The Volga Republic has been inhabited by ancient tribes since prehistoric times, which was facilitated by its location on the banks of the Volga, in a temperate continental climate. The indigenous population of the Cheremis (now the Mari) began to be mentioned in the annals from the 10th century, and already at that time they closely interacted with the Slavic tribes, despite a rather long time under the yoke of the Tatar yoke. Today in Mari El there are wide opportunities for tourism, both health and educational, during which you can see many local attractions.
Yoshkar-Ola History Museum
Opened about twenty years ago, the history museums of the capital of Mari El, the city of Yoshkar-Ola, is one of the largest in the republic historical museums and a local landmark. It contains about 17 thousand exhibits that tell visitors about the history of the indigenous people - Cheremis - who have inhabited these territories since ancient times. This history is illustrated by numerous archaeological finds, as well as household items of the ancient Mari, their jewelry, clothes, weapons and objects of applied art. Here, visitors can see with their own eyes the reconstructed old trade shop of Tsarevokokshaisk (as Yoshkar-Ola was called before the revolution), as well as a residential building with old attributes and furnishings.
National Park "Mari Forest" ("Mari Chodra")
This park with a total area of \u200b\u200balmost one hundred thousand hectares was created in order to preserve and, if possible, increase the natural resources of the Republic of Mari El. Here you can find tree species typical for these latitudes: pines, spruces, lindens, oaks, aspens, maples, elms and many others. Especially protected are the relict linden-oak forests, in which brown bears, elks, wild boars and other representatives of the fauna of the middle zone are still found. Horse and hiking trails run through the park.
Museum of Applied Arts
Opened in 1999, the Museum of Applied Arts of the Republic of Mari El in Yoshkar-Ola is dedicated to acquainting its visitors with the traditions of the indigenous Mari. Here are a variety of objects and fruits of the labor of local craftsmen: wicker furniture made of bird cherry, carved wooden dishes, skillfully made musical instruments, and national everyday and festive costumes with rich embroidery. The sights regularly host exhibitions of works by contemporary masters from all over the republic.
Tsarevokokshay Kremlin
This complex of historical and educational purposes was opened in the center of Yoshkar-Ola several years ago, but has already become one of the central attractions of the Republic of Mari El. In ancient times, on the site of the Kremlin there were city fortifications, which have not survived, since they were built of wood. Then the city market was located here, and after the Revolution - the central square. Today it is a city park, enclosed by a massive wall with four towers; specially cast cannons are placed along the wall. On its territory there is a church, cozy benches for walking, as well as information stands scattered about the history of the city. There is also the Yoshkar-Ola Archaeological Museum and the only monument to its founder Fyodor Ioannovich.
Museum of Peasant Labor and Life
This landmark of the Republic of Mari El is often referred to in guidebooks as the Museum of Bells. This is due to the fact that a unique collection of bells and bells of various purposes, produced at different times in Russia, is exhibited here. In fact, there are just over a hundred of them, which is only a small part of the 2 thousand exhibits of the attraction. In addition to bells, a variety of tools are presented here, with the help of which, many centuries ago, the indigenous Mari cultivated the land, grazed cattle, built dwellings and created comfort in them. Here you can also find objects of local applied arts, exhibitions of contemporary works, as well as photographs of the past years.
Pugachev's oak
This ancient tree, native to the Mari Chodra Park, is one of the few plants listed as a national treasure and a local landmark. This powerful oak tree in Mari El, whose age, according to experts, has already exceeded four centuries, is famous for the fact that it was from its branches that the famous Emelyan Pugachev watched the fire in Kazan, which he himself staged in revenge for the city's unwillingness to surrender to his mercy ...
Sculpture "Tree of Life"
This bronze monument is installed in the central city park of the capital of Mari El Yoshkar-Ola and is a kind of landmark of the city. It depicts an old man, a man and a boy who, under the shade of a small tree, play traditional Mari musical instruments - a harp, a flute and a drum. The attraction is intended to personify the connection between generations, as well as the historical and cultural heritage republics.
It is an ornate fabulous palace, with dark red walls and a green roof. Windows and doors in a snow-white frame. Graceful turrets in the Old Russian style and battlements in the Gothic style. The palace can hardly be attributed to any one architectural direction. There is a successful combination of several. Further, seven columns support the glass dome of the winter garden. The interior of the castle is incomparable. Especially noteworthy is the sophistication of the "Eastern Study", "Picture Gallery", "Oak Room". And also there are magnificent fireplaces. One of them even contains a slab found during excavations in Pompeii.
