Natural attractions of Mari El are natural heritage monuments with an interesting history. Natural attractions of Mari El are natural heritage monuments with an interesting history. Many places are unique and have all-Russian significance. Many places are unique and have all-Russian significance. Sanatoria, nature reserves, natural national parks have been created and are operating. Sanatoria, nature reserves, natural national parks have been created and are operating.
The Republic of Mari El is located in the east of the East European Plain in the middle of the Volga River Basin. From the north, northeast and east, our republic borders on the Kirov region. From the southeast and south with the Republics of Tatarstan and Chuvashia, and in the west and northwest - with the Nizhny Novgorod region. The length of its borders exceeds 1200 km, and the total area is 23.3 thousand square kilometers. The capital of Mari-El is Yoshkar-Ola. There are a lot of interesting things in the Mari El Republic. Let's see some of the natural attractions that our native land is rich in.
Sea eye From the depths of the karst dip, the Sea eye is looking at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. They christened him so for the correct round shape and amazing, emerald color of water. This color is given to the lake by green algae. According to one version, the reservoir appeared 20 thousand years ago - even in the ice age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye. From the depths of the karst dip, the Sea Eye is looking at us - this is the name of the famous local lake. They christened him so for the correct round shape and amazing, emerald color of water. This color is given to the lake by green algae. According to one version, the reservoir appeared 20 thousand years ago - even in the ice age! Many ancient legends are associated with the Sea Eye.
Castle of Count Sheremetyev On the left bank of the Volga, in the settlement of Yurino, a castle similar to a medieval one, with battlements, with colored stained glass windows, a dome of the winter garden attracts the attention of tourists. This is the castle of Count Sheremetev. Inspired by legends, it beckons with unknown mystery and peculiar beauty. On the left bank of the Volga, in the settlement of Yurino, a castle that looks like a medieval one, with battlements, with stained glass windows and a dome of the winter garden attracts the attention of tourists. This is the castle of Count Sheremetev. Inspired by legends, it beckons with unknown mystery and peculiar beauty.
Church of Mikhail the Archangel In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevo Castle, among the trees, the Church of Michael the Archangel is majestically raised up - one of the most magnificent Orthodox buildings in the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region. In the center of the village of Yurino, famous for its Sheremetyevo castle, among the trees, the temple of Michael the Archangel is majestically rising up - one of the most magnificent Orthodox buildings in the land of Mari El. This church is often called the pearl of the entire Volga region.
Mari Chodra National Park Established in 1985, Mari Chodra National Park is an interesting natural and territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outlets of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (failing, inter-dune, floodplain). Established in 1985, the Mari Chodra National Park is an interesting natural and territorial complex. Numerous mineral springs, significant outlets of which are located in the valleys of the Ilet and Yushut rivers, are used for medicinal purposes in sanatoriums, rest homes and hospitals. A characteristic element of the landscape are lakes (failing, inter-dune, floodplain).
Pugacheva Oak Mari Chodra National Park located on Maple Mountain is an interesting natural and territorial complex. The oldest copy of oak, called Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the canopy of this oak EI Pugachev stopped for the night with his party. Oak is very different in size among the stand. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, whose diameter is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier. Located on the Maple Mountain National Park "Mari Chodra", is an interesting natural and territorial complex. The oldest copy of oak, called Pugachevsky, has been preserved here. According to legend, under the canopy of this oak EI Pugachev stopped for the night with his party. Oak is very different in size among the stand. This is a gigantic tree with a powerful trunk, whose diameter is 159 cm, which is part of the upper tier.
The Big Kokshaga Nature Reserve The Big Kokshaga Nature Reserve was created on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of south-taiga and broad-leaved forests. The reserve preserves the integrity of plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are the habitats of animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants. The Big Kokshaga State Nature Reserve was established on March 14, 1993. The reserve was created to protect forest ecosystems on the border of south-taiga and broad-leaved forests. The reserve preserves the integrity of plant communities: forests, swamps, meadows, which are the habitats of animals and the growth of many rare and endangered plants.
