The sixth largest city in Siberia on the banks of the Angara River, Irkutsk was founded in 1661 as a prison and for a long time was a place for exiled convicts. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Irkutsk entered a period of unprecedented prosperity, the reasons for which were the brisk trade of Russian merchants with China and the development of gold mines. Today, the historical center, old streets and the embankment of Irkutsk are included in the preliminary lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Along the banks of the Angara
The city stretches along both banks of the Angara, whose length within the boundaries of Irkutsk is almost three dozen kilometers. Comfortable city embankments are located along the right bank:
- Gagarin Boulevard with concrete fences appeared on the map of Irkutsk in the 60s of the last century. Many architectural monuments of the 19th century have been preserved on this street.
- The lower embankment of Irkutsk was last renovated in 2011. Its modern structure consists of two tiers - a road and a pedestrian walkway, the parapets are faced with granite, and the fences are made by skilled blacksmiths.
The banks of the Angara are favorite places of rest for the townspeople. City Day and festive events on May 9 are held on the embankments, fireworks and festivities are held here.
Oldest street
Lower embankment is the oldest street in the city. This bank of the Angara has been used since the founding of Irkutsk. Boats and ships were moored at the local pier, and it was on this street that the first Gostiny Dvor appeared, and then the customs office.
The main attraction of the city embankment is the Epiphany Cathedral, which was first mentioned in 1693. Built in the Siberian Baroque style, this temple served as a cathedral and today is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
On the pedestrian tier of the Lower Embankment of Irkutsk, there is an observation deck connected to the Veterans Alley and the Public Garden. Newlyweds are photographed here.
In 2011, the Moscow Gate was restored on the embankment - an architectural monument of the early 19th century, built in the Empire and Renaissance styles. They appeared on the city map in honor of the tenth anniversary of the reign of Tsar Alexander I and were demolished in the 20s of the last century. The Moscow Gate is the first of three triumphal arches erected in Russia. They appeared before the metropolitan gates on Kutuzovsky and St. Petersburg - at the intersection of Ligovka and Moskovsky avenues.
