Kursk is a city of military glory, one of the greatest cultural, religious, scientific, educational and industrial centers of Russia. It was the main southern fortress of the Kursk Principality in the 16th century and an important commercial, industrial, and railway center of Russia in the 18th–19th centuries.
The famous Battle of Kursk in 1943 brought real fame to the city. When visiting Kursk, try to find time to visit its museums and see the memorial sites associated with this event, even if you only have one day.
For tourists who plan their route in advance, we have prepared a list describing the main attractions and interesting places in Kursk, reflecting different periods of the city’s thousand-year history.
Nature reserves and gladioli, a magnetic anomaly, estates and places of memory - all the most interesting things around Kursk in the material about the Kursk region.
Victory Memorial
The Battle of Kursk became a turning point in the Great Patriotic War. Residents of the city, since the 1960s, have twice attempted to erect a monument to this great battle. And finally, an entire Memorial complex dedicated to the famous Battle of Kursk was built in the city. The attraction stretches along a kilometer-long alley. Its basis is the “Fire Arc”. This is a 24-meter triumphal arch, on which rises a 6-meter bronze figure of St. George the Victorious. Nearby is the Church of St. George the Victorious, a monument to Marshal of Victory Zhukov and the Unknown Soldier. The alley also houses military equipment, the Eternal Flame and a stele dedicated to the city of Kursk.
Kozhlyanskaya toy
This souvenir was traditionally made near Kursk in the village of Kozhlya. Today, painted whistle toys can be bought in almost every tourist shop. Well, or in the brand’s company store. These whistles are worth bringing from Kursk to collectors or simply as a gift for children.
By the way, all Kozhlyan toys are made and decorated by hand, so they are unique.
Znamensky Cathedral in Kursk
This 19th century Orthodox church is not only one of the main attractions of Kursk, but also an object of architecture of all-Russian significance. Located in the Bogoroditsky Monastery. Built in honor of the victory in the War of 1812. The architecture of the building is in the classicist style; over its long history it has been reconstructed more than once. From 1937 to 1992, the building housed the Oktyabr cinema. And at the beginning of the 17th century there was a city fortress on its territory. It was not destroyed by enemy troops during the attack, which was attributed to the intercession of the Mother of God. And then a wooden church was erected here, and later a monastery was built. After the buildings burned down in a fire, a stone temple was built. The construction of this grandiose cathedral lasted 10 years. Today, the landmark impresses not only with its external beauty, but also with its luxurious interior decoration.
Railway station
A train from Moscow arrives at the city's main station. The station building was built after the war. The pompous huge structure was fully consistent with the position of the city, which was the main gate to the south. Remember how, in Soviet times, countless trains carried Muscovites from the Kursk station to the Black Sea resorts.
Now, in connection with the well-known events in Ukraine, this direction has become a dead end. There is now no way for us beyond Belgorod. Although some trains still go to Ukraine, their number is not comparable to the old days.
But the railway station is located quite far from the city center. You need to get there by bus or minibus. But there are no problems with this, transport runs smoothly. The landmark of the center is the name “Red Square”
Boeva Dacha Park
The official name of this landmark of the city of Kursk is the Park named after the 50th anniversary of the Komsomol, but somehow it has not caught on with the people and many simply call it the Battle Dacha. Here once stood the estate of the merchant Boev. Later, a yeast production factory was located on this territory. During the years of Soviet power, the territory was improved and used as a recreation area for workers. But during the Second World War the park was badly damaged, and almost all the trees in it were cut down. In 1948, new trees were planted by city residents. In the 60s, the park was given a new name, playgrounds for children, a stadium and beaches were built. Today Boeva Dacha Park is one of the favorite recreational places for residents of Kursk.
Kursk Local History Museum
The Historical and Archaeological Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kursk. The attraction was opened on the initiative of the local governor in 1903. The museum's holdings contain unique collections of books, beads, weapons, coins, porcelain, and paintings. The exhibition is presented in three sections: the pre-revolutionary era, the Soviet period and nature. Various traveling exhibitions from other cities in Russia and the world are regularly held here. The museum actively cooperates with educational city institutions, carrying out scientific and educational work. The building of the Kursk Museum of Local Lore is an architectural monument of the 19th century, and in its courtyard there is a tent mill built at the beginning of the 20th century.
