Mordovia is a republic Russian Federation, belonging to the Volga region and located in the western part of this region. The capital of this Volga republic is the city of Saransk. Its history as an independent region began in 1930, when the Mordovian Autonomous Region was formed. Four years later, the autonomous region received the status of a republic within the RSFSR.

According to the nature of the relief, the republic can be divided into two parts: its western part is located on the Oka-Don Plain, and the eastern, more extensive one, on the Volga Upland. From the northwest to the southeast of the region, the natural zones also change - the zone of coniferous-deciduous forests gradually passes into the forest-steppe zone.

There are many cultural, historical and sports attractions in Mordovia, as well as unique natural monuments that are of interest to guests of the republic.

This museum, located in the capital of Mordovia, is considered the oldest cultural institution on its territory. It was created in 1918 by the efforts of about a hundred local historians who have been collecting exhibits for it for years. In 2001, the museum officially became one of the institutions with the greatest cultural value in the republic. After another 4 years, he was named after Ivan Dmitrievich Voronov, a local historian who singled out local history as an independent science, literary critic and writer.

The museum has a historical exposition, a department of modern history and exhibits telling about the nature of the region. The total number of its exhibits exceeds 200 000 . In it you can get acquainted with valuable books, collections of coins, ancient weapons, as well as see stuffed animals of various types.

Location: Moscow street - 48.

This wonderful museum is located in Saransk. It exhibits the world's largest collection of works by the famous sculptor Erzya. Also in the museum you can contemplate the work of artists Sychkov and Makarov. These three cultural figures are natives of Mordovia.

The museum has an art salon where you can not only see, but also buy your favorite works of painting and sculpture by contemporary authors.

Location: Communist street - 61.

The museum is located on Victory Square in Saransk. It was opened for the 50th anniversary of the Great Victory. The area on which it is located is memorial Complex. Granite slabs on the facade of the museum are decorated in the form of a St. George ribbon, and the roof is stylized as a Russian kokoshnik.

In the museum you can see letters from the front, military photographs, awards, personal belongings of soldiers, samples of weapons and military archives. Also in his collections there are works of art that show the heroism and courage of our soldiers. In addition, it presents an exposition on the topic of modern local wars.

Location: Sovetskaya street - 34A.

The Locomotive Depot Museum is located in Ruzaevka, a major railway junction and one of the main centers for the construction of railway transport in Russia. At the entrance to the museum are two soldiers with guns, as it was in the early twentieth century. Museum visitors have an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the legendary steam locomotive "Kukushka", which is considered the symbol of Ruzaevka, as well as about the local depot and railway transport the beginning of the last century.

Location: Lenin street - 48.

Mordovian State National Drama Theater is located in the capital of the republic. In addition to classical performances, here you can see performances by Mordovian playwrights, which are performed in the Mordovian languages ​​(Erzya and Moksha) with simultaneous translation into Russian. Theater actors actively tour the territory of the republic and neighboring regions where Mordovians live.

The theater has existed since 1889. Then it was organized by the graduates of the Shchepkinsky Theater School who returned to their small homeland, at whose disposal an old house was provided. Since 2007, the theater has been located in a new building.

Location: Sovetskaya street - 60.

One of the attractions of Saransk is the musical theater. It hosts classical music concerts, operas, operettas, comedy musical and ballet performances. The theater was opened in 1935. By the beginning of the 75th season, a new building was allocated to the theater. Its auditorium began to accommodate more than 700 people. According to its acoustic characteristics, this hall is one of the best in Russia. Then, in 2011, he was named after the Mordovian singer I.M. Yaushev.

Location: Bogdan Khmelnitsky street - 36.

The cathedral was built in Saransk in 2006. It was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II. The building of the cathedral was built in the Empire style, and the dome is made in the neo-Byzantine style. The temple rises 62 meters from ground level. It has 4 belfries, each of which has 3 bells made in Tutaev using ancient technologies. The cathedral can be visited by more than 3000 people at the same time.

Location: Sovetskaya street - 53.

The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Saransk was erected in 1693 on the site where before that there was an old wooden church.

In the late 1930s, the temple was closed, and the NKVD archive was placed here. In 1944, the church was reopened to parishioners. For a long time it was the only functioning church in the city. Since 1960, the temple has been included in the number of architectural monuments of federal significance.

Location: Democratic street - 28.

The monastery is located on the territory of the Ruzaevsky district in the village of Paygarma. In 1865, an icon of the martyr Paraskeva was discovered on the territory of the village church, and in connection with this significant event, it was decided to build a monastery here, which would bear the name of the saint. The territory of the monastery covers an area of ​​about 11 ha. Its temples, chapels and bell towers were built in different architectural styles, but in general architectural complex monastery looks very harmonious. The monastery is regularly visited by many pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and seeking their true path.

Sanaksar monastery located near the city of Temnikova on the banks of the Moksha River, surrounded by a pine forest. Its history began in 1659. The most revered shrines of the monastery are the relics of the saints of St. Theodore, the righteous warrior Theodore (Ushakov), St. Alexander the Confessor, as well as the icon of the Mother of God. Pilgrims from all over Russia come to touch its shrines.

