Astrakhan is one of the colorful cities in southern Russia. Many peoples lived in this territory. Walking along the streets, you can find traces of different peoples - Persians, Armenians, Hindus, Tatars. There is even a huge variety among religious attractions - from a classical Orthodox temple to a Jewish synagogue.
Many guidebooks call Astrakhan a city of merchants and fishermen. And this is not easy. Trade was active here for several centuries. During the Ottoman Empire, the city was at the crossroads of trade routes. When Astrakhan became part of the Russian state, it became the gateway to Asia.
With fishermen, everything is much simpler - Astrakhan is located on the banks of the Volga and the Caspian Sea. Back in Soviet times, the city turned into a center of fishing tourism. Astrakhan still retains this status.
What to see in Astrakhan first
Astrakhan Kremlin
It is best to start your acquaintance with Astrakhan with the main attraction of the city - the Astrakhan Kremlin. The construction of the defensive structure began during the life of Ivan the Terrible. Troubled times required decisive measures - and so the idea of building a Kremlin in Astrakhan appeared.
The Astrakhan Kremlin is located on an island washed by the waters of the Volga, Kutuma and Tsarev Erik. There is a museum attached to the Kremlin where you can learn more about the history and construction of the Kremlin. You can also sign up for a master class and have a photo shoot in historical costumes.
Tickets: for children under 3 years old - from 20 rubles, for students - from 30 rubles, for adults - from 50 rubles
Address: Trediakovskogo street, building 2
City embankment
The embankment of the Volga River is another attraction that is worth visiting during your holiday in Astrakhan. The total length of the embankment is 2 kilometers. During your walk you will see a bronze Lady with a dog and fountains.
If you are on a walk with children, they will definitely like the “Fish” and “Water Attraction” fountains. In the evening, the light and musical fountain turns on - it looks very impressive.
Address: embankment of the Volga River
Nikolskaya street
In the 19th century, Nikolskaya Street appeared on the city map during the construction of the Kos quarter. This is one of the oldest streets in Astrakhan.
Every house on Nikolskaya Street is a real architectural monument. For example, merchant mansions in the Art Nouveau style.
Nikolskaya Street stretches from the Astrakhan Kremlin to the city embankment. After visiting the Kremlin, you can stroll to the embankment and have a snack in one of the cafes.
Address: Nikolskaya street
House of merchant Tetyushinov
As you already know, in the old days Astrakhan was a shopping center. To this day, many merchant estates have been preserved on the streets of the city. One of them is the house of the merchant Tetyushinov.
You will not pass by this building, it is different from the typical buildings of that time. Wide two-tier panels with carved oak columns and rich decoration.
The house did not bring happiness to the merchant, and in Soviet times it became the property of the city. Since the 1930s, the building has housed communal apartments. Later the question of demolishing the house arose. But, fortunately, it has survived to this day. This is the only surviving wooden building from the late 19th century in the Lower Volga region.
Address: Kommunisticheskaya street, building 26
Market "Selenskie Isady"
If you want to feel the real atmosphere of Astrakhan, go to the Selenskie Isady market. This is one of the most famous markets in the city, which has existed for more than 150 years.
Local fishermen caught a lot of fish - they needed a place to sell. This is how the market appeared in Astrakhan. The market still sells local fish - dried, smoked, and caviar. You can try everything before purchasing.
Address: Pokrovskaya Square, building 3A
Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos
What to see from the sights of Astrakhan in 2 days is a must, and what is not worth attention - you will find tips in the reviews of tourists. Travelers share their honest impressions of the city and its tourist attractions. In reviews, tourists write about unusual locations in the city, tell how to plan a route by the hour and where to spend leisure time. From tourists' reports you will learn where to buy branded Astrakhan souvenirs more profitably and where you can try local cuisine at an affordable price.
- “Shall we take a walk around Astrakhan?” — photo album from Vladimir.
- “Travel from Volgograd to Astrakhan...” - a report from Vladimir about a trip to Astrakhan during the May holidays.
- “Astrakhan Sketches”: day 1 and day 2 - a series of reports from Sergei Makhinin.
All reviews about trips to Astrakhan
Photo: © Sergey Makhinin
What to see in Astrakhan with children
If you come to Astrakhan on vacation with children, then be sure to visit the Planet Park. This is the largest amusement park in Kazan. In addition to the attractions, there is a petting zoo, a pond with catamarans and a small waterfall.
