Where to go and what to see in Mordovia. Sights of Mordovia: natural and cultural sites of the republic Natural attractions and riches of Mordovia

Saransk was founded in 1641 as a fortress called Saransk 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.

TO XVIII century the wooden fortress fell into disrepair, the city turned from a defense city into a trade and craft city, and the streets began to be built on a rectangular layout.

Since 1991, Saransk has been the capital of the Republic of Mordovia and has a population of just over 300 thousand people. Not a trace remained of the historical fortress, and for the 2018 FIFA World Cup the city center was rebuilt beyond recognition, so it was very interesting to go and look at the “new things” in 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 station was demolished and a new building was built in its place. railway station, now it looks like this:

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

Stratonaut is a person who has flown into the stratosphere on a stratospheric balloon.

Monument to the Stratonaut Heroes erected 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 for the fences, the only thing missing is the sign “Attention! Fence!"

The central streets in Saransk are dubbed in the Mordovian (Erzya and Moksha) languages. Erzya and Moksha are two subethnic 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 has not been touched. And behind the House of Unions a ridiculous plastic box peeks out, this is the Ministry of Finance.

On the way I met fox with cubs. The fox is a symbol of Saransk; it is depicted on the city’s coat of arms, as an indicator of the wealth of Mordovian forests in valuable fur-bearing animals.

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

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

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

And this is what the same building looked like before, without the 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- residence of the Head of the Republic of Mordovia. Located on Sovetskaya Square. Built in 1987, it's a wonder it hasn't been rebuilt into plastic crap.

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

Soviet square – oldest square city, is a pedestrian area Sovetskaya street. And not a single bench. Why?

Building administration of Saransk was built in 1915, initially it housed a merchant's club and a teachers' seminary. The building was given the status of an architectural monument of the history and culture of Saransk at the beginning of the 20th century.

The corner house with a clock and a boarded-up front entrance (47 Krasnoarmeyskaya St.) is incredibly eye-catching.

The city clock did not appear on the house right away. The photo is from around the 60s. 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. There is an eternal flame, a monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War, and a very strange building at first glance - a museum of military and labor feats.

Museum of Military and Labor Feat was opened in 1995. According to the architect's plan, the building is made in the shape of the borders of Mordovia, and on top is decorated with a kokoshnik with copper medallions. To add a sense of mourning, the museum is lined with granite slabs in the colors of the St. George Ribbon. To be honest, this whole structure looks ridiculous and even scary.

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

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

New guy Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov was built in 2006.

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

Monument to Admiral Ushakov was installed on the cathedral square also in 2006.

To the right of cathedral can be found family monument, installed here in 2008. The monument is located as if the family were heading to the temple, a clever idea.

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

On one side of the cathedral square shopping mall Rio and some kind of space office building.

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

Main Post Office, you are amazing! (Bolshevistskaya st., 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, 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).

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 on this site. Until 2010 it was the home arena football club"Mordovia". In the summer of 2010, demolition of the stadium began, on the site of which Millennium Square was built.

A fountain and a universal sports hall “Arena Mordovia” were erected in the center of Millennium Square. It’s good that it’s labeled on the map, otherwise you might accidentally think that this is just another shopping center.

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

The U-shaped extension next to it is the administrative and library (main) building; they did not demolish it or rebuild it, they just lined it with plastic. Now main building looks far from important.

The old first building was built in the 40s and was demolished in 2011. Construction of the new building was completed in 2016.

National Library named after A. S. Pushkina(26 Bohdana Khmelnitsky St.) was founded in 1899, and moved to the current building in 1970. In 2009, a new 9-story building was added to the library building, and floors were added to the old building and double-glazed windows were inserted.

This is what the old building looked like before reconstruction. It’s even somehow disrespectful for the library.

We turn onto Bogdan Khmelnitsky.

Gray plastic box – entertainment complex.

Next, 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 hospital. In 2010, the mansion was demolished and the current building appeared in its place.

Red building - State Musical Theater named after. I. M. Yausheva, also a new building in 2011.

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

It was originally built in 1974 and looked absolutely terrible. But what they rebuilt it into looks at least funny.

The street is communist, again fences with striped posts and another blue shopping center on the horizon. Oh, no, this is the main post office.

The last attraction we will see in Saransk is Museum of Fine Arts. S. D. Erzi(Kommunisticheskaya st., 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 within the Mordovian peoples.

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

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

Posted Thu, 31/10/2019 - 08:02 by Cap

Mordovia is proud of all the peoples who have ever inhabited it. The republic meticulously collects everything related to national identity, but at the same time emphasizes the inextricable connection with the rest of Russia. Orthodox churches and monasteries are a great opportunity for pilgrims to visit holy places, as well as travel throughout Mordovia.
Many attractions are concentrated in Saransk. Here the most demanding tourist will be able to occupy himself: an art gallery, a theatre, walking areas, monuments - what is there in the capital of the republic. Another direction is traveling to the bosom of nature. National Park Smolny, lakes and rivers, as well as forests of all types are ideal for lovers of ecotourism.

MAP and Geography of Mordovia

The distance from Moscow is 621 km. Saransk was founded as a fortress to protect the borders of the Moscow state in 1641. Initially, the fortress was called the “Saransk prison” and stood on the banks of the Insar River, at the mouth of the Sarley River (hence, it is believed, the name came from).

The first settlers of the fortress were Cossacks and Streltsy, then the local population moved here from nearby villages. At different times, the fortress was captured by the rebel detachments of S. Razin and E. Pugachev.

Saransk history of the city.

In the 18th century, the city grew and gradually began to turn into a commercial and industrial center. Single handicraft production grew into small factories and artels, and trade in local goods developed. In the 19th century, a series of large fires destroyed almost the entire city, but it was always rebuilt. The development of Saransk was positively influenced by the Moscow-Kazan line that passed through it. railway. From 1780 to 1930 Saransk was county town, territorially belonging to the Penza province. In 1930, the Mordovian Autonomous Region was formed, then it became a republic, but Saransk always remained the capital.

Geographical position

Located in the central part of the East European Plain on the Volga Upland (Volga basin) in the forest-steppe landscapes of the central part of the Insar basin, 642 km (500 km in a straight line) southeast of Moscow. The area of the city is 81,478 km².

The city of Saransk is located in the eastern part of the Republic of Mordovia. The distance from Moscow in a straight line is 500 km, however, due to the fact that Saransk is located away from federal highways, the distance by road is 642 km. The nearest regional center is Penza (128 km). Geographical coordinates(city center): 54°11′ north latitude and 45°11′ east longitude.

Saransk is located in the Moscow time zone ( Moscow time). The applied time offset relative to UTC is +3:00.

