The State Natural National Park "Mari Chodra" was established in 1985 in the southeastern part of the Republic of Mari El, where the border with Tatarstan passes. Its main features are the cleanest rivers and lakes, which have become favorite vacation spots not only for the local population, but also for tourists from all over the country.

In order to preserve the diverse animal and vegetable world of the park, its employees annually conduct various educational programs and landscaping campaigns. There are also school forestries in the park, in which children are given the opportunity to study natural world, conduct research and help take care of the park and its inhabitants.

The park also publishes its own newspaper "Mary Chodra", booklets with information and various souvenirs.

Coordinates: 56.15000000,48.36666700

The most popular attractions in Mari El with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places to visit the famous places of Mari El on our website.

Natural sights of Mari El are monuments natural heritage With interesting history. Natural sights of Mari El are monuments of natural heritage with an interesting history. Many places are unique and have national significance. Many places are unique and have national significance. Sanatoriums, reserves, natural National parks. Sanatoriums, reserves, natural national parks have been created and are operating.

The Republic of Mari El is located in the east of the East European Plain in the middle part of the Volga River basin. From the north, northeast and east, our republic borders on the Kirov region. From the southeast and south with the Republics of Tatarstan and Chuvashia, and in the west and northwest - with Nizhny Novgorod region. The length of its borders exceeds 1200 km, and total area equal to 23.3 thousand sq. km. The capital of Mari El is Yoshkar-Ola. There are many interesting things in the Republic of Mari El. Let's see some of the natural attractions that our native land is rich in.

Sea Eye From the depths of the karst failure, the Sea Eye is looking at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. They dubbed it so for the correct round shape and the amazing, emerald color of the water. Green algae give this color to the lake. According to one version, the reservoir arose 20 thousand years ago - back in the Ice Age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye. From the depths of the karst failure, the Sea Eye is looking at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. They dubbed it so for the correct round shape and the amazing, emerald color of the water. Green algae give this color to the lake. According to one version, the reservoir arose 20 thousand years ago - back in the Ice Age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye.

Count Sheremetyev's Castle On the left bank of the Volga, in the village of Yurino, tourists are attracted by a castle that looks like a medieval one, with crenellated towers, colored stained-glass windows, and a winter garden dome. This is the castle of Count Sheremetiev. Covered with legends, it beckons with unknown mystery and unique beauty. On the left bank of the Volga, in the village of Yurino, a castle, similar to a medieval one, with crenellated towers, colored stained-glass windows, and the dome of a winter garden attracts the attention of tourists. This is the castle of Count Sheremetyev. Covered with legends, it beckons with unknown mystery and unique beauty.

Church of Michael the Archangel In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevsky castle, among the trees majestically rises the Church of Michael the Archangel - one of the most magnificent Orthodox buildings on the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region. In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevsky castle, among the trees majestically rises the Church of Michael the Archangel - one of the most magnificent Orthodox buildings in the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region.

national park"Mari Chodra" Established in 1985, the National Park "Mari Chodra" is an interesting natural and territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outcrops of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (failure, interdune, floodplain). Established in 1985, the Mari Chodra National Park is an interesting natural and territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outcrops of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (failure, interdune, floodplain).

Pugachev's Oak Located on Klenovaya Gora, the National Park "Mari Chodra" is an interesting natural and territorial complex. The oldest specimen of oak, called Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the canopy of this oak, E.I. Pugachev stopped for the night with his detachment. Oak differs sharply in its size among the stands. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, the diameter of which is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier. Located on the Maple Mountain, the National Park "Mari Chodra" is an interesting natural and territorial complex. The oldest specimen of oak, called Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the canopy of this oak, E.I. Pugachev stopped for the night with his detachment. Oak differs sharply in its size among the stands. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, the diameter of which is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier.

