Krasnodar is a dynamically developing city that is able to interest many sophisticated tourists. Historical sights, architectural monuments and modern buildings - it may take more than one day to fully explore the city. Over the past decades, many interesting places have been created - the Ocean Park Oceanarium, the Safari Park Zoo, and the Krasnodar Stadium.
Krasnodar has many green areas for pleasant walks - the Solnechny Ostrov park, Chistyakovskaya Grove, and the City Garden. To get acquainted with the cultural life of the city, it is worth visiting a musical theater, a philharmonic society or a drama theater. There are museums dedicated to the history of the Kuban and Russia, exhibitions of military equipment, an art museum. On the streets of the city there are art objects - classic memorable obelisks or humorous sculptures, for example, a monument to Shurik and Lidochka from Gaidai's film.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Krasnodar. He will help you draw up routes for exploring the top tourist sites of the city in 2-3 days.
Park and stadium "Krasnodar"
A modern city park, opened in 2017. It was built by German architects. An amphitheater with a capacity of 2000 people has been erected for events. The spiral observation deck offers beautiful views. There is an unusual water labyrinth with a fountain and a waterfall. Bicycle paths are laid, a skatepark is equipped. The home stadium of FC Krasnodar with a capacity of 35,000 people is located next to the park.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Krasnodar Territory.
Alexandrovsky Boulevard
Located in the central part of the city. On the boulevard several blocks long, there is a large number of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a pleasant place to stay - there are green spaces and beautiful flower beds. Many architectural monuments - the monument-fountain of St. Catherine and Alexander's Triumphal Arch. There are several art objects - a monument to Shurik and Lidochka from the famous film, the Aurora fountain complex.
Park "Sunny Island"
The Big Park is one of the best places for family vacations in Krasnodar. Its vast territory is surrounded by Staraya Kuban Lake. It has many attractions, playgrounds, a mini zoo and a planetarium. In winter, a skating rink is poured into the park. Sports grounds have been equipped - for football, volleyball, paintball and tennis. The park often hosts mass celebrations with the participation of local and Russian stars.
Theatre square
The square is located in the historical part of the city. The city drama theater is located on it. Opposite it are the remains of the Yekaterinodar Fort. Since 2011, the main decoration of the square is the "singing" fountain with an area of over 1000 m². The water jets of the fountain reach a height of 25 meters. At nightfall, a light show begins with classical music. The fountain lighting consists of 640 bulbs.
St. Catherine's Cathedral
The main cathedral of the Kuban and Yekaterinodar dioceses. Its construction was carried out from 1900 to 1914. The reason for the construction of the temple was the miraculous salvation of the royal family during a train crash in 1899. Three years after the opening, the temple was converted into a warehouse by the Bolsheviks. Its restoration began in 1988. The bell tower was reconstructed, the bells were re-cast, the domes were covered with gold leaf.
Monument to Catherine II
Opened in 1907. In 1920 it was destroyed by the Bolsheviks. The monument was restored in 2006. The first monument was designed by M. Mikeshin. The appearance of the modern monument was created by the sculptor A. Apollonov. In his work, he used archival photographs and drawings. Next to the Empress are Prince Potemkin-Tavrichesky and three atamans. The monument is 13.8 meters high. It took 12 tons of cast iron and 25 tons of bronze to make it.
Museum-Reserve named after E. D. Felitsyn
Historical and archaeological complex. His first collection was collected by the Caucasian and Kuban historian Felitsyn. Now the funds of the museum have 40,000 exhibits. Greek amphoras, fine jewelry, Polovtsian statues are considered unique items. The main exposition of the museum tells from the 5 thousandth history of the region, in which ancient weapons, coins, bronze vessels, and ceramics are exhibited.
The best gardens and parks of Krasnodar
Popular places for relaxation and outdoor walks.
