What to see in Astrakhan in one day

I am posting our review material on Astrakhan, written in the same style as the post about Volgograd. It is structured in this way: first, a list of attractions (Yulchik compiled it for our trip) with comments about the places we managed to visit, and at the end of the article - my short review of Astrakhan in general. And, of course, all this is diluted with photographs that we took. So, closer to the point: what to see in Astrakhan in one day?

Architectural landmarks

Astrakhan Kremlin - you can’t miss it, because there aren’t that many kremlins in Russia, and it’s an interesting place. We recommend starting with it. Entrance to the Kremlin is free, but museums on the territory are paid. By the way, for an inexpensive price you can climb the bell tower and look at Astrakhan. Address: st. Trediakovskogo, 2, stop. Oktyabrskaya Square.
Astrakhan embankment - it begins at the Wedding Palace, where it merges with the Red Embankment. Walking along it, you will look for the monument to Peter the Great, the “Wedding Waltz” fountain, the “Petrovsky” color and musical fountain, all sorts of sculptures and a sign next to which everyone declares their love.
Lenin Square is decorated with a complex of 7 Neva-Volga fountains and various sculptures - the meaning of some of them is quite difficult to guess. When we were here, the fountains, unfortunately, were not working - it was not the season. The square is located along the southern wall of the Astrakhan Kremlin, within Trediakovsky and Admiralteyskaya streets.
Tavrizov’s house was featured in Gaidai’s comedy “It Can’t Be!” Address: st. Nikolskaya, 6 / st. Fioletova, 14 (not far from the Astrakhan Kremlin and the Wedding Palace).
The former estate of the merchant Shelekhov is famous for its history and mysterious legends. Now this building houses a tuberculosis clinic. According to one version, the building was nationalized after the revolution; according to another, Shelekhov himself bequeathed the estate to doctors after his daughter died of consumption. In memory of her, he installed a statue of a girl on the courtyard roof slope. Some claim that this sculpture comes to life at night, and on a full moon a woman’s cry can be heard in the dispensary. In general, if you are thinking about what to see in Astrakhan in one day, and you want something anomalous and mysterious, then you can take a walk here. Address: Krasnaya embankment, 45.

The Lovers' Bridge is not particularly impressive: there are similar places in every city now, but you can take a walk here. The bridge is hung with wedding locks and colorful ribbons. Address: Red Embankment, 450 meters from the Wedding Palace.
The sculpture “Lady with a Dog” is so cool. Made in the same style as the sculptures on the Chelyabinsk Arbat. Address: Astrakhan embankment (at the intersection of the embankment and Nikolskaya street).
The sculpture “Goldfish” is one of the symbols of the “fish” city. They say she can make wishes come true, you just need to touch her medallion. We have not tried it, and we are not responsible for the veracity of the legend. Address: Astrakhan embankment (opposite the Wedding Palace).
The sculpture “Roach the Nurse” is another “fish place”. The monument was erected in gratitude for the fact that this fish saved thousands of residents from hunger during the Second World War. Address: st. Kirova, 57 (near the fishing tackle store).
The sculpture “Shoe Shine Man” is a monument based on the film “It Can’t Be!”, filmed in Astrakhan. Address: Petrovskaya embankment (not far from the Azimut hotel).
Sculptures “Fingers” - there are two such sculptures in Astrakhan. One is in the Brotherly Garden: here a tree grows from a hand. The second is near the trading one: the fingers are holding a lotus flower. We saw her when we were leaving the city towards the delta. Both sculptures symbolize the beginning of a new life. The idea is cool - foreign: the first fingers grew out of the ground in Chile, then in Uruguay, and now they have reached Russia.

The sculpture “Family” is such a sentimental sculpture on the shore of “Swan Lake”. It was amusing that the head of the family, the father of many children, is an employee of Lukoil, whose office is located nearby. This connection with the oil company is indicated by the company logo on his work helmet. Noticing this, Astrakhan residents came up with another funny legend: to improve your financial stability, you need to shake hands with your oilman dad, and then he will help you find a cool job, like in Lukoil.
The sculpture “Ivanushka and the Little Humpbacked Horse” is another place for making wishes - you just need to rub the Little Horse’s ears or hump, and you will be happy... Children especially like it! Address: st. Musa Jalil, 4 (next to Lenin Square, near the building of the Astrakhan Theater for Young Spectators).
The sculpture “Khoja Nasreddin and Donkey” is more of an advertising ploy to attract attention to the teahouse than a landmark of Astrakhan. Address: st. Uritsky, 5 (at the beginning of Krasnaya Embankment, next to the entrance to the Sholly Teahouse).
The sculptural composition “Bench of Reconciliation” - we found it badly tattered and broken. We liked the same bench better in Orel. The seat is specially curved so that those sitting roll towards each other and reconcile. Address: Astrakhan embankment, next to the Wedding Palace.
Zero kilometer is an ordinary milestone located at the Main Post Office. Nothing remarkable, and from hundreds of “zero” kilometers of other cities it does not stand out. Address: intersection of Kirov and Chernyshevsky streets. But if you go down from the pillar along Kirov Street, then after the voble monument you will see the “first kilometer” on the left. Unfortunately, we didn’t go there, because mileposts (even such original ones) do not attract our little ones.