After admiring the castle, you can stop for a rest here. There is a good hotel in the Sheremetyev estate, and a cozy cafe is located very close by. In addition, here, as in the entire republic, you can admire the amazing landscapes to your heart's content.
Museums
Continuing to describe the sights of Mari El, the photos of which are presented in the article, one cannot but tell about the museum of the city of Yoshkar-Ola. Those wishing to learn about the history of the republic can visit it. You can learn more about the traditions of the indigenous people at the Museum of Applied Arts. It is housed in a modest one-story building with an attic. Also in the city there is a museum of peasant labor and life. Its "highlight" is a rich collection of bells and bells.
Quite recently, the Tsarevokokshay Kremlin was built in the center of the capital. An imposing old Russian fortress made of red bricks, walls and towers covered with a green roof, resembles the scenery for a historical film. This complex contains a church, an archaeological museum and a monument to the founder of the city, Fyodor Ioannovich.
Attractions of Mari El: photo and description
There is an unusual street sculpture in Yoshkar-Ola. Yoshkin cat is called. A representative of the bronze feline family sat imposingly on the bench, smiling indulgently at the passers-by.
Let's continue to describe the sights of Mari El. A very significant monument was opened five years ago. This is a bronze sculpture depicting the great Russian poet A.S. Pushkin and his most famous hero, Eugene Onegin.
What other interesting sights of Mari El? In the Italian park of Yoshkar-Ola, a sculptural composition "Lorenzo di Piero de Medici the Magnificent" was recently installed, which symbolizes the triumph of science and art.
Churches and cathedrals
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity is a monument of Russian church architecture. With the advent of Soviet power, she suffered the same fate as many temples in the country. It was closed and almost destroyed. The restored temple impresses with its magnificence and marvelous architecture.
What other interesting sights of Mari El? For example, the Orthodox shrine of the capital of the republic is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. It is directed to the sky with its high towers a building with reddish walls with white stripes that visually increase the height of the building. Green roofs and golden domes attract the eyes of a traveler amazed by this beauty for a long time.
In 2007, the Annunciation Tower was built in the central part of the city. The building is 55 meters high and resembles a fragment of the Kremlin. Equipped with the most accurate clock, which is controlled by satellite.
Conclusion
Now you know the main attractions of Mari El. Photos with a description for clarity are presented in the article. We hope that the sights of the republic and information about them were of interest to you.
The Republic of Mari El is located on the Volga River, in the very center of the Volga region. This region is famous not only for its forests, but also for its historical and cultural attractions. Let's find out about the most interesting places that must be visited in the Republic of Mari El.
Sheremetyev Castle (Yurino village)
The castle was erected in 1880, and its construction was started by the landowner Vasily Sheremetyev, the grandson of the very same Count Sheremetyev, who served Peter the Great. Inside the castle, there were about a hundred rooms, some of which housed galleries with paintings by famous artists.
The architecture of the castle is dominated by neo-Gothic, east style and baroque. Since the beginning of the 90s and up to now, the object has been actively restored - today the outer part has been completely restored, while the inner rooms need repair and restoration.
Ethnographic Open Air Museum
The museum was opened in 1983 and is located in the city of Kozmodemyansk. There are more than 60 buildings and buildings and 7000 exhibits that tell about the life, customs and peculiarities of the life of the mountain Mari.
The museum contains monuments of architecture, tools, cultural objects of the ancient Mari. The historian was able to restore the dwellings and important architectural structures of the people from archival documents.
Lake Sea Eye
The lake is geographically located in the Volzhsky region in the village of Shariboxad. They were formed about 20 thousand years ago as a result of the failure of karst rocks. The lake has an unusual green water color and a perfect oval shape, which is surrounded by growing trees.
The lake is shrouded in many legends and mystical theories. One of the popular legends says that a girl and a boy lived in this village, who loved each other very much. On their wedding day, they learned the terrible truth - they are blood brothers and sisters. This did not stop the lovers and they decided to get married. Then the gods were angry with them - at the time of the wedding feast the earth opened up and took the newlyweds and guests of the celebration with it, and a lake was formed at the place of the failure. They say that you can still hear wedding songs from the side of the lake.