PKiO named after the 30th anniversary of Victory
The largest park in the region - its area is 57 hectares. Located on a peninsula. On the embankment area there are picnic areas, gazebos and barbecues. There are playgrounds with attractions - a Ferris wheel, trampolines, carousels, an autodrome. There is a mini-zoo, billiards, bicycle and segway rental, a go-kart track, and a paintball zone. An interesting place is the Bridge of Kisses, which offers a good view.
City garden
One of the oldest parks in Krasnodar. It is planted with maples, lindens, black walnuts, oaks, Japanese sophora, as well as a large number of flower beds. There are gazebos, benches, attractions, cafes. The park is decorated with monuments and a fountain. There is a small pond in the garden, where swans, ducks and geese live and receive treats from visitors. Concerts and entertainment events are held on the stage of the Summer Theater.
Chistyakovskaya grove
Founded in 1900. The next year after reconstruction in 2008 it was recognized as the best amusement park in Russia. Oaks, maples, pines, plane trees, ash trees, birches grow in it. About 8 hectares of the park is occupied by an entertainment area - a three-level rope town, an amusement area. The sports areas have a volleyball field, exercise equipment, and chess tables. There are three illuminated fountains. There is an open summer cinema.
Botanical Garden named after I.S.Kosenko
A cozy corner of nature in the city center. Hundreds of plants grow in the specially protected area, not only from different regions of Russia, but also from all over the world. About 300 species of tropical and subtropical plants are planted in the greenhouse. The park has paths for walking and cycling. There are lotuses growing in a small artificial lake. There is a poultry house where peacocks live. The park is inhabited by squirrels that can be fed with nuts.
Kubanskaya embankment street
A beautiful and well-maintained street with a length of 1.5 km. The once abandoned coastal slope is replaced with white stone, there is lighting, benches, a lawn is broken, trees are planted. There are many attractions and interesting places on the embankment and next to it - the park named after the 30th anniversary of Victory, the Kiss Bridge and the Turgenevsky Bridge, illuminated by LED floodlights. There are many cafes on the embankment with cuisine from different countries. There is a bike rental.
Monuments and monuments of Krasnodar
The most famous modern and historical sculptures and memorials of the city.
Monument to Shurik and Lidochka
An unusual street sculpture to the heroes of Gaidai's film is installed near the building of the Kuban Technological University. The initiator of the installation of the monument was the governor of the city. This commemorative symbol symbolizes the good academic performance of the students. The students' figures are made of bronze, their weight is 300 kg. The figures are made in real growth, which allows you to take original photographs, looking at the synopsis of Lidochka together with Shurik.
Monument "Sobachkina Capital"
The original genre sculpture is installed in the city center. She depicts two dogs in love on a first date. On the wall behind the dogs is a quote from a poem by Mayakovsky who called Krasnodar "the dog's capital." The sculptor Pchelkin made a cute and cheerful monument. It is loved by city residents and tourists.According to legend, dogs' noses have magical powers - if you rub them, your cherished wish will come true.
Monument "Cossacks write a letter to the Turkish Sultan"
The monument was created based on the painting of the same name by Repin. The opening of the monument is timed to coincide with the 120th anniversary of Repin's visit to Krasnodar. The sculptural illustration of the painting was made by V.P. Pchelkin. Compared to the painting, the monument lacks two Cossacks. The figures of people are made in natural growth. This is one of the most popular monuments among tourists. You can take a photo next to the Cossacks, for this there is a free chair.
Monument to the Holy Great Martyr Catherine
Installed in an alley in the city center in 2009. The height of the graceful and fragile-looking sculpture is 8 meters. It is installed on a rotunda in the form of a bell, decorated with gilded figures of angels. Inside the rotunda bell, you can enter, feeling at the same time under the patronage of St. Catherine. The monument looks especially impressive in the evening, when the illumination of the fountain next to it turns on.