There are many attractions to choose from, both for little ones and adults. Ferris wheel, autodrome, Ermark swing, Sparta carousel...
Address: Nikolay Ostrovsky street, house 146
Museum of Local Lore
In the museum you can get acquainted with the history of Astrakhan and the Astrakhan region, as well as with the local fauna and flora. Children will be interested in looking at the guns and military ammunition in the Armory Room.
Address: Sovetskaya street, building 15
Cultural leisure of tourists in the city
The colorful city is not only an important economic center of the Volga region. It lives a rich cultural life, which it invites its guests to join. Here are just a few places you should definitely visit in Astrakhan.
Museum of Local Lore
- Opening hours: daily except Monday from 10:00 to 17:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.
- Ticket price: adult 300 rub., reduced price 180 rub., child 120 rub.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.astrakhan-musei.ru
- Address: st. Sovetskaya, 15/5. Transport stop "Museum of Local Lore".
With 14 branches, the institution is considered one of the largest provincial museums in Russia. Its collection includes over 300 thousand exhibits telling about the nature, history, ethnography of the Volga region, and the original culture of the peoples who have long inhabited these lands. The pride of the museum is considered to be the unique collections of medieval edged weapons and exquisitely crafted jewelry, shown in the “Gold of the Nomads” exhibition.
House-Museum of B.M. Kustodieva
- Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00, on Thursday from 13:00 to 21:00.
- Ticket price: adult 60 rubles, children 40 rubles.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.ast-kustodiev.ru
- Address: st. Kalina, 26. Transport stop “Council of Trade Unions”.
An excursion to the museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Russian artist B. Kustodiev will bring a lot of vivid impressions to art lovers. To be fair, it should be said that the painter himself, who left for St. Petersburg at the age of 18, did not live in the mansion where the exhibitions are located. However, he had been here more than once to visit his godmother. In addition to Kustodiev’s beautiful paintings, visitors will be able to see a collection of things that surrounded him during his life, and visit the hall, the surroundings of which replicate the interior of the artist’s studio.
Drama Theater
- Opening hours: performances are given from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. Performances start at 18:00.
- Ticket price: from 200 rub. up to 600 rub.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.astradram.ru
- Address: st. Sovetskaya, 28. Transport stop "Dramater".
It’s simply impossible not to attend one of the performances of the Astrakhan Drama Theatre. It was founded back in 1810. After 79 years, the troupe moved to an elegant mansion, which is considered a historical monument. M. Ermolova and V. Komissarzhevskaya once shone on the theater stage. His stage revealed the talent of O. Strizhenov and the inimitable L. Chursina to Russia. V. Menshov began his creative career here. Today the theater's repertoire includes plays of various genres based on modern and classical playwrights.
What to see in the vicinity of Astrakhan
Saray-Batu
There are attractions not only in the center of Astrakhan, but also outside the city. 130 kilometers from Astrakhan there is a historical one. Scientists suggest that the capital of the Golden Horde was once located here.
Now Saray-Batu is a real open-air museum. For the film "Horde", real scenery was recreated, which was preserved after filming was completed.
It is better to come here on a tour with a guide who can tell you more about the Golden Horde and the creation of the city.
Ticket: for adults - 400 rubles, children under 12 years old - free
Address: Selitrennoe village
Sturgeon farm "Beluga"
There is a sturgeon farm 45 kilometers away. An area of 20 hectares contains about 250 tons of sturgeon fish!
The sturgeon farm operated back in Soviet times. In 1990-2000, the number of sturgeon fish decreased so much that the production of this type of fish was limited. The Beluga farm was one of the first to raise sturgeon and beluga in captivity.
At the farm you can buy hot smoked sturgeon, fish pates, fish soup sets, frozen fish and caviar.
Address: Narimanov city, Water divider, lock No. 32
Astrakhan churches, cathedrals, temples and mosques
Astrakhan is inhabited by people of more than 100 nationalities belonging to 14 faiths. Moreover, every nation has the right to profess its own religion. Therefore, there are quite a lot of temples in the city. The churches and mosques of Astrakhan, built at different times, are not inferior in beauty to the religious buildings of Tula or Vladikavkaz.
Assumption Cathedral
- Working hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.astrsobor.ru
- Address: st. Trediakovskogo, 2. Transport stop “Trediakovskogo Street”.