This is the main national library of Mordovia. It began its existence in 1899, when a library-reading room was created by the joint efforts of the intelligentsia of Saransk. Her visit was absolutely free.

At first there were very few books in it, but due to donations, its fund gradually increased. In 1939, the library became a republican one, and a separate building was allocated for it. In 1970, it was moved to a new building, where it remains to this day.

Recently, a building of 9 floors was added to it, which made it possible to increase the size of the library several times over. Among its many subdivisions, there is a department completely dedicated to the work of literary figures of Mordovia. The institution has established close contacts with other libraries of the Finno-Ugric peoples, including those located in foreign countries.

Location: Bohdan Khmelnitsky street - 26.

The reserve is located on the right bank of the Moksha River. Almost all of its territory is covered mainly with pine forests. The age of the pines growing here is estimated at 300-350 years. There are also mixed forests where pines, birches, lindens and oaks grow. Spruce forests can be found in the river valleys.

The floodplain meadows are very beautiful, where you can find more than 1000 species of herbaceous plants, including rare ones. Animal world The reserve is represented by species characteristic of various natural zones - from the taiga to the steppe. Brown bears, wolves, badgers, beavers, bison, desmans and many other species of animals, including rare birds, live here.

Lake Inerka is located near the Bolshie Berezniki district center in the Sura river valley. This is one of the most beautiful and largest lake in Mordovia (56 square kilometers). Its banks are covered with coniferous-deciduous and birch forests.

On the shores of the lake, tourists like to put up their tents. Here good places for fishing, and in coastal forests you can pick mushrooms and berries. In addition, off-road car rallies are held annually near the lake.

This amazing park is located in the Leninsky district of Saransk. In the park, you can walk along the picturesque alleys, cross the streams flowing through its territory, climb the wooden bridges with railings made by art forging masters, and relax in the gazebos covered with green ivy. Everywhere there are sculptures of heroes of fairy tales by A.S. Pushkin. The park has a variety of attractions and is the largest zoo in the country. This favorite place recreation of the inhabitants of Saransk, both adults and children like to visit it.

Location: Krasnoarmeyskaya street - 12.

The legendary instigator of the peasant uprising visited Saransk in the early summer of 1774. He spent only a few days in these places, during which he managed to execute many representatives of the nobility and clergy who were objectionable to him and issue a manifesto on freedom for serfs.

In memory of those events, a monument to Pugachev was erected in Saransk. The tent of the leader of the peasant war was also preserved, which is an old house made of stone.

Location: Korolenko and Volgogradskaya streets (crossroads).

This is the largest sports facility in Mordovia, which trains athletes of all levels in many sports. The sports complex has been open since 2004.

Location: Stroitelnaya street - 13.

The Saransk Palace of Sports hosts sports competitions from the city to the all-Russian level. Here are the competitions water sports sports, different types wrestling, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball and volleyball.

Location: Polezhaeva street - 34.

The opening of this stadium took place in Saransk in 2004. It hosts competitions in team sports, water sports, athletics, speed skating and cross-country skiing. Part sports complex includes 4 magnificent football fields, 2 of which have natural turf.

Location: Moscow street - 12.

This is the same new stadium that will host some of the 2018 FIFA World Cup matches in 2018. It is located in the valley of the Insar River not far from the center of Saransk.

Its main facade overlooks the embankment and the city center. More than one can be present at the same time. 44,000 spectators. The stadium has sectors with separate entrances for fans of away teams, family sector and places for persons with disabilities.

Location: Volgogradskaya street - 11.

The official date of foundation of Saransk is considered to be 1641, when the Cossacks founded a prison here, surrounded by a wooden palisade. Later, a shaft was poured around the fortress, and its walls began to be protected by 9 massive towers. Interestingly, the citadel could not resist the detachments of S. Razin, and E. Pugachev surrendered it voluntarily. By the end of the XVIII century. the fortress lost its defensive significance, and the policy turned into a major craft and trade center of the Volga region. With the advent of Soviet power, industry began to actively develop here. In 1991, after the transformation of the Mordovian autonomy into a republic, Saransk received the status of a capital. Today the polis lives rich cultural life. Local authorities are trying to improve its infrastructure, stimulate construction. A sign of the success of these efforts are several diplomas of various degrees received at the competitions "The most comfortable city in Russia."

Among the many interesting things to see in Saransk for its guests, sights that have a symbolic meaning stand out. Their images adorn booklets, magnets, and other presentation products dedicated to the city.

• Working hours: daily, from 7:00 to 21:00.
• Phone: +7 834 248-19-59.
• Website: http://www.sobor-ushakova.ru
• Address: st. Sovetskaya, 53. Transport stop "Opera and Ballet Theatre" or "Main Post Office".

The delightful cathedral in the name of the righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, built at the beginning of this century, is rightfully one of the main attractions of the city. The majestic building, whose gilded domes rise 60 meters above the ground, makes a stunning impression. The exterior of the temple is eclectic, combining the features of the Empire and the Byzantine style. On its belfry, 12 bells are installed, cast according to ancient technologies in. The rite of consecration of the cathedral in 2006 was performed by Patriarch Alexy II.

