A Wirth grand piano on which Pyotr Tchaikovsky learned to play offers a particularly personal introduction to the history of the Udmurt Republic in Votkinsk. The Peter Tchaikovsky Museum recreates the interior of a house from the mid-19th century. Among historic furniture from the 18th to the 20th century, you will find porcelain, postcards, paintings and books. The museum opened in 1940. Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s family lived in Votkinsk for eleven years, from 1837 to 1848, before moving to Moscow. Centuries-old lime trees stand in the museum garden; the oldest was 242 years old in 2020.
Daily Life and Architecture in Ludorvai
The Ludorvai Museum Reserve offers a different perspective on history: it presents the daily lives of Russians, Besermyans and Udmurts from the 19th to the early 20th century. To do so, it includes more than 20 buildings dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The time period and the communities represented give the visit a clear historical framework; at the same time, the buildings make architecture itself a central theme.
Among the notable structures is a tent-shaped windmill, a valuable monument of wooden architecture. Fyodor Dragomirov built it in 1912; he came from the Udmurt village of Chem-Kuyuk. The year it was built and the builder’s name connect a specific building with its history. Together with the other structures, Ludorvai can be seen both as a place of everyday history and as a collection of diverse architectural landmarks.
Idnakar: History and Tradition
At the Idnakar Museum Reserve, traditional stories meet historical significance. The reserve is located at the Cheptsa archaeological site. According to legend, it was founded by Idna, a Udmurt hero and prince. At the same time, from the 9th to the 13th century, Idnakar was a center of Udmurt cultural, trade and craft life. The legend tells of its founding; the historical account describes the site’s role over several centuries.
Sharkan Nature Park and Seasonal Experiences
Sharkan Nature Park lies between the Ita and Sharkan rivers and covers about 16,000 hectares. It is home to 507 species of higher plants—about half of the republic’s entire flora. The park’s layout is also part of its character: its five functional zones comprise a protected zone, a reserve zone, a zone for organized tourism and recreation, a traditional-use zone and a buffer zone. The diversity of plants and the zoning describe different aspects of this natural environment.
At Kokmansky Nature Reserve, the walks on offer vary with the seasons. From July to October, free guided walks are available on request; in winter, there are cross-country ski outings. If you are planning a guided walk, check in advance what is currently available.
Experience Udmurt Culture
At Tol Babay’s residence in the village of Sharkan, there is a carved wooden house, a children’s play area, a horse yard and a café serving Udmurt dishes. Visitors can also play traditional Udmurt games and watch theatrical performances. Tours are available at Tol Babay’s house or at the house of Obyda-Kar, the Udmurt Baba Yaga. Before visiting, check the current operating arrangements and, if you would like to see a performance or take a tour, confirm availability.
The Dacha Bashenin Art and Exhibition Complex in Sarapul invites visitors to learn about the house and its residents, enjoy the old park and explore the interiors of the merchant’s residence. This combines exploring a house with visiting its park and interiors. Check current visitor arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Izhevsk, Izhevsk, Zvenigovsky District, Uvinsky District, Sarapulsky District, Sarapul, Pirogovo, Glazov, Votkinsk, Khokhryaki, Ustinovsky, Pervomaysky, Leninsky, Pedonovo, Industrialny, Uva, Yar, Sharkan, Staroye Martyanovo, Mozhga, Zavyalovo, Zavyalovsky District, Izhevsk.
See the full travel overview: Russia.
