Altai is a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, a republic within it. The Altai Republic is part of the Russian Federation, but at the same time borders on Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It is not considered a tourist destination or a popular place to visit in Russia, like seaside resorts, for example. But this is a magnificent place, consisting of the most magnificent mountain ranges and flowering fields. If you see the living nature of Altai, you will never forget it and you will simply be in love. The number of mountain ranges is impressive; Belukha, the highest mountain in Siberia (4509 meters), is located on its territory.
Moreover, their contrast with the huge river valleys is impressive. The climate change in the Altai Territories looks especially colorful; on the landscape of mountains and rivers, you can see not only the colorful and bright summer season, when everything around is blooming and shimmering. But also to catch a strong cold and a harsh winter. But at any time Gorny Altai impresses with its picturesque splendor. Of course, Western Siberia is famous not only for its beauty, but also for its culture. This beautiful area is filled with monuments and memories of its own culture, whose history will surely be interesting for you to learn, especially through historical artifacts. It has a past full of mysteries, which are not so easy to solve, but very interesting to study.
The first settlements appeared in Altai as early as 2-3 centuries. BC. In ancient times, the Mongols reigned there, and after other peoples of China and Central Asia, and the initial peoples of Altai are considered to be the Mongols, Turks and Tibetans, who settled there, being nomads, and then formed settlements there. Thus, the nomadism and variety of colors of the neighbors of this region makes this territory interesting for archeology.
Historical and cultural monuments of Altai
Stone women
One of the most memorable finds is the images of warriors created by the Altai peoples. The strangest thing is that in the end they acquired such a name. And hearing it, it is misleading, because it is about the image of warriors and men. More than 200 such boulders were found in the Altai Territory, and some were transported to the central cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. They date back to the 8-9th century A.D. None of the images are alike, so to speak, they are all made in a different style, although they represent the same thing. This is a large stone, sometimes made to resemble a silhouette of a man with the image of a man or his face. Usually each of them has a wide-eyed straight gaze. Each has some kind of distinctive mark showing its status.
In a lowered hand, there is usually a saber or a dagger, possibly on the belt. They are dressed in the attire of a warrior, and in their hand they hold a cup or goblet with a drink. It is believed that this bowl in the hand is a symbol of the participation of the soul in the burial. These stone sculptures attract with some kind of magical aura, they resemble something distant and sacred. They only remind people from a distance, rather serve as their description. The height of the statues varies from 1.5m to 4x. It happens that they are located in groups near some ancient villages. They belong to the same time and are associated with a historical event. They are closely related to the history of Altai and are considered its heritage. These amazing boulders represent strong and brave men who once lived like this.
Balbals
This is a subject of discussion among archaeologists. It is also considered the property of Altai and is a large number of boulders installed close to each other. There are several versions of the explanation of this phenomenon, or rather, their purpose. After all, this is the question of why someone once installed a large number of stones in one place at a distance from the village, they must have some meaning. Their role in the funeral ritual is generally recognized, but it is the meaning of such an arrangement that is important. These are definitely not tombstones of the dead, because not a single bone was found near the burial. But at that time, the corpses were burned. However, looking at the history and legends about these lands, some believe that it is directly related to the legends of wars.
In ancient stories, it is said that when some glorious warrior or commander died, as many stones were placed next to his burial as the number of enemies he killed. True, even for that period, it is very difficult to imagine that a person killed about a hundred people. And they are usually found in large numbers. Therefore, it is more of a legend, albeit interesting, but dubious. In another version, these burial stones are also considered a kind of cemetery, they said that soldiers and stones were buried there - this is a sign of recognition of the one who came to honor him. But, on the other hand, they could bury both women and children, and then the stones will also be a reverence from the people who came to spend their soul.
In another version, a theory was expressed that these are not easy stones, but hitching posts, which usually nomadic peoples put at their homes in the direction of the east. And it is possible that when the burial ceremony took place, people brought the tethering posts to this place, as a sign of reverence or as a stay there. Perhaps they had a deeper meaning as a sign of attention to the human soul, so that he could know that this person remembers him. Therefore, such places in Balbala are still a controversial cultural monument. Everyone agrees that they have ritual significance, but which remains to be seen. While they impress with their plurality and location among the rocks, they resemble a kind of cemetery, and on these stones you can even find inscriptions, like some messages to the deceased.
