Izhevsk is a large city located in the very heart of Udmurtia, being an important administrative, economic, transport and trade center of the republic. The historical region attracts with its rich culture, unique architecture, and amazing history.
The name of the city is associated with the Izh River, on which it is located. Izhevsk is included in the ranking of the largest megacities in the Russian Federation, taking an honorable 16th place. It is here that the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK) is produced. About 800 thousand people live in the city. Most of them are employed in local concerns and factories.
The Udmurt capital is divided into 5 administrative regions. Izhevsk has plenty of tourist sites that attract guests from other cities and foreigners. The Kama River with an embankment, like in Nice, unusual monuments (Gena the crocodile, dumplings, the symbol of Izhevsk - Izhik, etc.), museums and galleries, ancient churches and cathedrals - there is something to see here.
History of Izhevsk
At first factories were built here. In 1760, production of iron parts began to function; in 1763, high-grade iron was produced here. Production capacity rapidly increased, so the plant soon gained great popularity not only in Russia, but also abroad. Along with the plant, the settlement itself grew, and residential buildings were built at the same time, many of which have survived to this day.
Izhevsk is the capital of Udmurtia, its industrial center. The factory city has turned into one of the most beautiful and richest cities in the Russian Federation. There is a factory for the production of ammunition and weapons here. In Izhevsk there is an enterprise that assembles cars. For ten years during the Second World War, everything that happened in this city was carefully hidden. Wounded soldiers were treated in local hospitals, and equipment and military weapons were produced in factories.
Excursions and activities
Izhevsk is a cultural city with a rich history. Tourists are welcome in galleries, museums, and exhibition complexes. In the city center is the most famous gallery, but there are no permanent exhibits here; it is intended for “traveling” collections. Every time new masterpieces of art are exhibited here.
The city regularly hosts various events. One of the most favorite holidays of residents and guests of Izhevsk is Soap Bubbles Day, which takes place in the summer. Everyone is given jars of soap bubbles. The whole city is simply shrouded in bubbles. Guest stars perform on the big stage in the center of Izhevsk. Admission is free.
Redhead Day is another interesting event that is organized only in Izhevsk. The main events take place in the central square of the city. The number of plots totals several thousand. The program includes performances by stars, the work of animators and presenters, an interesting show program and free oranges.
Excursions are often organized in Izhevsk. A must-see site is the Kalashnikov Arms Complex. The exhibition halls are filled with weapons from different times. You will learn everything about it, and also have the opportunity to take pictures against the backdrop of the exhibits.
About how to dress for an excursion to Izhevsk: The region is dominated by a temperate continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. In July, which is considered the hottest month of the year, the air temperature reaches +27 degrees. In January, the thermometer drops to -14 degrees.
What's nearby
The location of the embankment is its advantage, because it is located in the Historical Center of Izhevsk. After the start of the reconstruction of the banks of the pond, the planning of city streets was carried out in relation to its location. Therefore, some of the most significant attractions of the city are within walking distance.
For example, Central Square is located literally a 12-minute walk from the Friendship of Peoples monument. On the way to it you can see one of the many monuments of Izhevsk - the sculpture “Izhik”. But this monument is special, since the cast-iron boy in the gunsmith’s caftan is a symbol of the city.
In addition, the embankment is located 1 km from Red Square, where you can visit the architectural ensemble consisting of the Archangel Michael Cathedral, the Chapel of Peter and Fevronia and the Kazan Church. And opposite Red Square is the Kalashnikov Museum.
Rotunda, © Valery Isaev
Entertainment and active recreation
Fans of active recreation in Izhevsk will also not be bored. Kayaking, skiing, horseback riding - these are the things you can do in your spare time. This region is home to a large number of ski resorts where champions are trained. The most famous include “Snowflake”. There are equipment rental centers where you can rent skis, clothes, etc. Beginners can use the services of an experienced instructor.
In summer you can go kayaking. Rafting trips are organized on the Kama River. The current is calm, making the activities safe and accessible. A popular form of entertainment is horse riding. In Izhevsk there is a whole hippodrome where you can not only ride animals, but also feed them and take a photo with them.
Sights of Izhevsk
Izhevsk is a city in which history and modernity are harmoniously intertwined. It attracts with historical and architectural monuments, urban buildings with features of modern styles. It’s interesting to just stroll through the city streets and sit in a cafe with a cup of aromatic coffee. And even better - go on an excursion with a guide who will tell you what the city breathes and how it lives.
St. Michael's Cathedral
This is a must have to watch in Izhevsk. Construction of the spiritual monument began back in 1765. The history of the temple is tragic and majestic at the same time. At first there was a small chapel, which burned down a few years after its construction. We started building again. The construction process dragged on for decades due to unstable government views on the issue of religion. St. Michael's Cathedral was inaugurated in 1915. The shrine is located on the highest point of the city.
In 1929, the revolutionaries first closed it, then destroyed it. The new cathedral was built practically from stone in 2007. The architectural monument is considered one of the most powerful and beautiful in the entire Volga region. He's really worth a look.
Museum and Exhibition Complex of Small Arms named after Kalashnikov
This museum is one of the most popular in the entire Udmurt Republic. If you come on an excursion to Izhevsk, be sure to visit the exhibition complex named after. Kalashnikov. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed. The museum's exhibitions will introduce you to the biographical details of the world-famous gunsmith designer. Kalashnikov's technical heritage is truly amazing. His unique developments have no analogues.
