Although Krasnodar cannot boast of thousand-year-old temples and ancient fortresses, travelers enjoy coming to this sunny and hospitable city. Monuments and museums, restaurants and amusement parks - there are places here both for lovers of cultural recreation and for those tourists who prefer active entertainment.
History of Krasnodar
closely connected with the history of the royal family.
Before the advent of Soviet power, it was called Ekaterinodar. The city was truly a “gift” from Catherine II - in 1792, the empress gave vast lands in the south to the Cossack army as a token of gratitude for their faithful service. And already in 1793, the Cossacks founded a military camp, which over time would turn into the huge capital of Kuban. When the Civil War began, Ekaterinodar
became the main stronghold of the White Army in the south of the country.
View of evening Krasnodar
Today, the main city of Kuban is gradually turning into a modern metropolis. In 1-2 days
It’s impossible to visit all the sights, but a walking tour will help you feel the friendly spirit of the city and let you get in touch with the history of the Russian south.
Walking route
There are many places in the capital of Kuban where you can take beautiful memorable photographs. In the warm season, you can take a long walk and look at the work of the city fountains, take a photo near the sculpture “Dog Capital”
, popular with tourists.
Vladimir Mayakovsky
once called Krasnodar “the capital of dogs,” and his words were immortalized in the form of a funny pair of dogs dressed in 19th-century costumes. The sculpture is located on the corner of Krasnaya Street and Mira Street.
Landmark of Krasnodar - sculpture “Dog Capital”
The best place to start your walk is from Krasnaya Street
. This name stuck to her long before Soviet power came, and it means “beautiful.” The street is truly one of the most beautiful in the city: a picturesque boulevard runs through it, the main attraction of which is the Royal Gate.
Royal Gate of Krasnodar
Unfortunately, the original Arc de Triomphe
was destroyed in 1928. The restored Royal Gates adorned the city only in 2008, and next to them a monument to the Holy Great Martyr Catherine, the patroness of Krasnodar, was erected. Not only tourists, but also residents of the Kuban capital love to stroll near the arch: it is crowded here at any time of the year, and weddings are often held.
Further on the way there will be Theater Square. In summer there is a large fountain. Water shows are especially colorful on weekends: after 20.30 the light and music show begins.
Evening fountain show
The next point on the route will be the unusual monument “ Cossacks writing a letter to the Turkish Sultan
", located at the intersection of Krasnaya Street and Gorky Street.
This modern sculpture is an architectural adaptation of the famous painting by Ilya Repin
. The artist visited the Krasnodar lands in order to find inspiration and meet people who would become the prototypes of the heroes of his paintings. Although Repin stayed in Kuban for only a week, he left many sketches and sketches from Cossack life.
Cossacks writing a letter to the Turkish Sultan - sculpture
Architectural landmarks
It’s worth taking a walk along Krasnaya Street to make sure that in Krasnodar buildings built in the style of provincial classicism coexist peacefully with modern buildings.
Estate of the merchant Rubezhansky
On Kommunarov Street you can see a masterpiece of art by Gabriel Nikitin in the Art Nouveau style - the estate of the merchant of the 2nd guild Rubezhansky. Vasily Kondratievich Rubezhansky had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was not afraid of new products, which allowed him to introduce innovative ideas into the work of his carpentry workshop, where they produced beautiful and comfortable furniture.
Furniture production brought a stable income, and Vasily Kondratyevich brought a new product to Ekaterinodar - the first cinematograph in Kuban. In 1908, Rubezhansky purchased a plot where other famous people of the time were building, and with the help of friend Gabriel Nikitin, a mansion was built that outshone the neighboring estates.
Vasily Kondratievich planned to live a long and happy life there, but was shot by the new government in 1920, and his wife and children were evicted from the estate. Now the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is located in the mansion, protected by the state; you can view the estate at the address: Krasnodar, st. Kommunarov, 8.
Monument to Saint Catherine
The most famous monument of Krasnodar is located on Krasnaya Street. The bronze figure of the city's patron saint is 8 meters high and stands on a huge bell surrounded by more than 100 jets of fountains.
Over the past decade, a tradition has developed for newlyweds to walk through the bell on their wedding day, thereby receiving the saint’s blessing for happiness in their married life. Local residents and visitors also come to the Great Martyr Catherine with their requests and concerns.
The complex looks especially beautiful at night, when the illumination of the fountains makes this place a fairy-tale corner. Address of the monument to St. Catherine in Krasnodar: intersection of Krasnaya Street and Babushkina Street.
