Sights of Yekaterinburg: where to go, interesting places

When you come to any city for the weekend, you have to face the difficulty of choosing places to visit. I want to see as much as possible within one or two days. Not such an easy task given the limited time. Ekaterinburg can well be considered one of the most compact cities with a million population. If you plan your stay in advance, you will be able to see most of the sights.

Yekaterinburg is a kind of bridge between Europe and Asia. It is the only official “mountain city” of the Russian Federation. In 2002, a commission of the authoritative organization UNESCO decided to assign Yekaterinburg the status of an ideal city

, one of 12 on the planet.

Here history is perfectly combined with modernity. The city has a lot of skyscrapers, shopping and entertainment centers, and recreational facilities. At the same time, the capital of the Urals boasts an abundance of architectural monuments in the constructivist style that have survived to this day. In terms of population, Ekaterinburg is the fourth among Russian cities, second only to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The city got its name in honor of Ekaterina Alekseevna, the wife of Peter I. There are a lot of attractions in Yekaterinburg. One day may not be enough to see them.

There is an option for the optimal route in 1 day. It will allow you to “quickly”, but at the same time informatively travel around the city. Through the efforts of the Yekaterinburg administration and caring citizens, it was possible not only to preserve a lot of historical, cultural and architectural monuments, but also to achieve their harmonious combination with modern objects that are of interest to tourists.

Main attractions (1 day itinerary)

Vayner Street

You should start exploring the city from Weiner Street. It is always crowded here, with plenty of tourists and locals. The main pedestrian street of Yekaterinburg is preferred by walkers. Numerous shopping centers offer a large selection of goods. There are also plenty of souvenirs here, which are so important for any tourist. During the walk you will be able to admire the original sculptural images, in particular, “Lovers”, “Peddler”, “ Friends”

"
There was a place for pop idol Michael Jackson
.
Fans of the sitcom “ Happy Together
” will appreciate the figure of Gena Bukin, one of the main characters of the series.

Weiner Street in summer

Weiner Street is an ideal place for regular performances by street clowns, actors and musicians. In the winter months, you can spend time on a specially poured skating rink and visit ice sculpture exhibitions.

Square 1905

Finishing your walk along Weiner Street, you have the opportunity to find yourself at the next attraction. We are talking about the square of 1905. It is easy for connoisseurs of Russian history to understand the reason for this name and remember the events that were fateful for the entire state. Part of the current territory of the square was previously called Church Square, and later Cathedral Square. The other part was called Trading. In 1905, Ekaterinburg workers gathered here for the first rallies. The year 1930 was dramatic for Yekaterinburg. The authorities decided to demolish (explode) the Epiphany Cathedral, the main Orthodox church in the city at that time. Since then, the appearance of the square has changed little. At the moment, in its central part there is a building in which the city administration is located. Read more about the history of the square here.

Main square of the city

When leaving the square, you should turn onto Lenin Street. It will lead directly to Plotinka on Iset, another famous landmark of Yekaterinburg.

Dam

There has been a dam on the City Pond since 1723. It was repeatedly reconstructed. The opening of a plant was expected in the city at that time. The company needed mechanical energy in sufficient quantities to ensure full operation of the equipment. The constructed structure not only effectively coped with its immediate function. In fact, thanks to the dam, the construction of the city began.

Ekaterinburg dam

Ural larch was used to build the factory dam.

. This is a unique wood that is not susceptible to rotting after prolonged exposure to water. The wood becomes stronger, as if it turns to stone, ensuring the strength of the structure for many decades. The dam has undergone restoration work several times. Despite this, the structure has been preserved as close as possible to its original condition. The dam is one of the oldest such structures in the entire country.

Local residents have a special reverent attitude towards the dam. It is no coincidence that they call the structure “Dam”. On holidays, mass celebrations are held here. Young people and students often walk here. Couples in love make dates on Plotinka. Newlyweds specially come to the dam for photo sessions. Children especially enjoy feeding bread to the ducks swimming in the local ponds near the dam. Externally, “Plotinka” is similar to a bridge, since it is located between a pond on one side and a river on the other. During the summer months, boats and catamarans can be rented.

Read more about the history of Plotinka.

