KARLA LIBKNEKHTA STREET

You'll enjoy a variety of curiosities. First of all, at No. 86 is the beautiful Irkutsk Mosque, made of stone and wooden minaret (1905). The muezzin calls for prayer around 5 pm: it is the occasion to meet the very welcoming faithful and the imam. Perhaps you (men and women) will offer to go inside? At the corner of Timiryazeva Street, take a look to your left: you will see the former fire tower (1901). As you continue straight ahead, you will notice that much of the street was spared by the fire of 1879. Plethora of Siberian wooden houses, coquettish and colourful. Look at the windows and the ingenious system of double "glazing", which lets light in while cutting off the cold (some have a small skylight, the original ventilation system). Behind the windows, mini winter gardens, where the cats sunbathe, sometimes with amusing sketches to take pictures. You will pass by old wooden buildings (inside the collective courtyards, a small village life), public fountains where Irkutians quench their thirst. In autumn, you will enjoy the trees and the flower boxes full of garden worries: they are orange and medicinal (care for skin ailments). At n° 23, the synagogue, a beautiful blue-green and white building (1882). In front of you, at 41/1 rue Karla Marxa: bbb (pastry + restaurant + Belgian beer), where to end the walk.