Monument "Forever with Russia"

• Address: Friendship Alley. Transport stop "Park".

A majestic monument, symbolizing the inviolability of the friendship of the peoples inhabiting Russia, was solemnly opened in Saransk on the days of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the entry of Mordovia into the empire. The tetrahedral column lined with polished marble is crowned with two sculptures cast in bronze. They depict women dressed in national costumes, holding a gilded wheat ear in their hands. The composition is completed by a magnificent fountain located in front of the monument.

• Address: Victory Square. Transport stop "Main post office".

The memory of fellow countrymen who gave their lives for the liberation of the Motherland from the Nazis is sacredly revered in Saransk. In honor of the heroes who did not return from the battlefields of the Second World War, a memorial was erected back in 1970. Then, in front of an 18-meter pylon made of black granite, a sculptural composition depicting the Motherland, handing over a sword to a kneeling fighter, was installed. In front of the statue there is a bowl of the Eternal Flame. Already at the beginning of this century architectural ensemble It was supplemented by an arcuate colonnade, 54 m long. Between the two rows of pillars, 10 pylons were installed, on the black stone of which the names of the fallen heroes were engraved.

• Address: Heroes Stratonauts Square. Transport stop "Railway station".

The monument to the heroes - conquerors of the stratosphere, who died as a result of the crash of the "Osaviakhim-1" balloon, which collapsed in January 1934 near the Mordovian village of Potizh-Ostrog, is the dominant feature of the Saransk station square. A statue of an aviator in a flight helmet, fur boots and a warm jacket thrown over his shoulders rises on a pedestal in the shape of a cylinder. The pedestal is trimmed with dark gray labradorite. A commemorative inscription is engraved in its lower third and a high relief with portraits of heroically dead stratonauts is placed.

• Address: Millennium Square. Transport stop "House of the Unions".

The architectural ensemble of the square, opened in 2010, is considered the main attraction that Saransk found in modern times. A huge space, lined with multi-colored paving stones, is framed by magnificent buildings. A round pool with a diameter of 60 m was created in the center of the square. Geysers reaching a height of 40 m hit from vents built into the bottom of the bowl. In the evening, when the floodlights are turned on and the jets of water begin to dance, the square looks fantastic.

Monuments of history and architecture of Saransk

The architectural and monumental sights of Saransk, photos and descriptions of which are presented in the section, will satisfy the most demanding tourist. On the streets of the city, travelers will see the colorful creations of architects and sculptors.

• Address: st. Volgograd. Transport stop "Monument to Pugachev".

The monument to the leader of the largest peasant uprising in the history of Russia appeared in Saransk not by chance. When in 1744 an army of rebels approached the city, the local nobility, led by the archimandrite, greeted him with bread and salt. However, the expectations of wealthy merchants and nobles did not come true. Pugachev freed the serfs, distributed the requisitioned wealth to the freemen. The statue of the ataman, carved from a granite block, forms a single composition with the reconstruction of the ancient fort in the historical district of the city - Posop. Against the backdrop of the monument, it is not difficult to take a magnificent photo for memory.

• Address: st. Sovetskaya, 26. Transport stop "House of Printing".

The majestic building, which for a long time housed various structures of the City Council, is not only the dominant of the square of the same name, but also an architectural monument of republican significance. The massive five-story mansion looks solemn and solid. This is facilitated by cubism, characteristic of the outlines of the portals. From the front side, the facade is decorated with delightful columns. The eye is attracted by the magnificent bas-reliefs of the pediment, designed to demonstrate the inviolability of the friendship of the peoples of the USSR.

• Address: st. Sovetskaya, 27. Transport stop "House of Printing".

In 2007, the team of the Mordovian National Drama Theater received a delightful gift - a real palace of the Muses, which has two auditoriums, the largest of which can accommodate 313 people. The building itself immediately became one of the architectural gems of Saransk. Its facade is lined with dark red and lilac brick, against which gilded panels stand out, made up of elements of national ornament. The mirrored glazing of the palace on the front side further enhances the impression. An elegant three-cup fountain was erected in front of the building, and colorful bronze sculptures “Old Man”, “Erzyanka”, “Young Man”, “Mokshanka” were installed directly in front of the entrance.

• Address: Cathedral Square. Transport stop "Main post office".

The name of F. Ushakov is inscribed in gold letters in history Russian fleet. The squadrons led by him, overshadowed by the proud St. Andrew's flag, won victories in 43 naval battles, never knowing the bitterness of defeat. The great naval commander spent the last years of his life on Mordovian land in the Alekseevka estate. The memory of Fyodor Fedorovich was monumentally immortalized in the city in 2006. A bronze statue of the admiral, canonized, towers over a granite pedestal in the square, in front of the cathedral of the same name. Fyodor Fedorovich is dressed in full dress uniform. His gaze is resolute, and his posture expresses confidence, as in critical moments of glorious battles.

• Address: st. Moscow. Transport stop "House of Printing".