Denisova cave
Altai is full of mountains and ridges, very amazing in their beauty. And it's over there are full of different caves. But these names contain not only the spirit of the people, but also historical significance. The cave itself is called "Bear's Stone" among the people, because according to legend, a dark Shaman lived there earlier, who terrorized neighboring settlements and forced them to pay him. He himself could turn into a huge bear and sculpt a boulder that rolled to the villages, and where his road ran, then it always rained and spoiled the crops. Only the highest deity to whom the locals prayed could defeat him.
He destroyed the shaman and pushed a thunderous boulder into the depths of the cave. Now there are many archaeologists, and neighboring settlements scold them for this. After all, they believe that if they break off even a piece from the stone, then the rain will again fall on their houses. But they are unlikely to leave this place alone, because it was this cave that became the source of the cultural find. Namely in it, confirmation was found that in this part of the mainland, people began to settle not from the 1st century. AD, and already from 2-3, and this had more impact.
Of course, then the question arises, why is it called Deonisova? She acquired this name due to the fact that she lived in it for some time in the 18th century. hermit Dionysius. For the Old Believers who lived there, he was a shepherd. Believers came to his cave for blessings and advice. Therefore, now the cave is marked this way.
Ukok princess
This unexpected and surprising find fell into the hands of researchers of one mound on the Ukok plateau. In 1993, she found the burial of a man with two knives and a couple of horses, which was quite expected for this place. But after that, something truly amazing was discovered under this burial. They discovered an entire burial room, with the body of a young woman, now called the Ukok princess, encased in ice. The room was decorated with various skins, and 6 horses were also buried there, which indicates its status, because only the royal family could have had such a number of horses.
The Altai Republic is a beautiful and picturesque region located in Western Siberia. Has a long and difficult history. What is she famous for? What nationalities inhabit it? What monuments of history and culture of the Altai Republic have survived to this day? Let's learn about everything in order.
A brief historical excursion
The history of Altai begins in ancient times - the first settlers settled on this territory in the 3rd - 2nd centuries. BC. This was followed by centuries of rule by the Mongols, Turks, Tibetans and other peoples who inhabited China. These were mainly nomads, conquerors who liked the local lands, so their settlements and settlements were based here. The Altai Republic map has been changed many times.
Only around the 17th century did the territory of the present Altai Republic become part of the Russian state. The transformation process took more than three hundred years; the name of this region has changed several times.
Altai on the map of Russia
Examining the borders of the republic on the map, one can understand that the neighboring countries are Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China, and in the inner part there is the autonomy of Khakassia, Tyva, Kemerovo region and Altai Territory. For many centuries Altai experienced territorial changes, and only in 1992 the territory gained constancy.
The abundance of neighbors explains the multinationality of this region and a huge layer of diverse cultural heritage. These places are of interest to both archaeologists and connoisseurs of high art. The map of the Altai Republic is rich. Clean air and magnificent landscapes make these places ideal for ecotourism.
A look through the ages: the historical transformation of Altai
The history of the republic goes back several millennia. During this period, many cultures and nationalities inhabited the territory of the modern republic. A large number of archaeological remains of antiquity have remained here, which are still of interest to both archaeologists and lovers of antiquity. Altai is an inexhaustible source for research. history and culture of the Altai Republic - burial mounds, caves, burial grounds, "stone women", petroglyphs - and now attract the attention of numerous scientists.
For example, rock carvings that can be seen on rocks, stones, sculptures of sanctuaries, inscriptions, or as scientists correctly call them - petroglyphs, this is a symbiosis of letters and drawings similar to Chinese characters - all this wealth attracts tourists from all over the world.
Looking at the cultural monuments of the Altai Republic, pictures from the past appear before our eyes. The study and deciphering of these ancient messages give an idea of the life of people in antiquity, their beliefs, conquests and other events. Excavations of settlements on the territory of Altai make it possible to observe many important finds reflecting the life and culture of different historical eras. At present, archaeological research and scientific expeditions are continuing on the territory of the republic.