Monument to the Kuban Cossacks
Located next to the building of the Krasnodar regional administration. The monument was cast in the Rostov studio of artists, designed by Viktor Syrmolotov. The monument was delivered to Krasnodar by helicopter. The prototype of the sculpture of the Cossack was the ataman Anton Golovaty, who initiated the resettlement of the Cossacks to the Kuban. The unveiling of the monument in 2007 was attended by Metropolitan Isidor, Ataman Gromov and Governor Tkachev.
Memorial arch "The Kuban is proud of them"
The project of the memorial composition was carried out by the architect Railov. The arch was installed in the 1960s, reconstructed in 1995. The artist Apollonov added a bust of Marshal Zhukov and an equestrian sculpture of George the Victorious to the composition. This symbolizes the combination of the traditions of the Russian troops from Ancient Rus to modern times. The names of the holders of the Orders of Glory, Heroes of the USSR and Heroes of the Russian Federation, natives of the Kuban land, are carved on the marble slabs.
Obelisk in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Kuban Cossack army
A high obelisk was erected in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Kuban Cossack troops. This is a copy of the 1897 monument by Filippov, which was destroyed with the advent of Soviet power, restored in 2007 by the sculptor Apollo. The obelisk is 14 meters high. It is crowned with a golden ball with a double-headed eagle holding a scepter and a crown. The granite obelisk is set on a square stone plinth.
The best museums of Krasnodar
The most popular museums in the city that you should definitely visit.
Museum of military equipment "Weapon of Victory"
The exhibition of military equipment is located in the open air in the park. 30th anniversary of the Victory. Some of the exhibits are placed in the exhibition hall. Visitors can see about 40 pieces of equipment, most of which were made during the Second World War. Heavy weapons equipment is represented by tanks, cannons, Katyushas, and anti-aircraft guns. There are pre-war models - a 1940 tank and a 1938 SPG.
Art Museum named after F.A.Kovalenko
Founded in 1904. It occupies two buildings that have the status of architectural monuments of the 19th century - the House of Engineer B. Shardanov and the Yekaterinodar Office of the State Bank. The museum's collections include more than 13,000 works of art - painting, sculpture, graphics. There are rare collections of Japanese woodcuts, art of the Netherlands, a collection of Russian avant-garde. Old Russian painting is represented by works of different schools of icon painting.
Historical Park "Russia - My History"
The museum tells about the history of the country in a modern format using multimedia technologies. The total area of the exhibition halls is 7,500 m². They are equipped with projectors, monitors, interactive tablets. The museum building is decorated in the colors of the Russian tricolor, the entrance is made in the form of the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin. In addition to the history of the Russian state, the expositions tell about the history of the Kuban.
Museum of retro cars
The museum has a unique collection of vintage cars produced since 1907. Visitors can follow the evolution of engineering in the automotive industry. All exhibits are in excellent condition, because the organizers of the museum are the owners of the auto-technical station. They have been collecting the collection for about 30 years and carefully restored each car. Each of them can be called an art object of automotive classics.
Krasnodar theaters
The main theater and concert venues in the city.
Krasnodar Academic Drama Theater
Founded in 1920. There are two halls in the theater building - the main one, with a capacity of 1500 people, and a chamber one, with a capacity of 152 people. The halls have excellent acoustics and light. The theater presents premieres every season. The repertoire of the Drama Theater includes classical performances, modern drama performances, and children's performances. Bright and interesting performances are popular with the audience. About 130,000 spectators visit them annually.
Philharmonic named after Grigory Ponomarenko
The first season at the Philharmonic was held in 1939. Since 1997, it has been named after the composer Ponomarenko, to whom a monument was erected in 2002 in front of the Philharmonic. The concert hall has 640 seats. Concerts and performances are held for both adults and children. Both local bands and musicians from other cities and countries perform. Many soloists of local groups are folk and honored artists of Russia.
