Izhevsk is a city famous for its weapons production. The designer of the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle played a special role in the formation of the arms industry. A museum in the city center is dedicated to his personality, as well as to various types of firearms and edged weapons. There is also a monument to the Izhevsk gunsmiths in the city.
Despite the industrial development of the city, he managed to preserve the beautiful nature. The main attraction of the city is the Izhevsk Pond. This is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe. A great place for an active and beach holiday by the water. The Izhevsk Zoo, which opened not so long ago, has already received the status of one of the best zoos in the country. It presents hundreds of animal species, for which excellent conditions have been created.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Izhevsk. He will help you plan routes and choose excursions to explore the top places of the city and its environs in 2-3 days.
Embankment of the architect Dudin
The area of the pedestrian comfortable promenade is laid along the left bank of the Izhevsk pond. It is a popular walking area with a length of 2.4 km. Unusual creative events and exhibitions are often held on the embankment. There is a rental of sports equipment and boats, cafes and restaurants. There are many attractions - rotunda, Friendship of Peoples monument, Sundial. On the right bank of the pond is the southern embankment named after Beloborodov.
St. Michael's Cathedral
The Cathedral is located at the highest point of the city - Red Square. Its height is 67 meters. It is considered a visiting card of Izhevsk architecture and a symbol of its spiritual life. The date of foundation of the temple is considered to be 1907, but its modern building was built in 2004-2007. The old building was blown up in 1929. The majestic red brick temple and elegant decoration amazes guests of the city with its looks.
Central square
The architectural appearance of the city's main square was formed in the second half of the 20th century. The ensemble of the square is part of the unified design of the city center, which includes a pedestrian bridge, a square with a monument "Forever with Russia", an esplanade, an embankment of the architect Dudin. The most interesting objects of the Central Square are the Republican House of Government, the Central Department Store, the Opera and Ballet Theater and the light and music fountain.
Friendship of Peoples monument
Dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the entry of Udmurtia into Russia. Its second name "Forever with Russia" is known. The monument is located on the embankment of the city pond. It consists of two pylons 46 meters high, symbolizing Russia and Udmurtia. Between them are high reliefs depicting scenes of the life of peasants and workers, several ideological sculptural compositions, female figures with flags.
Victory Square
The modern name appeared in 2015, before that the square was called Karlutskaya Square, and earlier Arsenalnaya and Artilleriyskaya. The square was founded almost 200 years ago. They began to refine it in Soviet times. Monuments were erected, shrubs and trees were planted, in 1967 the Eternal Flame was solemnly opened at the Monument of Military and Labor Glory. Since 1992, a monument to the Hero of the country Kungurtsev has been located in the park.
Monument to combat and labor glory
Located in the Victory square. The memorial complex includes a statue of a warrior, a bowl of the Eternal Flame, steles with the names of soldiers killed in the Great Patriotic War. The monument to a warrior with a waving flag in his hand is 10 meters high. The model of the sculpture of the unknown soldier was made by B.K. Volkov. The Flame of the Eternal Flame is lit by a torch brought from the Eternal Flame from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
Izhevsk Zoo
Located in the Kirov Park. Occupies an area of 16 hectares. The zoo is inhabited by representatives of different parts of the world - giraffes, gorillas, tigers, rhinos, wolves, polar bears, porcupines, monkeys. In a separate pavilion live animals exotic for our country - crocodiles, chameleons, snakes, newts. Comfortable spacious pavilions have been built for the animals; impact-resistant glass separates them from visitors.
State Circus of Udmurtia
The modern building of the circus was built on Krasnoarmeyskaya street in 2000-2003. The project of the circus complex was carried out by the architect from Moscow M. Vesnin. It is designed for 1,700 spectators, it has sound and lighting equipment that allows you to conduct bright high-level shows. On the circus stage, performances for children and adults are shown, annual circus festivals are held, and touring groups are hosted.
