Interesting facts about Irkutsk

We continue our acquaintance with the Russian cities – Irkutsk. The city is located in the valley of the Angara River, at the confluence of its two tributaries, Irkut and Ushakovka, at the Trans-Siberian Railway, 55 km from the unique natural complex, World Heritage Site – Lake Baikal. Irkutsk is a cultural and scientific center of Eastern Siberia, in which more than 600 thousand inhabitants live.
The ancient Siberian city, founded as a prison in 1661. In the fire of 1879 was severely destroyed. Referred to the historical settlements of Russia; The historic center is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Before the October Revolution, it was a merchant city that flourished for a long time on Russian-Chinese trade, and later on the gold industry; a place of political exile. From 1803, it was the center of Siberia, from 1822 to 1884 — the East-Siberian General Governorship. Continue reading →