Formation of the republic
Among the Altai Republic there are many familiar, familiar monuments to eminent personalities: V.I. famine.
Most of the sights belong to tracts, mounds, burial grounds and caves, the number of which is impossible to count. These sites receive traditional names that depend on the location or the name of the archaeologist who found the site.
Let's consider the most famous monuments and sights of the Altai Territory: Barangol, Vaskin log gorge, Biryulinskoe settlement, Urlu-Aspak village, Kutash river bank, Kyzyk-Ozek village, Maima village, Manzherok village, the right bank of the Ulalushki river, Urlu-Aspak village, Chultukov village and others. This list is constantly replenished and expanded, since the lands of Altai keep in their depths an endless number of ancient relics.
Altai cultural monuments
When studying the past of the Altai Republic, the connection between historical events and the appearance of monuments is traced. The culture of the Altaians was formed and developed under the influence of other civilizations and nationalities that inhabited the territory of the republic at different periods of time, and the states that included Altai. Most of these monuments are not only monuments of history and culture of the Altai Republic, they are monuments of national and international importance. For example, numerous statues called stone women.
General concept of stone women
Stone women represent a valuable cultural heritage that has survived and has an ancient history. There are more than 250 such statues in the Altai Republic. Stone sculptures are magnificent and unprecedented art for a modern person. Boulders are silhouettes of human bodies, of various shapes and sizes. On average, their height ranges from 1.5 m to 4 m. Stone women are located in groups in different territories, tracts and villages. Their origin is associated with what is happening on the territory of the republic.
The similarity of the sculptures can be traced in the nature of the depiction of the features of human faces. At the same time, other features inherent in the human body are poorly traced - arms, torso and legs. Women are a relative concept, in fact, these are men - strong and brave warriors. These monuments have left a big mark in the history of mankind and in the culture of the Altai Republic.
Gorno-Altaysk - the capital of the Altai Republic
One of the main attractions of the Altai Republic is its capital, Gorno-Altaysk. Due to historical events, this is the only city in the Altai Republic. Gorno-Altaysk is a fairly young city, which appeared less than a hundred years ago. The appearance of the capital of the Altai Territory is tied to 1928, during its short history Gorno-Altaisk was renamed in 1948 into Oirot-Tura. The status of the capital of the Altai Republic was assigned to Gorno-Altaysk in 1992.
Sights and monuments of Gorno-Altaysk
Gorno-Altaysk is a small town with a number of attractions. This is a large number of monuments, a square of stones, the Palace of Justice, the square named after. Lenin, an old fountain, Victory Park and the National Museum. At the National Museum. A.V. Anokhin has more than 50,000 exhibits of archaeological, ethnological, paleontological and other finds, it contains finds and relics of a world scale, for example, the mummy of Princess Ukoka. The cultural attraction of Gorno-Altaysk is the Temple of Altai Makarii and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Every year the city grows and develops, the population increases and the territory expands. But it is impossible to call it a cramped and noisy metropolis, despite the fact that it is Gorno-Altaysk, in fact, the only scientific, cultural and industrialized center of the republic.
Gorny Altai: history and features
Gorny Altai deserves special attention. This was the name of the Republic of Altai itself, but now this name means a part of the Altai Mountains, which is located on the territory of the republic. This area is truly picturesque. The mountainous relief - massifs, intermountain plateaus, winding rivers - keeps the historical monuments of the republic called golden, information about them can be found even in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Within the mountain range there are places of worship, archaeological monuments of Altai, for example, the Ak-Alakh burial mound, located on the Ukok plateau.
Another attraction of the Altai Territory, which has more than 155 archeological monuments belonging to different time periods. The value of these places is very important to scientists, due to the fact that the archaeological finds were stored in stunning conditions of cold and ice. The frozen state made it possible to preserve many valuable memorials, even substances of organic origin: food, mummies and human bodies, their hair, nails. And now, using knowledge in the field of genetics, scientists decipher the picture of life and everyday life of ancient people.