The climate is moderate continental, characterized by relatively cold, frosty winters and moderately hot summers. The average annual temperature is +3.9 °C. The average winter temperature is −11 °C, summer +18 °C.

The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of −11.7 °C, the warmest is July, its average temperature+19.3 °C. The absolute temperature maximum is +37 °C (in 2010 there was an abnormal heat wave, the air temperature exceeded +39 °C), and the absolute minimum temperature is −49 °C. The average annual precipitation is about 500 mm. Deviation towards the minimum and maximum values is up to 180 mm.

monument to Patriarch Nikon in Saransk

Modern Saransk.

Modern Saransk is a beautiful, prosperous city - the political, economic and cultural center of the republic. It has repeatedly won prizes in the annual competition “The Most Comfortable City in Russia.” Saransk has several museums and theaters, shopping and entertainment centers, modern cinemas, swimming pools and sports complexes. Inclusion in the list of cities participating in the 2018 World Cup was an honor for the city and prompted active preparations for the event and the preparation of the Saransk Arena stadium. Saransk has been actively building in recent years. Building modern architecture look impressive, especially the city center.

Attractions.

Soviet heritage and modernity are closely intertwined in the city. This was especially reflected in the names of streets and squares. Sovetskaya Square is main square city, it has existed since the 17th century, changing several names during this time. The square contains administrative buildings and a monument to Lenin. Political, cultural and sporting events take place here, and New Year is installed main tree cities. Cathedral Square. A new cathedral square was formed near the Fyodor Ushakov Cathedral. On it there is a monument to the legendary admiral, as well as the “Family Monument”, sculptor N. Filatov, which has become quite famous.

Cathedral of Theodore Ushakov.

The Cathedral of Theodore Ushakov was built in 2006. It became one of the largest churches in Russia and the tallest in the Volga region. The height of the building is 63 meters, the area is 900 square meters. m, capacity - 3000 people. The stone building was erected in the neoclassical style, in the shape of a rotunda with 4 corner bell towers, on which there are 12 bells. The interior decoration is luxurious, the wooden iconostasis is covered with gold leaf. The temple contains the relics of the great naval commander, the holy righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, canonized in 2001.

Park named after Pushkin.

The park is located on the site of the former city garden. Name A.S. Pushkin Garden received in honor of the 100th anniversary of the poet’s birth, in 1899. In 1935, it was expanded and received a different status, but the name remained the same. The area of the park is almost 40 hectares. There are modern attractions here, summer cafes, concert and dance venues. You can also see sculptures depicting heroes of Pushkin's fairy tales and other characters. On the territory of the park there is a city zoo, from the side of Sovetskaya Square there is a beautiful Fountain Descent leading to it, on which the monument “Pushkin and the Muse” is installed, as well as a monument to the founders of the city. In summer, Saransk blooms with many flower beds and landscape compositions. Street cleanliness - business card Saransk. Visiting tourists will enjoy walking around the city and will find something to see.

Mordovia Arena.

The stadium was designed specifically for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Four matches of the 2018 World Cup were held here. The capacity is 30,000 seats (at the time of the World Cup - 44,149). The appearance of the stadium is based on the sun - main symbol ancient myths and legends of the Mordovian people. The rectangle of the structure is smoothly rounded and resembles a pipe closed in a ring. The field and stands are hidden behind an outer skeleton of metal structures that rise from the concrete base of the stand and extend into a canopy above it. The structure is tilted inside the arena bowl, creating an “airy” effect. The uniqueness of the stadium lies in its small size. The exterior of the building is decorated in bright sunny colors.

St. John the Theologian Church.

St. John the Theologian Church is architectural monument federal significance. This is the oldest temple preserved in the city. Presumably, the wooden church was built before the fortress was founded, around 1600. In 1693, a stone building was erected. In the 30s of the 20th century, the temple was closed and reopened only in 1944. Under Soviet rule, for a long time it was the only active temple Saransk.

St. Nicholas Church.

St. Nicholas Church is one of the churches that survived during the USSR. It was built in 1906. The temple was built of red brick with a three-tier bell tower. Before the revolution it was called Petropavlovsk. From 1937 to 1990 The church was used as a warehouse, administrative premises, and library. Since 1990, it began to function again, was restored and re-consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Aal Mansour Mosque.

The central mosque of Aal-Mansur was built in 2002. The capacity of the mosque is more than 1000 people. Nearby there is a park area of about 2 hectares for Muslims, and a parking lot is open. In addition to the above, in Saransk there are also Orthodox churches and monasteries, mosques, as well as representatives of other religious denominations.

Founded in the 2nd half of the 16th century. In the “List of populated places of the Penza province” (1869) Old Terizmorga is a property village of 272 households (2,127 people) in the Insar district. According to 1913 data, there were 486 households (3,285 people) in Old Terizmorga; zemstvo school, 16 windmills, 2 forges, a butter churn, 3 peeling sheds, 3 wool combs, 9 beekeepers, a shop, 2 brick sheds; the estates of Satina and Kavtorina; St. Nicholas Church (1894; active since 1985). In 1931, the village had 585 households (3,332 people). In 1934, there were 2 collective farms - named after. Budyonny and “17 Years of October”, since 1974 - “40 Years of October”, since 1996 - Agricultural Production Complex “Staroterismorgsky”. In a modern village - high school, library, House of Culture, first aid post, 3 shops; monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War Patriotic War.
In 1957, the Staroterismorg Folk Choir was created. Old Terizmorga is the birthplace of the poet I. M. Devin, folklorist T. P. Devyatkina, chemist S. A. Yamashkin, Candidate of Historical Sciences T. N. Kaderova, R. N. Yamashkina, Candidate of Philological Sciences A. P. Kochevatkina , I. I. Sheyanova, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences V. G. Sheyanov, Candidate of Technical Sciences Yu. I. Sheyanov, Candidate of Chemical Sciences N. G. Sheyanov, Candidate of Economic Sciences O. I. Sheyanov. The Staroterismorg village administration includes the village. Akshov (34 people) and the village. Porub (31 people).

- a real reserve of Moksha culture. The village is located in the Staroshaigovsky district of the republic, on the left bank of the Sivini.