A.S. Pushkin never visited Saransk, but he was very interested in the period of E. Pugachev's stay here, mentioning this fact in his historical work. In honor of the great poet and writer, who made an invaluable contribution to Russian literature, a monument was solemnly opened on the fountain slope of Saransk in 2001. The bronze statue of Alexander Sergeevich is installed under the vaults of the arch, which rests on graceful columns. The poet, seized with inspiration, leaned against a pillar. The Muse, floating in the air, is ready to lay a laurel wreath on Pushkin's forehead.

Saransk museums and theaters

When deciding where to go in Saransk to fill their leisure time, travelers have to make a difficult choice. There are several very interesting museums in the city, and in the evenings the doors of theaters open for guests of the capital of Mordovia.

• Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Ticket price: adults 50 rubles, children 15 rubles.
• Phone: +7 834 239-14-97.
• Website: http://www.mrkm.ru
• Address: st. Saranskaya, 2. Transport stop "Park".

The exhibition halls of the institution, founded in 1918, are located in the building of the former Three Saints Church - a beautiful monument of architecture of the 18th century. The museum's collection consists of tens of thousands of exhibits that tell about amazing nature, original culture of Mordovia. A significant part of the exposition is dedicated to the traditions, rituals, way of life of the peoples living on the territory of the republic. Visitors will certainly be interested in collections of ancient weapons, antique furniture, coins and orders, watches of the 18th-20th centuries, which contain many rarities.

• Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Ticket price: Admission is free.
• Phone: +7 834 247-44-95.
• Address: st. Soviet, 34A. Transport stop "Volodarsky Street".

The building that houses the expositions of the museum is very easy to find. Its facade is surrounded by the St. George Ribbon, made of dark and light granite slabs. In the exhibition halls of the institution, more than 40 thousand exhibits are shown, telling about the feat of soldiers and home front workers accomplished during the Second World War. You can learn about them by looking at exhibitions of photographic documents, by reading the lines of letters sent by soldiers from the front. The attention of visitors is attracted by a mosaic panel depicting the fighters of the Soviet army, who replaced them at the machines of their wives and children. During the tour, tourists will see a collection of military awards, samples of weapons and uniforms from the war, works of art dedicated to it.

• Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 9:00 to 18:00, on Thursdays from 11:00 to 20:00.
• Ticket price: adult 150 rubles, preferential 50 rubles, children under 16 are admitted free of charge.
• Phone: +7 834 247-80-94.
• Website: http://www.erzia-museum.ru
• Address: st. Communist, 61. Transport stop "S. Erzya Museum" or "Opera and Ballet Theatre".

Since its opening in 1960, the museum has been one of the main cultural centers of Saransk. Several tens of thousands of visitors come here every year to admire the magnificent creations of painters, sculptors, masters of arts and crafts. The exposition presents paintings by I. Aivazovsky, A. Savrasov, I. Shishkin, V. Polenov, A. Benois, V. Serov, sculptures by B. Rastrelli, A. Golubkin. The pride of the collection is the collection of works by natives of Mordovia - sculptor S. Erzya, artists I. Makarov and F. Sychkov

• Schedule: performances are given from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. Evening performances start at 17:00 or 18:30, afternoon performances at 11:00.
• Ticket price: from 150 rubles. up to 500 r.
• Phone: +7 834 223-21-16.
• Website: https://www.muzteatr-saransk.ru
• Address: st. B. Khmelnitsky, 36. Transport stop "Opera and Ballet Theatre".

To visit a mansion with columns and a pediment, decorated with beautiful bas-reliefs, is certainly worth it to all fans of the muses and graces. On its stage, the musical theater, founded in 1935, gives performances. The repertoire of the institution includes performances of various genres - from traditional opera and ballet performances to light operettas and modern musicals. Quite often, plays by modern Mordovian authors are staged here. Despite the fact that the capacity of the auditorium is more than 700 people, sold-out theater performances are not uncommon.

Monuments of religious architecture

In a city with a population of over 300,000, enough churches and cathedrals have been built to make believers feel comfortable. Saransk temples, erected in different historical periods, are not inferior in beauty to religious buildings or.

• Phone: +7 834 255-77-45.
• Address: st. Volgogradskaya, 90. Transport stop "Nikolskaya Church".

TO late XIX V. two wooden churches of the Posopskaya settlement completely dilapidated. As a result, it was decided to build stone temple for many parishioners. It was consecrated in 1906, after the completion of construction work, which lasted 9 years. The building made of red brick, crowned with massive domes with onions, immediately became one of the main attractions of Saransk. The St. Nicholas Church survived the era of persecution of religion relatively well, since the Museum of Rare Books settled in it. The building was returned to believers in 1990. After restoration work, it looks great.

• Working hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
• Phone: +7 834 247-27-46.
• Address: st. Democratic, 28. Transport stop "Museum of S. Erzya".

The temple, consecrated in 1693 in the name of John the Theologian, is not only revered religious building Saransk, but also the oldest building in Mordovia in general. The architecture of the church, which was originally visited by numerous inhabitants of the Streltsy settlement, is traditional for that era. Five blackened domes topped with decorative cupolas rise above the white stone building. A two-tiered bell tower was erected nearby, connected to the main volume of the refectory. The façade of the temple is adorned with an arcade belt, carved kokoshniks and window frames. The building is included in the register of objects cultural heritage RF.

