Old Town
Old Town is located in the heart of the capital of the northernmost region.
The name of “Old Town” in Yakutsk does not mean a town at all, but a historical quarter with many merchant houses and other buildings of the 19th century. However, these are only exact copies of them. Almost all the original buildings were destroyed by severe fires at the end of the 20th century despite the fact that in the 80s the district was taken under protection. Restoration of the district began in the early 2000s, and it was opened to the public in 2006.
In fact, the territory of the historical and architectural complex is a real open-air museum. All buildings, including the trading rows and parts of the ostrog, which served as the beginning of the town’s history, are ideally restored according to old photographs, paintings and drawings. Even the main road paved with chunks is made as if real trees were cut.
Among the most interesting buildings of Old Town are: the women’s gymnasium - the first local educational institution where girls learned to manage the household and bring up children; the Russian-Asian Bank; the main guard tower, and a wooden salt shop on a stone pedestal. The Transfiguration Church deserves special attention: not only is it functioning, but it is an excellent example of cult architecture of the past era.
The most famous exhibit is rightly considered to be the Kushnarev House - a two-story stone manor house that belonged to the Old Believer and a noble merchant Akepsim Kushnarev. The most authentic and colorful object is the balagan (a traditional Yakut winter dwelling) of the Yakutsk Steppe Duma (an indigenous self-governing body in 19th century Siberia). The entrance to its courtyard is preceded by carved gates, with ritual poles - serge inside, and figures of people and horses on the roof.
There are also several monuments - a stele in honor of the 375th anniversary of Yakutia as part of Russia, a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell during the Civil War, and a monument to the people who developed the surrounding land, resembling a snail.
The artfully recreated old district has now become a favorite place of rest and strolls for citizens and visitors. It is calm here, and in the evenings the lights are lit up, creating a cozy atmosphere. The Old Town is surrounded by modern buildings, stores and cafes. However, this only adds to the historical value of the place.
In fact, the territory of the historical and architectural complex is a real open-air museum. All buildings, including the trading rows and parts of the ostrog, which served as the beginning of the town’s history, are ideally restored according to old photographs, paintings and drawings. Even the main road paved with chunks is made as if real trees were cut.
Among the most interesting buildings of Old Town are: the women’s gymnasium - the first local educational institution where girls learned to manage the household and bring up children; the Russian-Asian Bank; the main guard tower, and a wooden salt shop on a stone pedestal. The Transfiguration Church deserves special attention: not only is it functioning, but it is an excellent example of cult architecture of the past era.
The most famous exhibit is rightly considered to be the Kushnarev House - a two-story stone manor house that belonged to the Old Believer and a noble merchant Akepsim Kushnarev. The most authentic and colorful object is the balagan (a traditional Yakut winter dwelling) of the Yakutsk Steppe Duma (an indigenous self-governing body in 19th century Siberia). The entrance to its courtyard is preceded by carved gates, with ritual poles - serge inside, and figures of people and horses on the roof.
There are also several monuments - a stele in honor of the 375th anniversary of Yakutia as part of Russia, a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell during the Civil War, and a monument to the people who developed the surrounding land, resembling a snail.
The artfully recreated old district has now become a favorite place of rest and strolls for citizens and visitors. It is calm here, and in the evenings the lights are lit up, creating a cozy atmosphere. The Old Town is surrounded by modern buildings, stores and cafes. However, this only adds to the historical value of the place.