The village arose in the second half of the 16th century on the banks of the Sivin River. For a long time, the inhabitants of Terizmorga were engaged in agriculture and beekeeping. Now about 800 people live here, mostly Mordovians-Moksha. In 1992, the Center for Moksha Culture opened in Old Terizmorga, and in 2007 the First Festival of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held. In the center of the village stands the majestic St. Nicholas Church, nearby there is an ethnographic museum under open air"Peasant estate." The local folk choir performs in concerts in many countries around the world.
Old Terizmorga is a Moksha village where the traditions and customs of the Mordovian people are carefully preserved and passed on to the younger generation. This village is called a unique storehouse of Mordovian national culture. In Old Terizmorga, residents wear national clothes and conduct national rituals for everyone. Back in 1797, the Polish writer and archaeologist Jan Potocki described local life this way: “Mordovians, especially girls, dress extremely strange and fantastically.
They wear large pieces of wool in their ears; bells are woven into their hair and large copper bells are tied around their necks.” In Old Terizmorga tourists will be told about every detail of the costume. In the village you can visit the open-air ethnographic complex “The House of a Prosperous Peasant”: here is a bathhouse, which caretakers heat for tourists, and an oven where food is prepared. Guests can try pancakes and poza, a low-alcohol beetroot drink. On Sundays, all residents of Old Terizmorga gather in the St. Nicholas Church - a white building with blue domes. In the modern village there is a secondary school, a library, a House of Culture, a first-aid post, shops, and a monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War.
Old Terizmorga is the birthplace of the poet I. M. Devin, folklorist T. P. Devyatkina, and chemist S. A. Yamashkin.

Echoes of the ancient beliefs of the Mordovians are still active: people from all over the republic, and from other regions of Russia, travel to the ancient oak tree, which is still growing in the thicket of the Simkinsky Natural Park.
Many are sure that it was oak that helped them give birth to a child, maintain health and become happy.
There are many places on earth that are attributed properties that violate the laws of nature, or the intervention of divine forces. Mordovia is no exception. Far beyond the borders of the republic, an ancient oak tree in the Bolshebereznikovsky district is known, according to local residents, which has healing properties and cures infertility.
This tree is over 600 years old. Popular rumor says that it helps to give birth to healthy children, maintain family happiness and fulfills various cherished desires. Oak grows in Simkinskoye natural park Mordovia and not only became a local landmark, but even officially received the status of a wildlife monument of Russia.
“I learned about this oak tree when I was studying at a technical school. My sister and I made wishes there, and they came true! Now I continue to visit the oak tree every year and take my husband with me. I ask for health and happiness for my son. And whoever doesn’t believe it, let him go to the oak tree and check!
Valentina Aleksandrovna, resident of Saransk
At the time of Epiphany, the Mordovians categorically refused to accept the faith of others (although now they are considered the most Christianized people of the Volga region. - Ed.). To perform pagan rituals they had to choose secret places. It was near this tree that the people turned to their gods, conducted prayers and magical rituals, and performed sacrifices. Obviously, then the belief in the special properties of this place and the tree growing on it arose.
“My husband and I didn’t have children for a long time, although we had been married for a long time. We began to think about adopting a child from an orphanage, but a neighbor told us about this miraculous oak tree in Berezniki. Well, I went there secretly from my husband. I arrived early in the morning and had to wander around a bit and look for him. I sat down by the oak tree and talked to it, to myself, of course. She tied a ribbon, touched the branches of the tree, looked into the hollow, and said goodbye to it. About three weeks later, I decided to take a pregnancy test again, and then I was surprised: two stripes. I immediately ran to the doctor, he confirmed my pregnancy.

Insarsky St. Olginsky Monastery
It arose on the basis of a small hotel for nuns, founded in the 80s of the 19th century. In 1900, the temple built nearby was consecrated. It has 12 chapters, all small. The purpose of such architecture is to reduce attention to the bulky facade. IN Soviet time was located here local history museum. Since 1988, the monastery began to be revived. At the time of restoration, 30 sisters lived in the monastery.

Klyuchevskaya Pustyn
It is located near the border with the Chuvash Republic. The monastery arose in the 18th century and dates back to the appearance of an icon at the holy spring. The spring was popular even during the years of desolation of the monastery. It began to be restored in the mid-90s of the last century. The previous buildings were restored, a new bell tower, baths with a chapel at the source and a hotel for pilgrims were built.

Paygarm Paraskeva-Voznesensky Monastery
The year the convent was founded was 1865. It grew rapidly, with workshops and an orphanage operating there. The main shrine is the icon of the holy martyr Paraskeva, which contains a particle of her relics. Two cathedrals, two churches and three chapels were built on the territory. Each building has its own characteristic features, but the ensemble looks like a single whole. Nearby: a spring with a chapel and a bath and a hotel for pilgrims.

Sanaksar Monastery
Built in the Temnikovsky district in the middle of the 17th century. For some time, the men's monastery was considered one of the spiritual centers of the country. After 60 years of neglect, restoration began in 1991. A small sawmill and a candle shop opened. In the forest nearby there is the holy spring of St. Theodore. The area has been landscaped, baths have been built and there is convenient access to the water.

Makarovsky St. John the Theologian Monastery
Founded in the mid-90s of the last century, most of the temples and other buildings were built much earlier. They have been restored and supplemented with modern details. In the 18th century there was a churchyard here. There are a number architectural features. For example, the bell tower is built into the fence along with the towers. It is the residence of the local metropolitan. The Synodal Department for Youth Affairs operates on the basis of the monastery.

- a village in Ruzaevskoye on the Pishle River.

Suburb of Ruzaevka. Population: 3,737 inhabitants. 1412 yards. There are two mosques in the village (one of them is the largest in the republic).
Population 3737 people (2017), mostly Tatars.

Located on the river. Pishle, 3 km from the district center and railway station Ruzaevka.

The name is a hydronym, the definition indicates the ethnic composition of the population. It was founded at the beginning of the 17th century, as evidenced by the documents of the Insar district court on the allocation of lands in these places to the Tatar prince Uraz (1631).
In the “List of populated places of the Penza province” (1869) Pishlya is a state-owned village of 345 households (2,255 people) of the Insar district; There were 4 mosques. According to the 1913 census, there were 584 households (3,607 people) in the Tatar Pishla; 3 Tatar schools, 5 grain stores, 2 fire trucks, a mill with an oil engine and 8 windmills, 3 butter churns and peeling mills, 4 forges, a brick barn.

In 1929, the collective farm “Kech” (“Strength”; chairman I.F. Zemin) was formed from 28 households, in 1939 - the 2nd, “Chatky” (“Iskra”), since 1958 - a larger farm “Russia”, since 1997 - 2 K(F)H. In the modern village there is a secondary school, a library, a House of Culture, a kindergarten, 5 shops; a monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War; 2 mosques.

Tatarskaya Pishlya is the birthplace of the writer Sh. Kamal (one of the village streets and a school bear his name), agronomist D. D. Gurin, and Honored Worker of Public Education of the Republic of Mordovia R. S. Gorbunova. The Tatarsko-Pishlinskaya rural administration includes the village of Bogolyubovka (2 people)

arrival of the mufti from Ufa to the village

Story
Previously it was part of the Insarsky district of the Penza province.

