The Block 130 (Irkutsk Sloboda or 130 Kvartal) is one of the most popular Irkutsk’s promenade places. The historical zone with many old wooden buildings and houses constructed in the XVII century. Not many Russian cities can offer such sights.
Baikal Seal is a symbol of the Baikal and its most beautiful habitant. It is hard to meet these animals in a natural habitat, as they are very shy. At the Irkutsk Nerpinary or Sealarium you will study seal’s character, behavior, and observe a performance.
Irkutsk Art Museum named after V.P.Sukachov is the oldest Russian museum after the Hermitage Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery. Irkutsk Art MuseumThe richest collection beyond the Urals, it consists of 22 thousand art pieces. The museum is located in 9 historical buildings.
With Byzantine style decorations, the Irkutsk’s Kazan Church looks like a fairy tower. It is known for the Irkutsk’s largest church bell. The inner spaces are decorated with fresco paintings. A unique iconostasis is carved out the Indian granite by Chinese craftsmen.
The Epiphany Cathedral was listed among the landmarks of federal significance in 1960. The Cathedral’s decor is incredible, bizarre, and unique. The combination of the Old Russian decor, Baroque elements, and indigenous Siberia motifs make the Cathedral look graceful.
The Holy Cross Church is one of the oldest Irkutsk’s Orthodox temples, a distinctive landmark of Siberian Baroque. The church is famous for its unique exterior design. The facades are decorated with a rich ornament. Simple geometric objects and floral comply a complex design.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the most beautiful buildings located in the historical part of Irkutsk. The Polish community constructed the cathedral, therefore, it is also known as the Polish Roman Catholic Church. Its history starts in 1819.
The open-air museum Taltsy is located 20 kilometers away from Listvyanka. The exposition features wooden buildings brought from all over Siberia. Right now, 40 landmarked buildings and 8000 artifacts dated by XVII-XIX centuries are presented as part of the exhibition.
The Circum-Baikal Railway is truly the main Baikal man-made landmark. This unique achievement in architecture and engineering is a section of the Trans-Siberian Railway and one of the most beautiful places of Lake Baikal
Listvyanka is the best place to get to know the unique nature of the Baikal. This settlement is a starting point for many Baikal routes including the Circum-Baikal Railway. With numerous sights, Listvyanka won’t let its visitors get bored.
A settlement with a fancy name, Bolshiye Koty, is located close to Irkutsk and Listvyanka Settlement, yet far enough to preserve the beauty of a landscape. One of the section of the Great Baikal Trail passes through the village.
Check out the full list of the most interesting tours in Russian cities.