Stone adits in Sernur region
There are unique man-made caves in the village of Gornyak. When approaching the village, you can see an Atlanta holding a large boulder in his arms. The total length of the cave is 300 meters. Inside are stalactites, ice accumulations and bats' nests. The stone adits have been preserved as a tribute to the memory of the ancient craft of the people - the extraction of stone rocks.
Unfortunately, the adits are now closed to tourists due to the risk of collapse.
Green key
This spring is one of the attractions of the village of Klenovaya Gora and is located next to the flowing river Ilet. Green Key is one of the largest sources of the Republic. The water contains many minerals and helps to treat diseases of the stomach, liver, and genitourinary system. That is why the Klenovaya Gora sanatorium is located next to the Green Key.
Lake Tabashinskoe (Zryv)
The lake is located in the village of Tabashino and is the deepest body of water in the Volga region - its depth reaches 170 meters. Until recently, it was believed that the depth is about 60 meters, but new studies have refuted this information.
The Pizhanka River flows out of the reservoir, and on the shore is the Floro-Lavra Church, which was built in 1898.
Lake Mushan-Er
Mushan-Er is a system of lakes located on the territory of the reserve "MariyChodra". The system consists of three lakes, which stretch one after another in a chain. The largest of the reservoirs has a length of 1,116 meters.
On the shore of one of the lakes, Kyusoto is located - this is a sacred grove where the Mari worship their gods.
What attracts tourists to the Volga Republic? Where do its indigenous people live and what beliefs have survived here? Traveling to the central regions of Russia is gaining popularity, and tourists who come to Mari El get many vivid impressions from their visit to Yoshkar-Ola and other Mari cities.
Content:Climate, population and where to stay
The territory of Mari El lies in the temperate continental climate zone. In summer, especially in July, it can be hot here - up to + 28 ° С, and in winter the thermometer drops to -20 ° С and below. The coldest month of the year is January. This should be taken into account when choosing clothes for a trip to Mari El.
Mironositsky Convent
The republic is not very densely populated; only 682 thousand people live in it. Relatively big City - Yoshkar-Ola, where about a third of the total population or 277 thousand people live.
Today, most of the indigenous inhabitants of Mari El are Orthodox Christians, but 10-15% of the Mari continue to adhere to traditional beliefs. The peoples of Mari El use the lunar calendar. They revere several major gods. The ceremonies are held in the Sacred Groves or Kyusoto, of which about five hundred have survived. The main prayers or “tunya kumaltysh” take place once every five years, and Mari from all over Russia come to it.
When traveling in Mari El, it is most convenient to rent an apartment or rent a hotel room in Yoshkar-Ola. Those who want to travel to the regions can stay at recreation centers, guest houses, boarding houses, estates and campgrounds that receive tourists in different regions of the republic.
Church of the Holy Trinity in Yoshkar-Ola
What to see in Yoshkar-Ola
The main Mari city was founded in 1584 and at that time was called Tsarevokokshaisk. He was an outpost of Russia in the Zavolzhsky region and served to pacify the rebellious local residents... Today Yoshkar-Ola has many interesting sights, and since the city is small in size, it is easy to get around them on foot.
In the center is a complex of copies of the Moscow Kremlin monuments. In the capital of Mari El, you can see the Annunciation and Spasskaya Towers, a copy of the famous Tsar Cannon and even the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which looks like the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed. The Russian capital is 650 km away from here. Therefore, the Mari decided not to waste energy on a long journey, but to admire the Moscow monuments at home.
Travelers are surprised that several theaters and museums are open in a relatively small town. But, perhaps, Yoshkar-Ola is best known for its original monuments. All the guests of the Mari capital come to one of them - Yoshka's cat. A carefree bronze cat on a bench greets tourists on Lenin Square, near the building of the National Art Gallery.
Lake Sea Eye
In the central park you can see the tree of life sculptural group. It symbolizes the continuity of the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the republic. Voskresenskaya embankment is decorated with a sculpture of Alexander Pushkin, who is talking with his literary hero - Eugene Onegin. And on Sovetskaya Street in the Mari capital, an unusual monument has been erected ... a simple hammer.
Rest at nature
Most tourists travel to Mari El for its natural beauty. On the territory of the republic are popular hiking trails and horseback riding, and in winter people come here to go skiing.
