The Samara fortress was built in 1586 under the supervision of Grigory Zassekin, the local garrison commander, to strengthen the south-east frontier. The old city reflects the history of architectural styles. The historical centre is an open air museum with over 1000 monuments. Even what is left is enough to appreciate the creative search of the architects of the 19-20th centuries.

"Without the past there is no future" (N.Roerih).

The Rocket. It is the new symbol of the city, situated at the end of Lenin Prospect. The rocket was constructed in October, 2001, its height is 54.62 meters. The rocket isn't a model, but a real one. It was made for training purposes. The opening was devoted to the 40th anniversary of the first flight into space; the 40th anniversary of the creation of the special spacecraft construction bureau; the 40th anniversary of the creation of strategic missile troops. The city space museum is to take residence in a building neighbouring the Rocket.

Samarskaya square. It is one of the best observation points of the city. The Monument of Glory is in the centre of the square. A 13-metre worker's figure with the wings in his raised hands on the 40-metre pedestal symbolizes a special contribution of Samara residents to the country's aircraft industry.

George the Victor’s cathedral is a newly built church which won the Best Temple award at the festival “Best architectural project of 2000-2002”

Samara Drama Theatre (Chapaev square, 1). Was constructed in 1888 according to the project by architect M.N. Chichagov in the "pseudo Russian" architectural style. The facade with its picturesque brick ornaments much resembles Moscow architectural style of the 17th century.

The house of Alfred von Vakano (Rabochaya str., 3). It belonged to the founder and owner of Zhigulevsky brewery. The mansion is an example of the Nothern Art Nouveau - rational, constrained in decor. Another interesting feature is that a copper beer pipeline was laid there directly from the brewery.

Stalin's bunker (Frunze str., 167). The construction of the bunker continued during 9 months in 1942 and was kept secret. Even the inhabitants of the neighbouring houses knew nothing about it. Stalin's "greatness" can be seen here: behind the door is the staircase with 192 stairs and the elevator which will take you down 37 meters (height of a 12-storeyed building ) below the ground. The diameter of the shaft is 8 meters. Hitler's bunker in Berlin is 16 meters deep.

The monument to Vasily Chapayev. The monument to Vasily Chapayev, a Civil War hero, stands in the centre of the square. The monument was opened on October 7, 1932. The statue was created by sculptor M.Manizer.

Kuibyshev square. This square is one of the largest ones in Europe with its size of 575x325 m (Red Square is 330x130 m). Before 1934 there was a 12-dome Cathedral of Jesus Christ the Savior. It was built in 1869 in honour of Alexander II who stayed alive by miracle after a terrorist attack. The main icon of Moscow Metropolitan Alexy was made by a peasant Grygory Zhuravlev who was born without hand and legs. In 1930 the destruction of cathedral began, and it took 5 years to finally blow it.

The Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Theatre was constructed in 1938 in Kuibysheva square on the spot of the Cathedral. It is a typical example of "Stalin classicism" with its emphasized austerity and grandeur. In front of the monumental facade was erected an 11-m bronze statue - the monument to the famous revolutionist V.V. Kuibyshev .

Ivesky convent (Volzhsky prospect, 1). It was founded in 1850 and is famous for its crafts. The convent is located on the bank of the Volga and has always been the city's attraction as well as its spiritual centre. A 70-metre belfry finished the perspective of the street. In 1925 the convent was closed and almost destroyed. It was only in 1993 that Iversky convent began its new life.

Zhigulevsky Brewery (Volzhsky prospect, 4). Alfred von Vakano was an Austrian nobleman, coming from a family of brewers, founder and owner of a genuine masterpiece of eclectic industrial architecture, one of Samara's main attractions. Von Vakano came to Samara in 1880 and it took him only a year to found a brewery producing low-priced "popular" beer. Nowadays "Zhigulevskoye" beer is famous all over the country.

Roman Catholic Church of the Order of Jesus’ Holy Heart. (Frunze Str., 157)
The church was built in 1906 according to the project of Foma Bogdanovich which was acknowledged as the best project in Russia. Gothic 47-metre spires can be seen from most anywhere in the city. Exquisite brickwork on the facade makes the building look airy and light. Gothic architecture is a hymn to verticals which can well be seen here.

House of Alexandra Kurlina (Frunze str., 159). It was built in 1903 according to the project of the outstanding Russian architect A. Zelenko. The molded facade ornament includes a portrait bas-relief of the beautiful owner. Forged iron grilles, an exquisite gate with a stylish imitation of a butterfly look very impressive.

State Philharmonic Society (Frunze str., 139). In the early 20th century the spot of the present-day Philharmonic was occupied by the building of a circus-theatre, constructed in 1907 in the Art Nouveau style. The building was decorated with bas-reliefs in the form of women masks and horse heads, as well as open-work balconies. It was there that the famous singer Shalyapin gave his one concert in Samara. In late 70's the old building was demolished. It was then rebuilt in 1986 by analogy with the previous one.

Private residence of engineer Clodt (Kuibyshev str, 139). An architectural masterpiece resembles a miniature old-French castle with a spike on a pointed turret. This mansion was built in 1898 and belonged to Ivan Clodt. The owner with German origins was granted a permission to build a house in the city center for his distinguished services. He and his brother established the first energy company in Samara, they supplied the city residents with Edison lamps and cables.

The Lutheran Church (Kuibyshev str., 115/117). An architectural ensemble of the Lutheran Church was built in 1865 in the provincial new-gothic style originating from Medieval Germany. It has a rich history. In 1992 the church was reopened for services.

The White palace (Kuibyshev str., 151). The mansion belonged to Mr. Alexander Naumov, the province marshal of the nobility. That two-storied stone building was built in 1907 a-la Renaissance Italian palazzo that gives the mansion its grand, solemn and majestic appearance. It had excellent furniture and was meant for great celebrations and fancy balls.

Samara Art Museum (Kuibyshev str., 92). The building of the former Volgo-Kama Bank, erected in 1915. The exterior of this grand building combines two-styles - the Art Nouveau and the Neoclassicism. Decoration of the building combines symbols of wealth and prosperity.

The Volga embankment is 5 kilometers long and is a true masterpiece of landscape design. It has four parts, each having its fine beaches and nice little cafes. Lots of fountains, flowerbeds and a wonderful view of the Zhiluli mountains add to the atmosphere of a resort place.

The Zhiguli mountains, one of the most picturesque scenes along the Volga, are often referred to as "Russian Switzerland", and for good reason. A territory enclosed by the Volga river making a bend and the Usa river is known under the name of Samarskaya Luka. It is a preserve place with a beautiful flora.

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