In 1869, there were 345 households in the Tatar Pishla. In the article “From the history of Old Ruzaevka” prof. I.D. Voronin cites a document from the Insarsky district court, from which it is clear that the lands along the rivers Pishlya, Nurkolei and Paygarma were allocated to the Temnikov Tatar prince Uraz in 1631.
This year is the year of foundation of the village of Tatarskaya Pishli.

Notable natives
Sharif Kamal (1884-1942) - Tatar writer.

As a child, I was born and raised on the street named after the legendary Admiral Ushakov in the village. Krasnogorsky.

And I was always interested in the fate of this famous naval commander, since his victories were unique, he did not suffer a single defeat and did not lose a single ship. Admiral Ushakov was like the invincible Suvorov, but on the naval battlefields!

The life and heroic biography of the righteous warrior Theodore is inextricably linked with Crimea and Sevastopol!

It was thanks to Russian weapons and Russian courage that we managed to keep the Crimea peninsula from enemies.

And now it would be useful for us to look into the depths of history, since pressure on Russia is not new, and wars against our Motherland have been declared more than once. But our valiant ancestors always knew how to stand up for their land!

Sanaksar Monastery

Sanaksar Monastery in honor of Christmas Holy Mother of God in the town of Temnikov, Krasnoslobodsk diocese
Address: 431220, Russia, rsb. Mordovia, Temnikov

Located in a bend of the Moksha River, three kilometers from the city of Temnikov, downstream of the river. On the northern and western sides it is bordered by forests and groves, on the south and east beyond Moksha there are floodplain meadows rich in herbs and a countless number of large and small lakes. The monastery got its name from Lake Sanaksar, which lies in the lowlands near its walls. The history of the monastery goes back almost three and a half centuries.

In 1659, a resident of the city of Temnikov, scribe and serving nobleman Luka Evsyukov, owning land on the banks of the Moksha, found this place very convenient for a solitary monastic life, and therefore, having love and zeal for the monastic order, he decided to found a monastery. For this purpose, he invited the elder Abbot Theodosius from the deserted Staro-Kadoma Monastery, who subsequently decided to stay here forever. With the help of Luka Evsyukov and, probably, the brethren who came from the Staro-Kadoma monastery and the desert lovers who had also joined, Abbot Theodosius first built a chapel for conducting prayer services in it, then they began to clear the forest and the place for the construction of a monastery, and built the cells necessary for housing. The small brotherhood gathered in the Lord, under the leadership of Abbot Theodosius, thus lived in squalor for about ten years.

In 1669, the residents of Temnikov, together with Abbot Theodosius, asked His Holiness Patriarch Joasaph II to bless and allow them to build a church in the Sanaksar desert in the name of the Most Pure Mother of God, the Presentation of the miraculous icon of Her Vladimir, and to be here a monastery deserted for monks, exposing, except for the urgent needs of those gathered hermits in the church, also for the reason that there are no men or convents, and those who want to be tonsured have nowhere to fulfill this desire. According to this general request, in the same year, on October 30, His Holiness Patriarch Joseph II gave a blessed letter for the construction of a church and monastery. Probably, the first monastery was extremely meager, for construction was delayed, and only in 1676, at the request of Abbot Theodosius and his brethren, a letter was given from His Holiness Patriarch Joachim for the consecration of the Sretensky Church, and the monastery received the name of the Sretensky Sanaksar Hermitage.

The elder hegumen Theodosius lived in the Sanaksar desert until 1681. After Abbot Theodosius, there were builders one after another: Zosima, Tryphon and Dorofey. How many years each of them ruled the desert and what rank they had is not known. During their administration, the wooden Vladimir Sretenskaya Church, due to its dilapidation, was dismantled and a new one was built, also wooden, cold.

On March 12, 1730, under the builder Hieroschemamonk Peter, at his request, according to a decree from the Synodal Treasury Order, it was allowed to build a second church, a warm wooden one, in the name of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

Then there was the builder Philagry. There is no definite information about how long each of them ruled the desert. It is only known that under the management of all the aforementioned builders, the Sanaksar hermitage was meager in all respects: there were few brethren, the churches and cells were wooden, poor, and there was an extreme lack of church decoration and sacristy.

On February 24, 1752, by decree of the Suzdal Spiritual Consistory, Hieromonk Porfiry from the Spaso-Evthymius Monastery was appointed builder of the Sanaksar Hermitage. Having stayed here for one year, seeing a lack of brethren and poverty in everything in the monastery, he again asked the Suzdal consistory for his return to the Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, where he was dismissed in 1753, by decree of March 17, and the Sanaksar Hermitage, due to its extreme impoverishment in all respects, it was assigned under the supervision and management of the Sarov desert, as the closest to Sanaksar and, moreover, well-maintained.

This continued until 1759, when the monk Theodore Ushakov first appeared here, on the banks of the Moksha River, and had the firm intention of renewing Sanaksar. From that time on, the number of brethren increased, and through the labors of Fr. Theodore, with donations from benefactors, including Catherine II, instead of a wooden church, a two-story stone church was built. In 1774 St. Theodore, due to a false slander, was exiled to the Solovetsky Monastery.

In 1776, the following were consecrated: the warm cathedral church on the lower floor, in the name of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist; and above the holy gates under the bell tower is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the same 1776, the masonry of the bell tower, about twenty-six fathoms high, was completed. On both sides of it, in the same summer, a stone front wall was built, thirty-three fathoms long and eight arshins high. A passage gate was made in this wall, right side entrance to the monastery; there are two towers at the corners: in one of them, on the northern corner towards the Moksha River, there is a chapel, in the other, on the southern, there are two cells. Both towers are ten fathoms high. These buildings were carried out according to the plan of the painter Hierodeacon Philaret, under the supervision of Hieromonk Veniamin. In 1777, on the northern side towards the Moksha River, the construction of a two-story stone refectory building, fourteen fathoms in length, began, and was completed in two years. At the top there is a dining room with a kitchen, and at the bottom there is a bakery with pantries for flour and various household products.

On August 16, 1780, the main cathedral church of the Nativity of the Virgin was consecrated. The hospital Vladimir Church, according to the plan of the painter Hierodeacon Philaret, was built in 1780 and 1781 and consecrated on June 6, 1782.

In 1781, on the south side, in line with the hospital cells, a building for fraternal cells was built, two-story, fourteen fathoms long, in parallel and symmetry with the refectory building on the north side. In 1782, on the same southern side, at a short interval, a two-story stone building of fraternal cells was built over a distance of twenty-two fathoms; In it, on the lower floor, there is a common room-workshop for the monastery tailors and shoemakers.

