Krasnoyarsk

I was born in Krasnoyarsk; this is my native city. Krasnoyarsk is situated on the River Yenisey. Two parts of the city which are situated on both banks of the river are connected with four bridges. Our city is surrounded with forests and mountains and so it was founded in 1628 by Andrei Dubensky as a fortress against the Tatar and Mongolian invasion. Krasnoyarsk got its name because of the colour of the rocks and soil of the river-banks. This city was never conquered by enemies and had played the role of frontier advanced post for one hundred years.

The status of town it got in 1690 when Siberia was finally joined Russia. Now Krasnoyarsk is the administrative center of the Krasnoyarsk Region. It is one of the biggest industrial, cultural and scientific center of Siberia.

The population of Krasnoyarsk is about one million people. The life of the city is rather various. Beside big industrial enterprises there are a lot of institutions for studying, going in for sports, creative work and a rest. Krasnoyarsk can offer for this purpose different stadiums, the sport Center on Recreation Island, theatres, a new and modern building of the Concert Hall.

The Central Park is one of the favourite places for having a rest in Krasnoyarsk. There are always a lot of people there, especially during the summer time. Young and old people like also very much to go for a walk to the Yenisey River Embankment.

Krasnoyarsk has many higher educational institutions, and the Krasnoyarsk State University, the Medical Academy, the Technical University, and Krasnoyarsk State Teachers' Training University are among them.

Guests, tourists and those who live in Krasnoyarsk like very much to go to the hill where our city was founded. There is a small chapel on the top of the hill. According to history it was a watch - tower first. Several years ago after some repair work it was rebuilt into a chapel, which has become a symbol of the city.

Krasnoyarsk is famous for its National Park "Stolby" which is situated 3 kilometers from the city. It is the area of wonderful rocks. If you are the one who loves nature you should visit this place. It is a unique place with unforgettable nature and picturesque cliffs. Usually everyone leaves this place with the desire to come back.

Krasnoyarsk is also known for its Railway Bridge which was built in 1899 and in 1900 it won the gold medal together with the Eiffel Tower.

Krasnoyarsk is rich in its own talents. World fame was brought to it at the end of the 19th century by V. I. Surikov. His pictures "Boyarina Morozova", "Menshikov in Beryozov" and others became the pride and decoration of the best world museums. The names of D. Khvorostovsky, N. Chekhovskaya, V. Polushin and L. Kazarnovskaya are known all over Russia and abroad.

Two of the world's most powerful hydroelectric power stations are situated on the Yenisey River: The Sayano-Shushenskaya and Krasnoyarskya. Krasnoyarsk Aluminium Plant is one of the biggest world producers of primary aluminium.

Our city has 5 professional theatres: the Opera and Ballet House, Musical Comedy Theatre, Young Spectator's Theatre, Drama and Puppet theatres. These theatres are probably popular among the inhabitants and guests of the city.

Krasnoyarsk is remarkable for its museums. The Krasnoyarsk Museum of Region Studies has a unique collection of Artificats. The Krasnoyarsk Museum of Fine Arts was named in honour of Surikov. The museum preserves a small but very nice collection of Russian icons, which hopefully gives a clear view of the late period of icon-painting. We are sure that the Surikov Art Museum will find a special place in the hearts of all the visitors. Krasnoyarsk is one of the most beautiful cities of Russia and citizens are proud of their city.