Krasnodar Musical Theater
Founded in 1933. Since 2002, it has been a member of the creative association of Krasnodar "Premiere" named after L. Gatov. The performances are attended by artists from other groups - ballet theater, Cossack ensemble, symphony orchestra. The theater's repertoire includes many genres - operetta, musical, classical and innovative performances for audiences of all ages. The troupe of the theater tours a lot in the cities of Russia, participates in festivals.
Cinema Aurora"
The theater building, built in 1967, is an architectural monument. The building has an original design, the facade and side walls are made of thick glass. In front of the building there is a fountain and a 14-meter sculpture Aurora, recognized as an art monument. The cinema halls use modern sound and projection systems. They allow you to show films in 2D and 3D formats.
Architectural landmarks of Krasnodar
The most notable and recognizable monuments of architecture and urban planning.
Pushkin Square
The beautiful square is a popular pedestrian area among residents and visitors of the city. There are many attractions on it. In 1900, a large Pushkin library was opened on the square, opposite which, since 1999, a monument to the poet rises. On the square is one of the oldest museums in the North Caucasus - the art and concert hall of the famous Kuban choir.
Red Street
One of the main and busiest streets of the city. There are many attractions on it - Catherine Square, St. Prince Nevsky, the building of the Legislative Assembly, buildings of different eras and styles. There are cafes, shops, museums. On holidays and weekends, the street is partially closed to traffic and becomes pedestrianized. At this time, street musicians and artists gather on Krasnaya Street.
Alexander's triumphal arch
It is also known as the Royal Gate. It was erected in 1888 before the arrival of Emperor Alexander III to Krasnodar. Destroyed in 1928, restored only in 2008. The arch is made in the pseudo-Russian style. It consists of a large central opening and two side ones. The central opening is decorated with spiers. Strange photographs and postcards were used during the restoration. no drawings of the original arch have survived.
Shukhov tower
Steel openwork construction, built in 1935. The economical design of the water tower made it possible to speed up the launch of the city water supply system. The project of the hyperboloid tower was carried out by the engineer V.G. Shukhov.It consists of 50 inclined intersecting branches. Over time, the tower was no longer used for its intended purpose. The expansion tank was removed from above, and the sides were pasted over with advertising. The Shukhov Tower is an architectural monument.
House of M. Kuznetsov
A monument of brick architecture of the 19th century. Compositionally, the house is very simple, there are no pretentious elements or stucco molding in it. Its peculiarity is the facade with patterns laid out of red bricks. The house belonged to the merchant Kuznetsov, the founder of the "porcelain empire" and the supplier of the imperial court. Since 2002, the building houses a conservatory based on the basis of the Kuban State University of Culture.
Bridge of kisses
A small cable-stayed bridge that connects the remote part of the park to them. 30th anniversary of Victory from the Kuban embankment. The usual engineering structure has nothing special, but it was chosen by newlyweds and city lovers. They also gave the bridge a romantic name - the Bridge of Kisses. There is a tradition - to fix a padlock on the railing of the bridge, and throw the key from it into the water. Then the feelings of lovers will be as strong as the castle itself.
Churches and temples of Krasnodar
Places of worship in the city, the main Orthodox churches and cathedrals.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Built in the middle of the 19th century, destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1932. Restored again in 2003-2006. The original temple was built in the Russian-Byzantine style. During the restoration, the temple was given the same architectural look, traditional for Russian churches. The white walls and five golden domes have no intricate decoration. The appearance of the temple is simple and laconic. The two-tiered iconostasis, 11 meters high, is made of marble.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
One of the most beautiful temples in the city was founded in 1889. The majestic red brick temple is crowned with gold and green domes. The temple was erected in honor of the salvation of the royal family during a train wreck near Kharkov. From the 1930s to the 1970s, the cathedral was used as a sculpture workshop. Since the 1990s, the restoration of the cathedral has been going on, and now many tourists strive to it in order to personally appreciate its magnificence and beauty.