The sign next to which everyone calls their mother - we posed there, took pictures - like we were calling, and then, in fact, we called our mothers. Address: Brother's Garden.
The sign that everyone takes pictures next to is located at Swan Lake.
The sign next to which everyone declares their love - look for it near the Wedding Palace.
The sign next to which everyone smiles is the Privolzhsky Zaton embankment.

Nikolskaya street

Nikolskaya Street is a unique monument of Astrakhan, in addition to the fact that it is simply pleasant to walk along it, looking at buildings preserved from the 17th century, it is also notable for the fact that it was here that Leonid Gaidai’s wonderful film “Cupid” from the trilogy “It Can’t Be!” was filmed. At that time it was called Rosa Luxemburg Street.

By modern standards, the street is short and starts from the Volga embankment. Here are some notable structures on it:

Tavrizov's apartment building is the most noticeable building with a spire in the film frame. From the back it looks like an impenetrable fortress due to the powerful brickwork. Now the Academy of Water Sports, Astrakhan branch, is located here.
Mochalov's tavern and Churbakov's house. Spectacular buildings appear in the frame behind the backs of the main character Anatoly Amursky and the cleaner boy.
Puppet Theatre. He is also featured in the film. Young spectators will be very interested in attending the performances of the troupe. The façade of the theater is overloaded with details and a bit chaotic.

Museums

What should lovers of various museums see in Astrakhan in one day? Choose for yourself!

Sturgeon house-museum - we didn’t get there, although we really wanted to. We arrived at the address, and they told us that it had not been working for six months. Maybe by your arrival everything will be in place again. Address: st. Akhmatovskaya, 13.
City Aquarium - located in the same place as the sturgeon museum, and is also closed.
Planetarium - I was in a planetarium for the second time in my life, Yulka, who actually dragged us there, was the third or fourth, and the girls were for the first time. And we really liked it: the “space” exhibition in the hall, and the star program - only your head gets a little tired when you constantly look up. Address: st. Admiralteyskaya, 1/8 (rotunda building on the shore of Swan Lake).
The Museum “House of Merchant Tetyushinov” is the only example of wooden architecture in the Lower Volga region. The excursions here are somewhat unusual, because you are greeted not by museum employees, but by the merchant himself, his wife and daughter. For example, we ended up just at an appointment with Tetyushinov. But it was not possible to listen to the entire excursion to the end: Tanya was tired, began to be capricious, and Lenchik fell asleep on the 19th century sofa. Address: st. Kommunisticheskaya, 26 (from 10 to 18, except Mondays).

Museum of Culture - at first it was the literary museum of Chernyshevsky, but over time, many exhibits unrelated to the writer accumulated in its halls. Therefore, now it is something like a local history museum about the creative people of the city, such as the poet Trediakovsky, the artist Kustodiev, the opera singer Chaliapin... Address: st. Chernyshevsky, 4 (from 9 to 17, on Thursday - until 21, closed on Monday).
Museum of the History of the City - father V.I. was born and raised here. Lenin. There's probably more interesting stuff in this museum, but we didn't go there, so explore for yourself. Address: st. Ulyanovykh, 9 (from 9 to 16, closed on Wednesday).
The house-museum of Velimir Khlebnikov is located in the former apartment of the poet’s parents. Address: st. Sverdlova, 53 (from 9.30 to 17, closed on Monday).
Kustodiev House Museum - the famous artist spent his childhood in this house. And now here you can see his paintings and photographs taken during his travels around the country and the world. Address: st. Kalinina, 26 (from 10 to 18, except Mondays, Friday - from 13 to 21).
The Museum of Local Lore - I would have gone there first, but the girls objected. Address: st. Sovetskaya, 15 (from 10 to 17, on Thursday until 21, weekends: Friday and the last Thursday of the month).
The Museum of Military Glory is a three-story building filled with different types of weapons, maps, documents... There are two dioramas “On the Astrakhan direction” and “Partisan camp”. Address: st. Akhmatovskaya, 7 (from 10 to 17, on Thursday - until 21, closed on Wednesday).
Dogadin Art Gallery is for art lovers. Address: st. Sverdlova, 81.
The Museum of the History of Medicine is also not for everyone. Address: st. Tatishcheva, 2 (on the territory of the Alexander-Mariinsky Regional Hospital, from 10 to 18, weekends - Sunday, Monday).

Natural attractions and more

If you are attracted by natural attractions and you don’t know what to see in Astrakhan in one day from parks, lakes or gardens, this section is for you.

