In Abakan, landscaped garden spaces, archaeological collections and striking religious architecture stand side by side. The Sady Mechty landscape park focuses on themed areas and sculptures; the Khakassian National Museum of Local Lore combines its collection with special guided tours and educational activities. This gives you the chance to add a variety of cultural and green highlights to your stay.
Gardens and themed areas at Sady Mechty
The Sady Mechty landscape park covers one hectare and is divided into 13 themed areas. Visitors can see shrubs, flowers, trees and various clay sculptures. The named garden themes include Japanese, Chinese, European and Russian gardens. There is also a koi pond, a Buddha garden and a central area with a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The design itself gives this park its distinctive character.
The park is also home to rabbits, ducks and goats. Events can be organized here, too, including children's birthday parties and graduation celebrations. If you would like to combine your visit with a celebration, check availability with the park in advance.
Archaeology and special guided tours at the museum
The collection of the Khakassian National Museum of Local Lore includes ancient Yeniseian stone sculptures from the archaeological Okunev culture. They date from the late 3rd to the early 2nd millennium BC and are carved from sandstone and granite. The museum therefore highlights not only the sculptures’ forms, but also their materials and their very early date.
The museum offers an evening flashlight tour through the hall of stone sculptures. It also offers a virtual tour with VR headsets to the sites of Salbyk Kurgan or Boyarskaya Pisanitsa. Check the current availability of these activities before planning your visit.
For groups of up to ten people, workshops, quests, museum lessons and visits to the collection storage area are available. Check the details with the museum in advance. Tastings of national cuisine are held at the Chabrets Ethno-Café; here, too, it is advisable to confirm current availability before your visit.
Cathedral, parks and memorial site
The Transfiguration Cathedral in the city centre is an Orthodox church with seven domes in the Russian-Byzantine style. The Preobrazhensky park complex lies directly behind the cathedral, with an artificial lake, a fountain, benches and lawns. Here, the church’s architectural design can be contrasted with a park featuring water and green spaces.
Abakan Culture and Recreation Park offers shady benches and sunny clearings, as well as a beach and body of water, sports and play areas, and cycling paths. Individual facilities may change; check the conditions before your visit if needed. Orlyonok Children's Park has rides and playgrounds, although the rides may operate seasonally.
Another cultural landmark is located on Mount Samokhval: a memorial complex dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland from various eras. Together with the cathedral and museums, it offers a different way to experience the city than the themed and recreation parks.
Discover more destinations: Abaza, Kharkov, Cheryomushki, Shira, Sayanogorsk, Zhemchuzhny
Return to the regional travel overview: Republic of Khakassia.