The guide will introduce you to who M.T. is. Kalashnikov, what achievements he became famous for. The museum's exhibitions are very rich and multifaceted: various types of small arms, their design features, the history of their creation. Also here you can learn about the unified weapons system that Kalashnikov created.
The museum confidently keeps up with the times and is developing rapidly. Its collections are regularly replenished with new copies, the technical component is modernized, and information technologies are actively introduced. The guide's story is complemented by presentations, films, and videos shown on the big screen. One cannot help but recall the interactive halls of the museum. There is a pneumatic shooting range and a firearms range here. True, the shooting process is reproduced using multimedia technologies.
Monuments and Monuments
Izhevsk has many unique and original monuments located in different parts of the city. A monument to the symbol of the city Izhik, a cartoon character Crocodile Gena, a one-of-a-kind monument to dumplings, etc. - you just need to see and photograph them.
Crocodile Gena sits in the park on a bench at the intersection of Kommunarov and Sovetskaya streets. The cast iron figure is dressed in a suit with a bow tie and a cylindrical cap. The author of the project is student P. Medvedev.
“Forever with Russia” is a majestic monument symbolizing the unity of the Russian and Udmurt people. The plot consists of several compositions: work, peace, equality. The monument itself resembles a huge 45-meter open book.
The sculpture “Izhik” is one of the most interesting sights of the city. A cheerful little boy dressed in a kaftan lifts the spirits of passers-by. The facility is located in the heart of Izhevsk on the main square.
The dumpling monument was opened in 2004. It is located in front of the Pozan restaurant. A huge dumpling with a fork stuck into it evokes delight and a smile. The moment reaches a height of 3 meters, and the diameter of the dumpling itself is 1 meter. This monument tells the public that the roots of this dish are in Udmurtia, and its name comes from the word “pelnyan”, which translated from the Udmurt language means “bread ear”.
Postal Museum
In 2007, the Postal Museum was inaugurated, and immediately after the opening it began to set records for attendance. The exhibits were located in the main post office. Today the Museum houses a large number of valuable archival materials, exclusive paraphernalia: bells, cockades and other memorabilia somehow related to the postal business. The demonstration takes place at the exhibition site, which has received several thousand visitors. The Museum's funds are regularly replenished with new exhibits.
State Circus
A building with amazing architecture is located in the very heart of Izhevsk, 20 min. walk from the embankment. The history of circus art in the Udmur Republic dates back about 2 centuries, beginning with competitions between gymnasts and clowns. Today the circus is an interesting architectural object. The circus is equipped with modern equipment, which is installed above the dome and makes the performances of the artists even more exciting and spectacular. Not only local corpses perform on the circus stage, but also groups from other regions and countries.
National Museum named after Gerda
Near the Presidential Palace there is another amazing object - the National Museum. Kuzebaya Gerda. It was opened in 1920. Since 1926, the position of museum director was held by Gerd Kuzebay. He is considered an educator of the Udmurt region. He is a famous writer, a thinker of this region, everyone here loves and respects him, which is why the museum was named in his honor.
The museum consists of two wings. In one there is a historical exhibition that will tell about the history of the Udmurt region and introduce it to its culture and traditions. Some items date back to the 8th century. Also among the exhibits are archaeological and ethnographic finds. The exhibition is simply huge, occupying four halls. Thanks to it, visitors will be able to learn a lot about the life of the Udmurts, their way of life, and values. Museum employees conduct interesting excursions. The second wing of the Museum is intended for temporary exhibitions. Among the most interesting: a grandiose computer show, a presentation of a collection of rare birds, and an exhibition of reptiles. Here you can not only view the exhibits and listen to the guide’s story, but also buy souvenirs.
Izhevsk Zoo
The state ecological park was opened in 2008 and coincided with the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the commonwealth of Russia and Udmurtia. Today, the park is home to a large number of different animals.
Guests will be delighted to meet cats of prey (lions and tigers), exotic artiodactyls brought from around the world, amazing birds and reptiles. Separately, Fr. For those who want to get acquainted with representatives of the underwater world, there is a huge aquarium.
There is no need to pay separately for visiting these sites; everything is included in the entrance ticket price, which is 200 rubles for an adult and 120 rubles for a child. There is a system of discounts for tourist groups. Read more about the Izhevsk Zoo in our review.
These are not all the attractions of Izhevsk. In fact, there are a lot of them. One day is hardly enough to see at least half of it. There are many religious monuments here, valuable from the point of view of not only religion, but also history and architecture. Among the most interesting: the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity, the Intercession Old Believer Church, the Malo-Diveevsky Seraphim Convent in Norya. You should definitely visit the Summer Garden named after. Gorky, Drama Theater named after. Korolenko, Architectural and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve “Ludorvai”, etc.
Restaurants
Being in the fresh air whets your appetite; walking along the embankment will not be a problem, because there are several cafes and restaurants along the entire street.
For example, in the building of the former Industrial College there is a restaurant “Panorama”, as well as a hotel of the same name. On the contrary, in the seasonal cafe located next to the boat station, you can buy tea, coffee and pastries.
Near the Friendship of Peoples monument there is the Caravella cafe, as well as several other food places located within walking distance from it. In the northern part of the embankment, at the very end, opposite the pier, you can sit at a table overlooking the city pond in the Yacht cafe.
© Vyacheslav Bukharov