Altai Tourism
Undoubtedly, the monuments of history and culture of the Altai Republic attract the attention of a large number of people. First of all, these are people closely related to the sciences - history, archeology, paleontology, ethnography, as well as specialists - experts in religion, culture, and military affairs. On the territory of the Altai Republic, magnificent nature fascinates the eye: mountain air, clean rivers and lakes, plains rich in vegetation.
Due to the underdevelopment of the industrial sector, natural beauty remains untouched, pristine. Therefore, people tired of city noise, bustle, soot and smog from factories and cars come to this region. They come to admire the beauties of nature, see cults and ancient monuments, touch the relics of history, recharge with energy and inspiration. And tourism, in turn, gives development to the Altai Republic itself. Currently, many tourist centers have been built here, providing a diverse range of services. Among them are excursions to historical sites, an overview of interesting and significant archaeological finds: ancient sites, burials, burial grounds. Also popular are visits to the Bolshoi Chulchinsky waterfall, Teletskoye lake, and the Edelweiss valley.
The value of the Altai Republic
The Altai Republic on the map of Russia is a unique place. The land here is not strewn with railroads and endless pipelines. There are no mines that extract minerals, gold and diamond deposits. There are no oil and gas wells. But there is something that is sorely lacking in other localities and regions - fabulous nature, unsurpassed landscape, terrain, historical, cultural monuments and attractions. Monuments of history and archeology on the territory of the Altai Republic are of world value. Therefore, many of them are included in the list of objects protected by the state.
It is impossible to tell about all the delights and sights of Altai. It is also difficult to convey in words how the handsome Altai appears before its visitors. Everyone who visits the republic will not remain indifferent to the unprecedented beauty, picturesque area and pictures of antiquity of this region.
There are almost 2000 thousand historical monuments on the territory of the Altai Territory. These include:
1. Military - revolutionary monuments - historical objects associated with the events of the Civil War and the formation of Soviet power in Altai - the graves of red partisans and underground fighters, places of battles, buildings where they were located, the first state bodies of Soviet power.
Tomb of the Red Partisans
2. Monuments of the period of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) are represented by individual monuments and memorials to soldiers - fellow countrymen who died on the war fronts, buildings in which hospitals of the wounded were located, mass graves of those who died from wounds, graves of Heroes of the Soviet Union who died after the war, buildings where the heroes of the war lived or studied.
3. Memorable objects associated with the life and work of representatives of science, technology, culture, public figures.
4. Monuments of mining and metallurgical production of the XXVIII - XIX centuries. represented by mines and remnants of factory complexes (Barnaul, Pavlovsky, Verkh - Aleysky plants, Kolyvan grinding factory).
Obelisk of Mining in Altai
5. Few monuments of military engineering art of the 18th century. - the remains of the fortifications of the Kolyvano - Kuznetsk fortified line (Tigiretsky, Beloretsky, Verkh - Aleisky outposts, Klyuchevskoy lighthouse).
Sanatorium - resort complexes of the Altai Territory
Large sanatoriums are CJSC "Kurort Belokurikha", CJSC "Sanatorium" Russia ", OJSC" Sanatorium "Altai-West"
Balneological resort Belokurikha, located on unique healing springs, is rightfully considered the pearl of Siberia. The main treasures of the Belokurikha resort are the famous thermal waters with radon content, wholesome mountain air, healing mineral water, and, of course, the nature of the Altai Territory, unique in its beauty and positive energy. The climate is dry, moderately continental: early spring, moderately hot summer, rather warm and dry autumn and calm, sunny winter.
Winter Belokurikha is a prestigious ski resort for both local residents and guests. Snowboard lovers and alpine skiing fans come here. Celebrating Christmas and New Year in these places has become a glorious tradition for many.
Sanatorium "Altai-West" - the best health resort in Altai and Russia
The Altai-West sanatorium is a modern resort complex in Belokurikha, located in close proximity to the unique thermal springs.
Sanatorium Altai-West with a capacity of 607 people began operations in 1963 and is located in the center of the resort of Belokurikha. On the territory of the sanatorium there is a park area by the river with alleys, gazebos, terrenkurs, a children's playground, a sports ground.