Sevastyanov's House

This unique building can be seen while still on Plotinka. You cannot visit inside, since the mansion is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. However, nothing prevents you from admiring the house from the outside, its architectural elements made in the neo-Gothic style. The mansion is located in a special place in the city, where Lenin Avenue and Gorky Street

. The construction of the house was a large-scale project for that time. It ended in the first years of the 19th century. The Sevastyanov House, which has been repeatedly remodeled and even partially destroyed, seems to symbolize the difficult, at times dramatic history of Yekaterinburg in the first half of the last century.

Sevastyanov's House

Numerous legends are associated with this mansion. One of the city stories talks about the intention of the owner of the house to decorate the roof of the rotunda of the building with gold. Sevastyanov repeatedly had the opportunity to submit petitions on this matter to the imperial chancellery. There was a categorical refusal from there. Only temple domes are suitable for plating with gold. Moreover, Sevastyanov, who risked turning to the emperor with such a daring request, was punished. He had to go to the nearest church in the morning, wearing cast-iron galoshes.

Another legend is no less dramatic. Having completed the construction of a luxurious house, Sebastianov did not intend to settle in it. He chose to live in a small house opposite his architectural masterpiece. Contemporaries believed that the idea of ​​such an expensive construction arose because of Sevastyanov’s desire to awaken feelings of envy among the townspeople. Every evening Nikolai Ivanovich sat on a bench and admired the palace. Subsequently, the owner of the house went bankrupt. He had to sell his creation. The new owner turned out to be the Ministry of Justice.

Read more about the Sevastyanov House.

Temple on blood

One of the most significant sights of Yekaterinburg, having both historical and spiritual value. The temple was erected in 2003 in the place where the infamous Ipatiev House

, requisitioned from its owner in 1918 by representatives of the Soviet government specifically for the temporary accommodation of the royal family.

Close relatives of the last Russian emperor, including his minor son, who were arrested along with Nicholas II The execution took place on the night of July 17.

Church on the Blood in Yekaterinburg

The mansion stood in the city until 1975, when members of the Politburo adopted a (secret) resolution on the need for its demolition. The liquidation of the house of engineer Ipatiev took place under the direct leadership of Boris Yeltsin, at that time the first secretary of the Sverdlovsk regional party committee.

The Church on the Blood is open to the public every day. Divine services are held in the morning and evening hours. You should visit the temple if only to appreciate the grandeur of its decoration, replete with red, white and gold shades.

Square in front of the temple

In front of the temple is a complex of sculptural images of members of the royal family. Regardless of the time of year, especially in spring and summer, you can see newlyweds here. Even if the future spouses do not intend to get married in the Church on the Blood, they will definitely take pictures against its background. There is a magnificent view for photo sessions. The temple is located on a hill. Closer towards the river are two bronze sculptures. These are Peter and Fevronia, saints who are the patrons of a strong family, sincere love and marital fidelity. There are many apple trees on the green slope nearby the sculptures. The trees bloom profusely in May, adding sophistication and color to this unusual place.

More about the Church on the Blood

Observation deck at Vysotsky

Yekaterinburg is distinguished by numerous beautiful views. You can take great pictures against their background. It’s worth visiting the observation deck for impressive photos. It is located in a 54-story skyscraper, the very first such building in the city. City guests admiring the surroundings are at an altitude of 52 floors. The skyscraper is named after the actor and musician Vladimir Vysotsky. On good clear days, visibility from here is 25 kilometers in radius.

View of Yekaterinburg from the observation deck

The Vysotsky observation deck allows you to see the diversity of Yekaterinburg. Many ancient low houses harmoniously coexist with new high-rise buildings built in high-tech style. From above you can see an abundance of squares and parks, domes of local churches, squares, and stadiums. This splendor is complemented by the river, like a ribbon shining with silver. Ekaterinburg is easy to explore on your own, visiting its most interesting places. There is also the possibility of a virtual tour. Thanks to the audio guide, city guests receive a lot of educational information about Yekaterinburg, its history, and attractions.

If your stay in the city is not limited to one day, you should definitely visit the main museum exhibitions.

