Between the two rivers is one of the greenest and most spacious million-plus cities in Russia - the capital of Bashkiria Ufa. Not very famous among tourists, the city nevertheless has a centuries-old history and rich culture. He is the birthplace of many world celebrities and prominent figures of literature and art. Thanks to close friendship with the Russian people, Ufa combines unique features and color of different cultures. Muslim mosques here peacefully coexist with Orthodox churches, and eastern and western trends harmoniously intertwine in the city. Below we have provided a list of the most striking and unusual places in Ufa where you can go.
1
Monument to Salavat Yulaev
This is perhaps the most famous attraction of Ufa and the best place for photo shoots. The name of Salavat Yulaev is well known not only to residents of Ufa and Bashkiria, but also to all hockey fans in Russia and abroad. After all, he was named after the Ufa hockey club, which more than once became the winner of major Russian championships and the KHL. But for the residents of Bashkiria, Salavat Yulaev is primarily a national hero who fearlessly fought for justice and independence along with Pugachev.
The monument to him is located in the historical part of the city in the center. He is the largest equestrian statue not only in Russia but also in Europe. It stands on a hill on the banks of the Belaya River, from where a picturesque view opens at the foot of Ufa. Its author Soslanbek Tovasiev worked on the project for 30 years, and for good reason. He was awarded a state prize for this project.
2
Congress hall
Not far from the monument to Salavat Yulaev Congress Hall is located. It was built in 2007 as the largest business complex in Ufa, where the most important political, scientific and cultural events are held. Congress Hall embodied the latest trends in architectural trends, built in the shape of a drop and with an abundance of glass. Under its roof on an area of more than 36,000 m² there is a huge concert hall, several conference rooms, a museum complex, picturesque fountains and a beautiful winter garden. In addition, the surrounding area is ennobled by specially grown blue spruces. Congress Hall can be called a real pearl of the republic, which has no analogues in Russia.
3
Vatan Ethnic Park
Another new attraction of Ufa, opened in 2015. The park is set up in an open area near the Congress Hall, which is the so-called Ufa amphitheater. Before its construction, part of open-air events and concerts were held here. The central element of the park is the ethnic village, which has become a symbol of Bashkiria. Seven yurts in the national style are located here, which display expositions dedicated to Bashkir culture. For example, here you can get acquainted with the process of making koumiss, taste Bashkir honey, try on national costumes and take memorable photos.
Today, the ethnopark is also the center of youth culture, where music, poetry and literary evenings, sporting events and concerts are regularly held.
Most-beauty.ru already mentioned this park in his article about the sights of Bashkiria.
4
Lala Tulip Mosque
This is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in Russia. Its height is more than 20 meters, but at the same time the building looks very light and as if rushing up. Not only the dimensions of the mosque are impressive, but also the original appearance. The main building is built in the shape of a blossoming tulip, and two minarets on the sides resemble bright scarlet buds.
The symbol of the tulip was not chosen by chance - this flower has special significance in Muslim culture. The attitude of Muslims towards him has always been reverent and respectful, since his Arabic spelling resembles the word "Allah."
The mosque amazes tourists not only with its appearance, but also with its interior decoration. Marble walls, crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, painting in oriental style, luxurious carpets - all this creates an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur. In addition, the mosque houses the largest prayer hall in Bashkiria for up to 500 people.
5
Friendship Monument
This is one of the most popular places in Ufa. It is located on the banks of the Belaya River, on the site of an old fortress. The monument consists of two granite stella 33 meters high, on the sides of which are two sculptural figures of girls with laurel wreaths in their hands - a Bashkir and a Russian. They symbolize Mother Russia and Mother Bashkiria.
The monument was laid in 1957 in honor of the 400th anniversary of the accession of Bashkiria to Russia. It looks especially impressive in the evening, when the lights come on and you can just walk along the promenade, admiring the monument.
6
Fountain "Seven Girls"
This attraction appeared relatively recently - only in 2015. The fountain is located in a small cozy park in the city center, and has already won the love of residents and guests of the capital due to its colorfulness and grace.
The sculptural composition is a large bowl in the center and seven girlish figures located around the fountain. The basis of its creation was the ancient Bashkir legend of seven rebellious twin sisters who threw themselves from a cliff into the waters of the Belaya River in order not to get to the enemies. According to legend, at the same time seven stars were lit in the sky. Near the fountain, national music plays, and in the evening, artificial lighting is lit. Then it seems that the girls are dancing.
