Weird & Unusual Attractions in Yekaterinburg, Russia
1. Church on the Blood
Orthodox church built on the site where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered in 1918.
- Historical Significance: Commemorates a tragic event in Russian history.
- Architectural Design: Features traditional Onion Domes combined with modern technology and materials.
- Cultural Importance: Symbolizes the spiritual resilience of the Russian people.
2. Tower-Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Orthodox church with a leaning tower reminiscent of Pisa. It's not just a church but also a museum.
- Leaning Tower: Provides an unusual architectural landmark.
- Museum Inside: Offers a unique insight into Russian religious art and history.
- Cultural Symbol: Represents the resilience of faith after the tragedy of the Romanov family.
3. Anti-Aircraft Cannon
A massive anti-aircraft cannon from World War II, now converted into a monument.
- Military History: Highlights the defensive roles Yekaterinburg played during WWII.
- Size and Scale: Impressive size serves as a reminder of the war's intensity.
- Symbolism: Represents the city's wartime bravery and endurance.
4. Museum of Emoticons
World's first museum dedicated to emoticons and digital emotions.
- Digital Preservation: Documents the evolution of digital communication.
- Interactive Exhibits: Encourages engagement and understanding of emoticons.
- Cultural Impact: Explores the role of emoticons in modern communication.
5. House on the Embankment
A house that seems to be floating on the river since it's built over a bridge.
- Architectural Innovation: Offers an unusual architectural design solution.
- Location: Provides a unique view of the river and the cityscape.
- Symbolism: Represents the harmony between nature and urban development.
6. Sculpture Park with a Twist
A park filled with unusual sculptures, including a giant chameleon.
- Artistic Expression: Offers a platform for local and international artists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Encourages engagement with contemporary art.
- Unusual Attractions: Provides a unique and fun experience for visitors.
7. Crystallography Museum
Dedicated to the study of crystals and minerals, with an extensive collection.
- Scientific Significance: Offers valuable insights into the world of crystallography.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides hands-on learning opportunities for visitors.
- Unusual Topic: Few cities have a museum dedicated to crystallography.
8. Museum of Mummies
Houses the remains of people who died over 300 years ago and were mummified naturally.
- Historical Preservation: Provides a unique glimpse into past lives.
- Scientific Research: Supports ongoing research in anthropology and archaeology.
- Educational Value: Offers insights into the history of mummification.
9. Bear Park
A park where visitors can interact with brown bears.
- Wildlife Interaction: Provides a unique opportunity to get up close with bears.
- Educational Value: Promotes understanding and conservation of brown bears.
- Unusual Experience: Offers an exciting and rare experience for visitors.
10. Underground Mosque
A mosque built below ground level to resemble a traditional Russian house.
- Architectural Uniqueness: Offers an unusual blend of Islamic and Russian architectural styles.
- Cultural Harmony: Represents the peaceful coexistence of different faiths in Yekaterinburg.
- Subterranean Design: Provides a unique exploration of underground spaces.
11. Berezniki Street
A street filled with wooden houses on stilts due to the swampy ground.
- Architectural Innovation: Offers an unusual architectural solution for swampy terrain.
- Historical Preservation: Helps preserve traditional wooden architecture.
- Unusual Landscape: Provides a unique and picturesque view of the city.
12. Museum of Puppets
Dedicated to puppetry art with an extensive collection of Russian and international puppets.
- Cultural Significance: Promotes the appreciation of puppetry as a significant art form.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on experiences for visitors.
- Educational Value: Provides insights into the history and techniques of puppetry.
13. Museum of Toys
A museum dedicated to toys from various eras and cultures.
- Historical Significance: Offers valuable insights into the evolution of toys.
- Cultural Understanding: Provides a unique perspective on toy-making practices around the world.
- Nostalgia and Joy: Evokes childhood memories and brings joy to visitors of all ages.
14. Aviation Technical Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of aviation with a focus on Russian aircraft.
- Historical Significance: Offers valuable insights into the evolution of aviation technology.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides hands-on experiences with aircraft and engines.
- Educational Value: Promotes understanding of the role of aviation in Russian history.
15. City of Fountains
A park with over 100 fountains, some of which are synchronized to music.
- Artistic Expression: Offers a variety of artistic fountain designs.
- Relaxation and Enjoyment: Provides a peaceful and enjoyable outdoor activity.
- Unique Attraction: Few cities have as many synchronized fountains as Yekaterinburg.