This 4 hours walking tour will touch your soul. It started in December of 1825 when a group of Noble people in St. Petersburg, many of whom were national heroes of the 1812 war with Napoleon, challenged the Russian Emperor (Czar) by peaceful march with demands to free peasants and start economic reforms. The demonstration shocked and paralyzed the Czar for a moment, who was known for brutality and intolerance to any protests. But this time it was different. As much as the Czar wished, executing Russian Nobility meant national chaos…The army squadron was ordered to arrest all people in the snowy December day…579 people were arrested, 5 hanged in Petropavlovsk Fort and 121 people were sent to Siberia for life. Despite Czar’s personal prohibition, many wives and children followed their husbands and fathers to live near and die with them. The tragic and romantic fate of people sent to Siberia, who were also quickly nicknamed “Decembrists”, has deep connections and influence on Irkutsk city and we are glad to tell you the story.
Highlights:
Learn the history of Siberian Nobility exile;
Listen tragic stories about families of Decembrists;
Admire women's willpower and loyalty;
Feel the spirit of the 18th century when walking in museums;
Enjoy wooden architecture of old Irkutsk;
Itinerary:
[Option #1] - 4 hrs, walking, w/bilingual guide; You will start your tour on Gagarina street with the introduction to a historical white house, which used to be a main residency to General-Governor of Eastern Siberia until 1918. Next you will walk the Karl-Marks street to Timiryazeva street, briefed about history of Krestovozdvizenskaya Convent and step into the wooden Irkutsk with many houses preserved as they were two hundred years ago. Your first stop will be either Earl Volkonsky or Duke Trubetskoy museum houses. Don’t miss a chance to witness a unique combination of originally furnished houses common for aristocratic Siberia of 18th century with pictures of Decembrists and their families, as well as shovels and picks in the basement reminding the visitor about harsh punishment and obligations carried by the Decembrists. After the museums, the guide will take you to Preobrazensky Convent built in 18th century. The church is known for its archives and historical records about Earl Volkonsky and many other Decembrists funerals, marriages,and christening events. The last stop is the Znamensky Convent which hosts graves of Princess Ekaterina Trubetskaya, her children, and friends of Duke Trubetskoy, Decembrists Mykhanov, Panov, and Beschasny. The Znamensky Convent is also a final travel destination for famous Russian pioneer Grigory Shelexov, who discovered and added Alaska to the Russian Empire.
[Option #2] - 3 hrs, driving, w/bilingual guide; You will start your tour on Gagarina street with the introduction to a historical white house, which used to be a main residency to General-Governor of Eastern Siberia until 1918. Next you will walk the Karl-Marks street to Timiryazeva street, briefed about history of Krestovozdvizenskaya Convent and step into the wooden Irkutsk with many houses preserved as they were two hundred years ago. Your first stop will be either Earl Volkonsky or Duke Trubetskoy museum houses. Don’t miss a chance to witness a unique combination of originally furnished houses common for aristocratic Siberia of 18th century with pictures of Decembrists and their families, as well as shovels and picks in the basement reminding the visitor about harsh punishment and obligations carried by the Decembrists. After the museums, the guide will take you to Preobrazensky Convent built in 18th century. The church is known for its archives and historical records about Earl Volkonsky and many other Decembrists funerals, marriages,and christening events. The last stop is the Znamensky Convent which hosts graves of Princess Ekaterina Trubetskaya, her children, and friends of Duke Trubetskoy, Decembrists Mykhanov, Panov, and Beschasny. The Znamensky Convent is also a final travel destination for famous Russian pioneer Grigory Shelexov, who discovered and added Alaska to the Russian Empire.
Included:
Professional guide;
General museum (2) entrance fees;
Not included:
Special/Feature exhibitions fees;
Meals/snacks;
Time/Fees for pick ups outside of the city center perimeter;
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