Dancing fountain
The central Theater Square of Krasnodar is decorated with a complex of unique Dancing Fountains. This complex was opened in 2011 and since then has become an indispensable attribute for walks among locals and tourists.
First of all, the fountain is notable for the fact that it does not have the usual bowl to collect the falling jets - there are grates installed right in the middle of the road, from where the jets are released, and where the water then disappears. The jets themselves reach a height of 25 meters, and are also equipped with lighting. The fountain opens in mid-spring and operates until November.
During the daytime, the fountain attracts visitors to refresh itself, and when darkness falls, the show begins, combining light, music and dancing jets. This spectacle, which takes place every day for 2.5 hours, attracts a huge number of people, so those who want to watch it in full should come before the start to take comfortable seats. Address of the Dancing Fountain in Krasnodar: Theater Square.
Museums of Krasnodar
The city has many interesting museums that can be included in your 1-2 day trip itinerary. Some of them are located in the very center, so you can walk to them after lunch at a restaurant or relaxing at a hotel.
On Krasnaya Street there is the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum
, opened at the beginning of the 20th century. Its collection contains paintings by Russian and foreign authors, and virtual exhibitions are held. During the German occupation, most of the exhibits were taken to the Urals, but immediately after the end of hostilities, the paintings returned to their original place. The exhibition includes both masterpieces of classical art and works of contemporary artists.
Inside the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum
On Station Square and in the Zheleznodorozhnikov Palace of Culture there is a museum of the North Caucasian Railway
. It introduces visitors to the history of the railway. In the open air there are ancient steam locomotives that once carried passengers.
One of the oldest cultural centers of the capital of Kuban is the Krasnodar Historical and Archaeological Museum
. More than 430 thousand exhibits are presented here, which are distributed on different topics: ethnographic, historical, archaeological. The number of museum items is amazing. Visitors will see a huge collection of weapons and get acquainted with paleontological finds. The museum will also tell guests about the nature of Kuban. It is located in the very center of Krasnodar, next to hotels and restaurants. The building itself also deserves attention - it is an old mansion, on the walls of which paintings have been preserved, and the ceiling is decorated with stucco.
Expositions of the Krasnodar Historical and Archaeological Museum
A little further from the main tourist sites is located " Einsteinium"
"- a science museum that will be especially interesting for children.
You can touch all the exhibits there. Visitors are invited to participate in various experiences, experiments and games. EnsteiniUm hosts exciting quests
, master classes, and
science shows
.
Museum of Entertaining Sciences "Einsteinium"
An interesting part of the trip could be a visit to the Bursak House
- Ataman, who distinguished himself during the war with the Turks. Bursak made a great contribution to the improvement of Yekaterinodar. Today his house is a museum. These doors received many distinguished guests: Lermontov, Pushkin, General Raevsky and other significant historical figures visited him. Here you can look at ancient interiors and briefly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
House Museum of Ataman Bursak
If your trip to the city falls on a Wednesday, you should definitely go to the Cossack Museum
, which is located on Vinogradnaya Street (you can get from the center by public transport or by taxi). His collection includes paintings, photographs, and household items. The museum is open only once a week, but events are regularly held here, and tastings of national cuisine are organized.
In the Museum of the Cossacks of Krasnodar
theatre square
Thanks to the beautiful complex of fountains, Teatralnaya Square in Krasnodar has become a favorite walking area for city residents, especially in the summer heat. It is located next to the M. Gorky Drama Theater, in honor of which it received its name. In total, there are more than twenty fountains in the square. The square is notable for the fact that it is there that the largest flat fountain-concert is installed - jets of water rise to the height of a five-story building accompanied by classical music, while the fountain is decorated with multi-colored lighting. In the dark, this spectacle simply takes your breath away. To admire the fountain, you need to arrive in the city during its operating period - from April to November. You can also see nearby a memorial obelisk, which was installed on the square in honor of the celebration of the bicentenary of the Kuban Cossack army. In addition, there are cafes and benches nearby where you can relax.
Temples of Krasnodar
Krasnodar is a significant Orthodox center. Despite the fact that many temple buildings were destroyed during the USSR, buildings from the 19th century have been preserved here: St. Catherine's Cathedral, St. George's Church.
The center of the city's spiritual life is St. Catherine's Cathedral
. The history of this majestic temple goes back more than a hundred years. It was built in memory of the rescue of the royal family during a train crash in 1888: a terrible accident claimed the lives of more than 20 people, but none of the king’s relatives were injured. This event was perceived as a miracle.