Reserve "Bolshaya Kokshaga" State reserve Bolshaya Kokshaga was established on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of southern taiga and broad-leaved forests. The reserve preserves intact plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are habitats for animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants. The Bolshaya Kokshaga State Reserve was established on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of southern taiga and broad-leaved forests. The reserve preserves intact plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are habitats for animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants.

Zeleny Klyuch At the foot of the Klenovaya Mountain, a sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium spring flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs, beating directly from the ground. The largest of them is called the Green Key. At the foot of the Klenovaya Mountain, a sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium source flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs, beating directly from the ground. The largest of them is called the Green Key.

Stone Mountain Stone Mountain is a large hill, on the surface of which a stone emerges. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes - dense forest. Stone Mountain is a large hill, on the surface of which a stone comes out. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes - dense forest.

Immediately after Atlant with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak settlement. There, in the forests behind the village, far from prying eyes and well-worn paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, manually cut down by people. From ancient times, they mined a millstone for mills. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside is permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, ice does not melt in the caves. Immediately after Atlant with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak settlement. There, in the forests behind the village, far from prying eyes and well-worn paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, manually cut down by people. From ancient times, they mined a millstone for mills. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside is permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, ice does not melt in the caves.

The city of Yoshkar-Ola is the second stop in our May autotrip "Nizhny Novgorod - Yoshkar-Ola - Kazan". It was an amazing and memorable acquaintance! Until now, the notorious Yoshkin cat and the colorful embankment of Bruges are remembered. And photos with multi-colored gingerbread houses are like foreign postcards. This city remains a bright spot in our memory. But, like many Russian cities, Yoshkar-Ola has its own face and its own side. Let's start in order...

The city of Yoshkar-Ola is the capital of the Republic of Mari El and the only Russian city whose name begins with the letter "y". It is located on the banks of the Malaya Kokshaga River. On the one hand, the Bruges embankment, on the other hand, the Voznesenskaya embankment.

road from Nizhny Novgorod was quite tiring (we were not lucky with traffic jams). But having passed the sign with the inscription "Republic of Mari El" we immediately felt local flavor and perked up. There are even stops here. public transport decorated with traditional Mari ornament.

We arrived in Yoshkar-Ola much later than planned. We checked into the Virginia Hotel, refreshed ourselves in a cafe, here, and, after a short rest, hit the road. As time went on towards evening, it was decided to take a walk to the city center according to the minimum program.

Day one: evening walk around Yoshkar-Ola

According to the plan, our path lay from the hotel to the city Park of Culture and Leisure. Further, along Chavaina Boulevard, towards the embankment.

Alley of military glory

From Victory Boulevard begins the alley of military glory. There is also a monument of the same name.

On the eve of Victory Day, the atmosphere was special, the city breathed the approaching holiday. At the "Eternal Flame" the youth soldiers solemnly kept watch.

The Memorial of Glory is located in the central part of the City Park of Culture and Leisure.

Central City Park of Culture and Leisure

Park of Culture, or rather, the Central Park of Culture and Leisure. XXX Anniversary of the Komsomol, created for residents and guests of the city. The park has attractions, fountains, sculptural compositions. Walking along the walk of fame, we noticed a Ferris wheel from a distance. And we certainly decided to look at Yoshkar-Ola from a height of forty meters.

Ferris wheel in Yoshkar-Ola

Despite the fact that I am not very friendly with the height, the attraction pleased me. Modern comfortable closed cabins. You can wholeheartedly enjoy the views of the city without fear of wind or rain.

Ferris wheel operation mode:
from 1.10-31.03 (in winter) Sat, Sun - from 10.00 to 21.00
from 01.04-31.09 (during the summer period) Daily - from 10.00 to 21.00
Ticket price: 100 rubles. - adult; 60 rub. - children's.

Sculpture "Tree of Life"

The sculptural composition called "The Tree of Life" is located in the central part of the city park and represents a group of three people with musical instruments: a young man with a drum, an old man with a harp and a middle-aged man with a flute, of an unusual shape. In the center we see the same symbolic tree of life. The Mari often depict such a tree in their traditional ornaments.

