28 best Ivanovo attractions worth visiting

Most Russians associate Ivanovo with the textile industry. It's been called the "City of Brides" and the "Cintz Capital", the "Birthplace of the First Council" and the "Russian Manchester", but Ivanovo's top attractions are not as widely known as its industry. Nevertheless, strolling around the city for tourism purposes is just as interesting as shopping here at textile factories.

What to see in Ivanovo in 1 day? Travelers will find a rich itinerary around the city with unusual architectural buildings of the Constructivist era, churches and museums. The city is small - in 1 day in Ivanovo you can really see the main attractions. The main thing is to have a pre-prepared plan for a walk around the city.

Calico Museum Photo: © Alexey Panin

1. Calico Museum

Address: st. Baturina, 11/42, Ivanovo

The very first place that a tourist should visit in Ivanovo is the local history museum. The exhibition “Ivanovo Textiles” presented there is the calling card of the city. Indeed, according to local residents and many researchers, it was here that the Russian weaving industry was born.

This part of the museum tells about the history of calico production and fashion of different eras. The exhibition introduces visitors to folk art objects: fabrics, fans, paintings, scarves. The attraction is located in an ancient building in the Art Nouveau style. The mansion has an interesting layout and is decorated with stained glass windows and decor. In 2013, a huge rhinoceros made of chintz was installed next to the museum.

Route

What to see in Ivanovo in 1 day? The tourist walk begins from Revolution Square . Next to it, tourists visit the Shchudrovskaya tent and then proceed to Pushkin Square . After crossing the Uvod River on the bridge, the route along Ivanovo will look like this: monuments of the Constructivist era - the residential buildings “Horseshoe” and “Ship” , followed by the Church of the Ascension of the Lord , Vvedensky Convent , the Duringer estate and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord .

Since Ivanovo is a rather large city, walking along the route will take most of the day. Along the route there are several museums, parks and public gardens where you can relax. The total length of the route is almost 10 km, the distance between some objects is 1.5–2 km or more. You can reduce your walking time by moving between attractions by taxi or public transport.

Embankment of the Uvod River Photo: © Valeria Belousova

Holy Vvedensky Monastery

Address: st. Basic, 23, Ivanovo

The Orthodox women's monastery, established in 1991, is located in the very center of the city. The church on its territory is an architectural monument of the 20th century. During the years of Soviet power, the city archive was located here, then believers fought long and hard for the restoration of the temple, even using a multi-day hunger strike.

Today this attraction of Ivanovo is open to visitors. The relics of saints are kept in one of the monastery churches. The nuns are actively involved in charitable and missionary activities, helping the sick, orphans, the homeless, the poor, the disabled and prisoners. The monastery has an “Orthodox helpline” and a publishing department where the local newspaper and various church literature are printed.

Excursions

Despite the fact that at first it may seem that Ivanovo is not that big, there are quite a lot of interesting points here. Each historical era has left its mark on the multifaceted appearance of the city.

For example, I had to prepare for the trip for quite a long time in order to have time to visit the most significant historical and architectural monuments of each period. And during the visit, it was necessary to use public transport more than once in order to get to another area in time - and still it was not possible to see everything that was planned.

If you also don’t have much time, I advise you not to repeat my mistakes and book an individual excursion in advance. Modern excursions are not at all boring academic stories in a large group, where you can barely hear the guide. This is a dynamic walk around the city with a local who will guide you to the best places along the optimal route. Although in Ivanovo it is even better to choose a guide with a car, this will give you the opportunity to visit everything at once and even drive into the surrounding area. You can choose an excursion on the trusted resource Tripster - there are walks with professional guides and informal tours.

Transfiguration Cathedral Ivanovo

Address: st. Kolotilova, 44, Ivanovo

This beautiful ancient Ivanovo temple was built more than 120 years ago. The architecture of the White Church, as the townspeople lovingly called it, represents the “Russian” style that was fashionable at that time. In the 20th century, the cathedral was the only functioning church in the region. But despite this, the Orthodox church experienced destruction and closure, and many conflicts arose around it.

The work of the temple was resumed only in 1945, and a year later it received the status of a cathedral. Subsequently, a lengthy restoration was carried out. Currently, the cathedral is operational, it houses a Sunday school, a lecture hall, a women's choir, an Orthodox youth center and a temperance society. Parishioners help those in need, visit hospitals, orphanages, and colonies.