The main building of the arms factory
The industrial building of the Admiralty type, built in the 19th century, is an urban architectural monument. Consists of 6 buildings with a total area of over 20,000 m². The length of the building is 350 meters; 8 vaulted halls are arranged inside it. The main facade is decorated with columns and a two-tiered attic, on which a tower with a spire in the form of a triumphal column is erected.
Ferris wheel in the Summer Garden
Travelers can explore the city from a height on a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel. It was installed on the bank of the city pond on a 9-meter high natural elevation. It offers beautiful views of the city and the beautiful Summer Garden. In the dark, illumination turns on on the Ferris wheel, and an inscription in the center of the wheel begins to glow with a declaration of love for Izhevsk. The cabins are equipped with air conditioning and heating.
Izhevsk pond
The artificial reservoir, made in 1760, is now a popular place for recreation and fun. The pond has an impressive size - an area of 24 km², a depth of 3.5 meters. This makes it possible to ply along it not only by boats, but also by small motor ships, which is a very popular entertainment among the townspeople and guests of the city. On the banks of the pond there are several beaches, both well-maintained and wild.
Gardens and parks of Izhevsk
Summer Garden is the main place of the city with children's attractions. Kirov Park is a large area with entertainment for children and adults. Here you can walk along the central alley or in a beautiful pine forest.
Park of culture named after S. M. Kirov
A large park built by local workers in the 1930s. In just a year, the territory of the park was ennobled - beautiful flower beds, the Green Theater, and a restaurant appeared. The development of the park continued in the difficult post-war years - an obelisk was erected in honor of the Petrozavodsk division under the name "Punishing Sword". In the early 2000s, a zoo, a paintball area, attractions, and paths for cyclists appeared on the territory of the park.
Summer Garden named after Gorky
The oldest park in Izhevsk is located in the historical center on the bank of the Izhevsk pond. The garden was founded in 1857. Sculptures and a rotunda have been preserved since Soviet times. Nowadays the park looks modern, it contains a large number of attractions and entertainment complexes. Most of them are calm carousels for young children. There are trampolines, slides, a labyrinth, a carousel with horses, an autodrome, a children's railway.
Interesting museums in Izhevsk
Among the best and most visited museums in the city are the National Museum, the Kalashnikov Museum, and the museum of the Izhmash plant. These are museums demonstrating cultural wealth, the history of the city and the republic.
M.T.Kalashnikov Museum
The expositions of the museum and exhibition complex are dedicated to arrow weapons. It was named after the creator of the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle. In the museum you can learn about the history of small arms production in Izhevsk, about the contribution of the Izhevsk gunsmiths to the history of the country's armament. Much attention is paid to the personality of Kalashnikov.The museum has an interactive demonstration hall, which has a fire and crossbow shooting range.
Museum named after Kuzebay Gerd
National Museum, formed in 1920. Its funds contain about 200,000 items of various subjects - ethnography, history, archeology, photographs, rare books, firearms and edged weapons. Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of the region, its indigenous peoples - their life, way of life and traditions, the nature of Udmurtia, and the development of industry. The museum occupies the walls of the Arsenal of the Izhevsk arms factory of the 19th century.
Museum of the Izhmash plant
It is located in the oldest stone building in Izhevsk - the building of the cash pantry in 1804. In four halls of the museum there are collections of motorcycle production, expositions with different types of weapons. The special pride of the museum is a collection of edged weapons of the early 19th century and a collection of firearms made from 1808 to 1947. A separate showcase is dedicated to the gunsmith designer Kalashnikov.
Art Museum
Located on Kirov Street in the former building of the Palace of Pioneers. The main entrance of the museum is decorated with a pediment and columns. It exhibits over 10,000 art objects. Works of various subjects are presented - paintings by Western European painters of the 18th-20th centuries, masterpieces of Russian art, works of modern Udmurt artists. There are works of arts and crafts, graphics, sculpture.
Museum of the Izhevsk Automobile Plant
The automobile plant in Izhevsk was built in 1965. Production began with the release of the legendary Moskvich-412 car; in the early 2000s, several Nissan and Lada Vesta models began to be produced. At a separate exhibition, 21 cars are presented, produced by the plant at different times. All in all, the museum's collection contains more than 500 copies of IZH and IZH-Rally equipment, including unique prototypes.