Swan Lake is a small body of water near the planetarium. Ducks and swans swim there, seagulls fly. Feed them! Located at the intersection of Admiralteyskaya Street and Lenin Square.
Oak of Peter I - there is a legend that it was planted by the emperor himself, although scientists have already proven that this is not so. A large oak tree was damaged by lightning. It is a natural monument and almost the same age as the city - it is 12 years younger than Astrakhan. Address: st. General Gerasimenko, not far from house No. 5.
The Bratsky Garden is a small park not far from the Astrakhan Kremlin. Look for the sign next to which everyone calls mom, and the “Fingers” sculpture. There is also a children's playground and various festivals are held there. With us, for example, students celebrated some extremely important world day and gave everyone paper cranes. Address: st. Trediakovsky, 1.
Park "Planet" - there are various attractions and a mini zoo. Address: st. Ostrovsky, 146.
Arcadia Park is also rich in attractions and all sorts of cafes. Address: st. Kalinina, 47.
Winter garden of the Oktyabr cinema - the cinema building is currently under reconstruction, so we were not there. They promise to open it by the 300th anniversary of the Astrakhan province (November 22, 2021). Then in the winter garden you will again be able to see centuries-old ficus and palm trees, as well as exotic birds and various fish, including sturgeon, swimming in huge aquariums. Address: st. Molodoy Gvardiya, 2/Volodarsky, 13.
The Selenskie Isady fish market is a cult place in Astrakhan, and it’s better to go there well-fed. At the market you can take pictures and even taste something. Address: st. Maksakova.

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.

Trinity Cathedral

Address : territory of the Astrakhan Kremlin Opening hours : closed

The Trinity Cathedral was erected on the territory of Astrakhan back in 1576 by Abbot Kirill. The latter was the first missionary in these places, whom Ivan the Terrible sent here. The temple burned several times and was rebuilt. Next to it they built the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Church of the Most Holy Presentation. In those days, it was customary to build several religious buildings nearby, since, as a rule, one was a warm temple for winter services, and the second was a cold one, intended for summer liturgies.

After 1700, when the Trinity Cathedral was under the jurisdiction of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, it underwent difficult times, gradually falling into decay. Only in 1819, at the expense of the local wealthy merchant Lev Fedorovich Abezyanin, the building was restored. But in the first period of Soviet power, all the interior decoration was destroyed, the iconostasis was burned, and warehouses were built inside.

Now it stands dilapidated, looted, closed to the public. Only the outer part of the temple has been restored: helmet-shaped domes, crosses and white stone walls reaching towards the sky.

Neighborhoods of Astrakhan

This section is a slight digression from the topic “What to see in Astrakhan in one day,” but such information may well be useful to those who have the opportunity to travel around the area.

Salt Lake Baskunchak is the largest and saltiest known salt lake in the world. The density of the water in it is almost like in the Dead Sea, and it is impossible to drown here. There are also deposits of medicinal clays on the shore of the lake. The best time to visit is from the beginning of May to the end of September. Lake Baskunchak is located in the Akhtubinsky district.
Lotus Valley – Lotus flowers usually bloom from late July to early September. The valley is located in the Volga delta.
The ancient city of Saray-Batu and the scenery for the film “Horde” - the Golden Horde city of Saray-Batu (now Selitrennoye settlement) was located slightly south of the village of Selitrennoye. In 2010, they began filming the film “Horde” on the territory of the village itself, and for the scenery, with the help of archaeologists, they “restored” the ancient city. After filming the film, they decided not to demolish the scenery - and a new tourist attraction appeared.
The Russian Watermelon Museum is located in the city of Kamyzyak.
The settlement of Samosdelka is an ancient medieval city, where you can see the remains of multi-room houses, dugouts, furnaces for smelting metal, dwellings made of reeds coated with clay... The settlement is located in the Kamyzyaksky district, 45 km from Astrakhan.
Mount Big Bogdo is the only real mountain in the Caspian lowland. Every year it becomes higher because there is a salt dome inside it, which increases by about 1 mm per year. The southwestern slope of the mountain is famous for the unusual forms of weathering of sandstones, and since the mountain has a lot of shallow caves, cornices and other depressions where the wind likes to blow, this place is called “singing rocks.” The mountain is located near Lake Baskunchak in the Akhtubinsky district.

The Astrakhan Pyramid of Hunger is a pyramid in the proportions of the Golden Section, which seems to be supposed to improve the surrounding space. The founder of pyramid things in Russia is A.E. Hunger. There are also such “harmonious” buildings in Nice and near Rome. The Astrakhan pyramid is located on the Astrakhan-Volgograd highway.
Zoo "Baba Frosya" - this zoo grew out of an ostrich farm, so the main character here is, of course, the ostrich. But there are other pets: lynx and leopard, bear and llama, buffalos and raccoons... The zoo is located in the Kamyzyaksky district, with. Ivanchug, st. Fermerskaya, 1. You can get there by bus number 143.

How to get there

Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg last 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours respectively. The airport is located just 11 kilometers from the city, the journey to the center will take approximately 20 minutes.

Air ticket Moscow - Astrakhan: from 3,855 rubles in both directions Air ticket St. Petersburg - Astrakhan: from 5,998 rubles in both directions The cost of minibus travel from the airport is from 20 rubles The cost of a taxi from the airport is about 200 rubles

Hotel "Gallery" - from 952 rubles per night for two.
Hotel "Azimut" - from 2000 rubles per night for two.
Grand Hotel Astrakhan - from 4850 rubles per night for two.