Irkutsk (Ирку́тск), Russia

Grey House, a government building in Irkutsk, Russia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%98%D1%80%D0%BA%D1%83%D1
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Author: Fanzuga


Irkutsk (Russian: Ирку́тск, map) is the administrative capital of Irkutsk Oblast, and one of the largest cities in Siberia, Russia. It has a population of 590,000 (2011 estimate), down from 593,000 in 2002 and 622,000 in 1989. The city observes the Irkutsk Time (UTC+9).

Irkutsk is located on the banks of the Angara River, which emerges from Lake Baikal 72 km (45 mi) away, and flows into the Yenisei. The city itself was named after the smaller Irkut River which flows into the Angara directly opposite the city. The terrain in Irkutsk comprises rolling hills.

Church of the Epiphany, Irkutsk
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%98%D1%80%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%82%D1%81%D0%BA._%D0%91%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%
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Author: Fanzuga


Irkutsk experiences a subarctic climate. Summers are moderately hot while winters are extremely cold. The warmest month is July, when the average high temperature rises to 24.6°C (76.3°F). For five months in a year, the average temperature in Irkutsk drops below 0°C. Coldest month is January, when the average low temperature dips to -25.1°C (-13.2°F). July receives by far the most rain of the year, at 120 mm (4.72 in).

Irkutsk was first settled in 1652. A few years later, a military installation was place there. This grew into a town in 1686. It remains a distant outpost until 1760, when the Siberian Road was built, linking it to Moscow and China. This enable goods to flow, mostly from China via Kyakhta, into Irkutsk and onwards to the rest of Russia.

Traditional wooden house, Irkutsk
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wooden_architecture_in_Irkutsk_11_-_seseg_h.jpg
Author: seseg_h


In the early 19th century, Irkutsk became the destination of Russian artists and nobles banished by Tsar Nicolas I for the Decembrist revolt (of 14 December 1825). By the end of the 19th century, one in every three persons in Irkutsk was an exile. They enriched Irkutsk with intellectual and social life, and the city's cultural heritage is the result of their influence.

During the 20th century, the Soviet greatly industrialized Irkutsk, building among them the Irkutsk Reservoir and military installations. Today the largest industry in the city is aviation, particularly the manufacture of military aircrafts.

Okhlopkhov Theater, Irkutsk
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Okhlopkhov%27s_theatre_01.jpg
Author: Egor Kurlyuk

Visiting Irkutsk

Irkutsk Airport (IKT) receives flights from Moscow, St Petersburg, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Shenyang, Bangkok and Phuket, among others. If you are flying in, it is best that you arrange the transport to fetch you before arriving, as you may have difficulties finding a taxi driver that speaks English. There are however other forms of public transport such as buses and trams linking the airport with the city, which is about half an hour away.

Sights & Attractions in Irkutsk

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