Sightseeing in Irkutsk, Russia
A Church and Architecture Stopover in a Central Siberian City
Irkutsk is a Siberian city in the middle of Russia, and lies on the Trans-Siberian route. Nearby Lake Baikal is more popular, but Irkutsk is worth seeing too.
On a Trans-Siberian journey, Irkutsk is still 3,222 miles away from Moscow, but plenty of people stop anyway. While most of them get off the train to travel to nearby Lake Baikal, spending a day or two in the city of Irkutsk itself is also a worthwhile stopover, with its pretty churches, interesting mix of architecture and even its own Sydney Opera House.
Architecture of Irkutsk
It’s a cliché, but even clichés have some grounding in truth: Irkutsk is often described as the Paris of Siberia, because of its cultural feel and varied architecture. During the communist era, Irkutsk was heavily industrialized, and some of its more impressive wooden architecture was left to fall into disrepair: but that’s now changing and some important buildings have been restored. If you take yourself on a walking tour of Irkutsk, you’ll be able to find very photogenic buildings like the Gothic-style Polish Cathedral, the Cathedral of Apparition of our Lord and the Church of Our Saviour. But some of the most picturesque sights are found simply by strolling the streets, especially when you’re on the look out for examples of traditional wooden houses and buildings. Incredible handcrafted and hand carved elements decorate these buildings, including fine lattice work, often painted in almost bold colors. Near the river, the Regional Museum is housed in another beautiful historic building and is renowned for its historical displays on the area.
Sights on the Angara River
Irkutsk lies on the Angara River, and there is a large area used for recreation along the shore of the river. On a small half-island in the middle of the river, a building stands that slightly resembles the famous Opera House of Sydney, Australia--but with a close enough resemblance that locals really refer to it in this way! Walking along the river is also pleasant, with small cafes and bars set up in summer.
Other Sights in Irkutsk
The Soviet era is still in evidence in Irkutsk – with Lenin Street and Karl Marx Street being the main thoroughfares. A tall statue of Lenin also presides over an Irkutsk center park; but this makes a nice contrast to the centuries old tradition of wooden architecture. There is also, surprisingly, quite good shopping to be had in the main shopping avenues, and some great outdoor markets – our tip is to try the wrapped Russian candies that come in all manner of delicious flavors, and make a good treat to eat or swap on a continuing Trans-Siberian journey.
