1. A Dazzling Array Of Russian Masterpieces
The oldest art gallery in the Caucasus region, and still the largest, the Kovalenko is Krasnodar's artistic jewel. Its mission is fairly simple: giving a panoramic impression of Russian art from the early days of "the Rus" in the medieval era, to 19th century realism, Soviet Constructivism, and more recent post-modern innovators. This means that there are plenty of Orthodox icons and evocative landscapes on display, and much for fans of Russian art to discover.
2. A Serene Spiritual Survivor
The center of the Kuban Orthodox eparchy (essentially like a diocese), the beautiful cathedral of St. Catherine was built in the 1890s but has the feel of a much older building. Slated for demolition in the dark days of Stalinism to use its bricks for homes, the cathedral endured (while Krasnodar's other cathedral, the Alexander Nevsky, was flattened). Nowadays, it's a serene spiritual hub where visitors can expect to be warmly welcomed whenever they arrive. And, if you're really lucky, you may even get a chance to ring the church's bells.
3. Tanks For The Recommendation!
One of the more outlandish museums in the Caucasus, the Museum of the Weapons of Victory is located in Victory Park, right next to the River Kuban. Dedicated to the heroes of the Red Army during World War Two, it includes a bombastic collection of tanks and artillery - both vital tools in seminal battles like Kursk, which turned back the Nazi advance into Central Asia. A timely reminder of the pivotal role the area played in the 1940s, it's also great fun to clamber over the giant tanks, and educational, too.
4. Get Soaked In The Summer Sunshine
Literally translated as "Sunny Island", Solnechny Ostrov is where locals tend to go for relaxation, particularly when the Caucasian summers really take their toll. Part of the reason is the waterpark, which is the ideal place to cool off, especially if you have a few kids in your party. But the area is also home to Safari Park, Krasnodar's main zoo, where you can meet over 120 types of animal. And if that's not enough, there's also a monument to trailblazing cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
5. A Small But Powerful Historical Attraction
Located in the center of Krasnodar and designed on a modest scale, the Felitsyn Museum provides an essential history lesson for anyone who wants to get to grips with the city's past. There's an arresting archaeological exhibition going all the way back to the era of nomadic tribes, information about the region's iconic Cossack warriors, as well as sections on the Russian Civil War, which took place right after the Revolution in 1917. You might think of Krasnodar as a backwater before visiting the Felitsyn, but its collections will set you straight. It's a city that has been at the heart of world history.