The Mari rivers and lakes have long been chosen by fans of water tourism who like to spend their vacation time on kayaks and catamarans. Rafting on the rivers Bolshaya and Malaya Kokshaga, Bolshoy and Maly Kundysh is popular in the republic. Tourists pay attention to Vetluga, Ilet, Irovka, Lazh, Lunda, Nemdu, Rutka, Yuronga and Yushut. The picturesque Mari lakes are very attractive - Yurinskoye, Bolshoye Stepankino, Irir-Er, Kar-Yar, Mary-Er, Bruchan, Kichier and others.
Sheremetev Castle in Yurino from a bird's eye view
Near the village of Shariboxad, in the Volga region, there is a real natural pearl - the Sea Eye karst lake. It lies on a mountain elephant and reaches a depth of 38.5 m. unusual body of water has a bright turquoise color, and its transparency reaches 5.5 m. In the summer heat at the surface, the lake water heats up to + 20 ° С, and at a depth its temperature does not exceed + 4 ° С.
Fans of speleotourism visit the beautiful Nolka Caves. Many years ago, there were adits at this place, where building stone and crushed stone were mined. Even in summer it is cool inside the Mari caves. Stalactites, stalagmites and sleeping bats can be seen on the walls and vaults. Nearby are ancient millstones, the size of a man's height. Previously, such devices for grinding grain were used in Mari mills and sold in other provinces of Russia.
Tourists love traveling to the picturesque Mari Chodra National Park. On the territory of the Middle Volga region, the cleanest lakes, rivers and mighty mixed forests. IN natural park bears, lynxes, moose, foxes, hares and squirrels live. Among birds, wood grouses, vendace, green woodpeckers, osprey and orioles nest here - a total of 188 bird species, 11 of which are listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God in the city of Kozmodemyansk (1698)
What to see in different parts of the republic
People come to the old town of Kozmodemyansk to visit a wonderful ethnographic museum, where samples of peasant buildings, wells, barns and a mill are exhibited in the open air. Lovers of antiquity must visit the majestic Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and the old Streletskaya chapel.
In the Volga region of the republic there is a huge Pugachev oak covered with legends. It rises on Maple Mountain - one of the places of pilgrimage for tourists. According to legend, it was near this tree that one of Pugachev's detachments stopped, and the rebels buried their treasures near a noticeable oak. Today the tree rises from the ground by 26 m, and its trunk diameter exceeds 1.6 m. According to the latest biologists, the age of the Mari oak is more than 400 years.
Connoisseurs of Russian architecture lay routes through the old Mari estates. One of the most noticeable -. The former count's estate in the late neo-Gothic style was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Chapel of the Savior Image Not Made by Hands (Streletskaya Chapel) in Kozmodemyansk
Fishing
It is very good to come to Mari El for fishing! Fish are caught here on rivers and lakes, and fishermen are never left without a catch. True, the amount of trophies depends on luck, experience and skill.
Most often they fish on the Volga and Vetluga. These rivers are rich in pike, walleye, perch, carp and bream, and are especially popular with those who want to catch a big catch. Fishing places are considered to be the coast near the town of Zvenigovo, near the village of Dubovsky and near the town of Volzhsk. In the Mari River Ilet, you can catch pike, perch, crucian carp and roach, and on the lakes, pike, crucian carp, tench, catfish and chub take well.
Mari souvenirs
Nobody leaves Mari El without gifts. What kind of souvenirs do tourists buy most often? Many people like to take home pictures of Yoshka's cat. One of the main symbols of Yoshkar-Ola can be seen on souvenir mugs, magnets, key chains, T-shirts and even bottles of vodka.
Church of Michael the Archangel in the village of Yurino
Vodka is willingly brought from the Mari capital. Local shops sell different varieties, including bottles labeled "Yoshkin Cat". Such vodka is not supplied outside the republic, therefore it can become an original souvenir from Mari El.
Those who like strong alcohol do not disregard the “Mari El Lights” balm infused with local herbs. It is sold in bottles and clay containers with national ornaments.
Excellent cheeses are produced in the republic. Today, Mari cheeses are considered one of the most delicious in our country. Sernur cheese factory produces excellent cheeses, cottage cheese and bio-yoghurts from goat and sheep milk. In addition, pickled mushrooms and sausages from the Zvenigovsky meat-packing plant can be recommended as tasty souvenirs.
Those with a sweet tooth do not leave without the products of the Povolzhya Sweets confectionery company. A 2 kg box with delicious waffles, cookies, marmalade, marshmallows, sherbet and sweets can be an excellent souvenir to remember a trip to Mari El. Want even more? You are welcome! In Mari El, boxes of sweets weighing 4.4 kg are sold.
