Sights of Mordovia

Today we present you an article on the topic: "Mordovia attractions" with a full description of where to go and what to see. We also offer interesting comments from travelers.

Sights of Mordovia - overview and photos of interesting places

Mordovia is a republic within the Russian Federation, belonging to the Volga region and located in the western part of this region. The capital of this Volga republic is the city of Saransk. Its history as an independent region began in 1930, when the Mordovian autonomous region... Four years later, the autonomous region received the status of a republic within the RSFSR.

By the nature of the relief, the republic can be divided into two parts: its western part is located on the Oka-Don Plain, and the eastern, more extensive one - on the Volga Upland. Natural zones are also changing from the northwest to the southeast of the region - the zone of coniferous-deciduous forests gradually turns into the forest-steppe zone.

There are many cultural, historical and sports attractions in Mordovia, as well as unique natural monuments of interest to guests of the republic.

This museum, located in the capital of Mordovia, is considered the oldest cultural institution on its territory. It was created in 1918 through the efforts of about a hundred local historians, who have been collecting exhibits for it for years. In 2001, the museum officially became one of the institutions with the greatest cultural value in the republic. After another 4 years, he was named after Ivan Dmitrievich Voronov, a local history scientist who singled out local history as an independent science, literary critic and writer.

The museum has a historical exposition, a department of modern history and exhibits that tell about the nature of the region. The total number of its exhibits exceeds 200 000 ... Here you can get acquainted with valuable books, collections of coins, ancient weapons, as well as see stuffed animals of different species.

This wonderful museum is located in Saransk. It houses the world's largest collection of works by the famous sculptor Erzya. Also in the museum you can contemplate the works of artists Sychkov and Makarov. These three cultural figures are natives of Mordovia.

The museum has an art salon where you can not only see but also buy your favorite paintings and sculptures by contemporary authors.

The museum is located on Victory Square in Saransk. It was opened for the 50th anniversary of the Great Victory. The square on which it is located is a memorial complex. The granite slabs on the facade of the museum are decorated in the form of a St. George ribbon, and the roof is stylized as a Russian kokoshnik.

The Locomotive Depot Museum is located in Ruzayevka - a large railway junction and one of the main centers of the construction of railway transport in Russia. At the entrance to the museum, there are two soldiers with guns, as was the case at the beginning of the twentieth century. Visitors to the museum have an excellent opportunity to learn the history of the legendary steam locomotive "Kukushka", which is considered a symbol of Ruzayevka, as well as about the local depot and railway transport of the early last century.

The Mordovian State National Drama Theater is located in the capital of the republic. In addition to classical performances, you can see performances by Mordovian playwrights in Mordovian languages \u200b\u200b(Erzyan and Moksha) with simultaneous translations into Russian. The theater actors are actively touring the territory of the republic and neighboring regions in which the Mordovians live.

The theater has existed since 1889. Then it was organized by those who returned to their small homeland graduates of the Shchepkinsky Theater School, at whose disposal an old house was provided. Since 2007 the theater has been located in a new building.

One of the attractions of Saransk is the musical theater. It hosts concerts of classical music, operas, operettas, comedy music and ballet performances. The theater was opened in 1935. By the beginning of the 75th season, the theater was allocated a new building. Its auditorium began to accommodate over 700 people. By its acoustic characteristics, this hall is one of the best in Russia. Then, in 2011, he was named after the Mordovian singer I.M. Yaushev.

The cathedral was built in Saransk in 2006. It was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II. The building of the cathedral was erected in the Empire style, and the dome is made in the neo-Byzantine style. The temple rises 62 meters from ground level. It has 4 belfries, each of which has 3 bells, made in Tutaev using old technologies. The cathedral can be visited by more than 3000 people at the same time.

The Church of St. John the Theologian in Saransk was erected in 1693 on the site where an old wooden church had previously been.

At the end of the 30s, the temple was closed, the archive of the NKVD was placed here. In 1944, the church was reopened to parishioners. For a long time it was the only active church in the city. Since 1960, the temple has been included in the list of architectural monuments of federal significance.

The monastery is located on the territory of the Ruzaevsky district in the village of Paygarma. In 1865, an icon of the martyr Paraskeva was discovered on the territory of the village church, and in connection with this significant event it was decided to build a monastery here, which will bear the name of the saint. The territory of the monastery covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 11 ha... Its temples, chapels and bell towers were built in different architectural styles, and in general, the architectural complex of the monastery looks very harmonious. The monastery is regularly visited by many pilgrims striving for spiritual growth and looking for their true path.

The Sanaksar Monastery is located near the town of Temnikov on the banks of the Moksha River, surrounded by a pine forest. Its history began in 1659. The most revered shrines of the monastery are the relics of the saints of the Monk Theodore, the righteous warrior Theodore (Ushakov), the Monk Alexander the Confessor, as well as the icons of the Mother of God. Pilgrims from all over Russia come to touch its shrines.

This is the main national library of Mordovia. It began its existence in 1899, when a library-reading room was created by the joint efforts of the intelligentsia of Saransk. Her visit was absolutely free.

At first, there were very few books in it, but due to donations, its fund gradually increased. In 1939, the library became a republican, a separate building was allocated for it. In 1970 it was moved to a new building, where it is still located.

Recently, a building of 9 floors was added to it, which made it possible to increase the size of the library several times. Among its many subdivisions there is a department completely devoted to the work of literary figures of Mordovia. The institution has established close contacts with other libraries of the Finno-Ugric peoples, including those in foreign countries.

The reserve is located on the right bank of the Moksha River. Almost all of its territory is covered mainly with pine forests. The age of the pines growing here is estimated at 300-350 years old... There are also mixed forests with pines, birches, lindens and oaks. Spruce forests can be found in the river valleys.

