Unique places of Mordovia. Sights of Saransk

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 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.
5. 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 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 dwellings of urban burghers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have been preserved, and the architectural buildings have practically not changed 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 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, historian B. N. Gvozdev, honored coach of Russia in weightlifting N. S. Agapov and others.

Historical and cultural monuments

Smolny National Park

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

It is located in the Ichalkovsky and Bolshe-Ignatovsky districts 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

Address: Pushta village of Temnikovsky district
Telephone: 8 (8344) 52‑96-35
Site: 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 discovered 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

Address: village Makarovka, st. Nagornaya, 35
Telephone: 8 (927) 274‑50-55
Site: makarovsky-monastery.ru
Working hours: 08:00 - 20:00 seven days a week
How to get there: by buses No. 31, No. 7 and 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, temples 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.

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 glancing at the 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.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles / day

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 woods, 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 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 takes quite large territory and 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 languages \u200b\u200bwith 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, a 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. His many collections are spread over several branches. One of the largest branches is a new building built in the 2000s. It resembles a classic 19th century palace, decorated with elements traditional 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 different periods of the author's life and work, as well as a literary living room 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 building 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 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 used not 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. 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.

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 brightest is the beautiful Lake Inerka, nature reserve named after Smidovich and the Smolny National Park.

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. On the third place is the city of Kovylkino with a population of 20 thousand. The next are the urban-type settlement Komsomolsky - 13 thousand people and the working settlement 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. The Mordovians are divided 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 most deep lake Mordovia, located in the Zubovo-Polyansky region.

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

Mordovia Map

Route M5

Pass through Mordovia federal highway M5 Moscow-Chelyabinsk. 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 them is Mordonalds.

Umet

The main target audience of the local catering is truckers, but there are also just hungry people passing by. When stopping at the Umet cafe, remember that everything is simple here, 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.

Sights of Mordovia

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 in 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 kind of 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.

Ruzayevka

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 were not 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 the Pryvokzalnaya Square - the Lebyadyanka freight steam locomotive. The steam locomotive was built in 1954 and has been used for most of its life on the Penza-Ruzaevka 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 with funds from the Ruzaevsky Glass Factory and donations from believers at the address: st. Karl Marx, house 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 Ruzaev 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, where the old Paraskevo-Voznesensky monastery is located. The monastery is active.

Temnikov

The city of Temnikov is located on the Moksha River, it is 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 old church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (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 Fedor 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 Sanaksarsky 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 major roads and rises 35 meters above the houses.

The sight of such a tall, pompous temple with dazzling 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 people 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.

Site: mrkm.ru 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.

Mordovia is proud of all the peoples who have ever inhabited it. Everything related to national identity is scrupulously collected in the republic, but at the same time they emphasize the inextricable connection with the rest of Russia. Orthodox churches and monasteries are a great opportunity for pilgrims to visit holy places, as well as travel throughout Mordovia.

Many sights are concentrated in Saransk. Here the most demanding tourist: art gallery, theater, walking areas, monuments - what is there in the capital of the republic. Another direction is travel to the bosom of nature. Smolny National Park, lakes and rivers, as well as forests of all types are ideal for ecotourism lovers.

List, photos with names and descriptions of the best attractions!

1. Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov

Built in Saransk in the early 2000s. It is a cathedral and replaced the previous temple with the same status, since it has a large capacity. Bears the name of the canonized admiral. The cathedral was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II. Architectural style - Empire style, and 12 gilded domes, cast according to the technologies of previous years, belong to the neo-Byzantine style. The iconostasis was made in Saratov from gilded wood.

2. Old Terizmorga

The village has become the concentration of Moksha culture and traditions. A festival is held with the participation of the Finno-Ugric peoples. There is a cultural center, St. Nicholas Church, an ethnographic museum. Master classes are held, including teaching how to weave from beads. Tourists are offered to taste traditional Mokshan cuisine - millet pancakes and pose. The local choir, which has existed since 1957, performs throughout the country and abroad.

3. Mordovia reserve

Founded in 1936 on the territory of more than 32 thousand hectares of Temnikovsky district. In addition to getting to know nature, you should take a look around the local museum and visitor center. The reserve offers visitors 8 ecological tours for every taste. You need to get a special permit before visiting. The hotel is open all year round. You can also stop at one of the cordons.

4. Insar St. Olginsky Monastery

It arose on the basis of a small hotel for nuns, founded in the 80s of the XIX century. In 1900, a nearby temple was consecrated. It has 12 chapters, all small. The purpose of such an architecture is to reduce the focus on a bulky facade. In Soviet times, there was a museum of local lore. Since 1988, the monastery began to revive. At the time of the restoration, 30 sisters lived in the monastery.

5. Klyuchevskaya desert

Located near the border with the Chuvash Republic. The monastery arose in the 18th century and dates back to the appearance of the icon at the holy source. The spring was popular even during the years of desolation of the monastery. It began to be restored from the mid-90s of the last century. The old buildings were restored, a new bell tower, baths with a chapel at the source and a hotel for pilgrims were built.

