Russia has a sufficient number of unusual sights. The times when the main places in any city were the museum of local lore and the monument to V. I. Lenin on the central square, go into the distant past. Today, tourists in any city will find something to see from new and interesting sights. Did you know that there is a park of Siberian cats in Tyumen?
Competition for the best project
In the place where the cat square is located today, there used to be a small unnamed park. It was decided to improve it and decorate it in a new way for the City Day in 2008. There was no exact theme and idea of ennoblement of the territory. Therefore, the city authorities invited local architects to show their imagination and propose any projects suitable for the existing zone. The winner of the competition was Marina Alchibaeva, a gifted girl who proposed to turn an unnamed alley into a park of Siberian cats.
How cats saved Leningrad
Why cats? This question begs many who get acquainted with the attractionfirst. The sculptor admits that one entertaining legend served as a source of inspiration. During the Great Patriotic War in besieged Leningrad, local residents ate all their cats. Left without natural enemies, rats began to multiply in a terrifying progression in the city. These animals filled everything, instantly destroyed any food in the liberated city, spoiled the furniture and interiors of houses, and sometimes allegedly even attacked people. The inhabitants of Tyumen learned about what had happened and hurried to help the people of Leningrad by sending them a whole carload of Siberian cats, famous for their hunting abilities. The legend says that everything ended well, the tailed ones survived the road and quickly cleared the city of rats. It was in honor of the four-legged heroes who went to liberate Leningrad that the park of Siberian cats was created.
Description of the attraction
In total, twelve cats and kittens can be seen in the park in natural poses. Each sculpture is unique, the animals in the square jump, sit, lie, wash and scratch themselves. Monuments to cats are made of cast iron and covered with gold paint on top. Animals are imposingly located on granite pedestals, and sometimes on lampposts. Also in the square there is a sign telling about how cats saved the Hermitage. The renovated recreation area is very popular with the residents of the city. In summer, cats, just like living ones, look out of the bushes, and in winter they rise regally on their pedestals. According to the author of the project, Marina Alchibaeva, these animals symbolize kindness, affection and homeliness. With an architectmany residents of Tyumen agree. Lovers regularly meet in the cat square, and many newlyweds of the city come here during their wedding walk.
Where is the cat park?
This attraction owes some of its fame and enduring public interest to its location. The square of Siberian cats is located in the very center of the city on Pervomaiskaya street. Today it is one of the most popular sights of the city, included in all guidebooks. This place delights children and does not leave adults indifferent. Be sure to visit the park of Siberian cats as soon as possible. Tyumen is a modern city with many interesting monuments and beautiful places. But still, the cat alley is one of the brightest and most unusual sights of the city. Do not forget to take a camera with you for a walk, the tailed ones in their park are happy to pose for photos with everyone.
