Russia is a country of cities. They are located throughout the country, somewhere close to each other, and somewhere not very much. And each of them has its own unique history, sometimes going back thousands of years. And, of course, each city has its own sights, looking at which you can learn something new or just enjoy your vacation. This article will focus on Orenburg - the city of downy shawls, but not only. This city is famous for its multinationality: more than 100 peoples live here together side by side. In addition, it was originally located on the border of Europe and Asia (until 1959), which was also reflected in historical and cultural monuments. About what sights of the city of Orenburg you can see, read below.
National Village Cultural Complex
The idea of building this complex was born in 2004. In a short time, national courtyards were erected, in which museums are located, acquainting citizens and guests of the city withtraditions and customs of different peoples. In 2007, the first courtyard, Ukrainian, was solemnly opened. And after him Bashkir, Russian, Kazakh, Mordovian, Belarusian, Armenian, German, Chuvash and others. Thus, quite recently, but quite deservedly, the complex was included in the list, which includes all the sights of Orenburg. The national village has become a symbol of friendship between peoples and their unity. The fountain that adorns the village is called “Friendship of Peoples”. In the evenings, it shimmers with bright colors, decorating the houses of the farmsteads. It is here that the townspeople come to relax with their families, and the newlyweds - to take memorable photos. For tourists visiting the sights of Orenburg, the "National Village", whose address is Gagarin Avenue, the park named after. Y. Gagarin is perhaps one of the most interesting and memorable places in the city.
Museums of Orenburg
One of the oldest museums in the city is the Museum of Local History. It was opened in 1830 at the military school. V. I. Dal stood at its origins, and then the museum was more educational. In 1881, when funding stopped, the collections were distributed to educational institutions as visual aids. But in 1987 they were again returned to the museum, now under the Archival Commission. A little later, the Museum of Local Lore was replenished with exhibits from the Zoological Museum and archaeological artifacts. Now it is located at: st. Soviet, 28.
Another museum leading the sights of the city of Orenburg is the Museum of the History of the City. Hewas opened in 1983, on the 240th anniversary of its founding. The museum includes 9 exhibitions dedicated to different eras, among them: the ancient past, the years of the founding of Orenburg, A. S. Pushkin's stay in Orenburg, as well as expositions showing the decoration of the room of the early 20th century and revealing the details of the city's architecture. The Museum of the History of Orenburg is located at: st. Embankment, 29.
Planetarium
For lovers of science, a planetarium is open in the city. This is a whole complex dedicated to natural science knowledge. Here you can listen to lectures on astronomy and astronautics, visit the observatory, and arrange a great holiday for children. The planetarium is located at 28 Shevchenko Street.
Sights of the city of Orenburg for children. Where to go with a child?
An amazing place to visit is the petting zoo. Here, children can pet various animals, as well as feed and play with them. For a child, this form of communication with animals is very useful and interesting. Of course, there are no tigers or lions in this zoo, but there are friendly piglets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, raccoons, turtles, peacocks and other domestic animals and birds. They are kept clean and specially trained to communicate with small children. The petting zoo is located in the Sever shopping center, on Dzerzhinsky Avenue, and in the Topolya park.
For children in the park "Topol", in addition to the zoo, there are many other entertainments. These are attractions: "Mars", "Swans", "Water balls", "Ferris wheel", "Railway" and others. Cars work for small motorists. Shooting range and paintball will give a lot of fun not only to children, but also to parents. The park has a free playground, numerous cafes and a stage. It is located on Postnikova street, 30.
Puppet show
Another place you can go with your children is to the puppet theater. It is located at 23 Sovetskaya Street. The first performance was staged in 1935, and since then the theater has been constantly developing, expanding its repertoire and participating in various programs and festivals. Since 2007, the theater has been running the Puppet Therapy program for children with hearing loss, visual impairment, children with cerebral palsy and other diseases. If you want to organize unforgettable cultural activities for your child, then a visit to the puppet theater is a must-do when traveling to Orenburg.
The sights of the city are accessible to all ages. If for children this is a puppet theater, then adults can visit others, where the performances will also please the audience of the older generation.
Orenburg Theaters
In 1934, the State Regional Theater of Musical Comedy opened its doors. The first year it was located in Orsk, and then moved to Orenburg. Together with him, V. Rubinstein and V. Nikitin began their careers. Performances and now delight with their brightness and incendiary. The theater is always happy to offer the viewer positive emotions. Helocated at: st. Tereshkova, 13.