• Working hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
• Phone: +7 834 224-66-76.
• Address: st. Volodarsky, 55. Transport stop “Trinity Church.

The Trinity Church, erected at the request of the Saransk Cossacks and consecrated in 1700, is now part of the courtyard of the Mother of God-Christmas Monastery. When designing the temple, they applied a solution typical for the architecture of that time, placing an octagon with a drum topped with an elegant cupola on the massive quadrangle of the first tier. A three-tiered bell tower with light arched windows was erected nearby. In 1931 the church was closed by decision of the authorities. Shops of various industries were located within its walls. After the restoration, carried out at the end of the last century, the building was transferred to the monastery.

Where to go with children in Saransk

Young travelers who come to the city with their parents are expected exciting program. Among interesting places There are many places in Saransk where a child can get a lot of vivid impressions.

• Working hours: daily, from 8:00 to 17:00.
• Ticket price: adults 160 rubles, children under 12 years old 80 rubles, children under 6 years old 15 rubles.
• Phone: +7 834 247-18-84.
• Website: http://www.zoo13.ru
• Address: st. Pervomaiskaya, 6. Transport stop "Park".

The city zoo invites young and adult travelers to get in touch with wildlife. Its visitors will be able to see animals living on different continents. A lot of people, according to tradition, are going to admire the antics of funny monkeys, the incredible grace of predators from the cat family, the power of the clubfoot owner of Russian forests. Kids love watching kangaroos and ostriches. Time flies here unnoticed, because wonderful animals give visitors a huge amount of positive emotions.

• Schedule: performances are given on weekends. Performances start at 11:00 and 13:00.
• Ticket price: from 150 rubles. up to 250 r.
• Phone: +7 834 247-41-46.
• Website: http://www.gtkrm.ru
• Address: st. Volodarsky, 90A. Transport stop "Puppet Theatre".

The performances of the theatre, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, have helped educate more than one generation of citizens. Bright and instructive performances given on the local stage awaken the best feelings in young spectators, teach them to live according to their conscience and act in justice. Colorful dolls, as if coming to life in the hands of actors, delight the children. The theater troupe actively tours the country, is invited to authoritative festivals - "Rainbow", "Workhorse", "Chinjaramo", where they constantly claim prizes.

• Opening hours: daily, attractions are open from 10:00 to 21:00.
• Address: st. Krasnoarmeyskaya. Transport stop "Park".

The park, founded in 1864 and renamed "Pushkinsky" for the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great poet, is a favorite place family vacation townspeople. Many attractions, including a large Ferris wheel, provide entertainment for all tastes. For kids, towns with safe swings and carousels are equipped. Teenagers have a great time on playgrounds or sports grounds. You can simply walk along the well-maintained natural recreations, which occupy an area of ​​about 40 hectares, enjoying the beauty of artificial reservoirs, admiring monuments, fountains, and sculptures.

A visit to Saransk will leave the most favorable memories for tourists who decide to visit the city. All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here, and numerous attractions, museums and theaters will fill your leisure time with vivid impressions.

Saransk was founded in 1641 as a fortress with the name Saransky Ostrozhek (from the word sara - swampy floodplain). The fortress was built of wooden logs, square in plan with towers at the corners, in the center of the walls and with one tower inside.

By the 18th century, the wooden fortress fell into disrepair, the city turned from a defensive one into a trade and craft one, and the streets began to be built up according to a rectangular layout.

Since 1991, Saransk has been the capital of the Republic of Mordovia and has a population of just over 300,000 people. Not a trace was left of the historical fortress, and the city center was rebuilt beyond recognition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, so it was very interesting to go and look at the “new clothes” of Saransk.

First Saransk Train Station was built in 1893. In the early 1940s the station square was expanded, and the station building was rebuilt in the style of Soviet constructivism with columns and statues.

In 2009, the Soviet railway station was demolished and a new railway station building was built in its place, now it looks like this:

In the center of the station square there is a monument to the stratonauts.

A stratonaut is a person who flew into the stratosphere on a stratosphere balloon.

Monument to Heroes Stratonauts installed in Saransk in 1963 in honor of three pilots who crashed during a descent in the south of Mordovia.

By Lenin Avenue we go to the center of Saransk. What an interesting color scheme of the fences, only the “Attention! Fence!"

The central streets in Saransk are duplicated in Mordovian (Erzya and Moksha) languages. Erzya and Moksha are two sub-ethnic groups of the Mordovian people. I am very glad that the small peoples of Russia do not forget about their roots.

House of Unions(Lenin Avenue, 12) was built in 1957, classified as an architectural monument of regional significance, it is not touched. And behind the House of the Unions, a ridiculous plastic box peeps out, this is the Ministry of Finance.

Met on the way fox with cubs. The fox is a symbol of Saransk, it is depicted on the coat of arms of the city, as an indicator of the wealth of the Mordovian forests with a valuable fur-bearing animal.

