Krasnoyarsk

Krasnoyarsk was founded by the Moscow nobleman Andrey Dubensky in 1628. It is a major railway, waterway and airway transportation centre of Siberia. The city stretches along the picturesque banks of Yenisei, one of the largest rivers of the Euro-Asian continent, and is surrounded by endless taiga and cliffs. It's well known by the places of imprisonment of Lenin (in Shushenskoye) and Stalin (in Turukhansk) and the unique national park, called “Krasnoyarskiye Stolby” (Krasnoyarsk Poles). The unusual rock formations about 100 metres high located a few miles out of the city gave a name to the park. Some have names according to their outlines – Old Man, Old Woman, Golden Eagle, etc. Enjoy a breathtaking view of giant figures cut out of stone by the rain and the wind. It is really worth seeing, as well as the other spectacular sight – the great bridges over Yenisei.
The region is very rich in cultural traditions as well. While in Krasnoyarsk you will get acquainted with the richest history, culture and traditions of the Siberian people, which date back to the 17th century. Krasnoyarsk is the native land of the great Russian artist Vasily Ivanovich Surikov. The Opera and Ballet House is considered one of the youngest theatres in Russia. The “Krasnoyarsk State Academic Dance Ensemble of Siberia” is the honour of the city. Michael Godenko, the artistic leader of ensemble and honoured Russian actor, created it in 1960. Their concerts are completed choreographic performances, being bright expression of music, accuracy of motion, variety drawings, content-richness and high skill of execution. Spectators of more then 70 countries of the world applauded the ensemble with great delight.