Monuments and monuments of Izhevsk
New monuments appear in the city almost every year, which become the decoration of streets and squares. The famous monument can also be seen in parks and squares of the city.
Monument to A.F.Deryabin
Regional cultural monument of 1907. Installed on the dam of the Izhevsk city pond opposite the arms factory, the founder of which was Deryabin. The bust of Andrey Fedorovich, 1 meter high, is installed on a 3-meter pedestal. Nearby are beautiful antique-style lanterns. The author of the monument is Ivan Sitnikov, an original artist. He made a bust based on Deryabin's images from old engravings.
Monument to Evgeny Kungurtsev
The monument to the Hero of the USSR and one of the most famous natives of Udmurtia is located in the Victory park. The bust was made in 1947 according to the project of the architect L. Polyakov by the sculptor I. Kozlovsky. The bust is installed on a granite pedestal. The grand opening of the monument took place in 1950, and was attended by Kungurtsev himself. Initially, the monument was located near the Kosmos cinema; it was moved to Victory Square only in 1992.
Monument to Izhevsk gunsmiths
Installed on the initiative of the director of the Izhevsk machine-building plant V. Grodetsky. The sculptor Pavel Medvedev, while making the monument, relied on photos of real workers at the arms factory. The monument depicts two craftsmen. Figures 3 meters high are made of bronze with an artificial aging effect. The names of those who made a significant contribution to the Izhevsk arms business are engraved on the slabs at the monument.
Crocodile Monument
An unusual human-shaped crocodile monument is located in the city center. A crocodile in a tailcoat and top hat sits on a bench, crossing his legs in a relaxed and relaxed position. The author of the monument is culturologist and art critic Igor Kobzev. The postmodern monument is intended to become a symbol of modern Izhevsk. According to one of the urban legends, crocodiles lived in the city rivers Podborenka and Karlutka in the 19th century.
Sculpture "Izhik"
The sculpture of a little boy in a long caftan from Izhevsk armourers is considered the mascot of Izhevsk. It was made for the 250th anniversary of the city and installed on the Central Square. The material for the manufacture of the monument was collected from the residents of the city - the townspeople brought several thousand keys, the total weight of the donated metal was 180 kg. The height of the monument is 1.5 meters. It was made by the workers of the Izhstal plant.
Monument to Kuzebay Gerd
Installed at the National Museum of Udmurtia on Kommunarov Street. The authors of the monument, Anikin and Yakovitsky, portrayed Kuzebay Gerd in the image of a poet - thoughtful and inspired. The figure of a national public figure and writer is made of bronze, the pedestal is made of jasper. The opening of the monument took place in 2005. It was attended by the President of Udmurtia A. Volkov and the Chairman of the Government of Udmurtia Yu.S. Pitkevich.
Monument to A.S. Pushkin
Located at the Udmurt State University. Arcades and lanterns in the style of the 19th century are installed around it, flower beds are laid out. The sculptors Burganovs worked on the monument, the work took them almost 2 years. The poet is depicted in his youth, he looks thoughtfully into the distance, as if composing a poem. The monument was opened in 2003. The grand opening was accompanied by a choir performance and poetry recitation.
Mikhailovskaya Column
The architectural monument is located on the bank of the Izhevsk pond. It is a copy of the column installed in the Market Square in 1852. The first Mikhailovskaya column was destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, its restoration took place only in 2007. This is one of the most significant historical monuments in the city. Its height is 19 meters. At the top of the column is a sculpture of an angel with a cross.
Tsar Cannon
A copy of the famous Tsar Cannon located in Moscow. Izhevsk Tsar Cannon is cast from cast iron, not bronze. Its barrel is 6 cm shorter than that of the Moscow one. It was manufactured in 2001 at the Izhstal plant, at the entrance of which it was installed. The creators tried to bring its appearance as close as possible to the original. The cannon is assembled from 24 parts, which are decorated with patterns, a relief in the form of a lion's head, the image of Tsar Fyodor.
