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 XVIII century. the fortress lost its defensive significance, and the polis turned into a large handicraft and shopping center 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 on saturated 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 of Russia".
Among the many interesting things to see in Saransk for its guests, sights of significant significance stand out. Their images adorn 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. Sovetskaya, 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. The majestic building, whose gilded domes rise 60 meters above the ground, makes a stunning 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 pylon made of black granite, 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 architectural ensemble was complemented by an arched colonnade, 54 m long. Between two rows of pillars, 10 pylons were erected, 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 - the 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 respectable. 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 palace of the Muses, which has 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 Andreevsky 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. The bronze statue of the admiral, canonized, rises above the 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 the pillar. The Muse floating 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 to fill their leisure time, travelers have to make a difficult choice. There are several very interesting museums, 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 housed in the building of the former Trinity Church, a wonderful 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 home front workers, committed 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 soldiers from the front. Visitors' attention is attracted by a mosaic panel depicting soldiers of the Soviet army who replaced them at 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 religious 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 Posop settlement was completely dilapidated. As a result, it was decided to build a stone church for numerous parishioners. It was consecrated in 1906, after construction workslasting 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. Democratic, 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 of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation.
- 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 characteristic of 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 came 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. Pervomaiskaya, 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 feline family, the power of the clubfoot 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 how 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 simply walk around the comfortable natural recreation, covering an area of \u200b\u200babout 40 hectares, enjoying the beauty of artificial reservoirs, admiring monuments, fountains, 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.
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. He has repeatedly been included in the top six of the most livable and safe russian cities... 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. A monument to the family is erected nearby - 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.
- Victory Square. The memorial complex, on the territory of which there are several museums dedicated to military art and technology, a chapel, a monument to soldiers who died during the First World War, an Eternal Flame and other structures, among which the statue of Mother Mordovia, depicted as a woman in a national costume, stands out. 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. There are many attractions in the park, a Ferris wheel, from the height of which you can see the whole city, and there is also a zoo with exotic animals.
Temnikov
One of the ancient cities of Mordovia. Temnikovskaya fortress was erected in 1536 on the site of the village of Stary Gorod 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 burghers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are still preserved, and architectural buildings practically did not change their original appearance.
Sivin
A village 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 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, historian B. N. Gvozdev, 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
Telephone: 8 (8343) 32‑74-65
Website: zapoved-mordovia.ru
Working hours: 00:00 - 00:00 Mon-Sun, Tue - day off
Cost: admission 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 the Alatyr.
The park was opened in March 1995. Currently, its area is more than thirty-six hectares, on which there are broadleaf and coniferous forests. 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 natural monument republican significance, since many species of fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world live in it; 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. Here 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
Telephone: 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
Telephone: 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.
Before going abroad, you should think about whether you want to visit interesting places in your country? For example, the Republic of Mordovia, the attractions of which are described below, can become an excellent place for cultural recreation and enjoying nature.
Culture of Mordovia
The expositions of the Mordovian United Kingdom are considered to be modern large museum complexes in the republic. local history museum (it also has nine regional branches), the Mordovian Republican Museum of Fine Arts (this institution has three branches), the Temnikovsky Museum of History and Local Lore, as well as the Museum of Military and Labor Feat and many others.
The beginning of the last century brought fame all over the world to a local sculptor who became famous for his work. He owes his pseudonym to the name of one of the Mordovian peoples. The significance of his work is recognized by experts from many countries, and has also become widely known in the republic itself. They try to promote his creations, because in them he emphasized the peculiarities of the local culture.
Saransk
Saransk fortress was built in the middle XVII centurywhere the rivers, called Insar and Saranka, merge, from which the name of the city later came. It survived the era of peasant wars, was besieged and taken by Stepan Razin and his troops. Already in the 18th century, the detachments of Emelyan Pugachev entered the city, whom the population greeted with great honor.
If you have a little free time, to get acquainted with it, you should try to look, at least, at the building of the Nativity of the Theotokos monastery, where the grave of Admiral Ushakov is also located.
Temnikov
The city of Temnikov is considered to be the oldest in. Sights, the photos of which you can see below, include the building of the famous local history museum, as well as many old buildings that convey the atmosphere of past centuries. In addition, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in Temnikov. Also here you can see the exposition of the house-museum of the composer L.I. Voinova.
Mordovia reserve
The territory of the Mordovia State Natural Reserve is located in the Temnikovsky District (Republic of Mordovia). The sights listed in this article cannot be covered without it. The reserve is located in the vicinity of the Pushty village. Here you can also see the exposition of the Museum of Nature, which includes a large number of samples of flora and fauna of the region, as well as photographs. In the reserve, a significant area is occupied by woodland. Also, some protected species of animals live there, including deer, beavers, black storks, etc.