6. Lake Inerka

It is about 70 km from Saransk. The area is 44 hectares, it has an elongated shape. The water is clear with a bluish tint for most of the year. Birds nest and water lilies grow on the shores. A little further there are forests of several types: coniferous, deciduous, birch. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe lake, off-road races, competitions in fishing, concerts, beach parties and other events.

7. National park "Smolny"

It was founded in 1995 and covers an area of \u200b\u200b35.5 thousand hectares on the left bank of the Alatyr River. Rare birds nest in the forest and on the floodplain; this area is one of the most significant for the world's ornithologists. The forests are both mixed and pine and deciduous. The meadows are mostly floodplain. The national park has an educational function, so there are eco-routes and excursions.

8. Paigarm Paraskevo-Ascension Monastery

The convent was founded in 1865. It grew rapidly, with workshops and an orphanage working there. The main shrine is the icon of the holy Martyr Paraskeva, which contains a particle of her relics. Two cathedrals, two churches and three chapels have been built on the territory. Each building has its own characteristics, but the ensemble looks like one whole. Nearby: a spring with a chapel and bathhouse and a hotel for pilgrims.

9. Sanaksar monastery

Built in the Temnikovsky district in the middle of the 17th century. For some time, the monastery was considered one of the spiritual centers of the country. After 60 years of desolation, it began to recover in 1991. A small sawmill and a candle shop were opened. In the forest nearby is the holy spring of the Monk Theodore. The territory has been ennobled, baths and convenient access to the water have been built.

10. Makarovsky John the Theologian monastery

Founded in the mid-90s of the last century, while most of the temples and other buildings were built much earlier. They have been restored and supplemented with the necessary modern details. There was a churchyard here in the 18th century. There are a number architectural features... For example, the bell tower is built into the fence along with the towers. It is the residence of the local metropolitan. The Synodal Department for Youth Affairs operates on the basis of the monastery.

11. Ichalkovsky stud farm

Pedigree stud farm No. 27 "Mordovsky" has been located in the village of Obrochnoye since 1778. From Saransk - 60 km. One of the largest stud farms in the Volga region. In addition to purebred horses from different countries, here they work with a unique breed - the Moksha trotter. The visit program includes acquaintance with history, visiting stables, horseback riding. Tourists are accepted all year round and every day, except Mondays.

12. Stadium "Mordovia Arena"

Built in Saransk for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Russia. It has category 4 according to the UEFA classification. The capacity is from 30 thousand to more than 43 thousand people. Excellent visibility from anywhere in the stadium. Modern in technical terms, which makes the matches more spectacular, and the work of journalists is convenient. Suitable for people with disabilities.

13. St. John the Theological Church

The oldest building in Saransk, which appeared on the site of its wooden predecessor in 1693. It was rebuilt and changed several times, there were limits, and then the bell tower. The church was closed in the 30s of the last century, but services began again in the 40s. For some time it had the status cathedral... The main shrine is a copy of the miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

14. Mordovian Museum of Local Lore

Based in Saransk since 1918. Since 2017, the museum has a new building. Funds - more than 200 thousand units. Divided into three sections: history, modern history and nature. The first two mentions important events in the Russian and world arena, and their reflection in Mordovian life, and also mentions the cultural features of the region. The third is the most visited. Here are recreated in miniature natural complexes republics.

15. Museum of Mordovian Folk Culture

In 1999, a building in Saransk, formerly owned by a merchant, was allocated for it. Exhibits: national costumes, household items, folk art and more. Funds - about 3.5 thousand units. They collect stories about holidays, legends of the peoples of the republic, record traditions and hold events with a special flavor. The goal is to prevent new generations from forgetting their roots.

16. Botanical Garden named after V. N. Rzhavitin

Named after its creator. It has been based on the biological faculty of the Mordovia State University since 1960. The area is just over 35 hectares. The total number of species is 1700. Thanks to the botanical garden in Saransk, miniature natural areastypical for different parts of the planet. In addition, samples of local vegetation are collected here. Open to the public from May to October.

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

It has been located in Saransk since 1941. Named after the sculptor and owns a large collection of his works. In addition, the collection includes paintings, graphics, arts and crafts, both by world-famous masters, as well as local artists. Some of the exhibitions are supplemented with multimedia content. The museum has a cinema, a lecture hall, a souvenir shop and a cafe.

18. Museum and Ethnographic Complex "Mordovskoe Podvorye"

The opening took place in 2012. Considering that the complex is located in Saransk, it can be called unique: it fits well into the urban environment. Buildings typical for the peoples inhabiting the republic have been recreated on the spacious territory. They are different in style and purpose. Green areas are laid out, paths are laid, there are fountains and mini-reservoirs. Before visiting, you need to clarify the opening hours.

19. Musical Theater named after I. M. Yaushev

It was founded in 1935 in Saransk, and received its current name in 1994. Named after the Honored Artist of the RSFSR, who developed opera in the region. The theater moved to a new building in 2011. The troupe stages performances based on classical works and also uses materials from local authors and composers. Touring groups and participants of festivals periodically appear on the stage. The theater has a cafe "Mask".