Natural attractions

Rubskoye Lake

The main attractions of the Ivanovo region are untouched nature. Rubskoe Lake of glacial origin is very popular among townspeople. Its length is about 3 km, and its maximum depth is more than 16 meters. But since the lake is flowing, the water level in it is not constant.

On the banks of Rubskoe there are tourist centers and camps for children's recreation. The water is home to pike, crucian carp, bream, roach, perch and other types of fish. Coastal flora includes 520 plant species.

Lake Svyatoe

About 130 km from Ivanovo there is a spring lake called Svyatoe. The length of the reservoir is about 2 km. On its shore there is the village of Mugreevsky and a convent. The local landscape is defined by pine forests and sand dunes.

Conventionally, the reservoir is divided into two parts. The one to the right of the northern border is suitable for swimming. The depth of the reservoir here is shallow and is suitable for those who are just learning to swim. The western parts of the coast are covered with swamps, peat bogs and reed thickets.

Museum of the Soviet Automotive Industry

Address: st. Paris Commune, 16, Ivanovo

Visiting this attraction in Ivanovo will be interesting not only for men, but also for women and even children. The museum, opened in 2014, constantly hosts temporary thematic exhibitions. The guide will tell you about the history and development of the auto repair plant in Ivanovo.

The museum displays legendary cars from famous factories in the past: GAZ, ZIL, ZIS, ZIM, VAZ. The cars were donated by private individuals. Some of them are still in effect today. For example, GAZ21, its owner is the President of Russia.

In the museum’s souvenir shop you can purchase various thematic souvenirs as a keepsake of your visit, from a mug with a picture of a car to models of Soviet cars.

"Jam Day"

This is a children's cafe, which is located on Kolotilova Street, building 38. The interior of the cafe is distinguished by pleasant colors that fill the atmosphere with comfort and ease. The cafe menu is adapted for young visitors; it consists of a large assortment of tasty and healthy treats that can tempt kids not only with their pleasant taste, but also with unusual colors and shapes.

The animators present in the cafe will not only create a cheerful festive atmosphere, but will also captivate little visitors with pleasant games. With cartoon characters and various fairy-tale images decorating the cafe, you can take a whole series of funny photographs.

City embankment Ivanovo

The city embankment of the Uvodi River is a favorite vacation spot for local residents and city guests. Before the revolution, most of the local factories were located on the banks of the river, which polluted the reservoir with waste from their vital activity. People called the river “smelly” and even composed corresponding ditties about it.

The river that flows through the entire city is not suitable for swimming today, but it is quite suitable for a pleasant pastime. On the embankment you can feed ducks and seagulls, which is especially popular with children. Along the banks of the river there are various recreation areas, a square and a park.

Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos

Tourists can advise what to see in Ivanovo in 1 day from attractions and museums. In their reviews, they offer their own options for routes around the city and share recommendations for visiting places. In tourist reports you will find ready-made ideas for a trip to Ivanovo, inspiring photos and real impressions.

• “City of Brides” - review from Alexey Panin.
• “Gallop along the Golden Ring. Ivanovo" - a story about a trip to Ivanovo from Valeria Belousova.

All tourist reviews about trips to Ivanovo

Embankment of the Uvod River Photo: © Alexey Panin

Park of Culture and Leisure named after. V. Ya. Stepanova

Address: st. Smolnaya, 5, Ivanovo

This Ivanovo city park on the banks of the Uvodi River was opened in 1925. It received its name in honor of the revolutionary V. Ya. Stepanov. The park is famous for its archaeological finds. In 1959, ancient objects and tools were found on the territory of this attraction.

Nowadays it houses various entertainment attractions and is a family vacation spot. In the park you can play paintball, ride a bike or boat, or just stroll along the paths on foot. Popular folk holidays are often held here: City Day, Maslenitsa, Children's Day and others.

"Two Giraffes"

This children's cafe is located on Lenin Avenue; it is a favorite place to spend leisure time for both children and adults. This cafe has a very colorful main hall, its walls are painted with unreal fairy-tale landscapes, the chairs and tables here are also painted in a cheerful manner. Here you will be treated to many treats made especially for children, and the variety of drinks and desserts is literally endless.