Nutrition
Included in the price of the tour.
Three times a day. Breakfast - buffet; lunch and dinner à la carte. The dietary menu is represented by diets No. 1,2,5,6,8,9,10,15.
In the dining room of the sanatorium (450 seats), the Budapest restaurant (56 seats) or the Altai restaurant (52 seats).
Orders for banquets, buffets, coffee breaks, room delivery are accepted.
Lobby bar and coffee shop work
Services
Round-the-clock reception of guests, taxi call, luggage delivery. Storage of valuables (safe at the reception); laundry service; minor repair of clothes; wake up order.
Hairdresser, minimarket, periodicals kiosk; Sberbank branch; service on Sbercard, Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard Electronic, MasterCard Maestro cards; at the reception it is possible to pay for services by the terminal.
Free internet access.
Doctor on duty / first-aid post.
Leisure
Discos, music and entertainment programs, musical evenings by the fire, festive concert programs, shows, performances by artists, film demonstrations.
Excursions to the Church of St. Panteleimon the Healer, around the resort (Mount Tserkovka, Old Mill, Mount Four Brothers, Mount Round, Century Pine, Mount Grace).
Active routes provided by travel agencies: horseback riding, hiking, mountain, cycling, rafting; excursions to the breeding horse farm in the village. Altai, where you can see thoroughbred horses and Akhal-Teke breeds.
Infrastructure
For recreation: a cinema and concert hall (500 people), a library (fund of 15,000 copies), a billiard club with a cozy bar, a night club "Otdykh" (show programs, discos).
For sports: gym, table tennis, equipment rental (roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, scooters); in winter - skates, skis.
For wellness relaxation: indoor pool, heated summer pool, solarium.
For children: children's playroom (computer games, video, construction sets, toys); children playground.
Game room
In the Altai Territory there is a huge number of various monuments. The site presents the most significant and interesting monuments of the Altai Territory.
Urban objects are loaded. Wait, please...
0 m to the city center
One of the central places of Barnaul is Demidovskaya Square, in the center of which is the Demidov Pillar. This obelisk was erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of mining in the Altai Territory. The construction of the monument was started in 1825 with the laying of the first stone, the date of completion of construction is 1839. The height of the obelisk is about 14 meters, it was erected from 12 granite blocks, 4 cast-iron supports lying on a pedestal were used as a base.
0 m to the city center
In 2010, a monument to Peter I was unveiled in Biysk. It was he who is considered the founder of the city, since more than three centuries ago he issued a decree on the construction of the first outpost on this site. In the heart of the so-called merchant Biysk, namely in the Garkavy park, the bronze horseman fits perfectly.
With a proposal to create a monument to the founder of the city, the authorities approached several craftsmen from all over the country. As a result, the author of another Biysk monument, St. Macarius, a Rostov master, Sergei Isakov, got down to business. According to the artist's project, the emperor is seated on a horse, which is erected on a three-meter pedestal.
0 m to the city center
In the city of Barnaul, there is the only monument to the outstanding writer, director, writer and actor, Vasily Shukshin. The history of the creation of this monument is quite interesting. Nikolai Zvonkov decided to make a similar monument to his fellow countryman - a person who has absolutely nothing to do with the art of sculpture. He is an ordinary milling cutter studying sculpture in a studio at the Transmash Palace of Culture. Zvonkov had been hatching this idea of creating a monument for a long time. She was immediately supported by the head and director of the plant, where the self-taught sculptor worked. It took a year and a half to implement the idea.
0 m to the city center
In Russia, there are only two monuments to the leader and founder of the USSR, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, where he is depicted in a hat with earflaps, one is in Rybinsk (Yaroslavl Region), the other is in Biysk. Socialist realism dictated the rules that this person had to be either without a headdress or in a cap. However, the Siberians decided to bring Lenin closer to culture and local flavor. Moreover, the leader has never been in this city during his reign. The monument to Lenin in Biysk was opened in 1983. The author of the project was Christopher Gevorkyan. The sculpture of Vladimir Ilyich, performed by master Gevorkyan, was cast in Minsk. During transportation, the figure was transported in a wagon by rail.