Interesting facts about Yoshkar-Ola

Being the capital of the autonomous republic of Mari El, Yoshkar-Ola attracts many tourists, as well as ethnographers and journalists with its national and cultural colors. Here it is fashionable to get acquainted with the unique customs of this small ethnic group, “live” to observe its traditions and national clothes, to taste the dishes of a very peculiar local cuisine. The city has a lot of different sights and interesting places, which you can learn more about at https://yoshkin.ru/. In addition, numerous interesting legends are associated with Yoshkar-Ola, as well as confirmed remarkable facts that have not been confirmed, but very tenacious rumors.
The literal translation from the Mari language of the name Yoshkar-Ola means “Red (Yoshkar) city (ol). This name was finally fixed in 1919. Previously, other names were often used: “Tsar-Ola” and “Tsarevokokshaisk”, which after the revolution and the overthrow of the autocracy were used for obvious reasons, stopped.
The indigenous people here are the Mari (the second name – Cheremis). This nationality has a distinctive and developed culture, remembers its ancient history, professes its own religion. Marians are often called the only people preserved in Europe with pagan faith.
The correct grammar name of a city dweller is “Yoshkarolinets”. In a word, not separately and not under a hyphen.
The only city in Russia, the first letter of which is “and” short.
One of the minor planets (discovered in 1984) was named Yoshkar-Ola. Memorable certificate of this fact, issued by the Astronomical International Association, is presented in the exposition of the museum of local lore.
Major attractions:
Art Gallery, located in the new building of Italian style, built on the main square of the city. Here are collected many works of Mari artists, perfectly reflecting the characteristics of the world view and life of this ancient nation. The tower clock of the museum building with a battle to the motive of the saga about the salvation of the “Three-handed” icon is also quite remarkable.
Another central attraction of Yoshkar-Ola is the renovated historical center with its main object – the Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin. In very old times there was a wooden fortress, but it was not preserved. In 2009, the restoration of the stone Kremlin was successfully completed, which immediately gained popularity among tourists and locals. Several museums with interesting expositions are concentrated here, including the local museum of historical finds and archeology, a cozy square, especially popular during the summer months, etc. The world’s only monument to Fyodor Ioannovich, the son of Tsar Ivan IV (the Terrible), is also installed here.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos deserves special attention, being the result of the interpenetration of the classical architectural style and pseudo-Russian motives and the mutual influence of the Orthodox and local pagan cultural traditions. Connoisseurs often compare it with the famous St. Petersburg Savior on Blood, but Yoshkarolinsky Cathedral has its own unique grace. The Cathedral Square is decorated with a composition from the sculptural group of the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, surrounded by many fountains.
The most original object and a kind of humorous symbol of the capital of Mari El was the recently installed monument to Yoshkin the cat. Yes, yes, the very one that we often call for on very different, but mostly unpleasant occasions. For several years, this monument has gained immense popularity among tourists and among residents of the city.