Sightseeing tours

Of course, Ekaterinburg is a rather large city, but all its main attractions are located quite compactly, there is a recommended route with a line marked on the sidewalk, everything can be explored on your own. But when you are limited in time and want to see all the most interesting things, it makes sense to use the services of guides and book a sightseeing or thematic excursion.

There are classic sightseeing tours within the city, both group and individual, and there are also excursions that allow you to see more. For example, a sightseeing tour of the city followed by a trip to a popular tourist site - the obelisk on the border of Europe and Asia , and then to the burial place of the remains of the family of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II - the Monastery in the name of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers in the Ganina Yama .

You can also book a thematic excursion on a topic that interests you. For example, about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg or a trip to holy places - “Orthodox Yekaterinburg”, even a tasting tour of the city’s restaurants is possible.

City tours on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru

Monastery in the name of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers in the Ganina Yama tract Photo: © Anna Kudryavtseva

Museums of Ekaterinburg

The city is famous for its museums, of which there are about 60, and art galleries that can satisfy the needs of even the most sophisticated aesthetes.

Museum of the History of Stone-Cutting and Jewelry Art

There is an abundance of precious and semi-precious stones in the Ural Mountains. Mineral mining has been going on here for centuries. In its historical development, Yekaterinburg, like the entire region, is inextricably linked with jewelry. Local stone-cutters also contributed to the development of the Urals.

Exhibition of the Museum of Stone-Cutting Art

The area of ​​the museum is not very large. It is limited to eight exhibition halls. The situation is similar with most museums in Yekaterinburg. Previously, this building was the Mountain Pharmacy. The structure appeared in the 20s of the 19th century through the efforts of the architect M.P. Malakhov. Despite the small size of the premises, there are magnificent collections here. They make a particularly strong impression on the fair sex. It is difficult to take your eyes off the unique jewelry created in different decades by the best craftsmen of the Urals.

In the Emerald Room of the Museum

If you are interested in the jewelry wealth and diversity of the region, you should definitely visit the “ Emerald Room”

" It contains approximately 400 exhibits, the real pride of the museum fund. Emeralds are striking in their uniqueness; the type of stones called “Zvezdar” and “New Year’s” is especially impressive. Also in the collection are alexandrites, phenactites, aquamarines, and beryls. There are several precious stones discovered at the Malyshevskoye deposit. They differ in cut characteristics and degree of purity. The real masterpieces are the products created by the joint-stock company “Jewelers of the Urals”. There are works that A.S. worked on. Panfilov, L.F. Ustyantsev, glorious masters of the Ural jewelry school. The exhibition includes jewelry from the famous factory I.P. Khlebnikov (Moscow).

Yeltsin Center

One of the newest attractions in the city. The birthplace of Boris Nikolaevich is Butka, a village in the Talitsky district. However, for certain reasons, Yekaterinburg was chosen for the construction of the Presidential Center. Yeltsin had sympathy for Western traditions. The architectural complex arose by analogy with the centers organized by US presidents.

Yeltsin Center building

The building is designed in a modern style. The shore of the pond, one of the best places in Yekaterinburg, was chosen for its construction. The lighting of the façade, covering an area of ​​over 2000 square meters,

. LED strips were used, the total length of which is 28 kilometers. The lighting project was carried out by Stefan Hoffmann, a German lighting designer. It is no coincidence that the building is incredibly beautiful in the evening.

When visiting the Yeltsin Center, be sure to visit the local museum, one of the most professional cultural institutions of this type in the entire country. The life and professional path of the first Russian President is presented in nine halls. In the format of seven episodes, the most important days in life and political activity, the exhibition organizers managed to depict Boris Yeltsin’s tenure as head of state. It's also worth visiting the bookstore. There is a large assortment of historical, journalistic, and fiction literature. There are also shops in the Center where you can buy souvenirs.

Car of the first president of Russia

A few hours of excursion will definitely work up an appetite. You can quench your thirst and hunger in the establishments of the Yeltsin Center. Visits to the buffet and cafe are available for children and adults. Gourmets can visit the local restaurant, which is huge, but almost always half empty, with free tables. Only visitors to the Yeltsin Center have the opportunity to experience the special taste of bird cherry cake or curd cookies. Naina Yeltsin, the wife of the first President of the Russian Federation, knows how to cook these pastries masterfully.

Read more about the museum...