Lake Inerka is located near the regional center Bolshiye Berezniki in the valley of the Sura River. This is one of the most beautiful and the largest lake in area in Mordovia (56 square kilometers). Its shores are covered with coniferous-deciduous and birch forests.

On the shores of the lake, tourists love to pitch their tents. There are good fishing spots, and in the coastal forests you can pick mushrooms and berries. In addition, off-road rallies are annually held near the lake.

This amazing park is located in the Leninsky district of Saransk. In the park, you can stroll along the picturesque alleys, cross the streams flowing through its territory, climb wooden bridges with railings made by art forging masters, relax in the gazebos covered with green ivy. Sculptures of the heroes of the fairy tales of A.S. Pushkin. The park has a variety of attractions and is home to the country's largest zoo. it favorite place recreation of the inhabitants of Saransk, both adults and children love to visit it.

The legendary instigator of the peasant uprising visited Saransk in the early summer of 1774. He spent only a few days in these places, during which he managed to execute many representatives of the nobility and clergy who were disagreeable to him and to publish a manifesto on freedom for serfs.

In memory of those events, a monument to Pugachev was erected in Saransk. The tent of the leader of the peasant war was also preserved, which is an old stone house.

This is the largest sports facility in Mordovia, which trains athletes of all levels in many sports. The sports complex has been open since 2004.

In the Saransk Sports Palace, sports competitions are held from urban to all-Russian levels. It hosts competitions in water sports, various types of wrestling, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball and volleyball.

The most interesting sights of Mordovia are located in the city of Saransk: museums, parks, churches, a monastery and much more. Of the natural attractions of Mordovia, the most striking are the beautiful Lake Inerka, the natural reserve named after Smidovich and national park Smolny.

Lake Inerka

The Republic of Mordovia is located 330 km from Moscow (MKAD). Why is it interesting? Despite its proximity to Moscow, many people confuse it with Moldova or have heard very little about it.

The center of Mordovian life is the city of Saransk, the capital of the Republic of Mordovia. Here is the center of culture, entertainment and everything else. Saransk is a city of republican significance. Citizens from all over Mordovia flock here for some narrower problem: medical examination, receiving state services, etc.

Saransk is home to about 315 thousand people. In second place in terms of number and importance is the city of Ruzayevka - with a population of about 46 thousand people. The third place is taken by the city of Kovylkino with a population of 20 thousand. The next are the urban-type settlement Komsomolsky - 13 thousand people and the working village Zubova Polyana - 10 thousand people.

There are 7 cities in Mordovia: apart from Saransk, Ruzaevka and Kovylkino, these are Krasnoslobodsk, Ardatov, Insar and Temnikov. The oldest and smallest is the city of Temnikov. Its population is only 6.3 thousand people, the date of foundation is 1536.

The entire population of the republic is less than 1 million - about 800 thousand people. Russians, Mordovians and Tatars live in Mordovia. Mordovians are subdivided into three nationalities: Moksha, Erzyans and Shoksha.

Natural objects of Mordovia

The largest lakes in Mordovia are:

Inerka - the largest lake in the Republic. Translated from Mordovian "Inerka" means "Great Lake". Its length is 3.35 km, width is 80-150 meters, maximum depth is 11.5 meters.
Imerka - the deepest lake in Mordovia, located on the territory of the Zubovo-Polyansky region.

The rivers of Mordovia are flat and calm. The main rivers are Moksha and Sura.

Mordovia Map

Route M5

The federal highway M5 Moscow-Chelyabinsk passes through Mordovia. Driving along the highway after the Moscow and Ryazan regions, Mordovia begins. The most extreme to Moscow and the largest region of Mordovia is Zubovo-Polyansky.

After entering the territory of Mordovia, the famous village of Umet will be on the highway. It is known for the abundance of tiny cafes along the route (more than 200) and strong smoke and smell from kebabs. The names of the cafes are varied, the most famous of which is "Mordonalds".

Umet

The main target audience of local catering is truckers, but there are also hungry people passing by. When stopping at the Umet cafe, remember that everything here is simple, for an undemanding client: a wooden toilet on the street, simple dishes, not fancy homemade food.

The entire village of Umet, numbering 2.7 thousand people, works in public catering.

Camps

Mordovia is famous for its prisons; Dubravlag or ZhKh-385, which is part of the Gulag system, was built here at the end of the 1920s. This should not be proud of, but it is a sad fact. The camps are located among the forests of the western part of Mordovia in the Zubovo-Polyansky region, now there are more than 30 of them.

The center of this largest state. institution is the village of Yavas, previously it was named 36 kilometers and Zavodskoy. Therefore, the Mordovian zone is often called Java.

In Soviet times, there was a special camp for watered prisoners. Now among the correctional colonies (IK) there is the only zone in Russia for foreigners. There is also a zone for life-sentenced prisoners and women's camps. By the way, modern political prisoners were sitting here again: Yukos lawyer Svetlana Bakhmina, Pussy Riot participant Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.

Saransk

Most of the sights of Mordovia are concentrated in Saransk. - these are museums and monuments, theaters and cinemas, parks, a zoo, attractions, nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers and other pleasures. If you happen to be in Mordovia, so as not to get bored and buy, be sure to come to Saransk.

Fountain Star of Mordovia on Millennium Square

The city makes a good impression. There are many squares, beautiful modern and embankments. Despite the large number of factories, it does not give a depressing impression of an industrial city. Saransk is an oasis of civilization among endless forests, fields, swamps and small settlements of Mordovia.

In addition, Saransk is an old fortress city founded in 1641. It was visited by the troops of Stepan Razin and Emelyan Pugachev himself. It's always interesting when a city has some history.

