Attractions

Irkutsk Synagogue – the oldest in Siberia, which was built in 1882 with the donations of the local Jewish community. It remains the only synagogue in the entire region. From 1924 to 1981, no services were conducted, except the period from 1945 to 1958.

A special historical block was built recently in the center of the city, instead of a block of old worn out wooden buildings. It is a pleasant spot for a walk in the evening, or a great place to spend time in one of a multitude of cafes and restaurants. The city symbol – the babr tiger will greet you at the entrance to the block.

Since long ago, the area of Uritskogo, Gorkogo and Proletarskaya St. was one of the most popular locations of commerce in Irkutsk. At present, Uritskogo St. is a consolidated group of 16 buildings, standing on the former location of wooden homes for families of military officers and lower ranks of state servants.

The most fashionable hotel in Irkutsk at the time – the most memorable building in Karl Marx St. The building features elements of Renaissance and baroque styles. Address: 1 Litvinova St.

The gates were built near the main city entrance from the side of Moscow Highway, hence the name. Unfortunately, the gates you will see now are not the original gates, but a replica recreated in 2011. Address: Nizhnyaya Naberezhnaya (the Lower Embankment), opposite Dekabrskikh Sobyti St.

The original wooden church built in 1693 was destroyed by the big fire in 1716, but was later restored. During the Soviet period, this building was used as dormitory and a production shop of the city’s bakery. At present, the cathedral has been restored and it stands out among the rest thanks to its unusual bell tower. Address: 1a Sukhe-Batora St.

Spasskaya Church (Church of Our Savior) is located right behind the Regional Administration building on the bank of the Angara River. It is believed to be the only surviving building of Irkutsk fort (ostrog).

A very stylish Roman Catholic Church. The first wooden building burned down in 19th century, however, a new brick building was erected in a few years. In 1978, a new organ hall was opened in the building. Address: 1 Sukhe-Batora St.

This church is a special landmark, because it was the wedding venue for Lieutenant Kolchak and Sofia Omirova. Address: 5th Army St., Bldg. 59

It was originally built in 1909 as a cinema hall, and in 1913, all visitors could try rollerblading – what an amusement center for pre-revolution Russia! The theater has beautiful interior design, which is not common in modern cinema halls. Address: 24 Karl Marx St.

One of Irkutsk’s oldest churches designed in Siberian baroque style. It is the only church in Siberia preserving original interior design from 18th century. Address: 1 Sedova St.

If you follow Karl Marx further, you will see a beautiful building of the Drama Theater, a masterpiece of 19th century architecture. Tickets to this one of Russia’s best theaters are hard to get. Address: 14 Karl Marx St.

In the past, this building was used for branch of Russian Geographic Society, and is currently a museum. It is a very interesting building in Mauritanian style. The façade bears the names of the famous explorers of Asia: Vrangel, Bering, Przhevalski, Tcherski and others. Address: 2 Karl Marx. St.

One of the oldest book storages in Siberia, this building used to be the residence of East Siberia’s Governor Generals. Address: 24 Gagarina Blvd.

The monument was installed in 1908 to celebrate the completion of construction of the TransSiberian Railway. It was demolished during the Soviet years, and restored in 2003. Address: crossroads of Karl Marx Street and Gagarina Blvd.