The five-domed white stone church, which is the dominant feature of the Kremlin complex, is considered by experts to be perhaps the best example of Russian religious architecture of the early 18th century. It was erected over 11 years, and in 1710 it was consecrated. The construction work was supervised by a wonderful serf master, Dorofei Myakishev. The facade of the cathedral is decorated in the Moscow Baroque style, popular at that time in Rus'. Another architectural feature makes the building unique. The place of execution, to which a wide staircase leads, is attached directly to the foundation of the cathedral. No other temple with a similar exterior has survived in Russia.
White Mosque
- Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 18:00.
- Telephone.
- Address: st. Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, 41. Transport stop “Fishery College”.
Among the Muslims who inhabited Astrakhan at the beginning of the 19th century, there were many wealthy merchants. With the money of one of them, a white stone mosque was erected in 1810, instead of a wooden structure that had burned down earlier. The building with the blue dome turned out to be very elegant. A tall minaret with an elegant balcony surrounded by a balustrade was built next to it. After the revolution, the wonderful tower was destroyed. The mosque was converted first into a kindergarten, then into a bakery, and then its premises housed the workshops of a plywood factory. The temple was returned to believers in 1992. After restoration, which lasted almost 8 years, the oldest mosque in Astrakhan looks amazing again.
St. Vladimir's Cathedral
- Address: st. Generala Epishev, 4. Transport stop “Temple of St. Prince Vladimir”.
A delightful temple with blue carved domes delights with the eclecticism of its exterior, characteristic of Russian religious architecture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a lot of Byzantine, Moscow and even European in its surroundings. In addition to its external originality, the cathedral is also interesting for its history. At first it performed a missionary function, since it was located on the border of the Tatar and Russian settlements. In the 30s of the last century, the temple was almost taken over by renovationists, and then it was converted into a bus station. The re-consecration ceremony of the cathedral was held in 2001 after restoration work was completed.
Kirillovskaya Chapel
- Address: st. Trediakovsky, 2/19. Transport stop "Oktyabrskaya Square".
The building with an unusual exterior is considered, at the same time, an architectural monument and a religious building. A small chapel was erected in 1677 over the resting place of Abbot Kirill, who for many years was the abbot of the Trinity Monastery. It acquired its unusual exterior almost two hundred years later. Then an antique portico was added to the elegant building in the original Russian Empire style, supported by four columns of the Doric order. The authorities considered that with its architecture the chapel would introduce dissonance into the Kremlin ensemble, which was built up with classical buildings. After the revolution, the building was used as a warehouse, and was returned to the church in 1992.
City History Museum
This attraction of Astrakhan is worth a visit for those who want to get acquainted with the history of the city. This is one of many museums included in a single historical and architectural association of protected areas of the Astrakhan region. Initially, it was planned to create a museum of the Ulyanov family, which would contain real items of family life. However, over time it grew into a museum of peasant and craft life from the pre-revolutionary era. The first hall presents exhibits of bourgeois culture, then a room with the interior of a craftsman, then household items of the Ulyanov family and a hall - a sample dining room. The second floor is dedicated to education - the most eminent personalities of the city, people from the common people.
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Museum of Culture of Astrakhan
Museum of Culture of Astrakhan
Astrakhan
The former name of the Astrakhan Museum of Culture is the Chernyshevsky Literary Museum, it was opened in 1978. Philosopher and publicist Nikolai Chernyshevsky spent several years of exile in Astrakhan, where he translated 11 volumes of Georg Weber’s General History. By the beginning of the 21st century, the museum had exhibits dedicated to music, literature and theater - the institution was named the Museum of Astrakhan Culture.
The museum is located in a historical building of the 18th century. The interiors of the writer's office and the music room with original items of the 19th century - furniture, theatrical sketches, models and photographs - have been restored here. The museum's collections introduce biographies of famous fellow countrymen - poet and academician Vasily Trediakovsky, fabulist Ivan Khemnitser, opera singers Nadezhda Papayan, Valeria Barsova and Maria Maksakova.
Heydar Aliyev Square
Heydar Aliyev Square in Astrakhan was opened in 2011, marking the second interregional forum. This idea was born from Azerbaijani colleagues who proposed to develop the area around the monument to President Aliyev. This is how the square, the embankment and the area from Swan Lake to Vladimir Cathedral were improved. All design developments belong to Azerbaijani engineers. Almost all objects were financed within the framework of friendly interregional relations.