Catherine's Cathedral
During Soviet times, the temple was looted, and its spacious premises were given over to storage needs. But already in 1942, when the city was captured by fascist troops
, services have resumed. Later, in 1988, restoration work was carried out. Today, the cathedral not only amazes visitors with its scale, but is also distinguished by its hospitality - in the shop you can buy pastries from the church bakery.
Also during the 1-day excursion you should visit St. George's Church
, which is located on Mitrofan Sedina Street. The building is distinguished by its rich decoration; the holy relics of John Chrysostom and St. George the Victorious are kept in it. This temple is one of the calling cards of the city.
St. George's Church
There are many other religious centers in Krasnodar. If you have time, you can visit St. Elias Church
,
Temple of Alexander Nevsky
. The capital of Kuban carefully preserves Orthodox traditions, and during church holidays, Krasnodar residents and guests of the city flood cathedrals and temples.
Drama theatre
The Krasnodar Academic Drama Theater named after M. Gorky is, without exaggeration, one of the best theaters in the country. Tourists should visit this place if only for the sake of the magnificent building, which has no analogues in the country.
It is worth noting that the current theater building was erected after the Great Patriotic War, on the same spot where the old building stood, completely destroyed during the occupation of Krasnodar by German troops in 1943.
Where to go with children
Krasnodar has a lot of entertainment that children will enjoy. There are attractions, zoos, and an aquarium. Most parks have cafes offering food for the whole family. It is better to visit entertainment centers on the second day of the trip, when the main attractions have already been explored.
One of the most popular places for family recreation is the Sunny Island Park.
It will take a whole day to explore it completely, so it is better to plan your time in advance. Here you can go on a variety of rides and play on the tennis courts. There is a planetarium within the park. Little visitors will be able to find something to their liking here at any time of the year.
Sunny Island Park
But the most famous part of Sunny Island is the zoo.
, home to
more than 100 species of animals and birds
. Spacious enclosures have been built for the animals, and seal shows are regularly held. Safari Park is the largest non-state zoo in our country.
If you have free time, the whole family can visit the Ocean Park aquarium
, which is one of the largest aquariums in Russia. In it, visitors will be able to see more than 200 species of underwater inhabitants.
Ocean Park Aquarium
What to see depending on the time of year
Krasnodar is located between the southern seas and a cool continent, and is characterized by sharp weather changes, but the climate here is mild continental. Summers in Krasnodar are long and hot, and winters are short and mild. The average temperature in winter is from +6.5 °C to -13 °C. The snow in Krasnodar is unstable. Therefore, you can relax here at any time of the year. Of course, if you need resort conditions, it is better to come in the summer. In addition, Krasnodar also has seasonal attractions, such as water parks.
Waterpark Niagara
Niagara is an outdoor summer water park that opened in 2016. The water park has many water attractions (slides, pools, slopes, etc.). For the convenience of guests, there are changing rooms, areas with sun loungers, showers and a cafe. There are separate “shallow” pools for children. Foam parties are held at night. During the operation of the water park, lifeguards are on duty.
Everything you need for relaxation (slippers, towels, etc.) can be purchased in a special area of the water park
Information for visitors:
Where else to go for a walk in Krasnodar
On hot summer days, you can go to the embankment or take a river excursion
on a boat.
Most river walks last one hour, so they can easily be combined with exploring the city in one day .
Lovers of leisurely relaxation and fresh air will enjoy neat and well-groomed boulevards and spacious city parks
. They are open to tourists both in summer and winter.
In the city center, not far from the House of Ataman Bursak, there is Catherine Square, in which there is a monument to Catherine II
. There are many cozy benches around, it is rarely crowded. This is a quiet and peaceful place where it is pleasant to take a break from tiring excursions and city noise.
Catherine Square
If the trip is for 2 days,
then you can go to
the City Garden.
In summer, the flower beds are decorated with a variety of flowers and fountains operate. There are also oak trees here that are up to 600 years old. The garden area is landscaped: there are signs, a cafe, and children's attractions.
Park City Garden
Another city park that deserves attention is the Park of Culture and Recreation
, located on the banks of the Kuban River.
This place is popular with both tourists and city residents. On warm summer days, families come here to barbecue and play table tennis. There are also attractions in the park. In the evening, the embankment is immersed in an atmosphere of romance - young couples stroll here under the light of lanterns. In addition, the park has a Museum of Military Equipment
, where you can take photos on a tank.
Park of culture and recreation in Krasnodar
Krasnodar is a city where there is always something to see. Many tourists come here for one day during a trip to the sea. And, despite the fact that the capital of Kuban cannot please visitors with its azure beaches and majestic palm trees, this city will find a place in the soul of every traveler.