At the address Lenina Avenue, 11 is located gymnasium №12. In 1934, a school was built on this site, which in 1991 received the status of a gymnasium.

In 2001, the reconstruction was completed and the building changed beyond recognition, now the 12th gymnasium looks like this:

And here is Ministry of Finance closer (33/1 Kommunisticheskaya Street), isn't it a terrible building, probably built in the 2000s.

And this is how the same building looked before, without an ugly extension and plastic trim:

Good that National Bank of the Republic of Mordovia occupies an old Stalinist building, otherwise it would look the same as the Ministry of Finance.

House of the Republic- the residence of the Head of the Republic of Mordovia. Located on Sovietskaya Square. Built in 1987, and it's even strange that it was not rebuilt in plastic nonsense.

Here on Sovetskaya Square is another Soviet building untouched by plastic - House of Soviets, decorated with Mordovian pattern. The building was built in 1939, now it houses the State Assembly of the Republic of Mordovia.

Soviet square – oldest square city, is a pedestrian section of the Soviet street. And not a single shop. Why?

Building administration of Saransk was built in 1915, originally it housed a merchants' club and a teacher's seminary. The building has been assigned the status architectural monument history and culture of Saransk at the beginning of the 20th century.

The corner house with a clock and a boarded-up main entrance (Krasnoarmeyskaya St., 47) is incredibly attracting attention.

The city clock did not appear on the house immediately. The photo is from around the 60's. you can see the same house without a clock. At that time, this section of the street was still passable.

Square of victory- Memorial part of Saransk. Here is an eternal flame, a monument to those who died in the Great Patriotic War and a very strange building at first glance - a museum of military and labor feat.

Museum of military and labor feats was opened in 1995. As conceived by the architect, the building is made in the form of the borders of Mordovia, and on top is decorated with a kokoshnik with copper medallions. To add mourning, the museum is lined with granite slabs in the colors of St. George's Ribbon. Frankly, the whole structure looks ridiculous and even frightening.

Eternal flame And monument to the soldiers of Mordovia who fell in the Great Patriotic War installed in 1970. The sculpture depicts Mother Mordovia presenting a sword to her son-soldier. The memorial wall columns were installed in 2005.

In 2000 it was built Chapel of Alexander Nevsky(red).

newcomer Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov was built in 2006.

Fedor Fyodorovich Ushakov was a talented Russian naval commander and admiral, won 43 naval battles and did not suffer a single defeat, did not lose a single ship in battle, not a single one of his subordinates was captured. Since 2001, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as a locally venerated saint of the Saransk and Mordovian diocese.

Monument to Admiral Ushakov was installed in the Cathedral Square also in 2006.

To the right of the cathedral you can find family monument installed here in 2008. The monument is located as if the family is heading to the temple, cleverly thought up.

Matrimonial Palace(street Sovetskaya, 47a) - another collective farm plastic box.

On one side of Cathedral Square is the Rio mall and some sort of cosmic office building.

On the other side is the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Mordovia.

main post office, you are amazing! (Bolshevistskaya street, 31)

The new building was built in 2013 on the site of the old main post office, which stood for 77 years (from 1934 to 2011).

What could not be demolished is lined with fiberglass on all sides.

Republican Children's Library has been open since 1960. In 2010, Ogarev Plaza was built next to the library.

Or the 26th building of the Mordovian State University, next to it the construction of a hotel is being completed (screenshot from Google maps).

Went out to Millennium Square. It was built in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with the peoples of Russia, which took place in 2012.

Previously, the central sports stadium "Svetotekhnika" was located at this place. Until 2010, it was the home arena of the Mordovia football club. In the summer of 2010, the demolition of the stadium began, on the site of which Millennium Square was built.

In the center of the Millennium Square, a fountain and a universal sports hall "Mordovia Arena" were erected. It’s good that it’s signed on the map, otherwise you might inadvertently think that this is another shopping center.

New the first building of Moscow State University(Mordovian State University) named after Ogaryov - the Chinese version of Moscow State University (Moscow State University) named after M.V. Lomonosov.

The U-shaped extension next to it is the administrative and library (main) building, it was not demolished and rebuilt, it was only lined with plastic. Now the main building looks far from being the main one.

The old first building was built in the 40s, it was demolished in 2011. The construction of the new building was completed in 2016.

National Library. A. S. Pushkin(26 Bohdan Khmelnytsky St.) was founded in 1899 and moved to the current building in 1970. In 2009, a new 9-storey building was added to the library building, and floors were added to the old building and double-glazed windows were installed.

This is what the old building looked like before the renovation. Even somehow disrespectful for the library.

We turn onto Bogdan Khmelnitsky.

The gray plastic box is an entertainment complex.

Further, the yellow building is the Meridian Hotel. This is a new building. Before him, a mansion was built on this site in 1947, where important guests of Saransk stayed. Since 2000, it has housed a children's medical institution. In 2010, the mansion was demolished and the current building appeared in its place.

Red building - State Musical Theatre. I. M. Yausheva, also new building in 2011.

Republican Palace of Culture(Proletarskaya St., 39), was completely rebuilt in 2012.