Once most-beauty.ru already wrote about the most beautiful fountains. We highly recommend reading it.
7
Gostiny Dvor
Favorite place of residents and one of the main attractions of Ufa - Gostiny Dvor is located in the historic center of the city. The building was built in the early 19th century, but today it houses modern shops and an entertainment and business complex. It is this combination of historical architecture and modernity that makes this place so attractive and popular.
It is worth noting that fairs were held in the Gostiny Dvor from time immemorial. Merchants from all over Russia and Europe came here, and then it became an elite place for the governor, his close and wealthy merchants to live. In Soviet times, he was assigned to workshops and factory premises, as a result of which he completely lost his former appearance. They even wanted to demolish the building, but the inhabitants of the city stood up to defend it. As a result, it was reconstructed and made the main cultural and business complex of the capital.
8
Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theater
It is an architectural monument due to its magnificent appearance. The first stone in its construction was laid in 1909, when the city government decided to create the Aksakov People’s House in honor of the great writer from Ufa. Initially, it was planned as a cultural and educational center, and in 1938 it was given to the opera and ballet theater. It was here that the world-famous ballet dancer Rudolf Nuriev began his career.
And even more remarkable is the fact that the first debut of opera singer Fedor Chaliapin took place on his stage. Today, in honor of both celebrities, the theater hosts annual grand international festivals. In addition, on the second floor of the theater, a museum of Rudolf Nuriev is organized.
9
Memorial House-Museum named after Aksakov
This is an architectural monument of the 18th century and one of the most interesting sights of Ufa. In 14 halls there are more than 3,000 exhibits representing the history of the Aksakov family. The noble atmosphere and cultural spirit of the 18-19th centuries are talentedly recreated in the museum. The building itself is the former home of the grandfather of the great Russian writer, in which his entire family lived in 1795-1797. Museum staff are active in cultural activities, collaborating with historians, local historians and libraries throughout the country. It often hosts exhibitions, music evenings, festivals and scientific readings.
10
Bashkir State Art Museum named after M.V. Nesterova
Art lovers will love visiting the museum named after the great Russian artist Mikhail Nesterov, a native of Ufa. At the beginning of the 20th century, the painter presented the city with an excellent collection of graphics and paintings by Russian artists, and the history of the museum began with this.
In the courtyard of the building there is a sculpture of Mikhail Nesterov, and the museum itself consists of 8 halls. Five of them are reserved for the main exposition, and the other three hold various exhibitions. Along with an impressive collection of outstanding works by Russian and Bashkir artists, the museum is the owner of one of the most famous works of Mikhail Nesterov - “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew,” which the artist himself considered his best work. In addition, visitors will be able to admire the paintings of such famous painters as Aivazovsky, Savrasov, Repin and many others.
11
Cathedral Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin
The main Orthodox cathedral of the city of Ufa. It was built in the early 20th century according to the ancient traditions of pre-Petrine Rus, but after it was restored and today its appearance differs from the original.
This is a beautiful sky-blue building with golden domes, a tall bell tower and rich decoration. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful shrines of Bashkiria and a place of power. It is included in the cultural heritage of the republic and is under state supervision. The interior is made of marble and Italian stone, and the walls are covered with intricate paintings and elaborate mosaics of emerald green. In all its splendor, the cathedral especially appears in the evenings when artificial lighting is turned on.
If you are interested in the topic of temples and churches, then you can read about the most beautiful of them in our article.
12
Aksakova park
One of the best places for walking and relaxing with children. It is located in the historic city center and has an interesting history. Earlier, in the 18th century, the Aksakovs estate was located here, where the great Russian writer was born. Then there was a fire, and a park was set up on the estate site. Today it is a very quiet place, ideal for photo shoots, cultural activities and just having a good time with a book in hand.
The main highlight of the park is a small picturesque lake in its center. Swans and ducks adorn him. The park also has an indoor stage, a café and well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. In winter, an ice rink is open for children and adults.
This concludes our article, but the sights of this beautiful city do not end there. And what places or objects of Ufa do you like the most? Perhaps you know some interesting saints or romantic places of the city? Maybe some are fascinated by the abandoned places of Ufa? Write your answers in the comments under the article.
Article author: Zilya Zinatullina