Saransk is the smallest Russian city, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For this event, the Mordovia Arena stadium was built in the form of a sun, with a maximum capacity of about 44 thousand people.

Ruzaevka

Railway station in Ruzayevka

Ruzayevka is the second city after Saransk in terms of population in Mordovia. After the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Ruzayevka has changed for the better. The railway station was repaired, the streets were improved, the main roads were repaired. And also the bus station was finally put in order and the most important thing: the railway pedestrian bridge was reconstructed.

What pleases the passengers of Ruzayevka station is that the railway station and the bus station are in one place. The truth is separated by a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. Now it has become covered and beautiful instead of a completely new, but shabby and broken-down bridge.

The bridge now has lifts on each side. You no longer have to drag heavy bags up onto the bridge and then down. Walking across the new, glazed bridge, I just want to say: thank you, World Championship. If it weren't for you, the passengers would have suffered dragging their luggage across the bridge.

In 2011, a monument to the railway workers of Ruzayevka was erected on Privokzalnaya Square - the Lebyadyanka freight steam locomotive. The steam locomotive was built in 1954 and was used for most of its life on the Penza-Ruzayevka and Ruzaevka-Krasny knot sections. Nearby are bronze figures of a railway worker with his son.

From the bus station Ruzayevka to the bus station of Saransk - 27 km.

Attractions Ruzayevka

Locomotive Depot Museum

Ruzayevka is not rich in interesting or beautiful places. The city of railway workers can offer as a cultural leisure - the museum of the locomotive depot. It is located at: st. Revolution of 1905, house 7.

Trinity Cathedral

Ruzayevka's Holy Trinity Cathedral with 16 golden domes was founded in 2009. Built in 2012 at the expense of the Ruzaevsky Glass Factory and donations of believers at the address: st. Karl Marx, building 61. The construction of the temple was timed to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with the peoples of Russia.

The temple is huge, 40 meters high, there is a library and a Sunday school, a refectory and an assembly hall, here is the Ruzaevsk diocese. It is divided into upper and lower temples. Located at the entrance to the city from Saransk, at the highest point.

Near Ruzayevka there is the village of Paigarma, which houses the old Paraskevo-Voznesensky monastery. The monastery is active.

Temnikov

The city of Temnikov is located on the Moksha River, surrounded by pine forests. The relict pine Emashevskaya grove is located here on the shores of Lake Vyakchisheva.

The city of Temnikov is primarily famous for the ancient Sanaksar monastery, where the grave and relics of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov are located. There are also Temnikovsky Museum of History and Local Lore and the House-Museum of the composer L. I. Voinov.

Temnikov's adornment is the ancient Church of the Assumption Holy Mother of God (1827). It was built in honor of the Temnikov militia in 1812.

A few kilometers from the town of Temnikov there is the most beautiful old Nativity of the Theotokos Sanaksar Monastery. It is located on the banks of the Moksha River and was founded in 1659.

The name of the monastery is associated with the personality of Admiral Ushakov, the famous Russian naval commander. He spent the rest of his life in his estate in the village of Alekseevka near the town of Temnikov. Now there is nothing left of the estate.

The famous admiral was buried in the Sanaksar Monastery. In 2001 he was canonized by the church as a saint in the face of the righteous. And now the monastery has not only the grave of the great military leader, but also the relics of the saint.

The remains of Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov from time to time travel across Russia as holy relics for solemn church events with the participation of military personnel and sailors.

It is noteworthy that the uncle of the admiral Ivan Ignatovich Ushakov, after the tonsure - Theodore Sanaksarsky was the governor of the Sanaksar monatyr (1764-1774), died and was buried here. In 1999, the church canonized him, but only locally revered by the Saransk diocese.

Krasnoslobodsk

Passing the city of Krasnoslobodsk, you will not confuse it with anything. A notable attraction of Krasnoslobodsk is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. It is located at the crossroads of main roads and rises 35 meters above the houses.

The sight of such a tall, pompous temple with dazzlingly gilded domes against the background of dull typical houses causes dissonance. It absolutely does not fit into the local landscape and once again emphasizes the pathos and greatness of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Chamzinsky district

The Chamzinsky district of the Republic of Mordovia cannot boast of any sights, despite the fact that the villages of Komsomolsky and Chamzinka are located here. They are major settlements of the Republic. In Komsomolskoye there are large plants "Mordovcement" and "Lato".

There are no large lakes or rivers in the Chamzinsky district, the only natural attraction is Bald mountain, stretched out next to Alekseevka.

You can also note the beautiful old church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Makolovo.

Torbeevo

The village of Torbeevo with a population of 9 thousand is located on the M-5 highway between Zubovaya Polyana and Krasnoslobodsk. Torbeevo was glorified all over the world by the man who managed to escape from the German concentration camp - fighter pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Devyatayev. He was born in Torbeevo, now in his homeland there is a house-museum dedicated to the feat of the pilot.

Website: mrkm.ru The address: st. Oktyabrskaya, 29 Cost:50 rubles, schoolchildren, students - 20 rubles, children from 5 to 7 years old - 15 rubles.

The museum was opened on May 8, 1975. It consists of two parts: ethnographic and dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. Here are Devyatayev's personal belongings, documents, photographs, awards, as well as items from the Sachsenhausen concentration camp: a striped prisoner robe, wooden shoes, a whip and others.

The Republic of Mordovia is one of the most comfortable regions for living in Central Russia. It is no coincidence that the French actor Gerard Depardieu acquired housing here and received registration. It is also the closest republic to the capital. The border of Mordovia is only 330 kilometers from Moscow.

The republic is home to many nationalities with their own customs and culture. The population cares about the preservation of traditions.