It was originally built in 1974 and looked just awful. But what it was rebuilt into looks at least ridiculous.

A communist street, again fences with striped posts and another blue shopping center on the horizon. No, it's the main post office.

The last sight that we will visit in Saransk is museum fine arts them. S. D. Erzi(Communist street, 61).

Stepan Dmitrievich Erzya(real name - Nefyodov) - Russian and Soviet artist, sculptor, master of wood sculpture, representative of the Art Nouveau style. The pseudonym reflects the artist's belonging to the Erzya ethnic group as part of the Mordovian peoples.

The museum has been operating since 1958, when it was still located in the building of the fire station. In 1976, a new building was erected, which still receives visitors.

If you have time, be sure to visit the Erzya Museum.

The most interesting sights of Mordovia are located in the city of Saransk: museums, parks, churches, a monastery and much more. Of the natural attractions of Mordovia, the brightest are beautiful lake Inerka, nature reserve named after Smidovich and national park"Smolny".

Lake Inerka

The Republic of Mordovia is located 330 km from Moscow (MKAD). Why is she interesting? Despite its proximity to Moscow, many confuse it with Moldova or have heard very little about it.

The center of Mordovian life is the city of Saransk, the capital of the Republic of Mordovia. Here is the center of culture, entertainment and everything else. Saransk is a city of republican significance. Citizens flock here from all over Mordovia for some narrower problem: medical examinations, receiving public services, etc.

Approximately 315 thousand people live in Saransk. In second place in terms of numbers and importance is the city of Ruzaevka - with a population of about 46 thousand people. In third place is the city of Kovylkino with 20,000 inhabitants. The next are the urban-type settlement of Komsomolsky - 13 thousand people and the working settlement of Zubova Polyana - 10 thousand people.

There are 7 cities in Mordovia: in addition to Saransk, Ruzaevka and Kovylkino, these are Krasnoslobodsk, Ardatov, Insar and Temnikov. The oldest and smallest city is Temnikov. Its population is only 6.3 thousand people, the date of foundation is 1536.

The entire population of the republic is less than 1 million - about 800 thousand people. Russians, Mordovians and Tatars live in Mordovia. Mordvins are divided into three nationalities: Moksha, Erzya and Shoksha.

Natural objects of Mordovia

The largest lakes in Mordovia are:

• Inerka- most big lake in the Republic. Translated from the Mordovian "Inerka" means "Great Lake". Its length is 3.35 km, width - 80-150 meters, maximum depth - 11.5 meters.
• Imerka- most deep lake Mordovia, located on the territory of the Zubovo-Polyansky district.

The rivers of Mordovia are flat and calm. The main rivers are Moksha and Sura.

Map of Mordovia

Highway M5

Passes through Mordovia federal highway M5 Moscow-Chelyabinsk. Driving along the highway after Moscow and Ryazan regions Mordovia begins. The most extreme to Moscow and the most large area Mordovia - Zubovo-Polyansky.

After entering the territory of Mordovia, the famous village of Umet will be on the highway. It is known for the abundance of tiny cafes along the route (more than 200) and the strong smoke and smell from barbecues. The names of cafes are varied, the most famous of them is Mordonalds.

Umet

The main target audience of local catering is truckers, but there are also simply hungry people passing by. When stopping at the Umet cafe, remember that everything here is simple, for an undemanding client: a wooden toilet on the street, simple dishes, not intricate home-cooked food.

The entire village of Umet with a population of 2.7 thousand people works in catering.

Sights of Mordovia

camps

Mordovia is famous for its prisons; Dubravlag or ZhKh-385, which is part of the Gulag system, was built here at the end of the 20s of the last century. This is not to be proud of, but it is a sad fact. Camps are located among the forests of the western part of Mordovia in the Zubovo-Polyansky district, now there are more than 30 of them.

The center of this largest state. institution is the village of Yavas, previously bore the names of 36 kilometers and Zavodskoy. Therefore, the Mordovian zone is often called Javaska.

In Soviet times, there was a special camp for political prisoners. Now among the correctional colonies (IK) there is the only zone in Russia for foreigners. There is also a zone for convicts for life and women's camps. By the way, modern political prisoners were once again here: Yukos lawyer Svetlana Bakhmina, Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova.

Saransk

Basically, the sights of Mordovia are concentrated in Saransk. - these are museums and monuments, theaters and cinemas, parks, a zoo, attractions, nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers and other pleasures. If you are in Mordovia, in order not to get bored and buy, be sure to come to Saransk.

Fountain Star of Mordovia on Millennium Square

The city makes a favorable impression. There are many squares, beautiful modern and embankments. Despite a large number of factories, it does not give the oppressive impression of an industrial city. Saransk is an oasis of civilization among the endless forests, fields, marshes and small settlements of Mordovia.

In addition, Saransk is an ancient city-fortress, founded in 1641. It was visited by the troops of Stepan Razin and Emelyan Pugachev himself. It's always interesting when a city has some kind of history.

Saransk is the smallest Russian city, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For this event, the Mordovia Arena stadium was built in the form of a sun, with a maximum capacity of about 44 thousand people.

