Saratov, the unofficial capital of the Volga region, will delight guests with numerous attractions, among which the Cranes monument of military glory and the conservatory, an architectural masterpiece built in a strict Gothic style, stand out. But the favorite place for spending free time among Saratov residents and visiting tourists is the city park of culture and recreation "Lukomorye". It is in this green oasis in the middle of the city that you can plunge into a real fairy tale: meet a bizarre hut on chicken legs, a mermaid sitting in the middle of a pond, a circus bear… Saratov City Park is a unique natural object where you can escape from problems and worries, plunging into childhood.
Historical digression
City park "Lukomorye" Saratov distinguishes from many cities of Russia. The fact is that this cultural and entertainment zone has a rather long history of development. In particular, the first ideas regarding the construction of an ecological center in the city arose at the beginning of the 19th century, when A. Panchulidzev (the governor of Saratov) decided to build an estate on this site, which would be surrounded by a dense and beautiful grove. Since 1813 the area of the city parkSaratov began to be built up with stone buildings, which was laid down in the architectural plan. At the same time, French prisoners were brought to the city on the Volga, who, by order of the governor, planted oaks on the estate, erected dams separating cold springs.
After the death of Alexei Panchulidzev, the estate was transferred to the merchant Meshchaninov, and only in 1844 these lands were bought for the Mariinsky Institute of Noble Maidens. The further fate of the city park of Saratov is classical: the land passed from hand to hand, and resourceful entrepreneurs made their capital on this. In particular, Artamonov, a major entrepreneur, profitably sold the site to the management of the Ryazan-Ural Railways, which built one of the largest hospitals in Saratov here (by the way, it still operates today).
At the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, the city park of Saratov was transformed. Only a few monuments and sculptures, an oak grove and ponds remained from the past. It is here that a monument to the fighters of the Revolution was erected, a bust to the governor Panchulidzev - as a tribute to the past. Lawns are planted throughout the territory, and pedestrian paths are ennobled. There is even a mini-zoo, which contains the she-bear Masya, squirrels, black and white swans, ducks and geese.
Family vacation spot
The city park of Saratov will delight not only parents, but also their children. The territory is equipped with a playground with swings, sandboxes, slides and horizontal bars installed on it. From this zone there is a path past a largea pond that brings visitors to Lukomorye to a small attraction area. Here, the youngest guests can go on a trip on a real train running on railway rails, make a trip in a royal carriage or get unreal pleasure on the Veterok attraction. The most active children can demonstrate their talents in the trampoline zone, and extreme sports lovers can go down to the Kangaroo.
Lukomorye Amusement Park
Do not leave anyone indifferent and rides in the city park. Saratov will greet its guests with a large Ferris wheel, which offers an excellent view of the surrounding area, including the Volga, one of the deepest rivers in Russia. Fans of more vivid emotions can buy a ticket for the Whirlwind carousel and take off into the air, being in only one chair. Well, the most fearless should visit the attraction "Kamikaze", which will allow you to "freeze" at a great height upside down, sitting in a chair, for a couple of seconds. The listed attractions are only a small part of what Lukomorye can offer its guests. The cost of tickets is acceptable - for one trip you will have to pay from 95 to 130 rubles - depending on the carousel.
Water activities
Gorpark Saratov will please with its ponds, which are used as an additional area for guests to relax. Visitors to Lukomorye have a great opportunity to swim in the waters on a catamaran or boat, which is their favorite waypastime with couples in love. Families with children can go on a "Sea Adventure" on an artificial reservoir in fancy crocodile boats.
The bridge of all lovers
The city park "Lukomorye" is a favorite place for walks among newlyweds. On Friday and Saturday, you can meet a lot of newlyweds here who enjoy the beauty of the local nature, as well as the romance of the prevailing atmosphere.
However, all the newlyweds are most attracted by the symbol of love and family happiness - the bridge leading to the amusement park "Lukomorye". According to local traditions, it is on the cast-iron railing of this object that lovers leave their locks on which they write their names and wedding date, which guarantees them a long and happy life. The keys are thrown into the pond under the bridge.
The city park of Saratov is not only an ecological zone in the very heart of the city, but also a unique cultural heritage where people of different generations come. An open-air cinema and discos for those over 50 make the park the most popular and favorite place among the townspeople.