In the interval between the indicated buildings, a stone fence wall was built and a small tower with a spire was built on it, and below - with open storerooms for firewood and other household items. In 1783 and 1784, on the opposite northern side, in symmetry, over twenty-two fathoms, a stone two-story building was built, with a similar tower in the wall. There are rooms in it: for the abbot, treasurer and brethren at the top, and below there is a pantry, a junk tent and cells for several brethren. In 1784 and 1785, an external stone fence was built around the monastery to strengthen the walls of the buildings, wrapping around the entire elevated area of the monastery on three sides: from the river, from Lake Sanaksar and from the meadows. This fence was built with a distance of four or more fathoms from the walls of residential buildings; consists of arches with a height of three or more arshins at the base. Along this outer fence on the days of Holy Easter, patronal and other holidays There were religious processions around the monastery. In the same year, two small buildings for prosphora and carpentry work were added to the fence on both sides of the bell tower; and in the north-eastern corner, cellars and a brewery were built, with a tower and cells in it.

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SOURCE OF MATERIALS AND PHOTO:
Team Nomads.
Sights of Mordovia
http://zapoved-mordovia.ru/
Specially protected natural areas of Mordovia (Under the general editorship of V.I. Astradamov): Monograph. - Saransk: Mordovian book publishing house, 1997.
Resources surface waters USSR: Hydrological study. T. 10. Upper Volga region / Ed. V. P. Shaban. - L.: Gidrometeoizdat, 1966. - 528 p.
Isaev A.I., Karpova E.I. Fish farming. - M.: Agropromizdat, 1991. - 96 p. Gafferberg I. G. Brief physical and geographical sketch of the nature of the Mordovian reserve // Proceedings of Mordovian state reserve them. P. G. Smidovich, 1960. - issue 1. — P. 5-24. Gortsev V.N. Nature of Mordovia. — Saransk: Mordov. book ed. 1958. - 122 p.
Kharitonychev A. T. Nature of the Nizhny Novgorod Volga region: History of use, protection. — Gorky: Volgo-Vyatka book. ed. 1978. - 175 p.
Native land. Between Moksha and Tesha: History of the region and modern life. - N. Novgorod: Litera Publishing House, 1998. - P. 3-9.
Yamashkin A. A. Physico-geographical conditions and landscapes of Mordovia: Textbook. allowance. Saransk: Mordov Publishing House. un that, 1998. - 156 p.
Sights of Saransk.

Magazine "Evening Saransk"

Getting to know the city of Saransk

Saransk (Republic of Mordovia). People's encyclopedia "My City".

The year of foundation of Saransk is indicated in the book of the Chief Secretary of the Russian Senate I.K. Kirillov “The Blooming State of the All-Russian State,” written in 1726-1727: “Saransk, a city of chopped wood, was built in 149 (1641), but only now collapsed from decay, stands on a mountain near the Inzara River, and the Saranka River flows through that city.”

Saransk: Historical and economic essay / Editorial committee: Kleyankin A.V., Zhiganov M.F., Zhochkin N.M., etc. - Saransk: Mordov. book publishing house, 1985. - 192 p.

Pospelov E. M. Geographical names Russia: toponymic dictionary. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2008. - P. 388. - 523 p.

Kuklin V.N. Biographies of Saransk streets. — Saransk: Mordov. book publishing house, 1983. - P. 9. - 160 p.

Subsequently, the village of Posop, since 1959, has been part of Saransk

All about Mordovia: Encyclopedic reference book / comp. N. S. Krutov, E. M. Golubchik, S. S. Markova. — Saransk: Mordov. book publishing house, 2005. - 840 p. — ISBN 5-7595-1662-0.

Voronin I. D. Saransk. — Saransk: Mordov. book publishing house, 1961. - 268 p. — 10,000 copies.

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The capital of Mordovia, Saransk, has many interesting sights. These are museums, cathedrals, parks, theaters and much more. Residents and guests of the city enjoy visiting these wonderful places. By visiting the sights of Saransk, you can learn about the present and past of Mordovia, and immerse yourself in the culture of this people.

What to see in Saransk?

The most interesting and popular places with photos and descriptions.

1. Museum of Fine Arts named after. S.D. Erzi

This landmark of Saransk is important monument culture of the Republic of Mordovia. Modern name he began to wear it in 1995. The works of the outstanding sculpture and artist Stepan Dmitrievich Erzya are collected here. Also presented are the works of the Soviet artist-painter F.V. Sychkov and portrait painter I.K. Makarova.

In the central building there are western and eastern buildings, connected by a passage. The third building houses the exhibition hall of the drama theater. In other rooms you can see paintings, graphics, and sculpture. Works of Mordovian folk and decorative and applied art are presented. There are exhibits of Russian art of the 18th–19th centuries.

The museum has many state awards. This is an important cultural and educational center. It is visited not only local residents, but also guests from other cities of Russia, countries near and far abroad.

2. Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov

The number of parishioners of the Church of St. John the Evangelist grew every year. During the visit of Patriarch Alexy II to Saransk in 2000, the Divine Liturgy was held on the square, since the cathedral could not accommodate everyone. There was a need to build a cathedral of greater capacity. The site for construction was chosen in the city center.

The erected cathedral was named in honor of the Russian naval commander Fyodor Ushakov. His monument is located opposite. The cathedral is the tallest temple building in the Volga region and the most beautiful architectural landmark of Saransk. It can accommodate more than 3 thousand parishioners. The temple has 4 belfries with 12 bells. The largest weighs 6 tons.

3. Park of Culture and Leisure named after. A.S. Pushkin

A great place to relax in Saransk is Pushkin Park. He is one of the best in Russia. Back in the 19th century, trees were planted on Assumption Square. The garden was named after A.S. Pushkin. A bust of the poet was also installed here.

The park has long hosted folk festivals, graduation parties, and theatrical performances. For this purpose, a dance floor and summer coffee were built. Now the territory occupies approximately 40 hectares. Modern attractions, a flower calendar, and a green portrait of Pushkin appeared. Visitors can climb to the heights and view the surrounding area from a Ferris wheel. In the park you can meet the heroes of Pushkin's corner. On weekends, a brass band awaits its spectators.

4. Museum of Mordovian folk culture

This popular landmark of the city of Saransk is located in an ancient building from the early twentieth century. The museum contains a collection of ceramics, household items, icons, tools, and agricultural implements. At the permanent exhibition you can get acquainted with the life, way of life, and rituals of the Mordovian people. Exhibitions of the work of individual artists are constantly organized here. Thematic exhibitions reflect the creativity of Mordovian masters: “Lace Fairy Tale”, “Wood Carving” and many others. At the museum, children and youth of the republic get acquainted with educational programs aimed at preserving the historical and cultural heritage and aesthetic education.