Vysotsky Museum

The opening of the memorial museum took place in 2012. It is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the birth of the legendary actor, singer, poet, and composer. To get acquainted with the exhibits, you need to visit the second and third floors of the skyscraper called “Vysotsky”. By the way, this high-rise building in Yekaterinburg is the northernmost building of this type on the planet. "Vysotsky" is taller than all skyscrapers in the Russian Federation, with the exception of those built in Moscow.

Vysotsky Memorial Museum

The creation of the museum became possible thanks to the active participation of Andrei Gavrilovsky, who was fascinated by the work of Vladimir Vysotsky from an early age. He invested not only finances, but part of his soul into a noble cause. This is easy for all museum visitors to see. Some exhibits appeared thanks to the capital's Vysotsky Museum, where they were previously housed, before being transferred to Yekaterinburg.

Some of Vysotsky’s personal belongings were donated to the Yekaterinburg museum by Nikita, Vladimir Semenovich’s own son. He also contributed to Gavrilovsky’s acquaintance with Vasily Bogachev, an artist who subsequently provided significant assistance in the design of the museum. Ordinary residents of Yekaterinburg also contributed to the replenishment of the exhibitions. These items also found a place in the Vysotsky Museum.

Embankment

The Working Youth Embankment is one of the most picturesque places in Yekaterinburg and one of the oldest streets in the city. The length of the embankment is about 2000 meters. Walking along, you can come to the favorite meeting place of the townspeople - Plotinka. This is a small bridge that is located on the dam of the city pond. This is where city events and holidays take place. It also offers a picturesque view of the pond and square.

Where to go for a walk in Yekaterinburg

Kharitonovsky Park

The oldest and richest in legends of Ekaterinburg park. It is located a short distance from the Church on the Blood. The appearance of the park was facilitated by the Kharitonov-Rastorguev merchants, gold miners who lived in an estate on the hill. Thanks to their efforts, the first trees appeared in 1826. With the advent of Soviet power in the city, the merchants' real estate was subject to nationalization. The estate became the Palace of Pioneers for many years. At present, clubs and sections of the Palace of Creativity for Children and Youth are organized here.

Kharitonovsky garden in English style

The park is not very large, but it is a pleasant stay, especially on summer days. A man-made pond, the banks of which are abundantly covered with sedge, is pleasing to the eye. Weeping willows are trying to reach the water surface with their branches. There is a small island in the central part of the pond. There is a gazebo on it. Locals call the structure a rotunda. Getting to the gazebo is not difficult; there is a short bridge for this purpose. There are many ducks in the pond. Small boats also appear here from time to time. The park is riddled with paths in different directions. Along one of them you can get to the grotto. Many years ago, merchants used this place to store wine. The servant used a special device to lift the bottles. According to legends, the Rastorguevs used secret passages laid under the territory of the park. However, stories about tunnels have no practical evidence. These “secret passages” have not yet been discovered.

Embankment of the city pond

A quiet and cozy corner of the city, located behind Plotinka. On the other side of the embankment is Lenin Avenue. There is a sense of calm, regularity and silence everywhere here. A completely different Yekaterinburg, without the bustle, rush and noise typical of all modern business and actively developing metropolises. The quarter is replete with old houses, neat paths, and trees. Walking along the embankment, you can see the Dynamo building in a typical constructivist style and the Cosmos cinema. The Isetsky Pond is magnificent, on the opposite bank of which is the Yeltsin Center and the regional administration building. The best time to be on the embankment is early sunrise and late sunset.

Walking along the embankment of the city pond

Historical park “Russia is my history”

The organization of historical parks is a good tradition that covers most regions of the state. Thanks to the large-scale project, knowledge of the history of the Motherland is deepening, and awareness of its contribution to the processes taking place both on the continent and throughout the world is being achieved. Exhibitions operate constantly in Yekaterinburg Park. They are dedicated to important historical events. The exhibitions cover a centuries-old period of time, from ancient Rus' to the present day. Visitors show particular interest in representatives of the Romanov family and the events of the Great Patriotic War. The park also hosts temporary exhibitions, hosts other events, and organizes exciting quests.