We leave the Park of Culture and Leisure, get to Chavaina Boulevard and move on, towards the embankment. It's pretty lively here. There are numerous shops on both sides of the boulevard.

Well, where without fountains. There are many of them in Yoshkar-Ola. This one adorns Chavaina Boulevard, located closer to the Park of Culture. In the evening, turn on the lights. Beautiful.

And this fountain in front of Nikonov Square. Please note that there are small kiosks on both sides, where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs inexpensively.

And here she is - , which is visible from the Park of Culture itself. Located on the square of the Virgin Mary, next to the Annunciation Cathedral, the 55-meter tower appeared before the townspeople in all its glory in 2007. In general, almost all buildings in the city center are new. And many are still under construction. This beauty is one of the main modern symbols of Yoshkar-Ola. Every hour there is a chiming clock, which, by the way, is a reduced copy of Moscow ones.

Cathedral of the Annunciation and Fountain Archangel Gabriel

Passing under the arch of the Annunciation Tower, we ended up on the Republic Square and the Virgin Mary. On this square is the stunning Annunciation Cathedral and the largest fountain in the city. The height of the bronze figure of the Archangel Gabriel in the center of the fountain is 6 meters.

While we were walking, it got completely dark. From the theater bridge, a stunning view of the Bruges embankment opened up. For a moment it seemed that we had teleported to some Belgian town. Here it is, the face of modern Yoshkar-Ola. Beauties!

But we'll be back here in the morning. And now I wanted to quickly find a place where I could pleasantly spend the rest of the evening and have dinner. Google suggested that there is a good Zhiguli beer restaurant within walking distance.

Beer restaurant "Zhiguli" on Voskresenskaya embankment

Didn't have to search long. A luminous sign can be seen from afar. Here is the address:

Anisimovskaya st., 38, Yoshkar-Ola, Rep. Mari El, 424010

A very cozy place in a retro style with excellent beer and quite affordable prices. On the second floor there is a beer bar, karaoke, a wonderful view from the window on the Annunciation Tower. We returned to the hotel by taxi.

The crayfish there are excellent, I had to ask for more.

Unfortunately, today this institution no longer works, if there are pleasant places where you can spend the evening, please write in the comments (note 09/05/2018).

Second day: walking along Yoshkar-Ola

The main goal of the next day was to search for the notorious Yoshka cat. I'm even afraid to imagine how many kilometers we walked that day along Yoshkar-Ola. Historical Center cities are not compact, to see a lot in one day, you need to walk a lot.

So, from the hotel we are moving towards Leninsky Prospekt. There is a prospectus with this name in almost every Russian city, but we met such a bright and memorable only in Yoshkar-Ola.

Here is Obolensky-Nogotkov Square. On the square there are monuments that are directly related to the history of the Republic of Mari El, and the National Art Gallery with a unique tower clock.

Monument to Obolensky-Nogotkov - the first governor of Tsarevokokshaysk

Tsar Cannon

Monument to Hieromartyr Leonid, Bishop of Mari

We pass along Obolensky-Nogotkov Square, look around the corner. And tourists are already crowding here who have discovered one of the main attractions of Yoshkar-Ola.

Here he is - famous, with all the details! We take photos at a fast pace, there are a lot of people who want to.

Not everyone knows, but Yoshkin's cat has a girlfriend, which was built by the enterprising owners of the cafe of the same name. This place is located not far from Yoshkin's cat. You need to go to the opposite side of Leninsky Prospekt and go forward another hundred meters.

On our way back, we were surprised to find that there was nowhere for an apple to fall in front of the National Art Gallery. Every minute there were more and more people, everyone was obviously waiting for something. We joined the onlookers and learned the following. It turns out that, carried away by the search for the famous cat, we almost passed by the unique urban Orthodox chimes. Here's what they look like.