About the architecture of Kursk
There are several interesting architectural sites in Kursk. My favorite was the Book House, built in the style of Stalin times, but with a clear Italian influence. Pure Italian palazzo.
memorial plaque to the architect of the House of Books
Interestingly, the building was built as a bookstore, and they still sell books there. The interior of the store has been slightly changed and modernized. In my opinion, not entirely successful. But the rethinking of the images of literary authorities, whose sculptural portraits are presented in the store’s hall, is both witty and, in my opinion, not offensive.
Bank buildings are memorable
Medical University, Pushkin Theater,
circus with a monument to Nikulin and Shuidin,
modern shopping center.
The center of Kursk has its own, completely individual architectural appearance.
New Luzhkov style building
Lenin hidden in courtyards
Ascension Church
The brick, five-domed Ascension Church in Kursk was built with money from parishioners and townspeople in 1887. Two icons for the church were specially brought from Greece, from the holy Mount Athos. The architecture of this landmark of Kursk is made in the style of late classicism with baroque elements. The temple is squat, connected to a three-tiered bell tower. Scenes from the Bible are depicted on the church's façade, pediments and bell tower. Throughout its existence, the Ascension Church almost never closed; even during the Second World War, services were held there, and a parochial school, housed in a separate building, operated there.
Art gallery named after. Deineki
The art museum, established in 1935, houses a unique collection of works of art from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The art gallery has repeatedly taken part in various exhibitions in Russia and abroad. A place of honor in the museum is given to the work of the famous native of Kursk, the artist Alexander Deineka. About 140 of his works are presented here: graphics, painting, sculpture. The works of European painters, famous Russian artists and modern Kursk authors are presented. There are also folk art items here. The museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions. It will be very interesting to visit this attraction in Kursk.
Sights of the surrounding area of Kursk
Indigenous deserts
Indigenous deserts
One of the most famous monasteries in Russia. It lies 30 km from Kursk. Associated with the veneration of the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”. The monastery was founded at the end of the 16th century, but the buildings of that time have not survived. The deserts received their modern appearance in the 18th–19th centuries.
The desert is still a popular place of pilgrimage. In addition, it has considerable historical significance.
Address: Kursk region, Zolotukhinsky district, Svoboda metro station; GPS: 51.97313, 36.31091
Maryino Estate
Maryino Estate
The palace and park ensemble was built in 1820. The distance between Kursk and Maryino is about 100 km. The family of the Baryatinsky princes lived here for more than 100 years. The original style of the main building was Empire style, but after 50 years the estate was extensively rebuilt, giving it eclectic features.
Now there is a departmental sanatorium here; you can get inside only with a guided tour. In addition to the house, it is worth paying attention to the magnificent landscape park.
Address: Tsentralnaya street, 1, Maryino village, Kursk region; GPS: 51.58717, 34.9429
Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 20:00
Streletskaya steppe
Streletskaya steppe
The biosphere reserve of the Kursk region was formed in 1935. It is located 20 km south of Kursk. It is famous for its enormous species richness of flora and fauna.
A place where you can combine active recreation with educational ones. Here you can walk along hiking trails, you can look at the famous stone women, and visit the Museum of Nature. Nature lovers will be delighted.
Address: p/o Zapovednoe, Kursk region; GPS: 51.56905, 36.08577
Estate of Count Nelidov
Estate of Count Nelidov
Construction of the early 19th century near Kursk. A spacious park on the banks of the Seim River with a Gothic building. The estate was erected for the governor of the Kursk province, Count Nelidov.
Now there is a sanatorium "Moscow". Unfortunately, almost nothing has been preserved from the luxurious interiors and well-kept park. It’s worth coming here for the original architecture of the building and the magnificent nature around.
Address: Moscow 1st, Kursk region; GPS: 51.71272, 36.09586
Museum of Archeology in Kursk
Another interesting museum that is worth visiting for tourists in Kursk. This is the first Russian archaeological museum. Its seven halls display exhibits telling about the centuries-old history of the region. Of particular interest to visitors is the reconstruction of the ancient settlement of the 11th-13th centuries. and Kursk Fortress. In addition to internal and city excursions, the museum organizes folklore festivals and educational games for schoolchildren, and conducts classes for preschoolers. The museum has a library and a shop.