20. Monument "Forever with Russia"

Installed in Saransk on the Friendship of Peoples Square in 1986. On a stele towering over the surroundings, there are two female figures. They are wearing national costumes symbolizing Russia and Mordovia. The women are holding one large spikelet of wheat. Sculptor - Brodsky, material - bronze. In 2012, a fountain complex appeared next to the monument, complementing the overall picture.

21. Monument to the stratonauts in Saransk

Installed in 1963 and dedicated to everyone who was able to reach the stratosphere. The reason for its creation was the tragedy of 1934, when a failure occurred during the descent, and the stratonauts died, and their module fell on the territory of Mordovia. The monument is a tall stele, on top of which is a man in a special helmet, with his chest forward and as if ready to fly.

22. Park of Culture and Rest named after A. Pushkin

Its history began in the 19th century with the desire to create a green zone on an unnamed square in Saransk, namely to plant trees. The final design of the territory into the park took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Notable places: a Ferris wheel, a monument to Ushakov, a special flower calendar, Pushkin made of plants, a zoo, etc. There is a comfortable hotel and cafe nearby.

23. National Library named after A.S. Pushkin

The largest library of the republic is located in Saransk. It opened in 1899. Funds - over a million copies. At the time of creation, a little over 300 books were received here. The library looked more like a reading room, and then changed direction, gradually expanding. Now one copy of each edition issued in Mordovia gets into the library storage.

24. Museum of A.I. Polezhaev

Works since 2001 in Saransk and is dedicated to the local poet. Three halls are dedicated directly to Polezhaev, his work, life hobbies, the writer's personal belongings are kept here. The fourth room is dedicated to a collection dedicated to other local authors of various sizes. And the fifth is a lecture hall and sometimes a discussion club. Like most museums, it is closed on Mondays.

25. Park of Culture and Leisure of the Leninsky District

It has been located in Saransk since 1978; the locals, in addition to the official name, use one more thing - "Ogarevsky". The area is about 150 hectares, most of it is a forest belt. It is cool here in summer even in the heat, vacationers are accommodated under the shade of trees and near small bodies of water. Skiing is popular in winter. On the territory there are rental points for the necessary equipment. One of the symbols - the Ferris wheel - had to be removed due to dilapidation.

26. Victory Square in Saransk

The current name has been assigned to it since 1972. Sightseeing: Alexander Nevsky Chapel, Escape from Hell memorial sign, monument to soldiers who were born in Mordovia, who fell during the Second World War, monument to World War I heroes, eternal flame, Memorial Museum of Military and Labor Feat of 1941-1945, Monument to Soldiers-Internationalists. All kinds of events are held on the square, including those related to May 9.

27. Museum of the locomotive depot in Ruzayevka

It has existed for over 40 years, but in different forms. Initially, it was a small room with memorabilia, gradually the museum expanded and received its current status. In 2006, it was redesigned, the collection was put in order, consisting mostly of documentary evidence, photos and other original exhibits. Sometimes the funds are replenished by ordinary citizens who bring to the museum what they think is appropriate.

28. House-Museum "Ethno-Kudo" named after V. I. Romashkin

Opened in 2006 in the village of Podlesnaya Tavla. Dedicated to the folklorist Romashkin and his many years of work. Some of the rooms are reserved for the personal belongings of the researcher, who was also the founder of the folk group "Torama", and some for the ethno-collection. The museum hosts an annual festival where songs of local peoples are performed. The exposition can be viewed all year round, except for weekends - Mondays.

29. House-Museum of F. V. Sychkov

It has been located in the village of Kochelaevo since 1970. The exposition consists of the artist's personal belongings, attributes and decoration typical of the houses of that time, as well as the master's works. All rooms were restored according to the memories of Sychkov's wife, some household items were provided by his family. A separate collection includes awards received by Fyodor Vasilyevich, including those for the war period.

30. Moksha River

The length is 656 km, half of the total length is within Mordovia. The name of the river is presumably derived from one of the national groups that have inhabited this area since ancient times. Calm waters allow even beginner tourists to travel along the river. Along the banks there are tourist centers, children's camps, a sanatorium of the same name. In some settlements, for example, in Krasnoslobodsk, beaches are equipped.

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 was dilapidated, the city turned from a defense city into a trade and craft one, 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 see 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-bearing 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, 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 - the oldest square in the city, is a pedestrian area Soviet 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 has been assigned the status architectural monument history and culture of Saransk at the beginning of the XX 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 immediately. 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.

Square of victory - 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 of his 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 set to cathedral square also in 2006.

To the right of the Cathedral you can find family monumentinstalled here in 2008. The monument is located as if the family is heading to the temple, cleverly thought up.

Wedding Palace (Sovetskaya St., 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 lined 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 (Mordovia State University) named after Ogarev - the Chinese version of the Moscow State University (Moscow State University) named after M.V. Lomonosov.

The U-shaped extension next to it is the administrative and library (main) building, they did not demolish it and rebuild it, they just covered it with plastic. Now main building looks far from the main thing.

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 Khmelnitsky 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.

The street is communist, 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 museum of Fine Arts. S. D. Erzya (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.