The Heart of Siberia is a city closer to China's Beijing than to the capital of Russia. Today we'll talk about Irkutsk. Irkutsk is interesting for those passionate about history and ethnography: those who want to learn how the Decembrist exiles and their wives lived, see the wooden architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, visit a Buddhist datsan and listen to singing bowls, get acquainted with Buryat cuisine and the culture of Siberian peoples, embark on an eco- or ethno-tour. Getting here takes a while. For example, from Moscow by plane, it's 5.5 hours, and by train, it's 3 days. But it's definitely worth all the effort. Visit the unique triangular 130th quarter. It is also called the Irkutsk Sloboda. Restored wooden buildings line the streets, almost half of which are monuments of wooden architecture from the 18th-19th centuries. The entrance to the quarter is guarded by a babr – a mythical creature depicted on the coat of arms of Irkutsk. Be sure to take a stroll there and buy souvenirs. The icebreaker "Angara," located in the residential area. It is the oldest icebreaker of all those preserved in the world. It was built in 1900 and brought in parts to Lake Baikal. By the way, "Angara" sank three times, but each time it was brought back to the surface. In 1991, its deck began to be used as a museum. Of course, Lake Baikal is also on our list – the deepest freshwater lake in the world. Its area is 31,722 square kilometers. Its age is also staggering – the lake is 25-30 million years old. From Irkutsk cuisine, try the Baikal omul fish soup, Siberian dumplings, mushroom soup with beef broth, stew with venison, and other delicacies.