Culture of Irkutsk. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Irkutsk is considered the capital of Eastern Siberia. It is a beautiful city with a unique historical heritage and inherent features of modern cities. Around Irkutsk there are many picturesque birch groves, beautiful meadows and unique natural objects. The territory of the city is divided into five administrative districts, each of which has its own characteristics. Kirovsky district is considered to be central; it is the historical center of the city. Here there is a variety of monuments of architecture, museums, theaters and libraries, as well as beautiful modern buildings.

The most ancient monument of Irkutsk is the church in the name of the Savior of the Holy Face. Now this religious institution is converted into a museum, where a rich exposition is presented, which is dedicated to the Irkutsk diocese. In the style of the Siberian Baroque, a cathedral was built in the name of the Epiphany of the Lord. Its construction lasted almost 28 years, and the first stone was laid as far back as 1718.

Another important architectural monument is the building of the Irkutsk Local History Museum, built in the Moorish style. The museum stores more than 350 thousand exhibits devoted to the history of Siberia. Moreover, 250,000 finds are rarities, similar to which one will not be able to see in any other museum in the world. The museum stores unique collections of clothing, skillful embroideries, ancient manuscripts, historical documents and reports of geological expeditions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you wish to appreciate the monuments of wooden architecture, it will be interesting to see the "Shastin house" which is often called a "lace house". It is decorated with carvings, wooden turrets, figured columns and other elements of decor that make its image unique. Since ancient times, local people have decorated the wooden houses with carvings; this custom has remained since the time of paganism. In those days it was believed that the ornament and patterns is a kind of magic symbols and amulets that protect the owner and his family from trouble. The buildings of the Drama Theater and the Museum of Decembrists also strike with their beauty, and fans of painting should definitely include in the program of leisure a visit to the Art Museum named after V.P. Sukachev. The pictures presented in it were bought by the city's head in St. Petersburg in the early 20th century. He entrusted the entire rich collection to the city.