Arrow of the pond at Dynamo

The construction of the Dynamo stadium and water station was completed in the 30s of the last century. A 50-meter-long swimming pool was built directly in the river, next to the sports complex. It became a place for regular swimming competitions. Currently, the water in Iset is polluted. Doctors strictly do not recommend swimming in the river.

Sports complex Dynamo

The building of the Dynamo sports complex is a typical and striking example of the constructivist style. Its shape evokes associations with a ship. At the Dynamo metro station you can visit the spacious stadium. There is also a small but cozy park, available for walking at any time. Thanks to the conveniently equipped embankment, this place is preferred by couples in love, mothers with children in strollers, and cycling enthusiasts. In several places there are convenient descents to the reservoir. It is possible to get close to the water to feed the ducks.

Red line

This walking route to the main attractions of the city seemed like a great idea! And why aren’t there such people in all cities? The red line runs through the center and is intended for independent exploration of the city . The length of the route is 6.5 km, and it is circular - that is, it returns to the starting point, which is very convenient.

The most interesting sights are marked on the asphalt with numbers - there are 35 of them. And on the official website of the Red Line you can learn about the history of Yekaterinburg in Russian and English.

Unusual sights

Keyboard Monument

One of the most original monuments not only of the city, but of the entire country. The placement of massive concrete keys exactly matches the layout of a computer keyboard. The slabs are installed in the middle of the grass, being an additional “highlight” of the slope of the Iset embankment

. By jumping on the keys, you can “type” your name or compose a short text.

Keyboard Monument

The huge keyboard has been here since 2005. She appeared as part of “Long Stories of Yekaterinburg”, and immediately attracted the attention of all festival participants. An unusual “keyboard” project was implemented by Anatoly Vyatkin. The concrete keyboard attracts Yekaterinburg residents and city guests. True, regular maintenance of concrete slabs is required. In the spring, cleanup days are organized here. Activists are cleaning and painting the slabs. From time to time, IT specialists organize exciting computer mouse throwing competitions here.

The Beatles Monument

The originality of the monument to the Liverpool Quartet will be appreciated by fans of the legendary group. It is not difficult to find in Yekaterinburg. From the business center you should move towards Iset. Next you need to walk along the river bank. A brick wall with silhouettes of musicians in the background will catch your eye. This is the first monument to The Beatles in Russia.

Monument to the Fab Four

After admiring the Beatles, you should also pay attention to the graffiti. The phone booth from Doctor Who is impressive. The following picture shows Chester Bennington, the former lead singer of Linkin Park, who passed away in 2021.

White Tower

This industrial facility has a well-deserved status as a symbol of Uralmash. The need for a water tower has long ceased. Its functioning has ceased. The White Tower is actively visited by tourists interested in avant-garde architecture.

Constructivism of Yekaterinburg in the form of the White Tower

The price of visiting as part of a group of tourists is 250 rubles. The cost of ordering an individual tour is 3 thousand rubles. The excursions are conducted by specialists who are committed to preserving the White Tower and returning it “to the life of the city.”

Externally, the structure is not particularly attractive. The peeling plaster evokes melancholy. Rocks are visible in many places. The former bright whiteness is long gone. The tower is now gray. There is a lot of various graffiti on the concrete walls inside. The floor is covered abundantly with crumbled sand. The broken staircase is not in the best condition. However, a visit to this industrial monument should be included in the program of exploring Yekaterinburg.

Hotel "Iset"

The building, which appeared in Yekaterinburg in the 30s of the last century, is distinguished by its unusual architectural forms. The spirit of constructivism is felt. Initially, it was a dormitory for OGPU employees. Later the building became the NKVD Housing Complex. The name exactly corresponds to the specifics of the life of the residents. A common factory-kitchen was intended for their food. Shower rooms were located on the floors for washing. Only decades later a hotel appeared here.

Chekistov town

“Iset” is part of a single architectural complex called the Chekist Town. Local houses were not originally equipped with kitchens and bathrooms. There are many legends associated with the hotel, as with the entire Town. True, many of them are fiction that has no confirmation. For years there were rumors that the construction of the Town was planned in the shape of a hammer and sickle, the state symbols of the USSR. For certain reasons, only part of the buildings that formed the crescent were built. Circumstances did not allow the construction of the hammer-shaped buildings to be completed. The stories are not true. There are many horror stories about torture, for which the extensive basement rooms under the complex were used. Access to the dungeon is still open. You can get there if you use the door in the “Sleeping Dog”, a bar located at 40 Pervomaiskaya.