Green Key At the foot of the Maple Mountain, a sulphate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium source flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs that hit directly from the ground. The largest of them is called the Green Key. At the foot of the Maple Mountain, a sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium source flows into the Ilet River. It is formed from a system of springs that hit directly from the ground. The largest of them is called the Green Key.
Stone Mountain Stone Mountain is a large hill on the surface of which a stone emerges. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes - a dense forest. Stone Mountain is a large hill on the surface of which a stone emerges. There is a spring on the mountain, a table with benches is equipped. This is an amazing place to stay. Below, under the steep slopes - a dense forest.
Immediately after Atlant with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak. There, in the forests behind the village, far from prying eyes and man-made paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, manually cut down by people. From ancient times, millstone was extracted in them. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside - permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, ice does not melt in the caves. Immediately after Atlant with a stone, the road goes to Gornyak. There, in the forests behind the village, far from prying eyes and man-made paths, ancient quarries are hidden. This is a whole network of caves, manually cut down by people. From ancient times, millstone was extracted in them. Samples of such stones lie in front of the caves. Inside - permafrost. Even in the hottest weather, ice does not melt in the caves.
It is an ornate fairytale palace, with dark red walls and a green roof. Windows and doors in a snow-white frame. Graceful turrets in the old Russian style and battlements in the Gothic style. The palace is difficult to attribute to any one architectural direction. There is a successful combination of several. Next, seven columns support the glass dome of the winter garden. Peerless interior of the castle. Particularly noteworthy is the sophistication of the Eastern Cabinet, the Picture Gallery, and the Oak Room. And also there are magnificent fireplaces. In one of them there is even a stove found during excavations in Pompeii.
After admiring the castle, you can stop for a vacation here. There is a good hotel in the Sheremetev estate, and a cozy cafe is located nearby. In addition, here, as in the whole republic, you can enjoy amazing landscapes.
Museums
Continuing to describe the sights of Mari El, the photos of which are presented in the article, one cannot but tell about the museum of the city of Yoshkar-Ola. Those wishing to learn about the history of the republic can visit it. The traditions of the indigenous people can be found in the Museum of Applied Arts. It is located in a modest one-story building with an attic. Also in the city there is a museum of peasant labor and life. The “highlight” of it is a rich collection of bells and bells.
More recently, the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin was built in the center of the capital. The impressive old Russian fortress made of red brick, the walls and towers are covered with a green roof, resembles the scenery for a historical film. This complex contains a church, an archaeological museum and a monument to the founder of the city, Fyodor Ioannovich.
Sights of Mari El: photos and description
In Yoshkar-Ola there is an unusual street sculpture. It’s called Yoshkin cat. A representative of the cat family of bronze imposingly sat on the bench, smiling indulgently at passers-by.
We continue to describe the attractions of Mari El. Five years ago, a very significant monument was opened. This is a bronze sculpture depicting the great Russian poet A.S. Pushkin and his most famous hero - Eugene Onegin.
What other interesting sights of Mari El? In the Italian park of Yoshkar-Ola, the sculptural composition “Lorenzo di Piero de Medici the Magnificent”, which symbolizes the triumph of science and art, has recently been installed.
Churches and cathedrals
The monument of Russian church architecture is the Church of the Holy Trinity. With the advent of Soviet power, it suffered the same fate as many churches in the country. It was closed and almost destroyed. The restored temple impresses with its splendor and marvelous architecture.
What other interesting sights of Mari El? For example, the Orthodox shrine of the capital of the republic is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. This is a building with sky-high towers with reddish walls with white stripes that visually increase the height of the building. Green roofs and golden domes attract the eye of a traveler struck by this beauty for a long time.
In 2007, the Annunciation Tower was built in the central part of the city. The construction is 55 meters high and resembles a fragment of the Kremlin. Equipped with the most accurate clock, which are regulated by satellite.