Famous people
Republic of Mordovia (attractions and famous people described in this article) is proud of famous people who grew up and lived in its territory. There is information about Protopop Avvakum's belonging to it, as well as others. In addition, the legendary divisional commander and singer Lydia Ruslanova is considered the Mordvin.
Among those living today should be noted the singer Nadezhda Kadysheva, model Natalia Vodianova, artist Nikas Safronov. If we talk about the Mokshans, then it is worth mentioning Nikolai Mordvinov, who was a famous public figure in the 19th century, as well as the hero of the Soviet Union, Andrei Kizhevatov, who defended the Brest Fortress during the Great Patriotic War. In addition, the Saransk researchers discovered that Vasily Shukshin also had Mordovian roots.
Mordvin is a famous hockey player Several years ago, a famous actor of French origin Gerard Depardieu came to the republic. It was here that he was located immediately after he took Russian citizenship. The actor was well received by representatives of the authorities and ordinary people in the city of Saransk. The newspapers reported that Depardieu promised to buy real estate in the Republic of Mordovia.
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 pretty interesting place, where will be, what to see for tourists.
The first step is to walk through the squares and streets, while glancing 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
An 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 XX century, historical buildings, alas, have not survived. The oldest building - former House 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 territory and is perfectly adapted for walking and organizing mass 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
A 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 been successfully developing 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, in the 1970s it was renamed in honor of S.D. Erzya, the famous Mordovian sculptor. The basis of the collections is made up of his works, as well as the works of a 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 on 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, 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 museum collection is part of 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 there 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, it not only did not suffer during the persecution of religion, but even in the 1960s it was declared an 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 for that time architectural styleimitating 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 is crowned with 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 competitions 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.
Saransk was founded in 1641 as a fortress with the name Saransk Ostrozhek (from the word Sara - swampy floodplain). The fortress was built of wooden logs, square in plan with towers at the corners, in the center of the walls and with one tower inside.
By the 18th century, the wooden fortress had fallen into disrepair, the city had turned from a defense city into a trade and craft city, and the streets began to be built up according to a rectangular layout.
Since 1991 Saransk has been the capital of the Republic of Mordovia and has a population of just over 300 thousand people. Not a trace of the historical fortress remained, and for the 2018 World Cup, the city center was rebuilt beyond recognition, so it was very interesting to go and look at the "new clothes" of Saransk.
First Saransk train Station was built in 1893. In the early 1940s. the station square was expanded, and the station building was rebuilt in the style of Soviet constructivism with columns and statues. 
In 2009, the Soviet railway station was demolished and a new building was erected in its place. railway station, now it looks like this: 
A monument to the stratonauts is erected in the center of the station square.
Stratonaut - a person who flew into the stratosphere on a stratospheric balloon.
Monument to the heroes-stratonauts installed in Saransk in 1963 in honor of three pilots who crashed during the descent in the south of Mordovia. 
By lenin Avenue we go to the center of Saransk. What an interesting color scheme for fences, only the sign “Attention! Fence!" 
The central streets in Saransk are duplicated in Mordovian (Erzya and Moksha) languages. Erzya and Moksha are two subethnos of the Mordovian people. It is very pleasing that the small peoples of Russia do not forget about their roots. 
House of Unions (Lenin Avenue, 12) was built in 1957, ranked as an architectural monument of regional importance, it is not touched. And behind the House of Unions there is an absurd plastic box, this is the Ministry of Finance. 
I met on the way fox with cubs... The fox is a symbol of Saransk, it is depicted on the emblem of the city, as an indicator of the wealth of the Mordovian forests with a valuable fur animal. 
At the address Lenin Avenue, 11 is gymnasium number 12... In 1934, a school was built on this site, which in 1991 received the status of a gymnasium. 
In 2001, the reconstruction was completed and the building changed beyond recognition, now the 12th gymnasium looks like this: 
Here comes ministry of Finance closer (street Kommunisticheskaya 33/1), isn't it a terrible building, probably built in the 2000s. 
And this is how the same building looked before, without the ugly extension and plastic trim: 
Good that national Bank of the Republic of Mordovia occupies an old Stalinist building, otherwise it would look the same as the Ministry of Finance. 
House of the Republic - the residence of the Head of the Republic of Mordovia. Located on Sovetskaya Square. Built in 1987, and it's even strange that it was not rebuilt into plastic nonsense. 
Here, on Sovetskaya Square, there is another Soviet building untouched by plastic - House of Sovietsdecorated with a Mordovian pattern. The building was built in 1939, now it houses the State Assembly of the Republic of Mordovia. 
Soviet square – oldest square of the city, is a pedestrian section of Sovetskaya Street. And not a single shop. Why? 
