At the time of its founding, Engels was a small settlement and a staging post on the salt road. Since then, the bull-salt carrier has been the main symbol of the city. He was placed on the coat of arms, and was also awarded a monument. Engels is located on the banks of the Volga. An automobile bridge connects the city with Saratov. Between them there is a small artificial island, Pokrovskie Sands. Its beaches are a favorite option for locals and tourists to relax during the warm season.
Yuri Gagarin landed not far from Engels after his first flight into space. Over time, this territory has developed into a full-fledged memorial complex. The cosmonautics theme is developed in several other city attractions. So on the embankment there is a monument in honor of Gagarin and Korolev.
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What to see and where to go in Engels?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Monument "Bull-Salt Carrier"
The symbol of a city whose history goes back a long way. A tract was built from the salt lake here. This event is associated with the formation of the settlement, which later became Engels. It developed as a transshipment point, and the road began to be called the "Great Salt Road" following the example of the Silk Road. The monument itself was erected in 2003. The sculptor A. Sadovsky depicted a bull with a salt bowl on its back.
City Park "Pokrovsky"
In 2017, a large project for the reconstruction of the city park was launched. The hut of Santa Claus was moved to a new place. New footpaths were laid, the consecration was changed, the summer stage and the main entrance were repaired. There are many sculptures and art objects installed. The colorful cornucopia, fairy-tale characters and impressive-sized fish stand out. In the same year, the park received its current name.
Engels Embankment
The main pedestrian street of the city. Arrangement of the embankment began in the 40s of the last century. The paths were paved with asphalt, small cafes were built, benches, blessings and moorings were installed. A curly low fence along the embankment is hung with locks. This is a tradition of newlyweds, a sign of eternal love. Saratov is stretched out on the opposite bank of the Volga, and it can be clearly seen from Engels.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
It was built from 1816 to 1825. Gradually, the temple was expanded to three thrones and two schools were opened with it. Since 1929, the exposition of the Republican Museum was located in the building of the cathedral. A few years later, the bell tower and domes were destroyed. By the time the church was handed over to believers in the 90s, the premises were in a deplorable state. The restoration was delayed, and the new iconostasis was consecrated only in 1997. From the same moment there are services.
Gagarin's landing place
In 1961, near the village of Smelovka, Yuri Gagarin landed after his first flight into space. An obelisk in the form of a rocket taking off appeared here in 1965. Its height is 27 meters. A monument to Gagarin was erected in front of the obelisk in 1981. A memorial "Gallery of Cosmonautics" was gradually formed on the territory around it. The new objects made it possible to celebrate the contribution to the conquest of space by Tsiolkovsky, Korolev and a number of cosmonauts.
Long-Range Aviation Museum
Founded in 2000 at the airbase. Some of the exhibits are kept in the building, the rest are in the open air. If a large area is allotted for aircraft, then the premises for the exposition are rather modest in size. There are photographs, the dashboard, other parts of the cockpit, maps and uniforms on display. The museum's collection contains not only more than a dozen aircraft models, but also cruise missiles and aerial bombs.
Engels Museum of Local Lore
Founded in 1925. Initially, the meeting was dedicated to the Volga Germans. Just five years later, the first director was arrested and the collection was rebuilt according to the new ideology. In 1941, the museum was closed, and the exhibits were distributed to other cultural institutions. After the war, a period of renaissance in local history began. Now the exposition is set aside in a modern building next to the park.
House-Museum of L.A. Kassil
Has been working since 1995. Dedicated to the children's writer Leo Kassil, who was born in Engels. A building that belonged to the Kassil family was given to the exhibition. They lived here from the 10s to the 50s of the last century. The basis of the collection is the personal archive of the writer, his things, evidence of the era. The excursion is structured in such a way as to interest children, to help them reveal their creative potential.
Saratov Regional Operetta Theater
It is difficult to name the exact time of the formation of musical theater in the city. Performances in the style of operetta were given in Engels as early as the 19th century. But the theater was given official status only in 1968. The first years of formation were not easy. Premieres were accompanied by short-term closings. Now the work of the collective is adjusted, the troupe goes on tour, and the auditorium is often filled to capacity.
Memorial to the Heroes of the Front and Home Front
Installed in the city park. Dedicated to the feat of local residents who showed their best features during the Great Patriotic War. The official opening took place in 2000. The central part of the memorial is a high obelisk. It is crowned with a five-pointed star. The eternal flame is burning next to the monument. In 2010, the composition was supplemented with memorial plaques. The names of the heroes of the USSR associated with Engels are engraved on them.
Monument to Gagarin and Korolev
Inaugurated in 2017. The embankment was chosen as the place of installation. The official name of the monument is "Before the flight ...". Gagarin and Korolev are depicted sitting on a bench. Below them is a low pedestal with the names of the astronaut and the designer. Nearby are lanterns decorated with art objects. The author of the project is M. Galina. The monument is her graduation work under the guidance of the eminent sculptor A. Sadovsky.
Monument to Lev Kassil "Fantazer"
Opened in 2006 for the 101st birthday of the children's writer. Lev Kassil is a native of Engels. He made a name for himself, both in the city and beyond. In addition to his literary activities, Kassil was the editor of "Murzilka" and conducted seminars at the literary institute. The sculptors decided to portray the writer as young and carefree. His light character is conveyed even in small things, for example, there is a burdock leaf on his head.
Saratov bridge
Connects Engels with Saratov. The opening took place in 1965. It was thrown across the Volga; during its construction, an artificial island, Pokrovsky Sands, was created. The bridge is automobile and has a length of 2825 meters. Gagarin was here. According to the plan, the bridge will serve for another 20 years, and then it will become a pedestrian or will be demolished. It is useless to make major repairs, it is cheaper and more practical to build a new bridge.
Beach on the island of Pokrovskie sands
The island is located in such a way that it is both the attraction of Engels and Saratov. It is quick and convenient to get here from both cities. Its length is 2300 meters. and the width is 200 meters. It was created artificially during the construction of the bridge. In the warm season, it is traditionally crowded here. Almost the entire island is covered with sand and is one large beach. Although conventionally divided into sectors, there is a beach for nudists.
Volga river
One of the main waterways of the country is also vital for Engels. The city stands on its bank. It is connected with Saratov via a bridge, which is about half an hour by car. Along the coast of the Volga there is an embankment, a favorite place for walks of the townspeople. It is also the main pedestrian street of the city. The Volga provides additional transport, tourism and trade opportunities for Engels.