The hotel is currently not operational. Only restaurants located on the ground floor of the building are accessible to visitors. A few years earlier, Iset became the venue for the Ural Industrial Biennale of Contemporary Art. It was assumed that the event would attract attention to the premises and the hotel would have a new owner. Alas, hopes were not met.

Shartash stone tents

Unlike most of the attractions of Yekaterinburg, the “tents” are not man-made, they are of natural origin. The peculiarity of mountain relief forms is the accumulation of flat boulders. Since the stones are located next to the lake, from a distance they really look like tourist tents. This corner of Yekaterinburg is a natural and cultural heritage and is included in the list of protected sites. The age of the “tents”, over 18 meters high, is approximately 300 million years.

"Tents" made of stones - a natural attraction

The attraction is located on Vysotsky Street. The distance from here to the central part of the city is approximately 2 kilometers. In the 19th century, the heritage was under threat of destruction. Only thanks to the Ural Society of Natural History Lovers have the “tents” survived to this day. Not far from the complex during the Great Patriotic War there was a prison building. Also at that time, active construction of residential buildings began. As a result, the “tents” became an actual part of the city.

Vayner Street

Walking around Yekaterinburg, it is impossible not to notice the “Ural Arbat” . An atmospheric and very cozy street, where it’s nice to take a walk with a coffee or just sit on a bench and watch the rhythm of the city. Weiner Street is one of the oldest streets in the city, the first mention of which dates back to the 18th century.

It attracts attention with its quirky sculptures, numerous shops and interesting buildings. The street has retained its commercial significance to this day - if you are looking for souvenirs from Yekaterinburg , then come here!

Cozy Vayner street in the center of Yekaterinburg

Where to go with children

Wonderland Park "Galileo"

The favorite vacation spot of Ekaterinburg children consists of the Labyrinth of Illusions and the IQ zone. In the park you can put into practice the knowledge gained in physics lessons. Without them, it is impossible to pass the IQ zone. There are numerous physical and optical effects. More complex is the Labyrinth of Illusions, in which there is not enough school knowledge. Resourcefulness and ingenuity are needed. Visitors to the park of wonders are guaranteed a lot of emotions and delight.

Entertainment complex Galileo

Yekaterinburg Zoo

The zoo has been operating in the city since 1930. At the time of opening there were approximately 60 animals. Now the Yekaterinburg Zoo has about 400 inhabitants. Among them are 70 rare animals listed in the Red Book. For comfortable living of animals, 5 pavilions are equipped.

In your free time, you can visit the zoo with your child

Yekaterinburg Circus

The circus is named after Valentin Filatov, a famous trainer and honored artist. One of the most unusual buildings on the western bank of the river. Structurally, it is made in the shape of a dome with an overhanging ball. This architectural solution is recognized as one of the most successful and original in all of Europe. The circus has been operating since 1980. True, he is not the first in the city. In 1883, townspeople had the opportunity to attend circus performances. Wood Square was used for the stage. Up to 900 people could watch the circus performers at the same time. The modern version of the circus has approximately 2,500 seats.

Modern Circus of Yekaterinburg

Theater for Young Spectators

Not far from the Rastorguev-Kharitonov estate is the building of the Yekaterinburg Youth Theater, one of the most interesting Russian theaters. You should definitely attend his performance. The team is highly professional. The troupe has repeatedly won awards at prestigious theater festivals. The Ekaterinburg Youth Theater was awarded the “Golden Mask”, the National Russian Theater Award.

The building of the Yekaterinburg Youth Theater

Waterpark Limpopo

The complex opened in 2005. Limpopo is a true oasis of warmth. The water park provides a constant temperature from +28 to + 30 degrees. An excellent place for active recreation on the water and a variety of entertainment. The Ekaterinburg water park has a developed modern infrastructure. There are plenty of water slides of varying degrees of difficulty and swimming pools. Parents can leave their kids in a comfortable children's area and spend time in the spa complex. There is also a corner in “Limpopo” where a comfortable, secluded rest is provided.