This clock decorates main tower National Art Gallery of the city. Nothing remarkable in appearance. But, they are called Orthodox for a reason. Every hour a miraculous action takes place here, which tells, or rather, shows us the legend of the icon of the Mother of God "Three Hands". This icon has a special meaning for Yoshkar-Ola. It was this icon that founded the independent Yoshkar-Ola and Mari diocese 14 years ago. And it is this image that is close and dear to all Orthodox people, and not only in Yoshkar Ola.

According to legend, the icon with the image of the Mother of God "Three Hands" in the 13th century was in Serbia. To save her from the Turks who invaded Serbia, the locals attached her to a donkey and sent her to Kosovo. But the donkey miraculously reached Greece and came to the gates of the monastery of Helendar. The icon was saved from destruction, and the image of the "Three-handed" then spread throughout the Orthodox land.

This legend is described in more detail on the slab in the arch under the clock.

When the chiming clock rang out, everyone in the square, like children, was fascinated by what was happening. We, too. From the gate, on the left side of the dial, a donkey appeared with an icon on its back, and, having described a semicircle, again disappeared into the gate, but this time to the right. All this happened under church hymns. And, to be honest, goosebumps ran down my back, it looked so beautiful, touching and unusual. This is a must see if you are lucky enough to visit Yoshkar-Ola.

Clock with a donkey in Yoshkar-Ola video

Then we went along Voznesenskaya street to the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin. There are also many interesting things along the way.

Trinity Church

The cathedral is located across the street from the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin.

Tsarevokokshay Kremlin

Tsarevokokshay Kremlin - This is also one of the modern buildings of Yoshkar-Ola. Erected in 2009. Fragments of ancient defensive fortifications were found at this place during excavations.

Today the Kremlin is not only a landmark of the city. On its territory there is a tourist historical and cultural complex, several permanent exhibitions and museums. There are various events, holidays, exhibitions, fairs. Sometimes theatrical performances are held under open sky. Here you can buy honey and souvenirs.

In the arches around the perimeter of the Kremlin there are stands with information about the history of the city. Reconstructed guns are also presented.

Fyodor I Ioannovich is considered to be the founder of the city. It was he who in 1584 issued a decree on the creation of the city of Tsarevokokshaysk (now Yoshkar-Ola). He also sent Ivan Obolensky-Nogotkov here, who became the first governor in Tsarevokokshaysk. The only monument to Fyodor Ivanovich in Russia is installed on the Voskresenskaya embankment near the Resurrection Cathedral.

Museum of fairy tales in the open air in Yoshkar-Ola

Outside the walls of the Kremlin, another remarkable place unexpectedly appeared - a kind of open-air museum of fairy-tale heroes. At the walls of the most ordinary shopping center funny fairy-tale heroes made from wood. There are many characters, it is interesting to see, take pictures, and, best of all, it is completely free. Here are just a few of them.

Then we continue to move along Voznesenskaya Street towards the Voznesensky Bridge, through which we will cross to the other side of the Malaya Kokshaga River and find ourselves right on the Bruges embankment. On the way we go to the Ascension Cathedral.

The weather did not spoil us. All day the sky was overcast, threatening with rain. And it was windy and cold on the embankment, keep this in mind when planning a walk.

Finally, I had the opportunity to take a closer look at Yoshkar-Ola's visiting card - the Bruges embankment. The name of this embankment, by the way, was given by the President of the Republic of Mari El - Leonid Markelov.

All these buildings, despite their fabulous appearance, are occupied by various state institutions, departments, etc.

Embankment of Bruges — perfect place for photo shoots in any weather. All houses are built in the same Flemish style. At first glance, you would not think that this is our Russian Yoshkar Ola.

Here, as well as on Obolensky-Nogotkov Square, there are daily performances based on a biblical story for tourists and local residents. Every 3 hours, from nine in the morning to nine in the evening, on the balcony of the third floor of the 12 Apostles complex, Jesus and the twelve apostles appear from the gate to the church hymn and bell ringing on the left and, moving smoothly, leave the gate on the right. It is noteworthy that the arms and legs of the figures move, this makes an incredible impression on the audience.