Church of the Nativity
Located on the banks of the river on the outskirts of the city. Pilgrims and tourists, connoisseurs of the grandeur of architecture come to the temple. The temple was built in 1997, the first liturgy took place in 2010 on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, in honor of this the temple got its name. On the territory of the temple there is a chapel, which was erected over a well with clean artesian water. It is believed that the water from the spring has healing powers.
St. George Church
It has over 100 years of history. Among other temples of the city, it stands out for its picturesque interior decoration and unusual architecture in the Byzantine style. The red brick building is crowned with blue onion-shaped domes. The temple held services even during the mass closure of churches in Soviet times. The relics of more than 70 saints, which are church relics, are kept in the “arks” of the temple.
Church of St. John the Warrior
The snow-white temple was consecrated in 2005. Its decoration is a large mosaic panel depicting saints and a three-tiered bell tower topped with a golden dome. The church is considered military - it is located on the territory of the military school of the Ministry of Defense. The clergy are present at the swearing-in and graduation of the cadets. The initiator of the creation of the temple was the former pilot, and now the priest Vladimir Mishchenko.
Temple of the Holy Spirit
The construction of the temple began in 2000, in 2011 the temple was consecrated. In many ways, the construction of the church was helped by the residents of the microdistrict where the church was being erected. The bells in the belfry were made with donations from parishioners. The church has two chapels. A high porch leads to the upper limit. The bell tower is crowned with a high spire with a dome and a cross. The domes are painted green, the walls are white. There are several shrines in the temple.
Where else can you go and what to see?
In addition to the main attractions, there are many interesting places in and around the city that are worth seeing.
Krasnodar hippodrome
The first Kuban races at the hippodrome took place in 1868. An area of 41 hectares makes the Krasnodar Hippodrome one of the largest in Russia. The season runs from April to October, but the mild southern climate allows horses to be trained all year round. The stands of the hippodrome have a capacity of over 3,500 people. Children can ride horses or ponies, play in the playground, animators and clowns work.
Krasnodar Oceanarium "Ocean Park"
The area of the aquarium is 3000 m2. It is home to more than 200 different species of fish, reptiles and amphibians - piranhas, sharks, seahorses, stingrays, moray eels, lobsters, sea urchins. Several aquariums have been built for them, the volume of the largest aquarium being 350,000 liters. The most spectacular place is the underwater tunnel, where reef sharks swim behind glass arches. Carp living in outdoor pools can be fed.
Zoo "Safari Park"
A private zoo with a unique collection of animals is located in the Sunny Island Park. Comfortable living conditions have been created for the animals, which allows visitors to see animals included in the Red Book. In total, about 250 species of animals live on an area of 10 hectares - camels, bears, lemurs, tigers, hippos. Excursion programs have been developed for visitors, there are cafes, recreation areas, and festive events are held.
Graffiti "Getting Started"
Street art in Krasnodar is popular, many graffiti are included in the list of top attractions. "We are starting to dive" - a fantastic picture of 520 m² in the courtyard near the parking lot of the shopping center Arbat. The painting appeared with the permission of the city authorities. There are other works of street artists in the city - the Orange Giraffe on the support of the Turgenevsky Bridge, Aibolit on Klinicheskaya Street, "Papa" on Dzerzhinsky Street.
Megacenter "Red Square"
The largest shopping and entertainment center in the south of Russia. About 1 million people visit it every month. The mall area of 180,000 m² houses 570 shops, a bowling alley, children's playgrounds and entertainment areas, attractions, cinemas, cafes and restaurants. Tourists are attracted to the mega-center by the presence of a site stylized as a street of old Europe. The mall has many photo zones, sculptures to cartoon characters, and a fountain.
Lotus lake
Near the village of Belozerny, 10 km from Krasnodar, there is a lake, whose beauty attracts tourists and residents of the city to it. An extraordinary picture of blooming pink and white lotuses can be observed from June to August. There is a small chapel by the lake with exotic plants. From it to the lake there is a path leading to a platform with a railing, where you can enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty and take beautiful photos.