Building saransk administration was built in 1915, initially it housed a merchant club and a teachers' seminary. The building was given the status of an architectural monument of the history and culture of Saransk at the beginning of the 20th century. 
The corner house with a clock and a boarded-up front entrance (Krasnoarmeyskaya st., 47) is incredibly attracting attention. 
The city clock did not appear on the house right away. In the photo from about the 60s. you can see the same house without a clock. Then this section of the street was still passable. 
Victory Square - memorial part of Saransk. There is an eternal flame, a monument to those who died in the Great Patriotic War and a very strange at first glance building - a museum of military and labor exploits. 
Museum of Military and Labor Feat was opened in 1995. As conceived by the architect, the building is made in the form of the borders of Mordovia, and on top is decorated with a kokoshnik with copper medallions. To add mourning, the museum is faced with granite slabs in the colors of the St. George ribbon. To be honest, this whole structure looks ridiculous and even frightening. 
Eternal flame and monument to the soldiers of Mordovia who fell in the Great Patriotic Warestablished in 1970. The sculpture depicts Mother Mordovia giving a sword to her son-soldier. Columns with a memorial wall were installed in 2005. 
In 2000 was built chapel of Alexander Nevsky (red). 
Newbie cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov was built in 2006. 
Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov was a talented Russian naval commander and admiral, won 43 naval battles and did not suffer a single defeat, did not lose a single ship in battles, and not a single subordinate was captured. Since 2001 he was canonized by the Russian orthodox Church as a locally revered saint of the Saransk and Mordovian diocese.
Monument to Admiral Ushakov was installed on the cathedral square also in 2006. 
To the right of cathedral can be found family monumentinstalled here in 2008. The monument is located as if the family is heading to the temple, cleverly thought up. 
Wedding Palace (Sovetskaya street, 47a) - another collective farm plastic box. 
On one side of the cathedral square is the Rio shopping mall and some kind of space office building. 
On the other side is the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Mordovia. 
Main post office, you are awesome! (Bolshevistskaya st., 31) 
The new building was built in 2013 on the site of the old main post office, which stood for 77 years (from 1934 to 2011). 
What could not be demolished is being built with fiberglass on all sides.
Republican Children's Library, opened since 1960. In 2010, Ogarev Plaza was built next to the library. 
Or the 26th building of the Mordovian State University, next to it the construction of a hotel is nearing completion (screen from google maps). 
Came out on Millennium Square... It was built in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with the peoples of Russia, which was in 2012. 
Previously, this site was the location of the central sports stadium "Svetotekhnika". Until 2010, it was the home arena of the Mordovia football club. In the summer of 2010, the demolition of the stadium began, on the site of which Millennium Square was built. 
A fountain and a universal sports hall "Arena Mordovia" have been erected in the center of Millennium Square. It's good that it is signed on the card, otherwise you might accidentally think that this is just another shopping center. 
New first building of Moscow State University (Mordovian state University) named after Ogarev - the Chinese version of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (Moscow State University).
The U-shaped extension next to it is the administrative and library (main) building, they did not demolish and rebuild it, they just covered it with plastic. Now the main building looks far from being the main one. 
The old first building was built in the 40s, in 2011 it was demolished. The construction of the new building was completed in 2016. 
National Library. A.S. Pushkin (Bohdana Khmelnitskogo St., 26) was founded in 1899, and moved to the current building in 1970. In 2009, a new 9-storey building was added to the library building, and floors were added to the old building and double-glazed windows were inserted. 
This is how the old building looked like before reconstruction. Even somehow disrespectful for the library. 
We turn to Bohdan Khmelnitsky. 
The gray plastic box is an entertainment complex.
Further, the yellow building is the hotel "Meridian". This is a new building. Before him, a mansion was built on this site in 1947, where important guests of Saransk stayed. Since 2000, it has housed a children's medical institution. In 2010, the mansion was demolished and the current building appeared in its place.
Red building - State Musical Theater. I. M. Yausheva, also new building in 2011. 
Republican Palace of Culture (Proletarskaya street, 39), was completely rebuilt in 2012. 
It was originally built in 1974 and looked just awful. But what it was rebuilt looks at least ridiculous. 
A communist street, again fences with striped posts and another blue shopping center on the horizon. Oh no, this is the main post office. 
The last attraction that we will see in Saransk is the museum fine arts them. S. D. Erzi (street Kommunisticheskaya, 61).
Stepan Dmitrievich Erzya (real name - Nefyodov) - Russian and Soviet artist, sculptor, master of wood sculpture, representative of the Art Nouveau style. The pseudonym reflects the artist's belonging to the Erzya ethnic group within the Mordovian peoples.
The museum has been operating since 1958, then it was still located in the building of the fire station. In 1976, a new building was erected, which still receives visitors. 
If you have time, be sure to visit the Erzya Museum. 