5. Musical Theater named after. THEM. Yausheva

The modern building is a colorful four-story palace. He has a very Big hall and the stage. Adjacent to this palace is a building of nine floors.

The theater dates back to 1935. At first, musical comedies were staged here. Later it was an opera and ballet theater. The landmark has been named after Honored Artist of the RSFSR I.M. Yaushev since 1994. This talented performer has been loved by the public for many years.

The musical theater of Saransk stages performances and hosts festivals. Famous performers often perform on stage. The theater plays musical works of world classics and composers of Mordovia.

6. St. John the Theologian Monastery

The architectural complex dates back to the construction of the Church of the Archangel Michael in 1702. Later the St. John the Theological Cathedral appears, and then other buildings. At the beginning of the 19th century, a temple of the Icon of the Mother of God was built on the territory. In the 30s it was destroyed and then restored. The “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon is also kept here.

The architectural design of this landmark of Saransk is quite interesting. In the center of the symmetrical pentagon is the Church of St. John the Evangelist. On both sides of it are the Arkhangelsk and Znamenskaya churches. There are towers in the corners. Externally, the monastery resembles a temple-fortress. The belfry previously served as an alarm signal. In the basement behind thick walls it was possible to hide a large number of of people.

Nowadays, the monastery is visited by pilgrims. It is open to all believers. Quite recently, a Sunday school was opened in the monastery.

7. Mordovian Republican United Museum of Local Lore

The largest museum in Saransk began its history in 1918. At first it was a small building in which exhibitions of various objects from family mansions were organized. After the revolution, museum funds were significantly replenished. The museum moved several times different places. Now it is located on Moskovskaya Street. Originally there was a church here.

Household items are collected here, archaeological finds, books, painting, sculpture, furniture. An interesting exhibition of weapons, collections of coins, watches and much more. The first hall is dedicated to a wedding in compliance with Mordovian customs. The history of the region is traced from hall to hall. Archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age are presented. The second floor is associated with the history of the 20th century. This is a very interesting place that is worth visiting in Saransk.

8. Museum of military and labor feats

This museum was opened in Saransk in 1995 in memory of the heroic struggle of the Soviet people during the Second World War. It is located on Victory Square. The outline of the building follows the borders of Mordovia. The building is faced with granite in the colors of the St. George ribbon. The roof resembles a Tatar kokoshnik.

Four halls are equipped:

"Glory";
“Fiery front roads”;
"Commanders";
"Continuity".

In the first hall there is a mosaic of soldiers and home front workers. The second contains various exhibits on a given topic. The third room displays images of Soviet commanders, as well as various weapons. The “Continuity” hall commemorates the period of the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya.

The museum contains uniform items and samples of weapons from the war years. There are archival documents, photographs, letters, awards. Visitors can see thematic sculptures and paintings by Russian artists. In front of the museum there is an exhibition area with equipment from the Great Patriotic War.

9. St. Nicholas Church

The five-domed red brick building was built in 1906. This is one of the ancient temples of Saransk. Before the revolution, the church was called Peter and Paul Church. After the establishment of Soviet power, it was used as a warehouse and workshop. Despite this, it survived.

Since 1990, the temple has been illuminated in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In recent years it has been restored and improved. The power and severity of the forms of this architectural landmark of Saransk is given by red brick. The gilded domes are visible from different parts of the city.

10. Millennium Square

One of the most important attractions of the city is Millennium Square. It was opened during the celebration of the anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with other peoples of the Russian state. The territory is lined with paving stones of different colors with national ornaments. There are a lot of green spaces, unusual structures, and benches.

The recreation area is reminiscent of European style. On the square there is one of the tallest color and musical fountains in the country in the shape of a star. At its base there is a symbol from the national pattern. There is a special area where you are allowed to walk on water.

Often guests of the capital show interest in the huge stone. A map of Mordovia of the 10th century and family signs of the Rurikovichs are carved on it. There are many other places in the square where you can have a good rest. The National Library is also located here, and the state university is located nearby.

11. National Drama Theater

The Mordovian Theater was founded in 1932. At first, here one could see scenes based on the works of Russian classics in the Mordovian language, and later performances by national authors.

The new theater building was opened in 2007. It is connected to the Museum of Fine Arts. The external walls are decorated with dark red brick. Inserts of Mordovian ornament were used. The ceremonial columns alternate with bronze sculptures of women and men in national costumes. The theater group participates in various festivals and travels with productions to other cities. Spectators enjoy visiting the theater.

12. Russian Drama Theater

Performances based on the works of classics can be seen at the Russian Drama Theater. Almost half of the troupe has the titles of People's and Honored Artists. A creative, professional team participates and wins in theater competitions and festivals different levels. The theater's repertoire is varied. Both classics and “informal” performances are staged here.

13. Mordovia Arena

The football stadium in Saransk is a unique architectural structure. It was specially built for the 2018 championship. The structure consists of a two-story basement. Sloping walls protect spectators from the wind. The stands are divided into 4 parts. Among them there is a family area, specially equipped for the disabled, and a VIP area. Each sector has an entrance and an emergency exit, a toilet and a catering facility.

The stadium is conveniently located from the airport, bus station and railway station. There are also hotels and other key infrastructure nearby.

14. Ice Palace

A modern sports complex in Saransk was opened in 2007. It occupies a large area. The main arena seats 3 thousand visitors. Sports schools are located on the territory of the sports complex figure skating, hockey, short track. The palace's arenas host sporting events and ice shows. The working condition of the ice is maintained using modern equipment.

Museums and theaters, religious centers, sport complexes and other worthy sights of Saransk are always waiting for their visitors.

The official date of the founding of Saransk is considered to be 1641, when the Cossacks founded a fort here, surrounded by a wooden palisade. Later, a rampart was built around the fortress, and its walls were protected by 9 massive towers. It is interesting that the citadel could not resist the troops of S. Razin, and it was surrendered to E. Pugachev voluntarily. By the end of the 18th century. the fortress lost its defensive significance, and the policy turned into a large 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 Mordovian autonomy into a republic, Saransk received capital status. Today the polis lives a rich cultural life. Local authorities are trying to improve its infrastructure and 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 that its guests will see in Saransk, landmarks of significant significance stand out. Their images decorate booklets, magnets, and other presentation products dedicated to the city.

Opening 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 Theater” or “Main Post Office”.

The delightful cathedral in the name of the righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, erected 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 features of the Empire and Byzantine styles. On its belfry there are 12 bells cast using ancient technologies. The rite of consecration of the cathedral in 2006 was performed by Patriarch Alexy II.