Saransk

The capital of the republic and one of the host cities of the Mundial, which took place in the summer of 2018, Saransk is famous for its well-established infrastructure. It has repeatedly been included in the six most favorable and safe Russian cities for living. According to statistics, here even the number of crimes is committed half as often as in other cities of the Russian Federation.

The first mention of Saransk dates back to 1641, and its population in 2018 reaches about 319 thousand people. In 1670, the fortress of Saransk was captured by an army led by Stepan Razin, and in July 1774 the peasant leader Emelyan Pugachev stayed in the settlement, who raised a revolt against the imperial power.

Saransk acquired the status of a city only in 1780, and in 1785 the Russian ruler Catherine II issued a decree on the rebuilding of the city, as a result of which most of the ancient buildings were demolished and new streets were formed.

Among the places worth seeing in this city are the following.

Fountain "Star of Mordovia", which is officially recognized as one of the highest fountains in Russia. It is equipped with color music and is located on the Millennium Square, rebuilt several years ago. The shape of the fountain resembles an element of the Mordovian national ornament. This landmark was created as a symbol of the unity of the Mordovian people with the Russian for a whole millennium. That is why the square was named so.
The temple in honor of the admiral and church leader Fyodor Ushakov, built in 2006 and considered the highest in the Volga region. Nearby, there is a monument to the family - a sculptural structure that personifies parents and children walking around the city. It is a popular photography spot.
Monument to Patriarch Nikon. Dedicated to the sixth Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who actively contributed to the implantation of the Christian faith to the Mordovian people in the middle of the 15th century.
Square of victory. The memorial complex, on the territory of which there are several museums dedicated to military art and technology, a chapel, a monument to the soldiers who died during the First World War, the Eternal Flame and other structures, among which the statue of Mother Mordovia, depicted as a woman in a national costume and a festive headdress that blesses her soldier son who goes to war. This composition symbolizes a tribute to the memory of all the fallen soldiers.
Park named after Pushkin. Located along the embankment of the Saranka River. The park has many attractions, a Ferris wheel with a view of the entire city, and also has its own zoo with exotic animals.

Temnikov

One of the ancient cities of Mordovia. Temnikovskaya fortress was erected in 1536 on the site of the village Old city and was related to the Kasimov kingdom. Only in 1930, already during the rule of I.V. Stalin, the city was annexed to the Republic of Mordovia.

Tourists who come to Temnikov should visit places such as:

the local history museum named after Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, which presents historical expositions illustrating the life and customs of the local population from ancient times to the present day;
the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected in memory of the people's militia in 1812;
a number of merchant houses, where the furnishings of the dwelling of the urban bourgeoisie of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have still been preserved, and the architectural buildings have practically not changed their original appearance.

Sivin

The village is located on the banks of the river of the same name. Previously, it belonged to the Penza province. The village is home to about 650 people, the ethnic composition of the population is mainly Russian. An iron factory operated here until the middle of the nineteenth century. Currently, the village has a comprehensive school, post office, medical center, sanatorium "Lisma-Sivin", there are several monuments, as well as the restored Kazan Church.

Many famous Soviet and Russian figures were born and raised in this village. Among them are the linguist and corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A. N. Gvozdev, the historian B. N. Gvozdev, the honored coach of Russia in weightlifting N. S. Agapov and others.

Historical and cultural monuments

Smolny National Park

The address: Smolny village, st. Topley, 11A
Phone: 8 (8343) 32‑74-65
Website: zapoved-mordovia.ru
Working hours: 00:00 - 00:00 Mon-Sun, Tue - day off
Cost: entrance ticket from 100 rubles

Located in the Ichalkovsky and Bolshe-Ignatovsky regions of the republic, next to the Alatyr River. The rivers Kalysha and Yazovka also flow in the park, merging with Alatyr.

The park was opened in March 1995. At present, its area is more than thirty-six hectares, on which broad-leaved and coniferous forests grow. The park is home to representatives of the fauna, which are under protection due to the threat of extinction. In some places the territory of the park is swampy.

The park annually organizes scientific forums and conducts research expeditions aimed at studying the life of local inhabitants.

Natural attractions

Lake Inerka

Coordinates: 54.063067, 45.887104
How to get there: located 17 km from the village of Bolshiye Berezniki

The maximum depth of the lake reaches twelve meters, but its length is about three kilometers. The Sura River flows into it.

On March 6, 1983, the lake acquired the status of a natural monument of republican significance, since it is home to many species of fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world; On the shores of the lake nest waterfowl, listed in the Red Book.

The coniferous and deciduous forests surrounding the lake are rich in mushrooms and berries. It is a good place for hunting and fishing. Also, every summer there are auto racing competitions on the shore.

Mordovia State Reserve

The address: Pushta village of Temnikovsky district
Phone: 8 (8344) 52‑96-35
Website: zapoved-mordovia.ru
Working hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri, Sat, Tue - days off
Cost: Free admission
How to get there: by bus to the city of Temnikov

The natural site was opened on March 5, 1936. It was founded in honor of P.G.Smidovich, a zoologist and ecologist. Valuable species of trees and shrubs grow here, as well as endangered populations of animals and birds.

In the summer of 2010, most of the reserve suffered from a fire that broke out due to the abnormal heat. More than 12 thousand hectares of forest were affected, and many representatives of the local flora and fauna died.

Temples and churches

Makarovsky St. John the Theological Monastery

The address: village Makarovka, st. Nagornaya, 35
Phone: 8 (927) 274‑50-55
Website: makarovsky-monastery.ru
Working hours: 08:00 - 20:00 seven days a week
How to get there: buses No. 31, No. 7 and by route taxi No. 15 to the stop “Pos. Lukhovka ", then on foot

In the distant past, up to the seventeenth century, a churchyard was located on the site of this male monastery near Saransk. At the churchyard, churches began to be built on the initiative of the landowners of the Polyansky family, who occupied a prominent position both in the district and at the royal court of Peter the Great and subsequent rulers.

