Overall Score
Samara – a city of millions of people, an important financial, scientific and transport center of Russia.
The historic center of the city – its practically a museum under an open sky in which old mansions mix with wooden houses. In the place where the sturdy towers were, the Bread Market Square, where in the 19th century there was a bakery, a bakery, an elvet and a bier, was located. For the commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of Samara, a wooden log cabin was built on the site; it was commemorated as one of the strong towers. Another of the citys oldest squares – the Square of the Revolution (Alexander Square), where the district court, the governors office, and many famous people of those times lived.
The multifaceted Samara has a large number of faith-based and Orthodox churches, churches, Protestant and Catholic churches, and a church synagogue. Of these, one of the most noteworthy is the 19th-century United Church of the Holy Trinity, located at the intersection of Saratov and St. Peters streets, and the double-century Cathedral of the Assumption in the name of the Holy Savior, located on Cathedral Square. Designed by E. Giber, the cathedral was built to commemorate the miraculous rescue at the hands of King Alexander II. It was later demolished and the Palace of Culture was built on its site.
More interestingly, located on the bank of the River Volga, is the present-day Monastery of St. Iver, founded in the mid-19th century. The monastery was abandoned after the 17 October Revolution, but was returned to the church during the Soviet era, and has been restored ever since. Today it is where the women live and conduct services every day.
The Roman Catholic Church & Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is also worth a visit. Built in 1906, it attracts visitors with its towering spires.
Visiting Central Square with its cathedrals, pantries and Eternal Flame, one can see the Shrine of Saint George the Victory Bearer and the Monument of Glory.
One of the citys most famous landmarks is the Yiguel brewery. It was built by an Austrian gentleman under the command of Sir William Vacacco, and is still known throughout the country for its products.
A particular attraction for tourists is the Stalins Bunker, built in 1942 in a state of extreme secrecy. The site is now 37 meters deep, 21 meters deeper than Hitlers Bunker in Berlin, and is home to a museum dedicated to the World War II exhibition.
Tourists arriving in Samara by boat can enjoy a five-kilometer walk along the banks of the Volga River. The Samara frontier, besides its beauty, is also interesting because it is made of granite, designed by Hitler to build the Palace of the Nations, as were the tribunes of the Mausoleum in Moscow. When youre tired of walking, you can relax in the cafes and view the picturesque restaurants, and for those who want to go shopping, the beaches are just a short distance away.
The Samara Art Museum opens its doors to art lovers, on Kuybyshev Street, which features not only its exhibits but also its Greek-Roman architectural structure with a crimson-grenze finish.
Samara – a tranquil, respectable city with a friendly population, interesting attractions and the beauties of the Volga River that, when you see them, will make you want to return to it again.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 1,200,000 people
- GDP: $8,655 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 16 Mbps
- Best wireless: Megafon
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Typically in Russia the etiquette is to tip anywhere between 10% and 15% of the bill. Tip in cash, and give it directly to the waiter. Many restaurants don’t accept credit cards. You don’t need to tip much, but don’t tip too little either.
- Apartment listings: Avito
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Yandex Taxi
- Best coworking space: 13th floor
- Online electronics shop: Ozon
- Best short-haul air carrier: Aeroflot
- Best intl air carrier: Aeroflot
- Monthly costs for expat: $450
- Monthly costs for family: $950
- Monthly costs for local: $270
- Meal: $2.5
- Small Cola: $0.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.4
- Coffee: $0.9
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