It's always summer at Limpopo Waterpark

There are cafes and bars in the food court of the water park. In them, visitors have the opportunity to have both a light snack and a full lunch.

The aqua zone is sufficiently provided with corners for relaxation. There are comfortable sun loungers and tropical plants pleasing to the eye. The walls are decorated with photo wallpapers depicting colorful beach landscapes.

Arboretum

To get to the dendrological park, you need to visit the Kirovsky district of the city. The distance is short from the central part of Yekaterinburg. The arboretum is located in a kind of rectangle formed by Akademicheskaya, Sofya Kovalevskaya, Mira and Pervomaiskaya streets.

Visiting the arboretum on Pervomaiskaya is free and available from 8:00. Citizens and guests of Yekaterinburg can stay there until 22:00. An ideal place for lovers to meet, for romantic walks, and for families to relax. In the arboretum it is easy to meet people of any age, from children to retirees. Here you can not only relax, but also play sports and improve your physical fitness. In summer, cycling is popular, as are Nordic walking and running. In winter, there are a lot of people skiing in the park.

Alley of the dendrological park

A distinctive feature of the arboretum is the attention to detail in all elements of its landscape. High-quality landscape style was created by real professionals. There are a large number and variety of flowering plants, trees, and shrubs here. The rosary is made up of collection varieties. There is an abundance of ducks in the reservoir, feeding which is one of the favorite pastimes of visitors.

The arboretum is magnificent regardless of the time of year. In spring and summer, flowering plants are fragrant here. The park becomes full of bright colors and enchanting aromas. It is comfortable to walk here during the hot summer months. The spreading crowns of the trees create a pleasant coolness.

Autumn in the arboretum is not a “dull time.” The leaves on the tree branches change color. The park is filled with a variety of colors.

In winter, not only walks are available in the park. There is an opportunity for skiing. In winter, the coniferous trees here are especially charming, creating a unique landscape.

It is impossible to see all the sights of the city within 2–3 days. However, this is an excellent reason to visit Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals, again!

Author of the article: Nikitin Anatoly

Sevastyanov's House

This building is impossible to miss; it stands out from the rest of the city's architecture. It’s hard to call this work of art a home, it’s more like a palace ! The handsome mansion has seen several generations of owners, but the building was first mentioned in 1817 and since then it has been changed, rebuilt and restored more than once.

When the collegiate assessor and owner of the house Nikolai Ivanovich Sevastyanov left Yekaterinburg, the house went to the treasury and until 1917 the Yekaterinburg District Court . During the revolutionary years, Sevastyanov’s house was heavily destroyed and looted, and then became the location of the trade union council . In 2008, the Sevastyanov House was restored and transferred to the residence of the President of the Russian Federation .

Very unusual facade color

Observation deck at Vysotsky

“Vysotsky” is the name of a local business center, and it is associated not with the name of the domestic bard, but with the height of the building: 188 meters. Although, perhaps, Vladimir Semenovich’s surname also played a role, because the name was chosen by popular vote. The skyscraper consists of 54 floors, and on the 52nd there is a specially equipped observation deck. Romantic dates, wedding photo sessions, souvenir photos of tourists - a great place for all this. Tourists also have the opportunity to take an audio guide that will help them learn interesting facts from the history of the city. And Ekaterinburg itself from this site opens up in full view. Amazing sight!

View from the main observation deck of Yekaterinburg

Opera and Ballet Theatre

If you are a lover of cultural leisure , but don’t know what to see in Yekaterinburg, then you should set aside an evening to visit this theater. The building is very beautiful both outside and inside. The theater was founded in 1912 and quickly gained fame as one of the best in the country. In Soviet times, it was called the “laboratory of Soviet opera,” and the playbill often included the inscription “the right of first production belongs to the theater.”

Currently, the Opera House has cultural ties with Italy, England, Germany, and famous artists perform on its stage. In any case, even if you are not an opera connoisseur, it is worth at least walking to the theater and looking at it from the outside.

The theater is especially beautiful with evening lighting

Temple of Great Chrysostom

The tall gilded domes and bell tower of this temple adorn the center of Yekaterinburg and are visible from afar. The temple was built in the mid-19th century.