Chapel of Peter and Fevronia of Murom on Patriarchal Square

Monument to Empress Elizabeth Petrovna

This young horsewoman is Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. She's not here by accident either. It was she who, many centuries ago, when Yoshkar-Ola was Tsarekokshaisk, helped open the first schools in the city. Behind the sculpture is the building of a boarding school for talented children.

They returned to the hotel on foot, with the last of their strength, but pleased with themselves and what they saw. On the way we went to a small shop to buy sweet Mari souvenirs before leaving. Once again, we rejoiced at the openness and good nature of the locals.

The sweetest woman behind the counter, who was sad, was delighted with the opportunity to talk and told us not only about national sweets. She told for a long time and colorfully how “ordinary local residents” live in Yoshkar-Ola. We, tourists, see the face of the city, but the inside is not like that). It was a monologue that can be heard from the lips of a person who lives in absolutely any town in Mother Russia. People's problems are the same everywhere.

“Officials are pumping city budget funds into the construction of gingerbread houses for show and tourists, and, as a result, the resulting problems of local residents (with a detailed listing of them): lack of roads, salaries, social conditions, and so on ...” This is the main idea of ​​the story. In general, nothing new. Subjectively, but from the heart).

Probably, it is, but for two days we sincerely admired Yoshkar-Ola. After all, we travel in order to receive exclusively positive emotions. What we wish you. Have a good trip to Yoshkar-Ola and bright impressions! I invite you to share them in the comments.
By tradition, a short video about our stay in Yoshkar-Ola.

How to get to Yoshkar-Ola?

There are railway and bus stations in Yoshkar-Ola. You can get to or.

It is richly decorated fairy palace, with dark red walls and a green roof. Windows and doors in a snow-white frame. Graceful turrets in the old Russian style and battlements in the Gothic style. The palace is difficult to attribute to any one architectural direction. Here there is a successful combination of several. Further, seven columns support the glass dome of the winter garden. Incredible interior decoration of the castle. Especially noteworthy is the sophistication of the "Eastern Cabinet", "Picture Gallery", "Oak Room". There are also great fireplaces. One of them even contains a slab found during excavations in Pompeii.

After admiring the castle, you can stop to rest here. In the Sheremetyev estate is located good hotel and there is a cozy cafe nearby. In addition, here, as in the whole republic, you can admire the amazing landscapes to your heart's content.

Museums

Continuing to describe the sights of Mari El, photos of which are presented in the article, one cannot help but talk about the museum of the city of Yoshkar-Ola. Those wishing to learn about the history of the republic can visit it. You can get acquainted with the traditions of the indigenous people in the museum of applied arts. It is located in a modest one-story building with an attic. Also in the city there is a museum of peasant labor and life. Its "highlight" is a rich collection of bells and bells.

More recently, the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin was built in the center of the capital. The imposing old Russian fortress made of red brick, walls and towers covered with a green roof, resembles the scenery for a historical film. This complex contains a church, Archaeological Museum and a monument to the founder of the city, Fyodor Ioannovich.

Attractions of Mari El: photo and description

There is an unusual street sculpture in Yoshkar-Ola. It's called Yoshkin's cat. A representative of the bronze cat family sat imposingly on the bench, smiling condescendingly at passers-by.

We continue to describe the sights of Mari El. Five years ago, a very significant monument. This is a bronze sculpture depicting the great Russian poet A.S. Pushkin and his most famous hero - Eugene Onegin.

What other sights of Mari El are interesting? In the Italian park of Yoshkar-Ola, the sculptural composition "Lorenzo di Piero de Medici the Magnificent" was recently installed, which symbolizes the triumph of science and art.

