The Top Attractions In Samara Russia

As the gateway to the Volga region and a major transport hub, much of the old port city of Samara’s charm lies in its surroundings and historical relics. Russia’s sixth biggest city is an ideal place to soak up the impressive Volga, or get out to the nearby Zhiguli Mountains. Here’s our pick of the top attractions in town.

Stalin's bunker

The equivalent of a 12-storey building, Stalin’s bunker – one of several – extends 37 metres (121 feet) below the ground. Built over multiple levels, with the ability to hold over 115 people for five days, it was only discovered by locals in 1991

Samara Regional Museum of Art

Museum

Comprehensively displaying Russian artists across eras and styles, this museum is the place to go for a culture hit, especially if you want to get acquainted with artists who came to work in the Volga region.

Samara beach

On the sandy banks of the Volga, Samara city beach thaws its visitors out after a long cold winter. Swim, sunbathe and relax along the sandy banks of Europe’s longest river.

Chapaev Monument

Memorial

Another impressive memorial dedicated to another war hero. A Red Army Commander during the Russian Civil War, Vasily Chapaev has been immortalised through literature and propaganda film, and is considered a hero of the people.

Museum of Modern Art

Building, Museum

This museum dedicated to Art Nouveau architecture and interior design is housed in an old merchant villa. The main collection is a nod towards the style of the Samara elite in the early 20th century. It also showcases contemporary local artists throughout the year.

Volga River lookout

A former helipad, the observation deck here offers one of the best views of the Volga imagineable. A short trip out of town, it is the perfect point to see the Samara bend, the point where the river hairpins through the Zhiguli Mountains.

Stella Rook

Quietly graceful, this public art sculpture is locally known as ‘the boat’, as its elegant neck juts out towards the Volga.

Samara Space Museum

Museum

Educate yourself on astronomical advancements and Russia’s space endeavours – the permanent exhibition here is loaded with space and rocket technology and models.

Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

Building

An imposing building, this structure is one of Russia’s biggest state theatres. While ballet and opera classics are the theatre’s staple, it has also begun to branch out into contemporary productions.

Zasyekin Monument

Located close to the shores of the Volga along the embankment, this monument shows Grigory Zasyekin, ‘the bronze horseman’ and Samara’s founder, immortalised in statue form.

Zhiguli Brewery

Brewery

Brewing some of Russia’s most popular beers since 1881, Zhiguli Brewery offers visitors the chance to sample ales at the bar, or fill a bottle straight from a keg to go.

Iversky Women's Monastery

Brewery, Monastery, School

Near Zhigui Brewery, this nunnery dates back to 1850 and was home to 38 Russian Orthodox sisters. Over the years it has also been a girls’ school and orphanage, run by the nuns who served there.

Church of George Victorious

Church

Topped with gold domes and intricately detailed iconography inside, this church is an elegant example of Baroque design and architecture. There is also an incredible view of the Volga from the grounds.

Peter and Fevronia Monument

Church, Park

A tribute to the Russian Orthodox patron saints of family and marriage, this statue can be found in the park near the Church of George Victorious.

Zhiguli Mountains

Natural Feature

Make a day trip of trekking through the Zhiguli Mountains, also known as the Zhiguli Heights, to become fully immersed in nature. Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed reserve, the mountain range runs along the Volga and is the perfect place to escape into Russia’s remoteness.

Samara Embankment

Stroll down this lakeside promenade, relax in the gardens to watch daily life go by, or gaze out across the Volga. With monuments, kiosks and the occasional busker, it’s the ideal place to while away a sunny afternoon.

Konstantin Golovkin's cottage

Villa

Two life-sized elephants flank merchant and artist Konstantin Golovkin’s eccentric summer residence. Built in the early 20th century and now in disuse, the estate features a design embellished with unconventional Art Deco touches.

Samara Synagogue

Synagogue

Built in 1908, this was the largest synagogue in Europe at the time – although it’s now somewhat run-down, you can still see its former grace and elegance.

Samara Cathedral Mosque

Cathedral, Mosque

Tolstoy's Memorial Estate

Memorial

Not to be confused with Leo Tolstoy, this former residence was built in honour of Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy, creator and writer of Buratino, Russia’s beloved version of Pinocchio.