, so this attraction is worth visiting in good weather. You will be able to go inside the building and examine its design. This architectural monument stands out spectacularly from others, so it is worth including it in your route around the city.

Replica of the Tsar Cannon

The Tsar Cannon was located near the entrance to the National Art Gallery. This attraction is a smaller version of the famous Moscow cannon. The craftsmen who worked on the gun assure that it is quite suitable for shooting.

This is quite an interesting attraction that is very popular among tourists. Many of them are in a hurry to take a photo in front of the “little sister” of the Tsar Cannon in Moscow. You can also save a couple of fun and colorful pictures as a souvenir.

Monument to Lorenzo de' Medici

The monument to Lorenzo Medici, erected in 2012, is located on the territory of one of the alleys of the Italian Park. The monument is as follows: The Medici sat on the throne, holding an open tome in his hand. On the other side of him stands a lion, in whose paws is the coat of arms of the Medici family.

This monument can be visited on the way to other interesting places in the city. Arriving here, you will be able to take a closer look at the monument and its details. The atmosphere of this attraction is complemented by a soulful park, which offers wonderful landscapes. The monument is located against their background.

Yoshkar-Ola Wedding Palace

Wedding Palace

The Yoshkar-Ola Wedding Palace was built in 2012. The building, made in the Gothic style, has amazing and interesting architecture. Inside, the Wedding Palace is no less beautiful: inside you will see marble floors, wide palace staircases, beautiful frescoes and paintings decorating the walls.

This attraction is definitely worth a visit. Arriving at the Wedding Palace, you will be amazed by its grandeur, beauty and sophistication. The architecture of the building attracts all eyes. You will definitely walk around the Palace for a long time, enjoying its splendor.

Church of the Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1736, is located on the banks of the Kokshaga. The two-story building consists of two churches: the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is on the first floor, and the Church of the Holy Trinity is on the second. In 1939, the church bell tower was dismantled. In 1995, the building, which was in a dilapidated state, was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, after which work began on the reconstruction of the temple.

This church stands out from other architectural monuments. She looks very solemn and grandiose. If you have to choose which architectural monuments are worth seeing in Yoshkar-Ola and which you can skip, be sure to include the church on your list.

Arkhangelskaya Sloboda

Arkhangelskaya Sloboda is located next to the Square of the Republic and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It consists of several two-story buildings, the architecture of which is made in Western European style. They house various city organizations. For example, banks, pharmacies, shops, as well as insurance companies.

Arkhangelskaya Sloboda can make you think about whether all this is really in Russia. This area deserves your attention. Here you can have a pleasant time, walking near the houses and maintaining an interesting conversation.

You can discover the most mysterious places of the city on this excursion:

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, built in 1759, is a brick building that was made in the Moscow Baroque style. Due to the difficult events that happened to the cathedral after the revolution, by 1961 there was a wasteland on the site of the temple. Only in 2008 did construction begin on the site of the former cathedral. The authors of the project tried to combine the stylized baroque of the mid-18th century with the traditions of Russian stone architecture in the temple.

Today the cathedral has become a real decoration of the city. It perfectly complements the landscapes of Voskresenskaya embankment. Here you will definitely not be able to resist and take out your camera to take some bright pictures.

Spasskaya Tower

The Spasskaya Tower is located directly opposite the Annunciation Tower, on the other side of the Theater Bridge. It is similar to the Borovitskaya Tower of the Kremlin. The dimensions of the Spasskaya Tower are smaller than the dimensions of the original, but this does not in any way affect the fact that it is amazing and beautiful.

In this place you can imagine that you are in the capital of Russia. You can take a walk near the Spasskaya Tower, enjoying the beautiful view of the city. This part of the city is very picturesque and solemn.

Ascension Cathedral

The Ascension Cathedral is the only religious institution that has preserved its historical appearance to this day. Despite all the damage received, the temple was not completely destroyed. Today the cathedral is not distinguished by fancy shapes, colors and unusual decoration, but this in no way spoils its appearance.

This architectural monument is worthy of your attention. Here you will immerse yourself in an incredible historical atmosphere. The temple seems to reflect all the unpleasant events that happened to it over the years of its existence.

Where to live

Let's figure out where you can stay in Yoshkar-Ola. The cost of apartments is from 1300 rubles per night. Next to the Teplaya Rechka tavern there is a one-room apartment with good reviews called “ElenHouse” for 1700 per night.

Hotel "Virginia" (junior suite) for 2700 per night. Many people praise it. The Kremlin is only 1 kilometer away. Breakfast in the cafe of the same name.

Guest house "Izba" for 2500, but you will have to drive to the center. It's 4 kilometers on foot, about 40 minutes on foot in one direction only. But a two-story house is available, as far as I understand.

Or just apartments from 1200 rubles per night in the center area.

In total, we budget 3000-4000 for two nights somewhere near the center . If the budget allowed, I would stay in the very, very center, for example, in “The Inspector General”.

Guest house Izba: review

⚑ It so happened that we stayed for two nights at the Izba guest house, about which I will write a review later. Well, about the Izba cafe at the same time, because they are inextricably linked