A bird’s-eye view of Sochi
Let us have a look at some of the interesting places to visit in Sochi:
Riviera Park
Central Riviera Park entrance in Sochi city
The Riviera park is situated in Yegorova, Greater Sochi, was built in 1898. During winters the park is a great venue for those seeking solitude. The park was rebuilt after 100 years of its construction. Several facilities at the park include cinema, restaurants and bars, leisure centres, and specific places for sports. You may enjoy concerts and festivals at the Green Theatre, located inside the park. Constructed in the 1960s, the Friendship Alley is the most-visited area of the park as it has trees planted by famous politicians, and celebrities.
Stalin’s Villa
Stalin’s Villa, also known as Dacha in Russian, is a dark reen colored building located on top of a small mountain range sandwiched between the Agura Canyon and Matsestinskaya Valley. It was constructed just before the outbreak of the second World War, in 1937. Those with grim tastes even stay in the Villa as some rooms are available on rent.
Interior of the Stalin’s Villa in Sochi
Sochi Discovery World Aquarium
A Woman dressed as Mermaid at the Sochi Discovery World Aquarium
On your tour to Sochi, you may plan visit to one of the largest Oceanatoriums in Europe, and the largest Oceanatorium in Russia named Sochi Discovery World Aquarium. Located in Lenin, the Oceanatorium features an assortment of marine species, with the special exhibit of Russia’s freshwater species of fish.
Zavokzalny War Memorial
Site dedicated to Russian soldiers who died during the Second World War
Located in the Zavokzalny sub district, the Zavokzalny War Memorial was built in 1985. The memorial is a burial place of over 2,000 Sochi soldiers who died in World War II. The top of the hill is decorated with memory desks that bear the names of the soldiers places in a semicircle around an eternal light. This place is a must-visit photo session point.
Loo temple
Ruins for the Loo Temple in Sochi
The Loo temple is located in Loo-Lazarevskoe district. It is said that this Byzantine site was constructed during the 10th to 12th centuries. The Loo temple was reconstructed in the 14th century and was turned into a fort during the 15th to 16th centuries
Sochi History Museum
Opened in 1920, the Sochi History Museum showcases interesting exhibits. According to a report in 2013, due to excavations done in Sochi in view of the Sochi Olympics 2014, several interesting artifacts have been unearthed and sent to the museum. There are over 14 exhibition halls in the museum.
Mount Akhun
Tower of Mount Akhun
Mount Akhun in Khosta district is the highest Greater Sochi coastal point. It is popular for scenic views of the city. A tower that appears like a castle offers panoramic views of the city. A journey to the Agurskoe Canyon would take you to cascade of three waterfalls bordered by high cliffs.
Those who are Olympic enthusiasts would love to visit Sochi despite the terrorist threats, dearth of tourist attractions, expensive flights and hotels, long travel distances, and the botheration of obtaining visas and spectator passes.
Image Credit : RIA Novosti, Andrey Dumchev, Oceanarium SDWA, rapidtravelchai