Assumption Cathedral
The Assumption Cathedral is part of the architectural monuments of the Astrakhan Kremlin. This attraction was built a little later than the fortifications, around the beginning of the 17th century. This is the most majestic and significant building, which is the hallmark of Astrakhan. The famous domes of the Assumption Cathedral begin to sparkle with their golden color with the appearance of the first rays of sunlight. The building consists of two tiers or floors: on the first there is a tomb in which the relics of the first metropolitan, recognized as a great martyr, and two historical leaders - the kings of Georgia are kept; on the second there is a spacious and bright hall for the liturgy.
City embankment of Astrakhan
This is one of the most popular places in Astrakhan among tourists and city residents. There is a central walking area, specially equipped for walking and recreation. The main decorations are an endless colonnade of lanterns and benches, several fountains and sculptures. The key attraction of the evening holiday is the main fountain with musical accompaniment and a bright colorful play of lights! Along the entire embankment there are numerous attractions, a summer theater and a huge number of cozy restaurants and cafes harmoniously located.
Where to go in the evening, at night?
For evening and night rest you can choose the following objects:
- bowling in entertainment centers Panama City, Hobby Club, Treasure Island, Dair;
- billiards in the clubs Zhemchuzhina, Apricole, Classic, Focus, Billiard Room, Egoist;
- Chicago House Dance Club
- karaoke clubs Selfie, Park of Culture, Mozart, Sinatra, Gazzetta or ZaPoi;
- nightclubs of Monaco, Alen House, Galaxy, Phantom, Lost World, Life, 6th element, 52 Street, Hall, Provocateur.
In the evening, you should just take a walk around the city: the lights turn on, many attractions are illuminated. Before your trip, you should study the city's poster - planned concerts, exhibitions, festivals and other events.
Baki Mosque
The Baki Mosque is a beautiful architectural Astrakhan landmark and one of the largest religious buildings that was built by Muslim companions in the early 20th century. After the revolution, the main functionality of the mosque lasted until 1932. Then it was converted into warehouse space. For many years the building was in disrepair. The restoration of the building began only in the late 90s, through the efforts of the Azerbaijani diaspora. That is why its name has been preserved to this day as the “Baki” mosque.
Astrakhan Planetarium
If you don't know what attractions to see in Astrakhan, don't miss the planetarium. The main place that is key to visiting the Astrakhan Planetarium is the star hall. Here you can examine in detail all the details of our galaxy, down to such insignificant objects as asteroids, comets and meteorites. You can easily observe the planets of the solar system by sitting in special comfortable viewing chairs. The Astrakhan Planetarium uses modern interactive equipment, which makes your visit unforgettable - the spectacular nature of the night space is simply impressive!
Where is Astrakhan, reservoirs
Judging by the map , the city is located in the upper part of the delta of the longest river in Europe - the Volga. Like many other large cities, it was the river that gave “life” to the city from time immemorial. Also, from Astrakhan you can visit the Caspian Sea. For tourists, on the seashore there are boarding houses, resorts, cafeterias and entertainment.
Above sea level, the height of the center of Astrakhan is 23 meters. The geographical location of the city and the Caspian Sea allows it to amaze with its beauty both visitors and those living there. It is located in the southeast of the East European Plain.
City population
The population of Astrakhan, according to statistics as of January 1, 2017, is 533 thousand people. One of the most important features is multinationality. Approximately 78% in Astrakhan are Russian, 7% are Tatars, 5% are Kazakhs, 1.3% are Azerbaijanis. In addition, the level of migration from the peoples and nationalities of the North Caucasus is constantly increasing in the city. If, according to 2002 data, the capital of the Astrakhan region had a population of 505 thousand, then according to 2018 data there are already 533. And there is a constant trend towards population growth.
Climate and time
The moderate, sharply continental climate of the city does not deter tourists at all. Despite the fact that there is very little precipitation, and the fact that Astrakhan is the city with the most severe drought not only in Russia, but throughout Europe, the population is constantly growing. This climate prevails in Astrakhan due to the semi-deserts in which the city is located.
The highest point is Mount Big Bogdo with a height of almost 162 m. This is a place that is worth a visit, because it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire region. What about time, the city of Astrakhan on the map of Russia is in the +4:00 time zone. Time in Astrakhan in relation to Moscow is designated as MSK +1.