History of the creation and renaming of the city, characteristics
Ekaterinodar, whose sights have existed for several thousand years, was founded as a military camp with a fortress on the banks of the Kuban River by the Black Sea Cossacks in 1793, when Empress Catherine II granted them these southern lands as eternal possession for victories in the Russian-Turkish war.
The settlement grew quite quickly, first due to the construction of wooden houses, and later from bricks, which were made and fired right next to each other in 2 kilns built.
In the 60th year of the 19th century it was already an administrative center, and after another 7 years it was given the status of a city. With the advent of the railway, the city turned into a major transport and trade center in the region. Merchants are already settling here, various workshops, a hospital, a gymnasium are appearing, and the first metalworking factories are being built.
By the beginning of the last century, 150 thousand people already lived in the city, and the number of plants and factories reached 125. The city did not accept the revolution, and during the civil war it was the center of the White Guard south of the country until the year 20. After the establishment of Soviet power, the city was renamed Krasnodar.
During the Great Patriotic War, the city had to endure the fascist occupation, which claimed the lives of more than 13 thousand citizens.
Today it is a large cultural and economically developed city covering an area of more than 330 square meters. km. Its length from north to south is more than 20 km, and from west to east about 30 km.
Climate
The city is located at 45 degrees north latitude near two warm seas, which has a favorable effect on its climatic conditions. A mild continental climate prevails here with hot, long, dry summers and mild, very short, moderately warm winters. Short-term frosts down to -15 or -20 degrees rarely occur. Snow is rare; most precipitation falls in the form of rain.
Ekaterinodar (Krasnodar) - maximum and minimum recorded temperature
Autumn is clear and warm by the beginning of October, and the number of cloudy days and precipitation gradually increases. In November, strong winds blow and frosts begin. Spring comes at the end of February, and in March the plants begin their active growing season.
Ecology
The main environmental problem in the city is severe air pollution from vehicle emissions, since there are more cars registered here per capita than in all Russian cities. In summer, due to the increase in transit transport of vacationers, the number of cars in the city increases to 2 million.
Population
The urban population is steadily increasing every year due to economic migrants and the resettlement of residents of the Far North, and has already reached almost 900 thousand people. There is also an increase in natural population growth due to the birth rate and a decrease in the mortality rate.
The city's population is very diverse in terms of ethnic composition:
| Nationality | Thousand people | Share % |
| Russians | 654,7 | 87,9 |
| Armenians | 26,9 | 3,6 |
| Ukrainians | 10,6 | 1,4 |
| Adygei | 6,9 | 0,9 |
| Belarusians | 2,1 | 0,3 |
| Tatars | 2,0 | 0,3 |
| Greeks | 1,6 | 0,2 |
| Georgians | 1,5 | 0,2 |
| Azerbaijanis | 1,4 | 0,2 |
| other | 14,1 | 1,9 |
Flora and fauna
The vegetation of the region is rich and diverse. There are more than 30 thousand plant species here. The dominant trees are deciduous, evergreen deciduous and coniferous. In addition to fruit and berry trees, pine trees, junipers and yews grow in the city.
Among the animals in the city and its environs, small mammals predominate: hedgehogs, squirrels, mice, hares, bats and rats, and on the outskirts, foxes and weasels. Among the birds found within the city limits are pigeons, seagulls, ducks, starlings, tits, sparrows, cormorants, swifts and nightingales. You can see a swan and a heron, and sometimes owls. Reptiles include turtles, snakes, lizards and vipers.
Oceanarium
The Krasnodar Oceanarium “Ocean Park” is one of the largest in Russia. It was opened in December 2011. The building is located on Uralskaya Street and is easy to find thanks to its distinctive architecture. In total, the aquatic world of the oceanarium is represented by almost three hundred species of fish, ranging from the smallest and most harmless to the spectacular sharks. The inhabitants of aquariums are collected from all corners of the globe, and the appearance of some is amazing.
The oceanarium's workers constantly conduct new and interesting shows with its inhabitants, some of which you can take part in with your children - for example, feeding colorful koi carps. If you come on vacation with children, a visit to the aquarium will give them a lot of positive and vivid impressions. The cost of an adult ticket is 550 rubles, a ticket for children under 14 years old is 400 rubles, children under 3 years old can visit the establishment for free. The aquarium is open seven days a week.
I hope you found this selection of what you can see in Krasnodar in 1 day on your own useful. Choose your favorite attractions and travel!
