Top 15 attractions of Chita, Russia

Chita is the capital of the Trans-Baikal Territory. At the time of formation, it was referred to only as a “city without a population”: the number of citizens was so small. A notable event in its history was the decision of the authorities to exile the Decembrists here. They primarily influenced the cultural sphere. In addition, the military and representatives of law enforcement agencies were needed to protect the opposition. This contributed to growth, and later the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway helped to connect remote Chita with the center of the country.

The geographical position protected the city from many upheavals taking place in the country. Therefore, architectural monuments could be preserved in almost unchanged form. For example, the main post office is located in a historic building, just like 125 years ago. And the former church built in the 18th century sheltered the museum of the Decembrists.

What to see and where to go in Chita?

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

Lenin Square

It has existed since the middle of the 19th century. It was called Sofia, and then Novosobornaya. It began to be ennobled after the construction of a temple on it. Since 1938, the district has been gradually brought to its present form. Then alleys were planted, the territory was asphalted, and a monument to Lenin was erected. Monuments of architecture are located on all sides. For example, the post office building or Polutov's apartment building, which became the mayor's office.

Museum "Church of the Decembrists"

A collection of almost a thousand exhibits is stored in the Old Chita Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Church. This monument of Russian wooden architecture of the 18th century is remarkable in itself. The collection tells about the life of the Decembrists in hard labor. Some exiles got married in this church and came to pray. Members of their families are buried nearby. Now the church is not functioning, and the museum inside was opened in 1985.

Titovskaya Sopka

It belongs to the mountain system of the Chersky ridge. Once this hill was a volcano. Its height is almost 445 meters. In different periods, the territory was studied and many archaeological and paleontological values ​​were found. Among them were the remains of mammoth tusks, petroglyphs and burials from the Bronze Age. In 2002, on the site of the previously installed cross, the chapel of St. Alexander Nevsky was built.

Chita datsan

Before the revolution, there was a Buddhist temple in the city, but it was destroyed. The new one was laid only in 2002, and the consecration ceremony took place in 2010. Regular services are held in the monastery, as well as special events on the occasion of major holidays. The Chita datsan is one of the most modern in terms of equipment. In addition, some of the materials used in its construction are recycled plastic bottles.

Kazan Cathedral

It was built on the site of the old stadium on the station square in 2001. A particle of the relics of Sergius of Radonezh is laid in the foundation. The architectural style is Vladimir-Suzdal, and the combination of colors in the external design is not quite typical for temples. Included in the list of the largest cathedrals in the Far East and Siberia. The main bell of 13 weighs about 10 tons. One of the relics is a shrine with the relics of St. Barlaam of Chikoy.

Trans-Baikal Regional Museum of Local Lore

Since its foundation in 1895, the museum has collected more than 190 thousand items in the funds. Moving from exposition to exposition, tourists study the culture and history of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The visitor has access to installations that repeat the way of life of indigenous peoples, materials related to the Decembrists, archeological finds and examples of local art. The museum building is an architectural monument.

Zabaikalsky Regional Drama Theater

It was formed in 1937, but the troupe was disbanded several times. Initially it was musical, the profile had to be changed due to the peculiarities of the organization of the theater. In 1970, the team was given a new building. The repertoire is dominated by classical works. The theater carries out extensive side activities. The stage and costumes are rented, tours from other cities are accepted, creative evenings are held.

Museum and Exhibition Center of the Trans-Baikal Territory

The history of the center began with an exhibition in 1980. The best specimens were left in a newly built building and made the base for the future museum. The second round of development was in 2009, when the center was fully operational. The exposition includes several collections, including "Jewellery Art of the Urals", "Art of Transbaikal Artists", "Russian Folk Toy", "Bone Carving Art of the Northern Peoples".

Puppet theater "Far Far Away Kingdom"

Created in 1935. It received its current name only in 2008. At the same time, the building was closed for renovation. It lasted until 2015, and the artists gave performances in their former rehearsal room. Various types of puppets are used in the performances: puppets, flatbeds, reeds, glove puppets. In total, there are about 40 productions in the repertoire, focused on different age categories.

Shumov's Palace

The project was originally much larger. By 1914, the construction of the first part of it was completed, but the second part was not crossed. However, even in its current form, the eclectic and baroque palace turned out to stand out from the surrounding buildings. The interiors are decorated with stucco and all sorts of small decor details. Part of the decoration was preserved, despite the fact that the building changed owners and purpose.

Main post office building

Erected in 1893 according to the project of M. Arnold. A savings bank was added to the post and telegraph office a few years later. A year later, a consumer society started operating. It contributed to the emergence of the library. From here they stretched lines for telephone conversations. One of the first connected Chita with Khabarovsk. Until now, the architectural monument is used for its original purpose.

Monument "Love and fidelity"

Opened in 2011 along with the square of the same name. A. Grigoryan was the author of the project. The monument is symbolic for the city. Here, including in the area where the sculptural group appeared, the wives of the Decembrists lived. They followed their husbands into exile, so they became a symbol of love and fidelity. The monument depicts a young couple. There is no doubt about the sincerity of the feelings of these two.

Transbaikal Botanical Garden

It has been working full-time since 1990. Its activity is connected with two main tasks: education of the population and increase in the species diversity of plants in the region. On the basis of the botanical garden, research is being carried out to make species atypical for the region more adapted to the new environment. There are also thematic excursions that are interesting for different generations.

Victory Park

The memorial of military and labor glory was opened in Victory Park in 1975. So the city celebrated the 30th anniversary of the end of the war. The central part of the composition - five steles - according to the number of years of the Great Patriotic War. In the foreground there is a sculptural group "The Moment of Victory" and an eternal flame is burning. Nearby, the names of the heroes who gave their lives for the sake of the country are engraved on the plates. The list is replenished, thanks to the archives.

ODORA Park

An unremarkable wasteland was brought into proper form at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Then an agricultural exhibition of achievements of Transbaikalia was held in the city. The garden was named after Zhukovsky. Over time, attractions filled the territory, a fountain and several statues appeared. On one of the benches there is a sculpture of a scientist cat. In the warm season, an orchestra plays, and those who wish can dance on the retro dance floor.