The official date of the founding of Saransk is considered to be 1641, when the Cossacks founded a prison here, surrounded by a wooden palisade. Later, a rampart was poured around the fortress, and 9 massive towers began to protect its walls. It is interesting that the citadel could not resist the detachments of S. Razin, and it was surrendered to E. Pugachev voluntarily. By the end of the 18th century. the fortress lost its defensive significance, and the policy turned into a major craft and trade center of the Volga region. With the advent of Soviet power, industry began to actively develop here. In 1991, after the transformation of the Mordovian autonomy into a republic, Saransk received capital status. Today the policy lives a rich cultural life. Local authorities are trying to improve its infrastructure and stimulate construction. A sign of the success of these efforts are several diplomas of various degrees received at the competitions "The Most Comfortable City in Russia".

Among the many interesting things to see in Saransk for its guests, sights of significant importance stand out. Their images decorate brochures, magnets and other presentation products dedicated to the city.

Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 21:00.
Phone: +7 834 248-19-59.
Website: http://www.sobor-ushakova.ru
Address: st. Soviet, 53. Transport stop "Theater of Opera and Ballet" or "Main Post Office".

The delightful cathedral in the name of the righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, erected at the beginning of this century, is rightfully one of the main attractions of the city. Stately buildingwhose gilded domes rise 60 meters above the ground makes an amazing impression. The exterior of the temple is eclectic, combining features of the Empire and Byzantine style. On its belfry there are 12 bells, cast according to ancient technologies c. The ceremony of consecration of the cathedral in 2006 was performed by Patriarch Alexy II.

Monument "Forever with Russia"

Address: Friendship Alley. Transport stop "Park".

The majestic monument, symbolizing the inviolability of friendship of the peoples inhabiting Russia, was solemnly opened in Saransk during the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Mordovia's entry into the empire. The four-sided column, faced with polished marble, is crowned with two sculptures cast in bronze. They depict women, dressed in national costumes, holding a gilded wheat ear in their hands. The composition is completed by a magnificent fountain located in front of the monument.

Address: Victory Square. Transport stop "Glavpochtamt".

The memory of fellow countrymen who gave their lives for the liberation of their homeland from the Nazis is sacred in Saransk. In honor of the heroes who did not return from the battlefields of the Second World War, a memorial was erected back in 1970. Then, in front of an 18-meter black granite pylon, a sculptural composition was installed depicting the Motherland, presenting a sword to a kneeling soldier. In front of the statue is a bowl of the Eternal Flame. Already at the beginning of this century, the architectural ensemble was supplemented by an arched colonnade, 54 m long. Between two rows of pillars, 10 pylons were installed, on the black stone of which the names of the fallen heroes were engraved.

Address: Heroes-stratonauts square. Transport stop "Railway station".

The monument to the heroes - conquerors of the stratosphere, who died as a result of the crash of the Osaviakhim-1 balloon, which collapsed in January 1934 near the Mordovian village of Potizh-Ostrog, is the dominant feature of the railway station square of Saransk. The statue of an aviator in a flight helmet, fur boots and a warm jacket draped over the shoulders rises on a pedestal in the shape of a cylinder. The pedestal is finished with dark gray labradorite. In the lower third of it there is a commemorative inscription and a high relief with portraits of heroically perished stratonauts.

Address: Millennium Square. Transport stop "House of Unions".

The architectural ensemble of the square, opened in 2010, is considered the main attraction that Saransk has acquired in recent times. A huge space lined with multi-colored paving stones is framed by magnificent buildings. In the center of the square, a round pool with a diameter of 60 m has been created. Geysers reaching a height of 40 meters gush from vents mounted in the bottom of the bowl. In the evening, when the spotlights come on and the jets of water start dancing, the square looks fantastic.

Monuments of history and architecture of Saransk

Architectural and monumental sights of Saransk, photos and descriptions of which are presented in the section, will satisfy the most demanding tourist. On the streets of the city, travelers will see colorful creations of architects and sculptors.

Address: st. Volgograd. Transport stop "Monument to Pugachev".

The monument to the leader of the largest peasant uprising in the history of Russia appeared in Saransk for a reason. When in 1744 the army of rebels approached the city, the local nobility, led by the archimandrite, greeted him with bread and salt. However, the expectations of wealthy merchants and nobles did not come true. Pugachev freed the serfs, distributed the requisitioned wealth to the freemen. The statue of the chieftain, carved from a granite block, makes up a single composition with the reconstruction of an old fort in the historical district of the city - Posop. Against the background of the monument, it is not difficult to make a great photo for memory.

Address: st. Sovetskaya, 26. Transport stop "House of Printing".

The majestic building, which for a long time housed various structures of the city council, is not only the dominant feature of the square of the same name, but also an architectural monument of republican significance. The massive five-story mansion looks solemn and solid. This is facilitated by the cubism inherent in the outlines of the portals. From the front side, the facade is decorated with delightful columns. The eye is attracted by the magnificent bas-reliefs of the pediment, designed to demonstrate the inviolability of the friendship of the peoples of the USSR.

Address: st. Sovetskaya, 27. Transport stop "House of Printing".

In 2007, the collective of the Mordovian National Drama Theater received a delightful gift - a real Muz palace with two auditoriums, the largest of which can accommodate 313 people. The building itself immediately became one of the architectural gems of Saransk. Its façade is faced with dark red and lilac bricks, against the background of which gilded panels, composed of elements of national ornament, stand out. The mirror glazing of the palace from the front side enhances the impression even more. An elegant three-cup fountain has been erected in front of the building, and picturesque bronze sculptures "The Elder", "Erzyanka", "Young Man", "Mokshanka" are installed directly in front of the entrance.