Churches and cathedrals

A monument of Russian church architecture is the Church of the Holy Trinity. With the advent of Soviet power, it suffered the same fate as many churches in the country. It was closed and almost destroyed. The restored temple impresses with its splendor and marvelous architecture.

What other sights of Mari El are interesting? For example, the Orthodox shrine of the capital of the republic is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. This aspiring to the sky with its own tall towers a building with reddish walls with white stripes that visually increase the height of the building. Green roofs and golden domes attract the gaze of a traveler struck by this beauty for a long time.

In 2007, the Annunciation Tower was built in the central part of the city. The building has a height of 55 meters and resembles a fragment of the Kremlin. Equipped with the most accurate clock, which is regulated from the satellite.

Conclusion

Now you know the main attractions of Mari El. Photos with descriptions for clarity are presented in the article. We hope that the sights of the republic and information about them were of interest to you.

Posted Sat, 24/02/2018 - 09:17 by Cap

I would like to separately tell about the most beautiful places in the Mari Republic.
This article will present the most beautiful natural places Mari El, and separately we have already shown the Sights of Mari El, which included historical, architectural and cultural monuments republics.
As a rule, natural monuments of the RME will be presented here, but some Beautiful places still waiting to be opened and registered.

Note that the most beautiful natural monuments of the RME are located on the banks of the Volga and other major rivers Mari El, as well as on the slopes and mountains of the Vyatka rampart.
We also note many beautiful lakes Mari El Republic.

The second cleanest lake in Mari El is Lake Karasjar, it is also one of the picturesque and deaf lakes.
Lake Karasyar is similar in many characteristics to Nuzhyar, which is explained by their close location. By origin, it is interdune, with a secondary karst failure. The increase in depth from the southeastern coast is noticeably sharper. Already a few tens of meters from the shore, the depth is 6-9 meters. The northwestern section of the basin is more gentle. The maximum depth is 14.7 m. The area of ​​the lake is 25.5 ha. Transparency is high - 5.5 m. The bottom is sandy. The shores are low, but mostly dry. Only in the western and partly northern areas coastline swamping was noted.

Convenient access to the Yurdur mountain (Yortur Kuryk) through Shereganovo, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich we have already been to. We were not disappointed, from this mountain there were stunning views, and in almost all directions. Most best view opened towards the villages of Kurykyumal and Nylkudo, as well as to the valley of the Ilet river. In the distance one could see the Kerebelyak Highlands, the Sotnur Highlands and.

Open spaces were opened, which in beauty are not inferior to the landscapes near the Sea Eye, on Kamennaya Gora and on Shungaltan!!! Due to the backlight and blue haze, it was not possible to take good pictures, or rather the pictures turned out, but they have about 20-25% of the impression that a person actually sees! WE TALK HONEST! AND WE CONFIRM THAT THIS VIEW SHOULD BE IN THE TOP 10 OF THE BEST MARI LANDSCAPES!!!

I have never seen anything like this in Mari El!

To the right, running down the hill, shaggy, almost fabulous firs were heaped up, and behind them mountains overgrown with forests stretched out into the horizon...

It seemed as if I had been transported from our Mari plains to the mountainous region! Behind the wall of firs, a cliff was guessed. Further - an abyss, below a shaggy forest. A little before reaching the edge of the cliff, I looked down - my head was spinning. Escaping into the abyss, huge fir trees stood like a wall, in some places at random, as if they had lost their balance. Primordial, virgin nature! At some point, it even seemed to me that there was no smell of human spirit here.

Of course there were people. Soon, closer to the source, we saw a dozen cars, some of which were a wedding cortege: exotic lovers came here to celebrate.

Food lay on the laid tables under the hot summer sun, the guests honored the newlyweds, and very close by stood a cheerful gazebo with a dome-roof crowned with a spire. On the gazebo there is an inscription "Natural Monument Stone Mountain". Nearby, at the top, is a small Orthodox chapel with an onion roof. Escaping from underground captivity, it beats with an ice jet