Krasnoyarsk is the largest industrial and cultural centre of Eastern Siberia and the capital of the Krasnoyarsk territory, the second largest region in Russia by area. Krasnoyarsk was founded in 1628 by Andrey Dubensky as a fortress against the Tatar invasion. The city name consists of two words – ‘Krasnyi’ (it means ‘red’, because of clay reddish soil) and ‘Yar’ (it means ‘steep bank’). Krasnoyarsk is situated on the banks of the Enisey River – one of the most beautiful and powerful rivers of Siberia. The river crosses the region from south to north, attracting the towns and villages. It is believed that the Yenisey divides Siberia into East and West.
At present, Krasnoyarsk with a population of nearly 1 million it is a modern city with unique architecture, a city of artistic and talented people, and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Unlike many cities of our country there is preserved the structure of the old center of Krasnoyarsk, as well as historic buildings of the late 19th – early 20th century.
The cultural life of the city is very rich. Theatre-goers go to the Pushkin Drama Theatre, to the Opera and Ballet House, to the Musical Comedy Theatre, and other places of entertainment. Great writer Victor Astafyev, and opera singer Dmitry Khvorostovskiy were born, educated, and worked here. There are a lot of museums and picture galleries in Krasnoyarsk, which are always full of visitors. Krasnoyarsk is the birthplace of the Russian artist Surikov, one of the world’s most prominent painters. Citizens of Krasnoyarsk proudly keep his memory alive. The house where Surikov was born is now a museum named after him.
The Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel, the symbol of the city, is located highest of all on the Karaylnay Hill. In the center of the city there is our local Big Ben – the Clock Tower with 4 clocks – one on each side. The Central Gorkiy Park, the Tatyshev Island and Island of Recreation are the favorite places for rest of our citizens.
The city is distinguished by its unique landscapes, mountain views, majestic Siberian forest and well-known Stolby Nature Reserve. This work of nature is a series of exotic rocky eminences situated in the taiga on the spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The territory of the reserve totals 47 000 hectares.
In 2019, Krasnoyarsk was the host city of the 2019 Winter Universiade.
We are pleased to invite you to visit Krasnoyarsk and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this city!