Conclusion
Now you know the main attractions of Mari El. Photos with descriptions for clarity are presented in the article. We hope that the sights of the republic and information about them were interesting to you.
Posted Sat, 02/24/2018 - 09:17 by Cap
I would like to tell separately about the most beautiful places of the Mari Republic.
This article will present the most beautiful natural places of Mari El, and separately we have already shown the Attractions of Mari El, which includes the historical, architectural and cultural monuments of the republic.
As a rule, natural monuments of RME will be presented here, but some beautiful places are still waiting for their discovery and registration.
Note that the most beautiful natural monuments of the RME are located on the banks of the Volga and other large rivers of the Mari El, as well as on the slopes and mountains of the Vyatka Val.
We also note many beautiful lakes of Mari El.
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The second cleanest Mari El Lake is Karasyyar Lake, it is also one of the picturesque and deaf lakes.
According to many characteristics, Lake Karasyyar is similar to Nuzhar, which is explained by their close location. By origin, it is inter-dune, with a secondary karst failure. The increase in depth from the southeast coast is noticeably sharper. Already a few tens of meters from the coast, the depth is 6-9 meters. The northwestern section of the basin is more gentle. The maximum depth is 14.7 m. The area of \u200b\u200bthe lake is 25.5 ha. Transparency is high - 5.5 m. The bottom is sandy. The shores are low, but mostly dry. Waterlogging was noted only in the western and partially northern sections of the coastline.
Convenient access to Yurdurskaya Gora (Yurtur Kuryk) through Shereganovo, in the area of \u200b\u200bwhich we were already in. We were not disappointed, from this mountain amazing views opened, and almost in all directions. The best view opened towards the villages of Kurykumal and Nylkudo, as well as to the valley of the Ilet River. In the distance were seen the Kerebelyak Highlands, and Sotnur Highlands and.
Open spaces that are not inferior in beauty to the landscapes of the Sea Eye, on Stone Mountain and on Shungaltan !!! Because of the backlight and the blue haze, it was not possible to take good pictures, or rather the pictures turned out, but they have about 20-25% of the impression that a person actually sees! WE SAY HONESTLY! AND CONFIRM THAT THIS VIEW SHOULD BE BROKEN IN TOP 10 OF THE BEST MARIAN LANDSCAPES !!! 
I have never seen anything like this in Mari El!
On the right, running down the hill, piled shaggy, almost fabulous spruces piled up, and behind them a chain of forested mountains stretching beyond the horizon ... 
It seemed as though I had transferred from our Mari plains to the mountainous region! Behind the wall of fir trees a cliff was guessed. Further - the abyss below shaggy forest. Before I reached the edge of the cliff, I looked down - my head was spinning. Escaping into the abyss, huge spruce trees stood against the wall, in some places at random, as if losing their balance. Pristine, virgin nature! At some point, I even thought it didn’t smell like a human spirit.
People, of course, were. Soon, closer to the source, we saw a dozen cars, some of which were a wedding procession: exotic lovers came here to celebrate the celebration.
On the covered tables under the hot summer sun, there was a meal, the guests honored the newlyweds, and very close by stood a cheerful arbor with a roof dome crowned with a spire. On the gazebo is the inscription "Natural monument Stone Mountain". Nearby, above, is a small Orthodox chapel with an onion roof. Breaking out of underground captivity, it beats with an ice stream
The city of Yoshkar-Ola is the second stop in our May trip "Nizhny Novgorod - Yoshkar-Ola - Kazan". It was an amazing and memorable acquaintance! Until now, the well-known yoshkin cat and the colorful embankment of Bruges are remembered. And photos with multi-colored gingerbread houses, like foreign postcards. This city has remained in our memory a bright speck. But, like many Russian cities, Yoshkar-Ola has its own face and its own wrong side. Let's start in order ...