Address: Cathedral Square. Transport stop "Glavpochtamt".

The name of F. Ushakov is inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Russian fleet. The squadrons led by him, shaded by the proud St. Andrew's flag, defeated Victoria in 43 naval battles, never knowing the bitterness of defeat. The last years of his life, the great naval commander spent on Mordovian land in the Alekseevka estate. The memory of Fyodor Fedorovich in the city was immortalized monumental in 2006. A bronze statue of the admiral, canonized, rises above a granite pedestal in the square, in front of the cathedral of the same name. Fyodor Fyodorovich is dressed in a ceremonial uniform. His gaze is determined, and his posture expresses confidence, as in critical moments of glorious battles.

Address: st. Moscow. Transport stop "House of Printing".

A.S. Pushkin never visited Saransk, but was very interested in the period of E. Pugachev's stay here, mentioning this fact in his historical work. In honor of the great poet and writer who made an invaluable contribution to Russian literature, a monument was solemnly unveiled at the fountain descent of Saransk in 2001. The bronze statue of Alexander Sergeevich is installed under the vaults of an arch resting on graceful columns. The poet, seized with inspiration, leaned against a pillar. The Muse soaring in the air is ready to lay a laurel wreath on Pushkin's brow.

Saransk museums and theaters

When deciding where to go in Saransk in order to fill their leisure time, travelers will have to make a difficult choice. There are several very interesting museums in the city, and in the evenings the doors of theaters are thrown open for guests of the capital of Mordovia.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Ticket price: adult 50 rubles, children 15 rubles.
Phone: +7 834 239-14-97.
Website: http://www.mrkm.ru
Address: st. Saranskaya, 2. Transport stop "Park".

The exhibition halls of the institution, founded in 1918, are located in the building of the former Trinity Church, a beautiful architectural monument of the 18th century. The collection of the museum consists of tens of thousands of exhibits that tell about the amazing nature, the original culture of Mordovia. A significant part of the exposition is devoted to traditions, rituals, way of life of the peoples living on the territory of the republic. Visitors will certainly be interested in the collections of ancient weapons, antique furniture, coins and orders, watches of the 18th – 20th centuries, in which many rarities are presented.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: admission is free.
Phone: +7 834 247-44-95.
Address: st. Soviet, 34A. Transport stop "Ulitsa Volodarskogo".

The building that houses the museum's expositions is very easy to find. Its facade is encircled by the St. George ribbon, lined with dark and light granite slabs. In the exhibition halls of the institution, more than 40 thousand exhibits are displayed, telling about the feat of soldiers and workers of the rear, accomplished during the Second World War. You can learn about them by examining the exhibition of photographic documents, by reading the lines of letters sent by the soldiers from the front. Visitors' attention is drawn to a mosaic panel depicting soldiers of the Soviet army who replaced them at the machines of their wives and children. During the excursion, tourists will see a collection of military awards, samples of weapons and uniforms from the times of the war, works of art dedicated to her.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 9:00 to 18:00, on Thursdays from 11:00 to 20:00.
Ticket price: adult 150 rubles, discounted 50 rubles, children under 16 are admitted free.
Phone: +7 834 247-80-94.
Website: http://www.erzia-museum.ru
Address: st. Kommunisticheskaya, 61. Transport stop "Museum of S. Erzya" or "Theater of Opera and Ballet".

Since its opening in 1960, the museum has been one of the main cultural centers of Saransk. Several tens of thousands of visitors come here every year to admire the magnificent creations of painters, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied arts. The exhibition presents canvases by I. Aivazovsky, A. Savrasov, I. Shishkin, V. Polenov, A. Benois, V. Serov, sculptures by B. Rastrelli, A. Golubkin. The pride of the collection is the collection of works by the natives of Mordovia - sculptor S. Erzya, artists I. Makarov and F. Sychkov

Opening hours: performances are given from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. Evening performances start at 17:00 or 18:30, day shows at 11:00.
Ticket price: from 150 rubles. up to 500 p.
Phone: +7 834 223-21-16.
Website: https://www.muzteatr-saransk.ru
Address: st. B. Khmelnitsky, 36. Transport stop "Theater of Opera and Ballets".

All fans of muses and graces should definitely visit the mansion with columns and a pediment, decorated with beautiful bas-reliefs. On its stage, the musical theater, founded in 1935, gives performances. The institution's repertoire includes performances of various genres - from traditional opera and ballet performances to light operettas and modern musicals. Plays by contemporary Mordovian authors are often staged here. Despite the fact that the seating capacity of the auditorium is more than 700 people, sold out houses at the theater performances are not uncommon.

Monuments of cult architecture

In a city with a population of over 300 thousand people, enough churches and cathedrals have been built to make believers feel comfortable. Saransk temples, erected in different historical periods, are not inferior in beauty to religious buildings or.

Phone: +7 834 255-77-45.
Address: st. Volgogradskaya, 90. Transport stop "Nikolskaya Church".

By the end of the XIX century. two wooden churches of the Posop settlement were completely dilapidated. As a result, it was decided to build a stone church for numerous parishioners. It was consecrated in 1906, after the completion of construction work, which lasted 9 years. The red brick building, topped with massive onion domes, immediately became one of the main attractions of Saransk. The Nikolskaya Church survived the era of persecution of religion relatively well, since the Museum of Rare Books settled there. The building was returned to believers in 1990. After restoration work, it looks great.

Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
Phone: +7 834 247-27-46.
Address: st. Demokraticheskaya, 28. Transport stop "Museum S. Erzya".