Sights of nature in Mari El are natural heritage monuments with interesting story... Sights of nature Mari El are natural heritage monuments with an interesting history. Many places are unique and of national importance. Many places are unique and of national importance. Sanatoriums, reserves, natural national parks have been created and are operating. Sanatoriums, nature reserves, natural national parks have been created and are operating.
The Republic of Mari El is located in the east of the East European Plain in the middle part of the Volga River basin. From the north, north-east and east, our republic borders on the Kirov region. From the south-east and south with the Republics of Tatarstan and Chuvashia, and in the west and north-west - with the Nizhny Novgorod region. The length of its borders exceeds 1200 km, and the total area is 23.3 thousand square kilometers. The capital of Mari-El is Yoshkar-Ola. There are many interesting things in the Republic of Mari-El. Let's see some of the natural sights that our native land is rich in.
Sea Eye From the depths of the karst hole, the Sea Eye looks at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. It was christened so for its regular round shape and amazing, emerald color of water. This color is given to the lake by green algae. According to one version, the reservoir appeared 20 thousand years ago - back in the ice age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye. From the depths of the karst sinkhole, the Sea Eye looks at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. It was christened for its regular round shape and amazing emerald color of water. This color is given to the lake by green algae. According to one version, the reservoir appeared 20 thousand years ago - back in the Ice Age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye.
Castle of Count Sheremetyev On the left bank of the Volga, in the settlement of Yurino, a castle similar to a medieval one, with crenellated towers, with colored stained-glass windows, and a dome of a winter garden, attracts the attention of tourists. This is the castle of Count Sheremetyev. Filled with legends, it beckons with an unknown mystery and peculiar beauty. On the left bank of the Volga, in the village of Yurino, tourists are attracted by a castle similar to a medieval one, with crenellated towers, colored stained-glass windows, and a dome of a winter garden. This is the castle of Count Sheremetyev. Filled with legends, it beckons with an unknown mystery and peculiar beauty.
Church of the Archangel Michael In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevo castle, among the trees, the Archangel Michael Church rises majestically - one of the most magnificent Orthodox structures in the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region. In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevsky castle, among the trees, the temple of the Archangel Michael rises majestically - one of the most magnificent Orthodox structures in the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region.
National park "Mari Chodra" Founded in 1985, the National Park "Mari Chodra" is an interesting natural-territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outlets of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (sinkhole, inter-dune, floodplain). Founded in 1985, the Mari Chodra National Park is an interesting natural-territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outlets of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (sinkhole, inter-dune, floodplain).
Pugachev's Oak Located on the Maple Mountain National Park "Mari Chodra" is an interesting natural-territorial complex. The oldest specimen of oak, named Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the shade of this oak, EI Pugachev stayed overnight with his detachment. Oak differs sharply in its size among the stand. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, the diameter of which is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier. The Mari Chodra National Park, located on Maple Mountain, is an interesting natural and territorial complex. The oldest specimen of oak, named Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the shade of this oak, EI Pugachev stayed overnight with his detachment. Oak differs sharply in its size among the stand. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, the diameter of which is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier.
Reserve "Bolshaya Kokshaga" The state reserve "Bolshaya Kokshaga" was established on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of southern taiga and deciduous forests. The reserve preserves intact plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are habitats for animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants. The state reserve "Bolshaya Kokshaga" was established on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of the southern taiga and deciduous forests. The reserve preserves intact plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are habitats for animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants.
Green Key At the foot of the Maple Mountain, a sulphate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium spring flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs flowing directly from the ground. The largest of these is called the Green Key. At the foot of the Maple Mountain, a sulphate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium spring flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs flowing directly from the ground. The largest of these is called the Green Key.
Stone mountain Stone Mountain is a large hill, on the surface of which a stone emerges. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes, there is a dense forest. Stone Mountain is a large hill, on the surface of which a stone emerges. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes, there is a dense forest.
Immediately after Atlanta with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak village. There, in the woods behind the village, far from prying eyes and well-groomed paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, cut by hand by people. Since ancient times, they have mined millstone for mills. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside - permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, the ice does not melt in the caves. Immediately after Atlanta with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak village. There, in the woods behind the village, far from prying eyes and well-groomed paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, cut by hand by people. Since ancient times, they have mined millstone for mills. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside - permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, the ice does not melt in the caves.