Under the southern wall of the “Big Chrysostom” are buried the remains of John of Znamensky, the first rector of the Holy Spiritual Church. Pilgrims certainly approach the sacred tombstone to pay respects.

In the post-revolutionary period, the Greater Chrysostom Temple underwent difficult times. Almost all church relics were confiscated. Then the authorities ordered the domes to be removed and later the entire church to be destroyed. In 2006, the restoration of the temple according to old drawings was initiated and financed by large metallurgical enterprises in Yekaterinburg.

What to consider when visiting the city

A trip to the Ural city will be more comfortable and enjoyable if you consider the following:

• at train stations, markets and other crowded places you need to keep an eye on valuables and do not take large sums of money on excursions;
• It is best to rent an apartment for living only through large agencies, since when collaborating with private individuals there is a high risk of receiving housing in an unsatisfactory condition for living;
• Violations of traffic rules are subject to large fines;
• Souvenirs can be purchased cheapest at the market.

White Tower

This tower is not associated with knights or mysterious things, although the name is very expressive. It appeared in 1931, and was built for purely economic purposes: to supply water to a new microdistrict that began to grow next to the machine-building plant. It is interesting that when creating it, the authors used the ideas of constructivism, popular at that time. In particular, the object was the intersection of a prismatic staircase and an upper cylindrical part. Thanks to this, the creators provided the tower with a much longer life compared to its intended service.

So, when the object began to collapse after decades of work and was condemned for demolition, city enthusiasts stood up for the architectural monument. Funds were found and the tower was reconstructed as a monument. However, it did not always perform its direct functions and the first years of service well - for example, after the opening ceremony, the iron bottom of the tank could not withstand the water and broke. Later the bottom was made of reinforced concrete. You can learn about this and other facts about the history of the object from currently operating exhibitions and excursions.

The White Tower is a vivid example of how an already unnecessary structure takes on a new meaning as a symbol of the city and a tourist attraction.

There is also a multimedia platform and a concert area. From the observation terrace of the tower there is a large view of the surrounding area, including Uralmash. Tourists will also be attracted by photos against the backdrop of the monumental structure.

Butterfly Park

Address: ave. Lenina, 49, Ekaterinburg

Among the museums and entertainment centers of Yekaterinburg, the Butterfly Park occupies a special place. This is an excellent place in the city to visit with children. Many interesting and varied animals await guests. In addition to a significant collection of beautiful butterflies, this small room houses a small petting zoo. Visitors can look at the exotic inhabitants of the terrariums (snakes, spiders and lizards) and pet flying dogs, lambs or an iguana. There are also nosoha, porcupine and even pot-bellied piglets. Fish lovers will also be happy to see the beautiful aquariums and their inhabitants, as well as admire the sociable parrots.

Chekistov town

Street square Lenin-Lunacharskogo Avenue-Pervomaiskaya-Kuznechny Lane, Lenin Avenue, 69, building 12

Ekaterinburg is not only the most compact multimillion-dollar city, the custodian of the oldest idol on Earth, but also a city that has become the largest center of constructivist architecture in the USSR. Constructivism is an avant-garde movement in fine art that originated in the post-revolutionary era. Architects and art historians from all over the world come to Yekaterinburg to see constructivism in architecture.

And you literally just left a building that was built in this style, and if you go into the courtyard, you will see a whole complex that was built in the 30s of the last century - this is the NKVD residential complex (“Chekist Town”), which consists of 14 buildings. It was understood that people here would live in a commune. Inside the town there were built: a canteen, a hospital, a kindergarten, a palace of culture, and a bathhouse. Kitchens were not provided in the apartments; communal, organized meals were assumed in the dining room.

According to legend, if you look at the Chekist Town from above, you can see “The Hammer, Sickle and Waving Flags.” The sickle is the semicircular building of the Iset Hotel, the Hammer is the building of the Local History Museum with an extension, the flags are the remaining buildings. Try to see it when you're at the observation deck.

But the NKVD residential complex, or rather its basements and dungeons, also gained notoriety. Just 5-7 years ago it was possible to go down into the dungeons, but now the entrances are walled up. It is known that all the houses were connected to each other by a single underground corridor system. One can only guess what was going on there.