Monument “Forever with Russia”

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

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

Address: Victory Square. Transport stop "Glavpochtamt".

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, they installed sculptural composition, depicting the Motherland handing a sword to a kneeling soldier. The bowl of the Eternal Flame is placed in front of the statue. Already at the beginning of this century, the architectural ensemble was complemented by an arched colonnade, 54 m long. Between two rows of pillars, 10 pylons were installed, on the black stone of which the names of 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 crashed in January 1934 near the Mordovian village of Potizh-Ostrog, is the dominant feature of the station square of Saransk. The statue of an aviator in a flight helmet, fur boots and a warm jacket thrown over his shoulders rises on a pedestal shaped like a cylinder. The pedestal is trimmed with dark gray labradorite. In its lower third there is a memorial inscription and a high relief with portraits of the heroically deceased stratonauts.

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

The architectural ensemble of the square, opened in 2010, is considered the main attraction that Saransk acquired in modern times. The huge space, lined with colorful paving stones, is framed by magnificent buildings. A round pool with a diameter of 60 m has been created in the center of the square. Geysers reaching a height of 40 meters shoot out from vents built into the bottom of the bowl. In the evening, when the spotlights turn on and the streams 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 colorful creations of architects and sculptors.

Address: st. Volgogradskaya. Transport stop "Monument to Pugachev".

The monument to the leader of the largest peasant uprising in Russian history appeared in Saransk not by chance. When an army of rebels approached the city in 1744, the local nobility, led by the archimandrite, greeted him with bread and salt. However, the expectations of wealthy merchants and nobles were not met. Pugachev freed the serfs and distributed the requisitioned wealth to the freemen. The statue of the chieftain, carved from a granite block, forms a single composition with the reconstruction of an ancient fort in the historical district of the city - Posop. It’s easy to take a great photo as a souvenir against the background of the monument.

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 feature of the square of the same name, but also an architectural monument of republican significance. The massive five-story mansion looks solemn and respectable. This is facilitated by the cubism inherent in the outlines of the portals. The front side of the façade 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 Muses, which has two auditoriums, the largest of which can accommodate 313 people. The building itself immediately became one of the architectural gems Saransk. Its façade is lined with dark red and lilac bricks, against which stand out gilded panels composed of elements of national ornament. The mirror 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 “Elder”, “Erzyanka”, “Young Man”, “Mokshanka” were installed directly in front of the entrance.

Address: Cathedral Square. Transport stop "Glavpochtamt".

The name of F. Ushakov is written in golden letters in the history of the Russian fleet. The squadrons he led, overshadowed by the proud St. Andrew's flag, won victories in 43 naval battles, never once experiencing the bitterness of defeat. The great naval commander spent the last years of his life on Mordovian soil on the Alekseevka estate. The memory of Fyodor Fedorovich in the city was immortalized monumentally in 2006. A bronze statue of the admiral, canonized, rises above a granite pedestal on the square, in front of the cathedral of the same name. Fyodor Fedorovich is dressed in a ceremonial uniform. His gaze is decisive, and his posture expresses confidence, as at critical moments of glorious battles.

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

A.S. Pushkin never visited Saransk, but 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 descent of Saransk in 2001. The bronze statue of Alexander Sergeevich is installed under the arches, supported by elegant columns. The poet, overwhelmed with inspiration, leaned against the pillar. The Muse floating in the air is ready to lay a laurel wreath on Pushkin’s brow.

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 active people in the city interesting museums, and in the evenings the theater doors open for guests of the capital of Mordovia.

Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Ticket price: adult 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 Church of the Three Saints - a beautiful monument of architecture of the 18th century. The museum's collection consists of tens of thousands of exhibits telling about the amazing nature and original culture of Mordovia. A significant part of the exhibition is dedicated to the traditions, rituals, and way of life of the peoples living on the territory of the republic. Visitors will certainly be interested in the collections of ancient weapons, antique furniture, coins and orders, watches of the 18th–20th centuries, which contain many rarities.

Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: admission is free.
Phone: +7 834 247-44-95.
Address: st. Sovetskaya, 34A. Transport stop "Volodarskogo Street".

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

Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 9:00 to 18:00, on Thursdays from 11:00 to 20:00.
Ticket price: adult 150 rubles, reduced price 50 rubles, children under 16 years old are admitted free.
Phone: +7 834 247-80-94.
Website: http://www.erzia-museum.ru
Address: st. Kommunisticheskaya, 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 Saransk. Several tens of thousands of visitors come here every year to admire the magnificent creations of painters, sculptors, and masters of decorative and applied arts. The exhibition features 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

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

A visit to the mansion with columns and pediment, decorated with beautiful bas-reliefs, is definitely worth visiting for all fans of muses and graces. The musical theater, founded in 1935, performs on its stage. The institution's repertoire includes productions 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 auditorium capacity is more than 700 people, sold-out theater performances are not uncommon.

Monuments of religious architecture

In a city with a population of more than 300 thousand people, enough churches and cathedrals have been built to make believers feel comfortable. Saransk churches, built 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 “St. Nicholas Church”.

By the end of the 19th century. two wooden churches of Posopskaya Sloboda are completely dilapidated. As a result, the decision was made to build stone temple for numerous parishioners. It was consecrated in 1906, after the completion of construction work that lasted 9 years. The red brick building, topped 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 there. The building was returned to believers in 1990. After restoration work, it looks great.

Opening 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 Streletskaya Sloboda, is traditional for that era. Five blackened domes, topped with decorative domes, rise above the white stone building. A two-tier bell tower was erected nearby, connected to the main volume of the refectory. The facade of the temple is decorated with an arcature belt, carved kokoshniks and window frames. The building is included in the register of objects Cultural heritage RF.

Opening 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 Nativity Monastery. When designing the temple, they used a solution characteristic of the architecture of that time, placing an octagon with a drum topped with an elegant dome on a massive quadrangle of the first tier. A three-tier bell tower with light arched windows was erected nearby. In 1931, the church was closed by decision of the authorities. Within its walls were workshops for various industries. After restoration carried out at the end of the last century, the building was transferred to the monastery.

Where to go with children in Saransk

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

Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: adult 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 come into contact with wildlife. Its visitors will be able to see animals living on different continents. Traditionally, a lot of people gather to admire the antics of funny monkeys, the incredible grace of predators from the cat family, and the power of the clubfooted owner of Russian forests. The kids love watching kangaroos and ostriches. Time flies here unnoticed, because wonderful animals give visitors a huge amount of positive emotions.