In the children's playroom you can choose a variety of toys to suit every taste. For more active children's recreation, there is a swimming pool filled with a huge number of balls. In addition, the playroom has a large fairy-tale castle, which you can climb up fancy stairs and go down on slides.

Shchudrovskaya tent

Address: st. 10 Augusta, 36a, Ivanovo

This oldest brick building in the city center is a unique object. It has national significance and is one of the main attractions of Ivanovo. The house was built at the end of the 17th century, in the valley of the Kokuy stream, as a hut for the administration of the village of Ivanovo. Later, 2 more floors were added.

What was not located here: workshops for the production of fabric with printed patterns, cotton wool production, warehouses, the premises were used as private housing. It was only in 1926 that the building was finally given the status of an architectural monument, after which restoration work was carried out, extra floors were dismantled and the roof was restored. Today it is part of the local history museum.

Monuments of Constructivism

Since the first Council was created in Ivanovo, it was considered one of the key cities of the USSR. Therefore, it was here that it was decided to implement ambitious plans to create residential complexes that correspond to socialist ideas. Residential buildings had a special layout that provided common amenities for all residents, such as dining rooms, bathrooms, libraries, and leisure areas. Administrative and cultural institutions were designed with the strict functionality of each room.

In the 1930s, cultural centers, theaters, cinemas, factories and entire residential areas were actively built in constructivist and avant-garde styles. Characteristic features of the Ivanovo style were the use of red brick and walls imitating reinforced concrete, multi-stage structure and contrast of volumes.

Horseshoe house

One of the most famous constructivist landmarks is the horseshoe house. The townspeople called it a horseshoe for its shape after construction was completed - the architects did not think of such a similarity. The semicircular shape forms a courtyard, and the façade is notable for its triangular balconies. The complex was built as housing for political workers. Now it is a residential building. There is a legend that it is connected by an underground passage with the Bullet House (Lenin Ave., 37), which belonged to the NKVD.

st. Gromoboya, 13

House of the Collective

The residential complex was conceived as a communal house, where all household and social spaces would be common: a dining room, a kindergarten, an entertainment club. During construction, the community of buildings provided by the transitions was broken, and each building became isolated. Despite the fact that this is one of the best Ivanovo architectural monuments, it has never been reconstructed and is now in unsatisfactory condition.

As in other communal houses, the common spaces were subsequently reorganized and rebuilt. The common areas were used only for the first few years, and gradually the layout of each apartment changed: everyone had their own bathroom and kitchen.

st. Krasnykh Zori, 1

House-ship

From above, the shape of the house resembles a ship, which is why it got its name. It consists of two buildings, one of which was intended for the nomenklatura, and the other for workers. It contains constructivist elements: corner balconies, contrast of volumes, continuous glazing, stepped design. Unfortunately, the building has hardly been restored and is now not in the best condition.

Lenin Ave., 49

City Council House

The first apartment building in the city. It consists of several buildings of different heights. There are also characteristic corner balconies, many of which are now glazed, round windows, asymmetrical shapes.

Lenin Ave., 23

School No. 32

An innovative feature here is the observatory on the school tower, which is now, unfortunately, not in use. From above, the structure resembles a bird, which is why it is sometimes called a bird house.

Lenin Ave., 53

Cinema Sovremennik

Brutalist rough facade, decorated with Soviet symbols and a preserved sign in a characteristic Soviet font. Unfortunately, the building has ceased to be used as a cinema, and now part of the premises is occupied by shops, while the other part is not used.

Sheremetevsky Ave., 85

Hotel "Central"

An expressive example of style, thanks to an extraordinary approach with corner elements. The contrast of strict vertical and horizontal lines and colors is also striking.

Sheremetevsky Ave., 1

Ivselbank

One of the most recognizable elements of constructivism is the semicircular volume hanging over the entrance, in this case a flight of stairs. There are other classic style techniques here: dense glazing, contrast of geometric shapes, horizontal and vertical lines, flat roof.

st. Red Army, 10

Railway station

In 2022, the main station was restored in a constructivist style. This is a rare example of the complete restoration of an architectural monument of those years and the recreation of its original appearance. During the restoration, attention was paid to both the facade and interior details: mosaic panels, tiles, windows, columns, and benches were restored. At the same time, its infrastructure was modernized, the foundation was strengthened and ramps were installed.

