For most Russians, the Far East is associated primarily with volcanoes, geysers, the Ussuri taiga, rivers full of salmon. However, urbanization has long come to these parts. One of the most distinctive cities in the region is the capital of the Jewish Autonomous Region. It will be interesting for any tourist to see the sights of Birobidzhan, photos with descriptions of which are presented in the article.
Historical background
Today, few people remember that the formation of national autonomy in the Far Eastern lands of the USSR was the first attempt to create a Jewish state in modern times. The resettlement of Jews to the lands of the Amur region began in the first third of the 20th century. In 1937, the JAO received the capital. For this, a small station settlement with a name derived from the names of the Bidzhan and Bira rivers was given the status of a city.
The policy began to grow rapidly due to migrants arriving from the regions of Russia, Palestine, Argentina, the United States. The increase in population contributed to the emergence of light and food enterprises.industry. Birobidzhan progressively developed until the end of the 90s of the last century, which was marked by a massive outflow of ethnic Jews to their historical homeland. However, even after that, the city continues to be a major cultural and educational center of the Russian Far East.
Main attractions of the city of Birobidzhan
The example of the Far East policy shows that the lack of a long history is not a reason to reduce tourist attractiveness. There is something to see and where to go. Photos of the sights of the city of Birobidzhan will become valuable trophies for the most demanding traveler.
One of the visiting cards of the city is the architectural and hydrotechnical composition on the station square, solemnly opened in 2003. Here, in the center of the oval pool, a granite column is installed. The pillar is crowned with a gilded statue of the menorah - a sacred lamp for the performance of Jewish rituals. On the sides there are two openwork stone bowls spewing water. Additional geysers spout from vents around the perimeter of the pool. In the evening, when the backlight turns on, the composition looks enchanting.
The main architectural gem of Birobidzhan is the Cathedral of the Annunciation, consecrated in 2005. The exterior of the one-domed temple is eclectic. The building embodies the features of Novgorod and Moscow religious architecture. The facade of the church is decorated with mosaics, high stained glass windows.
The symbols of the policy include the TV tower crowning the hill,depicted on the city coat of arms. The height of the openwork metal structure is 234 meters. According to this indicator, it is in the top 10 similar structures built in Russia.
Monuments and monuments
The monumental sights of Birobidzhan are colorful and varied. A reminder to posterity of the feat of the heroes who did not return from the fronts of the Second World War is a 14-meter stele erected in the Victory Square. The pillar, lined with marble, is crowned with an order and a laurel wreath, cast from metal. The Eternal Flame burns in front of the monument.
Not far from the railway station there is a monument dedicated to the Jewish settlers who laid the foundation for the development of autonomy with selfless work. The sculptural composition depicting a family of migrants on a horse-drawn carriage looks very expressive.
Not forgotten in Birobidzhan is the classic of national literature Sholom Aleichem. A bronze monument to the cult Jewish writer was solemnly opened here in the summer of 2004
City temples
The list of cult sights of Birobidzhan is not limited to the Cathedral of the Annunciation. There are temples belonging to different faiths.
In the middle of the last century, a fire destroyed the main Birobidzhan synagogue. After that, the place of worship for the Jewish community was a small prayer house. The situation has changed only recently. Thanks to the active work of Rabbi M. Scheiner, by the middle of 2004, the construction of a new synagogue was completed. The building is not impressive.size, but looks very elegant.
The log temple, consecrated in 1999 in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, is considered a local architectural highlight. Modern builders managed to erect the building, guided by the traditions of ancient Russian architects. The church, covered with a hipped dome, evokes thoughts of ancient rural churches in central Russia.
Birobidzhan museums
Tourists will be able to combine sightseeing in Birobidzhan with a rich educational program. The doors of local cultural and educational institutions are always open for curious travelers.
Exhibits of the museum of local lore, which has funds of 29 thousand items, tell about the unique nature of the Amur region, the history of the development of these lands by the Cossacks, and the participation of Birobidzhan people in the Second World War. During the tour, visitors will learn many interesting facts about the formation and development of the Jewish Autonomous Region.
Birobidzhan boasts a museum that has no analogues in Russia. The exposition of the institution is devoted to everything related to pensions. The narrative begins with Peter's decrees on the appointment of regular maintenance for retired officers. Further, visitors will get acquainted in retrospect with the evolution of the pension business in tsarist, Soviet and modern Russia.
Natural attractions of Birobidzhan
In the vicinity of the policy there are several places that are especially attractive for connoisseurs of natural beauty. Walk along the tourist trail of the dendrologicalThe park "Bastak" will be remembered by travelers for its vivid impressions. Here grow cedars, firs, spruces, deciduous trees and shrubs, the air is filled with aromas, springs exude crystal clear water.
Not far from the village of Golovino, Birobidzhansky district, there is an amazing Swan Lake. In summer, buds of the Komarov lotus bloom on its surface. Nature lovers from all over the region come to look at the carpet woven by nature from delicate pink inflorescences and white petals of water lilies. The lake is rich in fish. The bottom silty sediments of the reservoir were chosen by the same age as dinosaurs - the relic water chestnut.
Interesting facts
Tourists who are going to see the sights and interesting places of Birobidzhan with their own eyes will benefit from the following information:
- Contrary to popular belief, there are very few ethnic Jews left in the city. It is almost impossible to meet a colorful Orthodox here.
- A traveler sometimes gets the impression that he is in Israel, because most of the signs are duplicated with Hebrew inscriptions.
- The police is very well maintained. The absence of large enterprises has a beneficial effect on the environment. Only the smell of burning from forest fires, which are considered commonplace in summer, pollutes the air.
- Local mosquitoes will surprise tourists with their size and activity, debunking the myth of the exclusivity of Siberian counterparts.
Reviews of tourists about Birobidzhan
Most travelers have a cityleaves a good impression. Many consider it an excellent starting point for exploring the Far East. The following facts speak in favor of such a statement:
- Good geographical position. From here it is convenient to get to such regional attractions as the Lotus Lake, the Bidzhan Outcrop natural complex, the Londakovskaya and Pasichnaya caves.
- Availability of hotel infrastructure. City hotels offer accommodation options in economy, standard, business, and luxury categories.
- Democratic prices. The cost of renting hotel rooms, services, food, food is affordable even for tourists with a modest income.
The city has everything to spend a wonderful few days of vacation. Colorful photos of the sights of Birobidzhan will long remind you of an exciting journey through the Far East.