Churches and temples of Izhevsk
Among the dozens of colorful temples in the city, it is worth noting the historic Trinity Church and the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky. There is also a unique wooden church built in 1916. Temples can be seen in every district of Izhevsk.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Built in the classical style, traditional for Russian churches. Its symmetrical appearance is clear-cut. The main facade is decorated with 18 columns. The temple is located in the city center. Built in 1818-1823. In Soviet times, a cinema was located within its walls. The revival of the cathedral began in the 1990s, then a tomb was built on its territory for the remains of A.F. Deryabin - the founder of the Izhevsk arms factory.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Built in 1812-1814 and is the oldest cathedral in Izhevsk. Later, a low bell tower was added to it according to the project of Kokovikhin, and at the beginning of the 20th century a three-tiered bell tower appeared according to the project of Charushin. The last reconstruction of the cathedral took place at the beginning of the 21st century. New churches have appeared on the territory - in honor of the healer Panteleimon and the baptist John, a pond with a fountain and an alpine slide was laid.
Temple of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God
The tent-roofed temple, founded in 2008, completed by 2017. The ornate temple is 50 meters high. It consists of two thrones - the main one and the baptismal one. The external facades are decorated with mosaics made of natural stone and smalt. The masters of Russia and Lebanon worked on it. Izhevsk craftsmen created the main icon of the temple weighing 1.5 tons and an area of 4 square meters - the icon of the Mother of God in the form of a mosaic panel. The walls were painted by Moscow artists.
Temple in honor of Seraphim of Sarov
Located on Kalashnikov Avenue. Low rise building, built in classical style.Immediately at the gates of the temple territory, there is an unusual icon in stone, depicting St. Seraphim of Sarov during his prayer deed - a 100-day standing on the stone. Master Pavel Medvedev worked on the stone sculpture. The monument was erected in one year with the consecration of the temple - in 2013.
Assumption Cathedral
Founded in 1850. It is the only temple that continued to carry out religious activities in the city during the Soviet era. The wooden church is located in the Leninsky district, on the site where the chapel of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos was located. The famous engineer-architect and architect I. Charushin worked on it. During restoration work in 2003, workers discovered an icon of the Assumption, previously unknown.
Pokrovskaya Old Believer Church
The Old Believers' temple was first built in Izhevsk in 1910 according to the project of Charushin. In 1936, the temple was destroyed by the Bolsheviks, as interfering with a nearby residential building, and the Old Believers held services for several decades in different places. In 1997, the church was rebuilt, but in a different place - on the street 10 years of October. The building was designed by the architect Dolnakov based on old photos of the original destroyed church.
The best theaters in Izhevsk
The city boasts of its theaters and a rich theatrical life. Concerts are regularly held in the city philharmonic society, in the National Theater you can watch performances in the Udmurt language.
Opera and Ballet Theater of the Udmurt Republic
Founded in 1993 on the basis of the drama theater, where an opera group worked. The theater building was erected in 1984, it looks classic and modern at the same time. The capacity of the auditorium is 824 people. People's artists of the country and young promising actors are involved in the performances. The repertoire is varied - classical productions and innovative experimental productions are equally well received by the public.
Russian Drama Theater of Udmurtia
The incredible history of drama theater begins in 1935. The very first bright performance "Aristocrats" caused a standing ovation, and since then the theater has maintained its reputation for highly artistic performances, talented acting, and professionalism of directors. The theater's modern repertoire includes more than 20 performances based on the works of Dumas, Schiller, Bunin, Gogol. The theater is located in a classic building on Gorky Street.
National Theater of the Udmurt Republic
The theater began as a drama club at the Krasniy Udmurt club. The amateur theater received the status of a professional amateur theater in 1931. Since its inception, the theater's repertoire has been based on national performances based on the works of Udmurt writers. This tradition is maintained at the present time. There were also productions based on the works of Russian dramaturgic classics.
