Irkutsk

Study Russian in beautiful and historic Irkutsk.

The lower river edge is decorated by centuries-old churches, including the Epiphany Cathedral, with golden onion domes, and the Spasskaya Church, with its majestic bell tower. The renovated neoclassical Moskovskie Vorota arch is also by the water and presents a stunning location for a language school. 

Originally a Cossack settlement for trading gold and furs in the 17th century, Irkutsk connected Eastern Russia with West. In 1897 Irkutsk became a destination on the Trans-Siberian Railway line and the city grew in status to become the 6th largest city in Siberia today. 

Irkutsk is a city on the Angara River in eastern Siberia, Russia.

Irkutsk is a cultural and educational hub, with numerous universities and many striking architectural buildings.  Students love to explore the museums, houses and parks in this city many of which are historically significant to the Russian Revolution and the 19th century Decembrist uprising.

Things to do in and around Irkutsk:       

• Lake Baikal, just 70km from Irkutsk is the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake.
• Bronshteyn Gallery, a large new modern-art venue in Irkutsk filled with exhibitions of local artists.
• Usadba Sukacheva is home to 19th Century benefactor Vladimir Sukachev. Includes a park, period furniture and Dutch master paintings and a recreation of the Winter Gardens.
• Znamensky Monastery is known for the residents of this region as the Sign Monastery. 
• The Trubetskoy House-Museum is Irkutsk’s second Decembrist house-museum and emerged from a recent renovation with English-language information, touchscreens modern facilities.
• Volkonsky House is a museum dedicated to the family of Decembrist Count Sergei Volkonsky and their life in exile.