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

The performances of the theater, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, helped educate more than one generation of city residents. 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 with justice. Colorful dolls, as if coming to life in the hands of actors, delight children. The theater troupe actively tours the country, is invited to prestigious festivals - “Rainbow”, “Workhorse”, “Chinjaramo”, where they constantly compete for 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 favorite place family vacation townspeople Lots of attractions, including big wheel views provide entertainment for every taste. There are playgrounds with safe swings and carousels for children. Teenagers have a great time at playgrounds or sports grounds. You can simply walk along the landscaped natural recreation areas, 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 have been created here, and numerous attractions, museums and theaters will fill your leisure time with vivid impressions.

The Republic of Mordovia is one of the most comfortable regions of Central Russia for living. It is no coincidence that the French actor Gerard Depardieu purchased housing here and received registration. It is also the closest republic to the capital. The border of Mordovia is only 330 kilometers from Moscow.

The republic is home to many nationalities with their own customs and culture. The population is careful about preserving traditions.

Saransk

The capital of the republic and one of the host cities of the World Cup, held in the summer of 2018, Saransk is famous for its well-established infrastructure. It has repeatedly been included in the top six most favorable and safe Russian cities for living. According to statistics, even the number of crimes committed here is half as frequent as in other cities of the Russian Federation.

The first mention of Saransk dates back to 1641, and its population in 2018 reaches about 319 thousand people. In 1670, the Saransk fortress was captured by an army led by Stepan Razin, and in July 1774, the peasant leader Emelyan Pugachev stayed in the settlement, who rebelled against the imperial power.

Saransk acquired the status of a city only in 1780, and in 1785 the Russian ruler Catherine the Second issued a decree on the reconstruction of the city, as a result of which most of the ancient buildings were demolished and new streets were formed.

Among the places worth seeing in this city are the following.

The Star of Mordovia fountain, which is officially recognized as one of the most tall fountains in Russia. It is equipped with color music and is located on Millennium Square, built several years ago. The shape of the fountain resembles an element of the Mordovian national ornament. This landmark was created as a symbol of the unity of the Mordovian people with the Russians for a whole millennium. That is why the square was named that way.
The temple in honor of the admiral and church leader Fyodor Ushakov, built in 2006 and considered the highest in the Volga region. Nearby there is a monument to the family - a sculptural structure representing parents and children walking around the city. This popular place for photographing.
Monument to Patriarch Nikon. Dedicated to the sixth Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', who actively contributed to the inculcation of the Christian faith among the Mordovian people in the mid-15th century.
Square of victory. The memorial complex, on the territory of which there are several museums dedicated to military art and technology, a chapel, a monument to soldiers who fell during the First World War, an Eternal Flame and other structures, among which stands out the statue of Mother Mordovia, depicted as a woman in a national costume and festive headdress, who blesses her son, a soldier, going to war. This composition symbolizes a tribute to the memory of all fallen soldiers.
Park named after Pushkin. Located along the embankment of the Saranka River. The park has many attractions, a Ferris wheel with a view of the entire city, and also has its own zoo with exotic animals.

Temnikov

One of the ancient cities of Mordovia. Temnikovskaya fortress was built in 1536 on the site of the village Old city and was related to the Kasimov kingdom. Only in 1930, already during the reign of I.V. Stalin, the city was annexed to the Republic of Mordovia.

Tourists who come to Temnikov should visit such places as:

Museum of Local Lore named after Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, where historical exhibitions illustrating life and customs are presented local population from ancient times to the present day;
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected in memory of the people's militia of 1812;
a number of merchant houses, where the furnishings of the dwellings of urban burghers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are still preserved, and the architectural buildings have practically not changed their original appearance.

Xivin

A village located on the banks of the river of the same name. Previously belonged to the Penza province. About 650 people live in the village, the ethnic composition of the population is mainly Russian. Until the mid-nineteenth century, an ironworks operated here. Currently, the village has a secondary school, a post office, a medical center, the Lisma-Sivin sanatorium, several monuments, as well as the restored Kazan Church.

Many famous Soviet and Russian figures were born and raised in this village. These include linguist and corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A. N. Gvozdev, historian B. N. Gvozdev, Honored Weightlifting Coach of Russia N. S. Agapov and others.

Historical and cultural monuments

Smolny National Park

Address: Smolny village, st. Topolei, 11A
Telephone: 8 (8343) 32‑74-65
Website: zapoved-mordovia.ru
Operating mode: 00:00 – 00:00 Mon-Sun, Tue – day off
Price: admission ticket from 100 rubles

Located in the Ichalkovsky and Bolshe-Ignatovsky districts of the republic, next to the Alatyr River. The Kalysha and Yazovka rivers also flow through the park, merging with the Alatyr.

The park was opened in March 1995. Currently, its area is more than thirty-six hectares, on which broad-leaved and coniferous forests grow. The park is home to fauna that is under protection due to the threat of extinction. In some places the park area is swampy.

The park annually hosts scientific forums and conducts research expeditions aimed at studying the life activities of local inhabitants.

Natural attractions

Lake Inerka

Coordinates: 54.063067, 45.887104
How to get there: is located 17 km from the village of Bolshiye Berezniki

The maximum depth of the lake reaches twelve meters, but its length is about three kilometers. The Sura River flows into it.

On March 6, 1983, the lake acquired the status natural monument of republican significance, since it is home to many species of fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world; Waterfowl listed in the Red Book nest along the shores of the lake.

The coniferous and deciduous forests surrounding the lake are rich in mushrooms and berries. Here a good place for hunting and fishing. Auto racing competitions are also held here on the shore every summer.

Mordovian State Reserve

Address: village of Pushta, Temnikovsky district
Telephone: 8 (8344) 52‑96-35
Website: zapoved-mordovia.ru
Operating mode: 08:00 – 17:00 Mon-Fri, Sat, Tue – days off
Price: Free admission
How to get there: by bus to the city of Temnikov

The natural site was opened on March 5, 1936. It was established in honor of the zoologist and ecologist P. G. Smidovich. Valuable species of trees and shrubs grow here, as well as endangered populations of animals and birds.

In the summer of 2010, most of the reserve was damaged by a fire that broke out due to abnormal heat. More than 12 thousand hectares of forest were damaged, and many representatives of local flora and fauna died.

Temples and churches

Makarovsky St. John the Theologian Monastery

Address: Makarovka village, st. Nagornaya, 35
Telephone: 8 (927) 274‑50-55
Website: makarovsky-monastery.ru
Operating mode: 08:00 – 20:00 seven days a week
How to get there: buses No. 31, No. 7 and minibus No. 15 to the stop “Pos. Lukhovka", further on foot

In the distant past, until the seventeenth century, a graveyard was located on the site of this monastery near Saransk. Temples began to be built at the churchyard on the initiative of the Polyansky family of landowners, who occupied a prominent position both in the district and at the royal court of Peter the Great and subsequent rulers.