The temple, consecrated in 1693 in the name of John the Theologian, is not only a revered religious building in Saransk, but also the oldest building in Mordovia in general. The architecture of the church, which was originally visited by numerous inhabitants of the Streletskaya Sloboda, is traditional for that era. Five blackened domes topped with decorative domes rise above the white-stone building. A two-tiered bell tower was erected nearby, connected to the main volume of the refectory. The facade of the temple is decorated with an arcature belt, carved kokoshniks and window frames. The building is included in the register of objects Cultural heritage RF.

Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
Phone: +7 834 224-66-76.
Address: st. Volodarskogo, 55. Transport stop “Trinity Church.

The Trinity Church, erected at the request of the Saransk Cossacks and consecrated in 1700, is now part of the courtyard of the Nativity of the Mother of God monastery. When designing the temple, a solution typical for the architecture of that time was used, placing an octagon with a drum, crowned with an elegant dome, on a massive quadruple of the first tier. A three-tiered bell tower with illuminated arched windows was erected nearby. In 1931 the church was closed by the decision of the authorities. Workshops of various industries were located within its walls. After restoration at the end of the last century, the building was transferred to the jurisdiction of the monastery.

Where to go with children in Saransk

Young travelers who come to the city with their parents will have an exciting program. Among the interesting places in Saransk there are many where a child can get a lot of vivid impressions.

Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: adult 160 rubles, children under 12 years 80 rubles, children under 6 years 15 rubles.
Phone: +7 834 247-18-84.
Website: http://www.zoo13.ru
Address: st. Pervomayskaya, 6. Transport stop "Park".

The city zoo invites young and adult travelers to get in touch with wildlife. Its visitors will be able to see animals that live on different continents. Traditionally, a lot of people are going to admire the antics of funny monkeys, the incredible grace of predators from the cat family, the might of the club-footed master of Russian forests. The kids love to watch kangaroos and ostriches. Time flies by here, because wonderful animals give visitors a huge amount of positive emotions.

Opening hours: performances are given on weekends. The performances start at 11:00 and 13:00.
Ticket price: from 150 rubles. up to 250 p.
Phone: +7 834 247-41-46.
Website: http://www.gtkrm.ru
Address: st. Volodarsky, 90A. Transport stop "Puppet Theater".

The performances of the theater, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, have helped educate more than one generation of citizens. Bright and instructive performances, staged on the local stage, awaken the best feelings in young spectators, teach them to live according to their conscience and do justice. The colorful dolls, as if coming to life in the hands of the actors, delight the children. The troupe of the theater is actively touring the country, is invited to reputable festivals - "Rainbow", "Workhorse", "Chinjaramo", where they constantly claim prizes.

Opening hours: daily, attractions are open from 10:00 to 21:00.
Address: st. Krasnoarmeiskaya. Transport stop "Park".

The park, founded in 1864 and renamed "Pushkin" for the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great poet, is a favorite place family vacation townspeople. A variety of attractions, including a large Ferris wheel, provide entertainment for all tastes. Small towns with safe swings and carousels are equipped for kids. Teenagers have a great time at playgrounds or sports grounds. You can just walk around the comfortable natural recreation, which occupies an area of \u200b\u200babout 40 hectares, enjoying the beauty of artificial reservoirs, admiring monuments, fountains, and sculptures.

A visit to Saransk will leave the most favorable memories for tourists who decide to visit the city. All conditions for a comfortable stay have been created here, and numerous attractions, museums and theaters will fill your leisure time with vivid impressions.

Saransk received a powerful impetus for development after 2010, when it was selected as one of the candidates to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. That is why funds from the federal budget began to be allocated for the restoration of architectural monuments, the construction of new cultural objects, as well as for improving the infrastructure and making the city more attractive. As a result, Saransk has become a well-groomed and rather interesting place, where there will be something for tourists to see.

The first step is to walk through the squares and streets, while looking into local churches - both new and old churches are magnificent examples of traditional church building. Then you should visit the city museums, interesting not only for their expositions, but also for the buildings in which they are located. You can finish the walk in the park named after AS Pushkin or at the monument to Emelyan Pugachev.

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What to see and where to go in Saransk?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

1. Cathedral of Theodore Ushakov

Outstanding monument of church architecture of the XXI century, built in the Empire style. The cathedral was erected in 2006 and consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II. The grandiose temple with a 60-meter dome is designed for 3 thousand parishioners. Inside there is a skillfully executed gilded iconostasis made of precious wood, the entrance portal is decorated with majestic marble columns. The whole appearance of the temple evokes thoughts of something lofty and unearthly.

The main city square, which arose in the middle of the 17th century. Its very first name was Sobornaya, later it was renamed into Torgovaya, Bazarnaya and, finally, in 1919, into Sovetskaya. Today, the architectural appearance of the square is formed by modern buildings of the 20th century, historical buildings, alas, have not survived. The oldest building is the former House of Soviets, erected in the 1940s.

3. Millennium Square

It appeared in Saransk in 2012. It was built to celebrate the anniversary of the unification of Russia and Mordovia. It occupies a fairly large area and is perfectly adapted for walking and organizing public events. One of its main decorations is the color-musical fountain "Star of Morodvia" with a diameter of 60 meters, in the center of which there is a solar sign of the national ornament.

4. Musical theater named after I. M. Yaushev

Musical stage where opera, ballet, operettas and musicals are staged. The theater also hosts children's performances and concerts. It was founded in 1935, and initially the repertoire was composed of comedy productions. In 2011, the troupe moved to a new building with a large auditorium with a capacity of over 700 spectators. The facade of the building is painted in white and red, columns, capitals and shapes reminiscent of the outlines of musical instruments are used as decorative elements.