Puppet theater of the Udmurt Republic
In the history of the theater, which began in 1935, there are already more than 300 performances. Over the years, more than 3,000 dolls have been created, some of which are exhibited in the foyer of the theater. The puppet theater is located in a building on Lomonosov Street. Its facade has a fabulous appearance - the entrance is made in the form of a high tower with a dome and a weather vane in the form of a peacock. Among his productions are folk tales and children's works of art for different age groups.
Udmurt State Philharmonic
Located on Pushkin Street. Has been working since 1938. The Philharmonic includes several groups - a choir chapel, a song and dance ensemble, orchestras - symphonic, folk instruments and concert, variety performers. About 1000 concerts are held annually on the stage of the Philharmonic. Since 1958, the International Tchaikovsky Festival has been held annually with the participation of foreign groups.
Architectural landmarks of Izhevsk
In the central part of the city, beautiful historical buildings have been preserved - these are the houses of Izhevsk gunsmiths and wealthy residents. Most of the merchant mansions can be seen on Gorky Street.
Rotunda in the Summer Garden
The natural beauty of the Summer Garden is perfectly complemented by small architectural forms - sculptures, monuments, statues. The snow-white summer gazebo-rotunda looks especially elegant. It is located on the bank of the Izhevsk pond and offers an excellent landscape view. It was erected in the 1930s in the image of a gazebo in Essentuki, in the Oreanda park. In the gazebo they make dates and arrange romantic photo shoots.
House of the head of factories
The monument of architecture and history is located on the street Militia, near the Summer Garden. The house was built in the 1850s by the project of the monumental architect Kokovikhin. It was intended for the residence of the family of the head of the Izhevsk arms factory. The manor complex included a mansion, an outbuilding, a stable, a greenhouse. The building is also known as the "General's House". Currently, it houses the Museum of the History of Izhevsk.
House of Z.O. Lyatushevich
The one-story mansion was built in 1807. Presumably, the house with a mezzanine was built according to the project of the Izhevsk architect Dudin. Its appearance is traditional for the classical architecture of the 19th century. The building was originally completely symmetrical until an extension was added to it at the beginning of the 20th century. For a long time, a branch of the museum was located within the walls of the house, at present it is closed for major repairs.
Water tower
It is considered the oldest hydraulic engineering structure in Izhevsk. It was built in 1915 of red brick in the neo-Gothic style. The tower was awarded the status of a monument of industrial culture. It is located near the museum. Kalashnikov in the center of Izhevsk on Borodin Street. The walls of the tower now house a water museum, and earlier for several years it was used to train mountaineers and rock climbers.
The ensemble of merchant buildings on M. Gorky street
Gorky Street has always been a busy city thoroughfare. In the 19th century, the Market Square was adjacent to it. It is not surprising that wealthy merchants sought to build their mansions here - in the center of the trading life. The old buildings are concentrated on the section of the street from the intersection with Sovetskaya Street to the building of the Axion holding. They still house shops with various goods, cafes and cozy restaurants.
Where to go from Izhevsk on the weekend?
There are many interesting and beautiful places near Izhevsk. You can see for yourself by getting acquainted with the best sights of Udmurtia. Popular destinations for weekend trips are Ludorvay and the Nechkino resort.
Museum-reserve "Ludorvay"
An open-air museum 15 km from Izhevsk, the main theme of which is history and ethnography. The large territory of the reserve museum is divided into sectors - Russian, Tatar, Udmurt - southern, northern and central. Among more than 20 buildings, Vostrikov's estate, Atamanov's estate, and a windmill are especially interesting. The museum's funds contain more than 400 ancient ethnographic exhibits - birch bark products, household and labor items.
Active recreation resort "Nechkino"
55 from Izhevsk in the Sarapulsky region there is a ski resort, which is ready to receive guests all year round. In winter, tourists are attracted by trails on the mountain slopes and a large selection of winter activities. An extreme park, a large SPA-complex, a heated pool, a bathhouse, a restaurant are open at any time of the year. A health trail has been laid among the picturesque forest. There are buggy and ATV rental services, fishing.