Best hotels in Kursk
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Planetarium in Kursk
The director of the local history museum, N.P., once proposed opening a planetarium in Kursk. Bushuev. It is the only one in the Central Black Earth region. During its work, the attraction has changed its place in the city more than once; now the planetarium is located in the house of the Noble Assembly and helps schoolchildren and young children study astronomy and the surrounding nature. It hosts spectacular sessions with a panorama of the starry sky, demonstrating the movement of planets and natural phenomena. In the poster, everyone will find a theme to their liking and age.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kursk is interesting because it is the only Catholic church in the city. The temple was erected in 1896 at the urgent request of believers. The building is in neo-Gothic style, with 2 towers, decorated with mosaics and gilded crosses. In 1938, the temple was closed, the interior was looted or destroyed, and the rector and some parishioners were shot. In its place there was subsequently an anti-religious museum, a warehouse, and a House of Culture. In 1997, the temple was restored and opened. Today this landmark is also famous for the fact that the wedding and baptism of the child of the famous avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich took place here.
Apple Monument
Address: st. Lenina, 15a
A huge monument in the shape of a metal apple weighing 150 kilograms. Created in 2008 according to the design of the famous sculptor Vyacheslav Klykov, a native of the Kursk region, who managed to turn his unusual idea into a bright landmark of the city. This monument is a modern symbol of the apple region - Kursk - and a reminder of the former glory of the Kursk Antonovka, which dates back to the time of Catherine II, a famous lover of liquid apples.
A short video clearly demonstrating Kursk from different sides - its central attractions and residential outskirts:
Cities where you can find many unusual monuments:
- Tyumen
- Voronezh
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Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin
This is one of the oldest Russian theaters; it was created in 1792 and is located in the house of the Noble Assembly. This theater hosted the debut of the serf Mikhail Shchepkin, who later became a famous Russian artist and one of the founders of the Russian acting school. Other famous people also began their careers at the Kursk Theater; many popular Russian actors performed on its stage. During the Second World War, the theater was evacuated, and in 1943 it returned to its hometown. And today it is one of the leading theaters in Russia.
Sergiev-Kazan Cathedral
The cathedral is named in honor of the Orthodox Saint Sergius of Radonezh and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Previously, in its place there was a wooden church bearing the name of the same saint; it burned down during a fire. In 1778, a 2-story stone church in the Baroque style was built. The name of its architect is unknown. In 1833 the cathedral became a cathedral. In 1934 it was closed, and the building housed an art gallery, studio and anti-religious museum. Since 1942 it has become operational again. The cathedral is known for its unique iconostasis and is an architectural monument of all-Russian significance.
Excursions around Kursk
Kursk (the sights of the city cannot be seen in one excursion route) has developed the following order of visits for one-day walking and bus excursions:
| № | Name | Address | Schedule | Visiting prices |
| 1 | Regional Museum of Archeology | st. Pionerov, 6 | daily from 9.30 to 17.00 |
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| 2 | Regional Planetarium | st. Sonina, 4 |
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| 3 | Znamensky Cathedral | Lunacharsky, 4 |
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| 4 | Regional Museum of Local Lore | st. Lunacharsky, 6 |
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| 5 | Monument to Prince Alexander Nevsky | Red Square | ||
| 6 | Monument to Georgy Sviridov | Crossroads of Lenin and Zolotoy streets | ||
| 7 | Monument to A. S. Pushkin | theatre square | ||
| 8 | Art Gallery named after. A. A. Deineki | st. Radishcheva, 85 |
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| 9 | Museum of the history of fire fighting in the building of the Ministry of Emergency Situations | St. Chelyuskintsev, 28A | around the clock |
You can choose an excursion lasting one or several days. The walking instructions are made more comfortable by the provided audio kit with headphones, which allows you to admire the surrounding beauty at a convenient distance from the guide and the group.
The highlight of bus excursions is that, having stopped at any place on the route they like, the tourist has the right to board the next excursion bus and continue the journey.
The city of Kursk with its cultural and natural attractions remains in the memory of city guests for a long time. Night tours around the city are especially popular among young people. Thanks to the rich illumination of Kursk, even familiar places make a different impression. People interested in Orthodox sights can take part in specialized excursions.
Author: Bulgakova Svetlana
Article design: Vladimir the Great
12. MegaGRINN
The sights of Kursk will also delight those who want to have fun. We are talking about the huge shopping and entertainment center MegaGRINN. Here you can have a great holiday with the whole family. The GRINN Megacomplex has retail establishments, restaurants, cafes, bars, a food court, a family amusement park, a children's club, bowling alley, karaoke, and a night club. Here you can admire a large panoramic aquarium with sharks and a 12-meter light and music fountain. The largest Russian fitness club is located in MegaGRINN. The center has its own hypermarket, conference banquet and concert hall. In front of the building there is a monument to the Kursk nightingale - the symbol of these places.
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