Baikal Irkutsk Trans Siberian

Irkutsk: Angara River Embankment 


One of the most famous sights of Irkutsk - the Monument to Russian Pioneers of Siberia topped by Russian Emperor Alexander III bronze statue stands at the crossing of Karl Marx street and the Angara river embankment with Gagarin boulevard going along the embankment. The monument was erected in 1908 to commemorate the first train having arrived from Moscow. The foundation of the monument is made of the granite, and the pedestal is now topped by the bronze figure of Russian Emperor Alexander III who contributed much to the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

On the left side of the pedestal there is double-headed eagle which is the state emblem of Russia beginning from the XVI-th century. In the niches there are bas-reliefs of Ermac, Muravyov-Amursky and Speransky. Those were the three outstanding people who played exceptional role in exploration and further development of Siberia.

The latter governed the immense part of Siberia and contributed to its economic, cultural and scientific boost. It was him who worked out the system of local regionalization of Siberia. On the outer corners of the pedestal there are emblems of four major Siberian cities. The coat of arms of Irkutsk bears babr – a mythical animal with sable in its teeth, the symbolic of noble might and affluence. Babr is believed to be a peculiar type of tiger that had lived in the wildness near Baikal, but disappeared 300 years ago when the colonization of this land began.

As legends say babrs still exist, they just hide much better and escape people. In far off times to run across a babr was considered to be an event of exceptional rarity which meant that a good luck would strike soon. Where this rare animal ran by a traveler could come across a scatter of precious stones. Moreover, babrs were said to have magic power and kind heart, so the sable in its teeth is hardly its prey. It looks like it just decided to carry this famished poor thing to the place where it could have plenty to eat and to drink.

Gagarin Boulevard is another major street which lies along the Angara river embankment. It is lined up with trees, the park is well kept and it is the favorite place of citizens for strolling, jogging and roller-blading.

Irkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River Embankment






Irkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River EmbankmentIrkutsk: Angara River Embankment

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