On Sovetskaya Street, house 26, there is the Drama Theater named after A. M. Gorky, and a little further, at house 52, the Tatar Drama Theater named after Mirhaydar Fayzi. Thus, for each viewer there is a performance to their liking.
Suspension bridge and stele
In the 17th century, the border between Europe and Asia was along the Ural River. Only in 1959 it was moved to the Emba River. But the memory of bygone times is still alive and preserved thanks to interesting architectural solutions. In 1982, a pedestrian suspension bridge was built, which connected the shores of the Urals. It seems very light, although it has impressive parameters. In the middle of the bridge there is a stele, which marks the symbolic border of parts of the world. Residents of Orenburg began to call it a bridge that connected Europe and Asia. This bridge leads the sights of the city of Orenburg in terms of the frequency of its image on souvenirs.
Supporting the idea of a border city, architect G. Naumkin erected the Europe-Asia stele. 15 meters high, it is also one of the symbols of the city. This stele can be seen from afar, there is an observation deck next to it.
Sights of Orenburg and the region: Guberlinsky mountains
One of the most beautiful places in the Orenburg region is the Guberlinsky mountains. The western slope against the backdrop of the steppes is the most picturesque: numerous logs, ravines, gorges, in some places small rocks givethe area is a real mountain flavor. The photographs from space clearly show the curves of the lines of ravines and gorges, reminiscent of the convolutions of the human brain.
Iriklinsk reservoir
Another pearl that should not be missed when describing the sights of the city of Orenburg and the Orenburg region is the Iriklinskoe reservoir. The coastline of the reservoir has about 500 km. Beautiful beaches, an abundance of places for recreation and fishing attract many tourists. Orsk and Novotroitsk are supplied with water from the Iriklinsky reservoir. The hydroelectric power station, standing on the reservoir, provides electricity to the largest plants. For its construction, 22 settlements had to be moved, and filling the reservoir with water took as long as 8 years!
Red Mountain
Sights of the city of Orenburg and its region include the most interesting place - Krasnaya Gora. Here is a real Russian fortress. The name of the mountain was given by its unusual color, which is due to the presence of a large amount of red clay and sandstone, and the wooden fortress, built specifically for the film "Russian Riot", organically fit into the landscape. It was built in full size according to the description of the Belogorsk fortress in the works of A. Pushkin. At the moment, it is an open-air museum, which anyone can visit.
Saraktash
Near the red mountain is the village - Saraktash. Its main attraction is the Holy Trinity Convent of Mercy. This is a huge architectural ensemble,which has been under construction since 1990. On its territory there is a religious school, a gymnasium, a house of mercy and a bakery. You can visit a small museum with old coins and household items. Sometimes this complex is called the "Saraktash Vatican". The largest bell in the Orenburg region is located here. It weighs 2.7 tons. Believers consider this place sacred, since it was here that the icon of the Kazan Mother of God self-renewed.
In the village of Saraktash, you can still visit a small museum of local lore, which displays the famous downy shawls and peasant household items. Its creator - M. Chumakov - was a village teacher, collecting exhibits, he carefully tried to preserve every thing so that descendants could clearly see the history of the region.
Temples of Orenburg: Church of the Archangel Michael
There are many places for pilgrims that Orenburg is famous for. The sights of the city that are interesting for Orthodox travelers are the Church of the Archangel Michael, the Church of St. John the Theologian and the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica.
The Church of the Archangel Michael is known throughout the region, because it is here that prayers are held in front of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Quick Hearing". Built in 1880, it now opens its doors to everyone. The temple is located on October street, 12.
Church of St. John the Evangelist and Demetrius of Thessalonica
Church of St. John the Theologian on the street. Grigorievskaya, 10, was built in 1902. Then, in the 30s, the temple was closed. Restoration began only in 1996, and until 2009 the lost frescoes were restored. Now this is a very beautiful place with unique wall paintings, which the residents of Orenburg are rightly proud of.
In the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica, as in most churches, in the 30s all the walls with images of saints were painted over. In Soviet times, there was a cinema here. Now, after long restoration work, which ended only in 2012, the temple was opened to visitors. The ancient frescoes have been restored and can be viewed during regular services. The church is located at: st. Popova, 98.
Conclusion
In one article it is difficult to tell about everything that the city is interesting for, but the main sights of the city of Orenburg are briefly covered. For a more detailed acquaintance with the city and the region, you can use special guidebooks that you can buy right at the station. Almost all museums have guides who will gladly share their knowledge and tell you about what Orenburg is famous for. The sights of the city, photos of which are in the review, will bring a lot of positive emotions. And, perhaps, soon you will again want to return to your favorite places. Welcome to Orenburg!
