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May/24

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Tobolsk – One of the Most Beautiful Cities in Siberia

Tobolsk is a city in Russia with a population of about 100 thousand people, located at the confluence of the Tobol and the Irtysh rivers, about 250 km northeast of Tyumen. It was founded as the center of the development of Siberia in 1587, about 17 km from the Tatar settlement of Sibier (also known as Kashlyk, Isker), the capital of the Siberian Khanate (1468-1598).

From the end of the 16th to the 18th centuries, it was the main military, administrative, political, and religious center of Siberia. Today, Tobolsk is the second most populous city in Tyumen Oblast. Photos by: Anton Petrus.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 1

Since 1708, it was the center of the Siberian Governorate stretching from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean. In the 19th century, due to changes in trade routes and then the construction of a railway (away from Tobolsk), its economic importance fell, and the regional center was moved to Tyumen. Currently, Tobolsk is one of the most important centers of educational tourism in Siberia.

The Tobolsk Kremlin (1683-1799) is the main sight of the city. It is often called the Pearl of Siberia.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 2

The brick water tower near the Tobolsk Kremlin.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 3

Sophia-Uspensky Cathedral (1686) – the first stone church built in Siberia.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 4

The Tobolsk Kremlin is the only stone kremlin in Siberia. The northern entrance to the Tobolsk Kremlin.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 5

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 6

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 7

The cathedral bell tower (1797).

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 8

The guest house of the Tobolsk Kremlin looks like a small fortress.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 9

The Tobolsk Kremlin is a unique and very picturesque architectural ensemble.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 10

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 11

The Palace of the Governor. For more than 300 years, the management of huge territories called Siberia was carried out from here.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 12

Tobolsk in fact consists of two main parts – Nagornaya (the upper city), where the Kremlin is located, and Podgornaya (the lower city), the oldest part of Tobolsk with more than 150 objects of cultural heritage.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 13

From the hill you can enjoy beautiful views of old Tobolsk.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 14

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 15

Church of Zacharias and Elizabeth (1758-1776). Built in the style of the Siberian Baroque, it is one of the most beautiful buildings of the lower city.

Tobolsk city, Siberia, Tyumen region, Russia, photo 16

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1 comment

  • Michael J Hall · May 20, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    Looked this town up after reading the description in The Lost Pianos of Siberia, by Sophy Roberts. It’s even more lovely than her written description. Great images.

    Reply

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