5. National Drama Theater

For the national republics of the Russian Federation, the tendency to build theaters focused on the works of local authors has long become the norm. In Mordovia, such a stage was built in the late 1980s. Most of the repertoire consists of works by Mordovian authors, which are shown in Erzya and Moksha with simultaneous translation. There are also plays by classical Russian and foreign playwrights, but there are much fewer of them.

6. Russian Drama Theater

Another theater stage in Saransk, but already specializing in a more classical repertoire - the works of Russian and foreign playwrights. The theater opened in 1932 and has developed successfully since then. Since the 1990s, the troupe has taken part in international and local festivals, receiving high marks from critics and audiences. To attract a wider audience, performances by contemporary authors are introduced into the repertoire.

7. Museum of Fine Arts named after S. D. Erzya

The museum was opened in 1960, and in the 1970s it was renamed in honor of S.D. Erzya, the famous Mordovian sculptor. The basis of the collections is precisely his work, as well as the works of the native of the republic, artist FV Sychkov. In total, the museum funds contain more than 15 thousand exhibits representing Russian and national Mordovian art, arts and crafts and modern trends.

8. National Museum of Local Lore

One of the oldest museum institutions in Mordovia, founded in 1918 at the initiative of representatives of the local intelligentsia. Its many collections are located in several branches. One of the largest branches is a new building built in the 2000s. It resembles a classic 19th century palace, decorated with traditional elements for this style: arches, a portico, columns, domed towers.

9. Museum of Mordovian folk culture

The museum collection is housed in a 19th century mansion, which is a monument of urban architecture. Before the Revolution of 1917, this house belonged to the merchant K. Kh. Barablin. The exposition consists of national clothes, handicrafts made by Mordovian craftsmen, agricultural tools, household items that give an idea of \u200b\u200bthe culture of the peoples inhabiting Mordovia.

10. Museum of A.I. Polezhaev

The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the artist A.I. Polezhaev. It started working in 2001 on the territory of a 19th century wooden house. The collection consists of four sections dedicated to various periods of the author's life and work, as well as a literary parlor where poetry evenings and concerts are held. It should be noted that this is the only museum in Russia dedicated to the activities of A.I. Polezhaev.

11. Museum of military and labor feat

The collection of the museum is part of the memorial complex erected in honor of the Victory in the Second World War. The institution opened in 1995. You should pay attention to the original building - the facade is composed of multi-colored granite slabs in the colors of the St. George ribbon, the shape of the structure resembles the outlines of the borders of Mordovia. The exposition is located in four halls, next to it is an open area with an exhibition of military equipment.

12. Monument to the soldiers of Mordovia who fell during the Second World War

Memorial complex, located on pl. Victory. It includes several structures: a monument to soldiers, a Museum of military and labor exploits, another monument to soldiers-internationalists, a chapel and obelisk "Escape from Hell". All elements of the complex appeared at different times - the earliest (a sculptural group depicting a woman giving a sword to her son-soldier) was built in the 1970s.

13. Makarovsky St. John the Theological Monastery

The men's monastery located in the village of Makarovka. It was founded not so long ago - in 1995, on the lands where the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian has stood since the beginning of the 18th century, around which there was a cemetery. The building of the cathedral has survived to this day. Later, other churches were erected here, destroyed after the Revolution. That is, the monastery can be considered both new and old.

14. Church of St. John the Evangelist

The temple is the oldest preserved architectural object on the territory of Mordovia. Due to its value, not only did it not suffer during the persecution of religion, but even in the 1960s it was declared architectural monument... The church was erected at the end of the 17th century, 200 years later a bell tower was added to it. Since 1944, it was the only one operating in the republic.

15. Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Temple of the late 19th century, built according to the project of the Penza architect. The building was erected in a rather typical architectural style for that time, imitating the classical Russian architecture. The facade and walls are made of red bricks. In Soviet times, the church was not used for its intended purpose, but its appearance did not suffer from this at all - the building has survived to this day in its original form.

16. Temple of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

A new temple built in the 2000s in a stately neo-Byzantine style. True, with significant simplifications, given the current trends in architecture. There are several domes on the central quadrangle, along the edges there are a three-tiered bell tower and semicircular apses. The entrance is decorated with decorative arches and large windows, due to which there is a lot of light inside the building.

17. Monument to Yemelyan Pugachev

During the Pugachev uprising, the inhabitants of Saransk gave the rebel and his army a warm welcome. During his stay in the city, he freed all the peasants and divided food supplies among the poorest, and also executed many merchants and officials. The monument in his honor is the only one in Russia. The mighty figure of Yemelyan crowns an impromptu fortress wall.

18. Monument to the stratonauts

The monument is dedicated to I. D. Usyskin, A. B. Vasenko and P. F. Fedoseenko, who in the 1930s created the Osoaviakhim-1 apparatus and rose on it to an altitude of 22 km into the stratosphere. The flying device crashed, killing all three. In memory of this tragic event in the 1950s, a sculptural group was erected in Saransk in the form of a young man standing on a pedestal with bas-reliefs of the flight participants.

19. "Mordovia Arena"

Football stadium built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It was founded in 2010. The estimated capacity is over 40 thousand spectators. After the competition and reconstruction, which includes a reduction in the number of stands and the construction of additional space for the placement of sports facilities, the arena will become the home arena for the local FC Mordovia.

20. Park named after A.S. Pushkin

The park was founded in the 19th century, when the first trees were planted in one of the city squares around the church. The final improvement of the city garden was completed by the beginning of the 20th century: a theater worked on the territory, an orchestra performed and festivities took place. In the 1930s, by decision of the authorities, the park's area was increased several times and placed on it dance floors, summer cafes, auditoriums, a cinema and exhibition pavilions.

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