Must-see attractions in Western Siberia
Western Siberia
This bell tower was built in 1799 for the Uglich bell, which famously signalled a revolt against Tsar Boris Godunov. The revolt failed; in a mad fury,…
Western Siberia
Although the doomed writer never actually visited Novokuznetsk, he was so moved by the Soviet project to build a new city that he penned a poem starting…
Tobolsk Rayon Administration Building
Western Siberia
Less eye-catching than the Kornilov Mansion opposite, the Tobolsk Rayon Administration Building was the home-in-exile of the last tsar, before his fateful…
Western Siberia
Flanked by the sturdy buildings of the Tyumen Oblast Parliament (Дом Советов) and the former House of Soviets (Бывший Дом Советов), now a local government…
Tomsk
This frustrated Lenin statue, now relegated to a traffic circle, points at the ugly concrete of the Tomsk Drama Theatre, apparently demanding ‘build more…
Western Siberia
Lovers Bridge is a local landmark covered in appropriately romantic graffiti and a ridiculous amount of padlocks symbolising ever lasting love…
Western Siberia
The grand Kornilov Mansion, named after a 19th-century statesman and philanthropist, is closed while being converted into a museum dedicated to the…
Western Siberia
The attractive Archangel Mikhail Church sits at the top of a hill just off ul Lenina. Follow ul Turgeneva southwest behind the church to a network of back…
Altai
The first official monument in Russia to Soviet New Wave star Viktor Tsoy was unveiled in Barnaul in 2010, despite the fact that the late singer had never…
Western Siberia
An apparently coal-caked Lenin and Maxim Gorky (founder of socialist realism) discuss – or plot? – something or other, next to the main post office at pr…
Western Siberia
The elegant Arkhiereysky Mansion was closed for renovations on our last visit and will eventually be reopened as an Orthodox history museum.
Tomsk
This modest mosque, dating from 1904, was used as a vodka factory by the atheist Soviets, but was reopened to worshippers in 1997.
Altai
When the call to prayer sounds from the wooden Khazret Osman Mosque, you'll feel every bit like you're in Central Asia.
Western Siberia
Saviour’s Church is pretty enough, but unfortunately it's hardly in a peaceful location.
