Tomsk

Established in 1604, Tomsk is on the Tom River and is one of the oldest cities in Siberia. In 1830, the discovery of gold brought more development to Tomsk, but when the Trans-Siberian railway took a route through a different city, development slowed down. Still, in its over 400 years of...

Established in 1604, Tomsk is on the Tom River and is one of the oldest cities in Siberia. In 1830, the discovery of gold brought more development to Tomsk, but when the Trans-Siberian railway took a route through a different city, development slowed down. Still, in its over 400 years of existence, the city has developed into a university city with several major academic establishments. It has well preserved examples of local architecture, in fact, Tomsk is known for its wooden mansions with their intricate wooden lace details. Some of the must see buildings are the Dragon House, the Peacock House and the Russian-German House. The Voznesenskaya Church is another beautiful example of the local architecture, with its gold tipped spires. Students taking Russian courses in Tomsk will enjoy exploring this beautiful city. It has a youthful and welcoming feel in this unique part of the world. The climate is continental, with fairly mild summers, but it is also known for its long harsh winters. On a cold winter day, visitors might enjoy spending time in the Tomsk Oblast Art Museum, home to approximately 6000 pieces spread out on three different floors. When students are on a break from Russian school in Tomsk they might consider exploring Metallurgov Street for a variety of interesting shops and restaurants. Look for traditional handicrafts like hand painted Russian nesting dolls, as well as other native crafts. Students also might enjoy sampling the local cuisine, trying regional dishes like bear’s meat and venison. The experience of studying in Tomsk, a Russian treasure, will be like none other.