The city of Yoshkar-Ola is the capital of the Mari El Republic and the only Russian city whose name begins with the letter "y". It is located on the banks of the Malaya Kokshaga River. On one side is the Brugge embankment, on the other hand is the Ascension embankment.
The road from Nizhny Novgorod was quite tiring (we were unlucky with traffic jams). But having passed the tablet with the inscription "Republic of Mari El", we immediately felt the local flavor and perked up. Here, even public transport stops are decorated with traditional Mari ornaments.
We arrived in Yoshkar-Ola much later than planned. We checked into the Virginia Hotel, had a refreshment in a cafe, here, and having rested a little, set off. Time passed in the evening, it was decided to take a walk to the city center with a minimum program.
Day one: evening walk along Yoshkar-Ola
According to the plan, our path lay from the hotel to the city Park of Culture and Rest. Further, along Chavaina Boulevard, towards the embankment.
Walk of Military Glory
From Victory Boulevard begins the alley of military glory. The monument of the same name rises here.
On the eve of Victory Day, the atmosphere was special, the city breathed an approaching holiday. The "Eternal Flame" solemnly carried out the watch of the Unarmeans.
The Glory Memorial is located in the central part of the city Park of Culture and Rest.
Central City Park of Culture and Rest
Culture Park, and more precisely, Central Park of Culture and Rest named after The XXX anniversary of the Komsomol, created for residents and visitors of the city. The park has attractions, fountains, sculptural compositions. Walking along the walk of fame, we still noticed a Ferris wheel from afar. And they decided to take a look at Yoshkar-Ola from a height of forty meters.
Ferris Wheel in Yoshkar-Ola
Despite the fact that I am not very friendly with height, the attraction pleased me. Modern comfortable enclosed cabins. You can wholeheartedly enjoy the views of the city without fear of wind or rain.
Operating mode Ferris wheels:
from 1.10-31.03 (in winter) Sat, Sun - from 10.00 to 21.00
from 1.04-31.09 (in summer) Daily - from 10.00 to 21.00
Ticket price: 100 rubles. - adult; 60 rub - for children.
Sculpture "Tree of Life"
The sculptural composition called “The Tree of Life” is located in the central part of the city park and is a group of three people with musical instruments: a young man with a drum, an old man with a harp and a middle-aged man with a pipe, of unusual shape. In the center we see the very symbolic tree of life. The Mari often depict such a tree in their traditional ornaments.
We leave the Park of Culture and Rest, we get to Chavayna Boulevard and move on, towards the embankment. It is quite lively here. There are numerous shops on both sides of the boulevard.
Well, and where without fountains. There are many in Yoshkar-Ola. This adorns Chawain Boulevard, located closer to Culture Park. In the evening, turn on the backlight. Handsomely.
And this fountain in front of Nikonov Square. Please note that on both sides there are small kiosks where you can inexpensively purchase all kinds of souvenir products.
And here she is - , which is visible from the Park of Culture. Located on the Square of Virgin Mary, next to the Annunciation Cathedral, a 55-meter tower appeared in front of the townspeople in all its glory in 2007. And in general, almost all buildings in the city center are new. And many are still under construction. This beauty is one of the main modern symbols of Yoshkar-Ola. Every hour, a chime of chimes is heard, which, incidentally, is a small copy of Moscow.
Annunciation Cathedral and fountain Archangel Gabriel
Passing under the arch of the Annunciation tower, we were on the square of the Republic and the Virgin Mary. On this square is the stunning Annunciation Cathedral and the largest fountain in the city. The height located in the center of the fountain of the bronze figure of the Archangel Gabriel is 6 meters.
While walking, finally darkened. From the theater bridge, a stunning view of the embankment of Bruges. For a minute it seemed that we were teleporting to some Belgian town. Here it is, the face of modern Yoshkar-Ola. Beauties!
But here we will return in the morning. And now I wanted to quickly find a place where it was possible to spend the rest of the evening pleasantly and have dinner. Google suggested that within walking distance there is a good beer restaurant "Lada".
