Irkutsk is a major city in Eastern Siberia, located on the banks of the Angara River.
That modern city is located an hour's drive from the beautiful Lake Baikal, and its residents themselves call it the capital of Eastern Siberia. Among the industries, the most developed are aviation, hydropower, and food production. Irkutsk is a transportation hub on the Trans-Siberian Railway and federal highways "Baikal" and "Siberia".
The history of Irkutsk begins in the 17th century when a settlement was founded on the right bank of the Angara River. Irkutsk has always been a merchant city - trade routes from China to Europe passed through it.
The harsh climate of Irkutsk made it a permanent place of exile for nobles convicted by the tsar, who then made a huge contribution to the development of the city's culture and education. Bored Decembrists founded schools, theaters, and actively engaged in enlightening the common people.
The population of the city is quite young due to the fact that over 100,000 students are studying here.
History enthusiasts will find the city fascinating with its historical heritage: the city center and its buildings are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Numerous museums, including the Decembrists Museum, will not leave you indifferent.
For tourists, Irkutsk offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses, always welcoming guests and providing a full range of tourist services. There are particularly many tourists here in the summer, including residents of Japan and China, as many people aspire to visit the cleanest lake in the world - Lake Baikal.
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