Legends about the name of the city of Astrakhan (Wikipedia)
It is believed that Astrakhan has many names , and here are some of them: Hadji-Tarkhan, As-Tarkhan, Tsytrakhan, Dastarkhan, Gintrakhan, Adzhi Darkhan, Astorogan, etc. The romanticism inherent in people brings a touch of charm to the origin of many names. This city is no exception, and there are many mythical and semi-mythical theories about the origin of the name “Astrakhan”. Here are some of them.
For example, one of the most popular theories about the origin of the name was once such a theory - its formation from “strahan”, which in Slavic means “slot”. Another popular theory is the origin of the Scythian word "as", meaning "voivode" and "tarkhan", translated from Scythian as "judge". These two theories have now been disproven.
Some historians believe that the etymology of the word may be related to the Turkic "as" (bottom) and "tarkan", "cockroach" (located). Accordingly, the Turks could consider this city “located below.”
A very interesting legend is described by the traveler Evliya Celebi, connecting Astrakhan with Ajderkhan. The myth colorfully describes that a dragon was operating near the future city (in Turkic “azhderkha”). The dragon was defeated by a dzhigit (a word meaning “young guy”, “young man” from Turkic). Well, the city became “Dragon”.
And the latest version , considered the most correct to date, is described by the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta. According to his version, Khadzhi-Tarkhan is exactly what Astrakhan was previously called, whose name comes from the Tatar “Tarkhan,” meaning “a place free of taxes,” that is, without taxes and “haji,” translated from Turkic as “pilgrim.”
By the tooth
Astrakhan cuisine is predominantly fish-based. This is understandable, given that people have lived for centuries along the banks of the Volga and Caspian Sea, feeding on their generous gifts. Just 40–50 years ago, sturgeon occupied the main place on the table. It still exists today, but due to a sharp decline in the population, it was gradually replaced by other species of fish.
The classic Astrakhan fish soup is, of course, made from sturgeon and seasoned with potatoes, tomatoes and egg yolk. Some people also add sour cream, but this is not for everyone. The easiest fish to fish are crucian carp, carp, pike perch, and sometimes catfish. Moreover, carp is often cooked in chicken broth, and catfish is used for the so-called double fish soup - as a second, more noble addition. Fish is universally prepared in batter, catfish and carp - in large fillet pieces, and pike perch - in small slices, sometimes slightly beaten.
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Once upon a time, Astrakhan residents ate a lot of black caviar. Today we switched to carp and pike. For example, it is mixed fresh with sour cream and served with pancakes or hot potato pancakes. Sometimes the caviar is baked, resulting in a somewhat dry tasting but nutritious flatbread, which is usually served with sour cream for tenderness.
Another interesting delicacy, called “rakhmanka”, is prepared from fish, mainly pike, offal - thoroughly washed, they are first breaded and lightly fried, and then stewed over low heat. The result is an original dish that tastes vaguely reminiscent of squid rings.
And, of course, you can’t ignore the local variety of pies, for which the filling - minced meat or fish - is stewed along with onions and fresh cabbage.
From dawn to rumble: what to do in Astrakhan and its environs
Photo: Depositphotos
Note : The best Astrakhan pies, large, with thin dough and generous filling, are definitely prepared in the bakery at the Mikhailovsky grocery store in Astrakhan.
Go and eat
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Of course, in Astrakhan cuisine there is a wide variety of meat dishes - Tatar, Kalmyk, Kazakh, Dagestan, Armenian, Cossack. From shurpa, borscht and kulesh to khinkal, kebabs and belyashi. Rethought and adapted, but quite recognizable. So, using the menu of any decent restaurant, you can easily study the history of the region’s settlement.
John the Baptist Monastery
One of the religious buildings of Astrakhan, which dates back to the period of the medieval rise of Astrakhan. The building was built at the end of the 16th century, under the personal leadership of the Metropolitan of Astrakhan, who supervised its construction. The unique location and nature complement the beauty and grandeur of this attraction. The icon of John the Baptist was always kept in the temple, which was a particularly revered cult object for all times. At the end of the 18th century a parish school was opened. During the period of Soviet power, like all religious buildings, the monastery was transferred to the economic needs of the state and over time fell into disrepair. Currently, it has been fully restored and is operational.