Beer restaurant "Lada" on Voskresenskaya embankment
I did not have to search long. A luminous sign is visible from afar. Here is the address:
Anisimovskaya St., 38, Yoshkar-Ola, Rep. Mari El, 424010
A very cozy establishment in retro style with excellent beer and quite affordable prices. On the second floor there is a beer bar, karaoke, a wonderful view from the window of the Annunciation Tower. They returned to the hotel by taxi.
Crayfish are excellent there, I had to ask for supplements.
Unfortunately, today this institution does not work anymore, if there are pleasant establishments where you can pass the evening, please write in the comments (note 05.09.2018).
Second day: on foot along Yoshkar-Ola
The main goal of the next day was the search for the notorious yoshkin cat. I’m even afraid to imagine how many kilometers we walked that day along Yoshkar-Ola. The historical center of the city is not compact, in order to see a lot in one day, you need to walk a lot.
So, from the hotel we are moving towards Leninsky Prospekt. There is an avenue with this name in almost every Russian city, but we found such a bright and memorable one only in Yoshkar-Ola.
Here is the area of \u200b\u200bObolensky-Nogotkova. There are monuments on the square that are directly related to the history of the Mari El Republic, and the National Art Gallery with unique tower clocks.
Monument to Obolensky-Nogotkov - the first governor of Tsarevokokshaysk
Tsar Cannon
Monument to the Holy Martyr Leonid, Bishop of Mari
We pass along Obolensky-Nogotkov Square, look around the corner. And here tourists are already crowding who have discovered one of the main attractions of Yoshkar-Ola.
Here he is - famous, with all the details! We take photos at a fast pace, there are too many comers.
Not everyone knows, but Yoshkin the cat has a girlfriend who was built by the enterprising owners of the cafe with the same name. This place is located near the yoshkin cat. We need to go to the opposite side of Leninsky Prospekt and go forward another hundred meters.
Returning back, we were surprised to find that in front of the National Art Gallery there is nowhere for an apple to fall. With each passing minute, there were more and more people, everyone was clearly waiting for something. We joined the onlookers and found out the following. It turns out, carried away by the search for the famous cat, we almost passed by the unique city Orthodox chimes. Here is how they look.
This watch adorns the main tower of the National Art Gallery of the city. It seems nothing remarkable. But, they are called Orthodox for a reason. Every hour a wonderful action takes place here, which tells, or rather, shows us the legend of the icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands”. This icon for Yoshkar-Ola is of particular importance. It was with this icon 14 years ago that the independent Yoshkar-Ola and Mari diocese was founded. And it is this image that is close and dear to all Orthodox people, and not only in Yoshkar Ola.
According to legend, the icon with the image of the Mother of God “Three Hands” was in Serbia in the 13th century. To save her from the Turks who invaded the territory of Serbia, local residents attached her to a donkey and sent her to Kosovo. But the donkey miraculously reached Greece and came to the gates of the monastery of Helendar. The icon was saved from destruction, and the image of the “Three Hands” then spread throughout the Orthodox land.
This legend is described in more detail on a plate in the arch under the clock.
When the chimes rang out, everyone in the square, like children, was fascinated by what was happening. We, too. From the gate, on the left side of the dial, a donkey appeared with an icon on its back, and, having described a semicircle, disappeared again at the gate, but on the right. All this happened under church hymns. And, to be honest, goosebumps ran down the back, so it looked beautiful, touching and unusual. This must be seen if you are lucky enough to visit Yoshkar-Ola.
Watch with a donkey in Yoshkar-Ola video
Then we went along Voznesenskaya street to the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin. There’s a lot of interesting things along the way.
Trinity Church
The cathedral is located across from Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin.
Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin
Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin - This is also one of the modern buildings of Yoshkar-Ola. Built in 2009. During this excavation, fragments of ancient defensive fortifications were discovered.
