History Yekaterinburg Omsk Novosibirsk Krasnoyarsk Irkutsk Ulan-Ude Khabarovsk Vladivostok Tours
Irkutsk became a wealthy trading center soon after its founding in the 1660s, benefiting from its position along overland trade routes between China and Western Russia. Favorable geographic position of Irkutsk contributed to its formation. From joining to Russia in the XVII-XVIII c.c. huge territory up to Pacific ocean Irkutsk found itself in the centre of numerous trade ways of the all Eastern Siberia.
From 1803 to 1822 Irkutsk was the centre of the largest territory of Russia by are for all its history (of course, excluding its capitals - Moscow and Saint-Petersburg) - Irkutsk general province, in which besides Eastern Siberia, Far East, Chukotka and Alaska were in. Decembrists exercised great influence on cultural development of the city.
All groups of exiles leaving through Baikal stopped in Irkutsk. Here for some months remarkable Russian women waited for permission for trip to theirs husbands (Decembrists). Decembrists completed hard labour were settles in villages around Irkutsk. Later Trubetskoy and Volkonskiy families lived in the city. Since then it has maintained its position as the regions most important city, though today its attraction for visitors is supplemented by its proximity to Lake Baikal.
- 5153 km from Moscow
- Was founded in 1661
- Time zone: Moscow + 5 hours
- Population: 650.000
- Average temperatures: January -21, April +1, July +17, October 0
Things to see and do
An open air museum of wooden architecture "Taltsy". Located between Irkutsk and Listvyanka it is best to be reached by car or bus (30 min from either side). The museum is a real mini village assembled of original houses, schools, churches and shops built in the 17-19th century by Russian Cossacks and local ethnic groups. Main goal of this project is to preserve history and cultural heritage of the Siberian life during colonization period after many original settlements had to be demolished or flooded by the hydropower dam water reservoir built on Angara River.
Listvyanka village (70 kms. From Irkutsk, I hour by coach) During this visit, you will have a chance to experience Siberian country life, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Baikal and the Baikal Museum where you can learn about the lake's geology, fauna and flora. At the Seals Aquarium, you will have a chance to see the famous Baikal's Nerpa, the only fresh water seals on Earth. When walking or hiking around the village, pay a visit to the local Saint Nicholas Church which has a remarkable story. This is also where you can find local souvenir merchants. At the main pier one can buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies - Baikal fish (omul, sig, harius) - smoked, salted, dry...
Shaman Stone is a real rock located at the mouth of Angara River. Almost everyone who lives around Lake Baikal likes to mentioned at least few words about this rock when passing by. Mainly it is connected to a Buryat legend about rebellious daughter (Angara river), who ran away from her farther (Lake Baikal) to her lover (Yenisei River). Angara River is the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal against 330 rivers flowing in.
Passenger hydrofoil connections (summers only) allow travelers to take short trips by water and visit Bolshie Koty (Big Cats) village located within 20-30 minutes from Listvyanka and other local destinations including weekly 10 hours trip to Severobaikalsk (northern tip of the Lake).
Irkutsk Regional Museum – the best exhibition focus on indigenous tribes and their nomadic culture. Church of the Savior, Znamensky Monastery, Rising of the Cross Church.
