Samara Academic Drama Theatre named after M. Gorky
True, it is not always possible to go on a trip for a couple of weeks, but even a weekend in Samara will leave an indelible impression, allow you to take many interesting photos – there is room to stretch out in the million-strong city. So, we are going to Samara for a couple of days – a city with a 700-year history.
It is best to start exploring the city's sights from Khlebnaya Square. This is the heart of old Samara, once the center of city trade, coming to life in autumn during active grain shipments up and down the Volga. From Khlebnaya Square you can head closer to the center, to Central Square, where the Monument of Glory is located. Here also rises the Church of St. George the Victorious – almost a symbol of the city. That's all? Not at all.
Recently, Samara news increasingly mention large-scale construction and reconstruction in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup, because it is one of the host cities. The quarters of the historical center with its numerous merchant houses and former tenement buildings are also preparing for the world celebration. Among them are the von Vakano mansion, the house of merchant Klodt, the Kurlin mansion... Did you notice the strange surnames? Yeah, Germans. Which means – somewhere nearby a Lutheran church is "lurking". And there it is – near the Art Museum, which occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
In short, the first day of a Samara weekend can be entirely devoted to walking around the city. But the second... You can, of course, continue walking on the surface, or you can go down to the famous Stalin's bunker, located at a depth of almost 40 meters.
The Iversky Convent has never refused anyone a tour. And not far from the Volga embankment there is a helipad: the views of the Volga and the city from here are stunning.
Where to stay?
You can lay your head for the night either in one of the hotels in the center or outside the city – along the banks of the Volga, cozy cottages are springing up here and there, where both the service, entertainment options, and living space will be much larger than in city hotels.
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