Today, the Kremlin is not only a landmark of the city. On its territory there is a tourist historical and cultural complex, several permanent exhibits and museums. Various events, holidays, exhibitions, fairs are held. Sometimes open-air theater performances are held. Here you can buy honey and souvenirs.
In the arches around the perimeter of the Kremlin there are stands with information about the history of the city. The reconstructed guns are also presented.
The founder of the city is rightfully considered Fedor I Ivanovich. It was he who in 1584 issued a decree on the creation of the city of Tsarevokokshaysk (now Yoshkar-Ola). He sent here Ivan Obolensky-Nogotkov, who became the first governor in Tsarevokokshaysk. The only monument to Fedor Ioannovich in Russia is erected on the Voskresenskaya embankment near the Resurrection Cathedral.
Museum of fairy tales in the open air in Yoshkar-Ola
Another remarkable place suddenly appeared outside the walls of the Kremlin - a peculiar museum of fairy-tale heroes in the open. At the walls of the most ordinary shopping center are funny fairy-tale characters made of wood. There are many characters, it is interesting to see, take pictures, and, best of all, completely free. Here are just a few of them.
Next, we continue along Voznesenskaya Street towards Voznesensky Bridge, on which we cross to the other side of the Malaya Kokshaga River and find ourselves directly on the Bruges embankment. On the way we go to the Ascension Cathedral.
The weather did not spoil us. All day the sky frowned, threatening rain. And on the waterfront it was windy and cold, keep this in mind when planning a walk.
Finally, there was an opportunity to take a closer look at the visiting card of Yoshkar-Ola - the embankment of Brugge. The name of this embankment, incidentally, was given by the President of the Republic of Mari El - Leonid Markelov.
All these buildings, despite their fabulous appearance, are occupied by various government agencies, departments, etc.
Embankment of Bruges - An ideal place for photo shoots in any weather. All houses are built in a single Flemish style. At first glance, you won’t think that this is our Russian Yoshkar Ola.
Here, as well as on Obolensky-Nogotkov Square, daily performances on the biblical story are held for tourists and local residents. Every 3 hours, from nine in the morning until nine in the evening, Jesus and the twelve apostles appear on the balcony of the third floor of the “12 Apostles” complex with chants and bells ringing from the gates, and moving about smoothly, they leave at the gates to the right. It is noteworthy that the arms and legs of the figures move, this makes an incredible impression on the audience.
Chapel of Peter and Fevronia of Murom on Patriarch Square
Monument to Empress Elizaveta Petrovna
This young horsewoman is Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. She is also here not by chance. It was she who, centuries ago, when Yoshkar-Ola was Tsarekokshaysky, helped open the first schools in the city. Behind the sculpture is the building of a boarding school for talented children.
They returned to the hotel on foot, with all their strength, but were satisfied with themselves and what they saw. On the way, we went into a small shop to buy sweet Mari souvenirs before leaving. Once again, they rejoiced at the openness and good nature of the locals.
The sweetest woman who was sad at the counter was delighted with the opportunity to talk and told us not only about national sweets. She told for a long time and colorfully how "ordinary locals" live in Yoshkar-Ola. We, tourists, see the face of the city, but it’s not the same inside). It was a monologue that can be heard from the lips of a person living in absolutely any town of Mother Russia. People’s problems are the same everywhere.
“Officials are pumping city budget funds into the construction of gingerbread houses for window dressing and tourists, and, as a result, the problems of local residents (with a detailed listing) arising from this: the lack of roads, salaries, social conditions, etc. ...” This is the main idea of \u200b\u200bthe story. In general, nothing new. Subjectively, but from the heart).
Perhaps it is, but we, two days sincerely admired Yoshkar-Ola. After all, we travel in order to receive exclusively positive emotions. What we wish you. Have a good trip to Yoshkar-Ola and vivid impressions! I suggest to share them in the comments.
By tradition, a short video about our stay in Yoshkar-Ola.
How to get to Yoshkar-Ola?
In Yoshkar-Ola there are railway and bus stations. Can be reached by or.