Ruzaevka

Railway station in Ruzaevka

Ruzaevka is the second city after Saransk in terms of population in Mordovia. After the last FIFA World Cup 2018, Ruzaevka has changed for the better. The railway station was repaired, street improvement works were carried out, and main roads were repaired. And also, the bus station has finally been put in order and, most importantly, the railway station has been reconstructed. pedestrian bridge.

What pleases the passengers of the Ruzaevka station is that the railway station and the bus station are in the same place. Truth separates their footbridge over railroad tracks. Now it has become covered and beautiful instead of a still quite new, but shabby and broken-down bridge.

The bridge now has elevators on each side. No more hauling heavy bags up onto the bridge and then down. Walking along the new, glazed bridge, I just want to say: thank you, World Cup. If not for you, the passengers would have suffered dragging their luggage across the bridge.

On Privokzalnaya Square in 2011, a monument to the railroad workers of Ruzaevka was erected - the freight steam locomotive Lebyadyanka. The locomotive was built in 1954 and most of its life was used in the sections Penza-Ruzaevka and Ruzaevka-Krasny junction. Nearby are bronze figures of a railway worker with his son.

From Ruzaevka bus station to Saransk bus station - 27 km.

Attractions Ruzaevka

Locomotive Depot Museum

Ruzaevka is not rich in interesting or beautiful places. The city of railroad workers can offer as cultural leisure— Museum of the locomotive depot. It is located at: st. Revolutions of 1905, house 7.

Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Ruzaevka with 16 golden domes was founded in 2009. Built in 2012 at the expense of the Ruzaevsky glass factory and donations from believers at the address: st. Karl Marx, house 61. The construction of the temple was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with the peoples of Russia.

The temple is huge, 40 meters high, there is a library and a Sunday school, a refectory and an assembly hall, the Ruzaev diocese is also located here. It is divided into upper and lower temples. It is located at the entrance to the city from Saransk on the highest point.

Near Ruzaevka is the village of Paygarma, in which there is an ancient women's Paraskevo-Ascension Monastery. The monastery is active.

Temnikov

The city of Temnikov is located on the Moksha River, it is surrounded by pine forests. Here is located the relic pine Emashevskaya grove on the shore of Lake Vyakchishev.

The city of Temnikov is primarily famous for the ancient Sanaksar Monastery, where the grave and relics of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov are located. There are also the Temnikovsky Local History Museum and the House-Museum of the composer L. I. Voinov.

The decoration of Temnikov is the ancient Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1827). It was built in honor of the Temnikovsky militia of 1812.

A few kilometers from the city of Temnikov is the most beautiful old Sanaksar Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos. It is located on the banks of the Moksha River and was founded in 1659.

The name of the monastery is associated with the personality of Admiral Ushakov, a famous Russian naval commander. He spent the rest of his life in his estate in the village of Alekseevka near the town of Temnikov. Now there is nothing left of the estate.

The illustrious admiral was buried in the Sanaksar monastery. In 2001 he was canonized by the church as a saint in the face of the righteous. And now the monastery has not only the grave of the great military leader, but also the relics of the saint.

The remains of Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov from time to time travel around Russia as holy relics for solemn church events, including military personnel and sailors.

It is noteworthy that the admiral's uncle Ivan Ignatovich Ushakov, after being tonsured - Theodore of Sanaksarsky was the governor of the Sanaksar monastery (1764-1774), died and was buried here. In 1999, the church canonized him as a saint, but only locally revered by the Saransk diocese.

Krasnoslobodsk

Passing the city of Krasnoslobodsk, you will not confuse it with anything. A notable sight of Krasnoslobodsk is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. It is located at the crossroads of the main roads and rises 35 meters above the houses.

The view of such a tall, pompous temple with dazzling gilded domes against the background of dull typical houses causes dissonance. It absolutely does not fit into the local landscape and once again emphasizes the pathos and grandeur of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Chamzinsky district

The Chamzinsky district of the Republic of Mordovia cannot boast of any sights, despite the fact that the villages of Komsomolsky and Chamzinka are located here. They are big settlements Republic. In Komsomolsk there are large factories "Mordovcement" and "Lato".

There are no large lakes or rivers in the Chamzinsky district, the only natural attraction is bald mountain, spread out next to Alekseevka.

You can also note the beautiful old church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Makolovo.

Torbeevo

The village of Torbeevo with a population of 9 thousand people is located on the M-5 highway between Zubova Polyana and Krasnoslobodsk. Torbeevo was glorified all over the world by a man who managed to escape from a German concentration camp - fighter pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Devyatayev. He was born in Torbeevo, now in his homeland there is a house-museum dedicated to the feat of the pilot.

Website: mrkm.ru Address: st. October, 29 Price: 50 rubles, schoolchildren, students - 20 rubles, children from 5 to 7 years old - 15 rubles.

The museum was opened on May 8, 1975. It consists of two parts: ethnographic and dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. Here are Devyatayev's personal belongings, documents, photographs, awards, as well as items from the Sachsenhausen concentration camp: a prisoner's striped uniform, wooden shoes, a whip and others.