The station is divided into blue and red halls. The main one is blue, here it is worth considering the restored mosaic panels on a revolutionary and industrial theme. A loom was installed in the middle of the hall - a symbol of Ivanov.

Vokzalnaya Square, 3

Ivanovo is a truly unique place where so many innovative architectural ideas have been implemented. Unfortunately, most architectural monuments are not in the best condition or even in disrepair, and many are used for other purposes. The former beauty can only be judged by historical photographs and design illustrations, but even now they surprise with their non-standard approaches and bold technical implementation.

Dühringer Manor

Address: st. Maria Ryabinina, 33, Ivanovo

The Dühringer manor, which is over 100 years old, was built in the Art Nouveau style. It belonged to the Swiss Dühringer and resembled a medieval castle, as the owner himself wished when he ordered its construction. At that time, the lower floor of the main house was stone, and the 2nd floor was wooden. In addition to the main building, there were other buildings that have hardly survived to this day. There was a fountain in the courtyard, of which nothing remains either.

Here Dühringer first lived with his family; later the estate housed a military hospital, police headquarters, and a workers' club; the house was rebuilt many times. Now there are residential apartments inside, and the ancient building is in need of serious renovation. Many urban legends and superstitions are associated with this mysterious landmark of the city of Ivanovo.

Art Museum

Address: ave. Lenina, 33, Ivanovo

The Ivanovo Museum of Fine Arts was opened in 1959. Previously, this ancient building housed a school of colorists, a polytechnic institute, and a women's gymnasium. In front of the entrance to the museum there are two interesting sculptures: “Lyubava” and “Ariadne”.

The museum houses several private art collections (D. G. Burylin and other patrons), as well as works donated from the state fund. The museum's collections include objects of the ancient world, Eastern countries of the 18th-19th centuries, Western European art of the 16th-20th centuries, Russian art of the 16th-20th centuries. The departments of the art museum are the House-Museums of B.I. Prorokov and A.I. Morozova. This is a very interesting place to visit in Ivanovo.

Museum of History and Local Lore named after D.G. Burylina

Address: st. Baturina, 6/40, Ivanovo

When visiting the sights of Ivanovo, tourists should pay attention to the Museum of History and Local Lore named after D.G. Burylin, whose exhibits include ancient books, weapons, paintings, sculptures, coins, as well as cultural and everyday objects. The period from antiquity to modern times is represented here.

The main value of the museum is the private collection of books and coins of the Burylin family. The museum was founded in 1914 by the grandson of the famous manufacturer and philanthropist, Dmitry Burylin. But in 1919 the museum was nationalized and later became simply a local history museum. In 2003, a new life for the museum began; today it is a favorite place to visit for lovers of antiquity and scientists who study its exhibits with interest.

Revolution square

This is the central square of Ivanovo, where the main city buildings stand - the administration and the mayor's office. Lenin and Sheremetevsky avenues begin from here. Nearby is a popular place for folk festivals - Kokuy Boulevard. Previously, there were two churches and a chapel on the square, which were demolished in 1932.

Now in its center there is a landmark - a monument to revolutionaries, built in 1975, and right behind it there is a park. Opposite in 2011, a statue of Yakov Garelin was erected. In 2012, a chapel was built on the square.

Puppet Theatre

The first thing that will catch your eye is the curious emblem of the Ivanovo Puppet Theater, it depicts twins riding on a wheel, this is a doll and its puppeteer. It reflects the inner world of the theater, which has experienced many amazing events over its 80-year history.

Ekaterina Pirogova, who trained under the famous master Sergei Obraztsov, recruited the first puppet troupe in 1935 as a branch of the city children's theater. And after 5 years, this new formation receives the independent status of a child care institution. The small puppet theater team had enviable energy, constantly expanding its repertoire with new works. The attention of young fans did not take long to arrive; the institution became one of the most visited children's institutions.

Today, it has become common for the Ivanovo puppet theater to hold festivals under the general name “anthill”, allowing them to host touring troupes from different countries. The Ivanovo puppeteer actors themselves also traveled a lot around the world, visiting many European countries and countries of the Middle East. Thanks to the festival, the novelty of perception is maintained; this is one of the best places where many would recommend going to Ivanovo with children.