Ulan-Ude

 

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Ulan-Ude is the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, the centre of the rich and beautiful area with an amazing world of nature: boundless steppes and untouched forests, the waters of the legendary lake Baikal. The city is located in the Transbaikalia, in Selenga river valley between the Hamar-Daban and Ulan-Bourgas ridges.

 

The city appeared in 1666 as a Cossack outpost, where Russian Cossacks moved to the east. Scientific sources indicate that from time immemorial there were migratory path of humanity. Trade with neighbouring countries has brought the city fame, trade fairs were organised here each year, which take place to this day. Originally it was called Verhneudinsk and in 1934 it was renamed into Ulan-Ude, which is translated from Buryat language meaning "red river".

 

In the 20th century, the city became one of the important stations on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, which laid the foundation for industrial development of Siberia and the Far East of Russia. In the capital of Buryatia, there are more than 200 monuments of history and culture, archeology, architecture and urban planning. The city is home to more than 100 nationalities - Buryats and Evenki, Russian and Ukrainians, Germans, and Tatars. During the hot summer, a popular sporting event "Surharban" is held here, the frosty winter meet "Sagaalgan" - the New Year on lunar calendar, spring.

 

The main attraction sights are located along Lenina street. Events and meetings are arranged here. The Odigitrievsky cathedral is located at the very begening of the street. It was built in the second half of the 18th century in the name of the icon of the Mother of God Odigitriya. Carved gilded iconostasis is situated inside the cathedral, and close to them is the bell towers and a small refectory. Inside the cathedral there is the center of the deaneries of Buryat district. Now there are Holy Trinity Church, Church of the Ascension, Verhneudinskaya chapel in the name of the prelate Innocent, Irkutsk Church.

 

After passing through the streets, you'll see a lot of 19-century houses, which in the past belonged to merchants. Today, these buildings are made in the spirit of classicism, shops, offices and public institutions are spread. The stone Gostiny Dvor has always occupied a special place in the architectural appearance of the city, which was built in the city center at the expense of merchants in 1830.

 

The most beautiful construction of Ulan-Ude is the building of the Buryat State order of Lenin theatre of opera and ballet. It was erected at the edge of the 12-meter precipice, from where a magnificent view over the city opens. The Ploshad Revolution is the oldest square in the city. In the past, a variety of trade fairs and bazaars were organised there, of which in 17-19 centuries it was called Bazarnaya.

 

Open in the city center on the Pobeda Prospekt, a monument devoted to the epic hero "Geser" became the first horse monument in Ulan-Ude. According to legend, Geser is the son of good deities, who came down to earth to eradicate evil forces and the approval of a bright, good start, so he is a national hero in Buryatia.

A triumphal arch was built in honour of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, who visited the town in 1891 and restored in 2006. A copy of the kings' gates now adorns the streets of Lenina. It was the coat of arms of Russia and the inscription: "20-21 June 1891 - the date of arrival in Verhneudinsk Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich" is made.

 

At 30 kilometers from Ulan-Ude at the foot of the Hamar-Daban ridge is the Ivolginsky Datsan - this Buddhist temple has become the spiritual capital of Buddhism in Russia.

 

On the slopes of the Ulan-Burgasi ridge, near Ulan Ude, is arranged a few tracks for mountain ski lessons and snowboarding - local residents and fans of extreme sports ride here. The area of the Arshan village will be suitable for beginner snowboarders and skiers. Ulan-Ude is the starting point for trekking on the Hamar-Daban ridge. The route passes through the Porozhisty peak, Taltsinsky peak, Sobolinye lake and Chersky peak.