Bakunin street (formerly Efremovskaya street), finally took shape in the 19th century, today looks like a museum complex, a paradise for tourists. Old buildings, cobbled pavement give the unique look of the street. The street was established by homes along the road connecting Tomsk fortress to the Jurt mountain in 17-18th centuries, and later the Voskresenskaya Mountain to the city center.

One of the main street features is the kostel. Exile "Lithuania" (the Poles, Belarusians, and Baltic people) lived in Tomsk from the first decades of its existence. In 1833 small church was built. And only in 1890, it gained modern look. Public liturgies were committed till 1937. In the 90th the kostel again became operating Catholic church.

In 1925 the street was named in the honor of one of the leading ideologues of revolutionary populism, theoretician of anarchism, Mikhail Bakunin (1814 - 1876). In the history of Tomsk Bakunin became famous as one of the captives, exiled in our city for their political beliefs, as a person who left good memory about himself. In 1858 - 1859 he lived on the estate territory at Efremov street, 8 (now Bakunin street, 14). In Tomsk Bakunin enjoyed great prestige, he was welcomed by owners of goldmines I. D. Astashev and A. K. Kwiatkowski.

On Bakunin street (house number 26) there is building preserved built in 18 century – the old two-store house with a mezzanine. This house is associated with the name of another revolutionary. A. N. Radischev, the author of "Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow", stayed here in 1791 on his way to exile, in Ilimskij jail.

At that time military commandant of Tomsk de Villeneuve lived in that house Villeneuve who like the true French could not help but sympathize with the person the freedom ideas, sweeping at the time his beloved France as well. On the backway from Ilimsk exile in 1797 Radishchev with his family stay for a night in this house again.

Behind the house of Thomas de Villeneuve our eyes observe one of the oldest and beautiful churches in Tomsk - Resurrection of Christ. Seven-dome Resurrection Church built in the style of Russian baroque and partly repeats the tricks of the Smolny Cathedral in St. Petersburg built in 1754 by the architect V. V. Rastrelli.

It is hard to imagine that 100 - 150 years ago the White Lake was on the outskirts of Tomsk. At the gates from provincial center on post Irkutsk road there were only cemeteries and transit prison. There are many legends about the origin of the name of the lake, as well as its appearance. However, most likely the lake got its name "White" due to birches surrounding it. The water in the lake worth its weight in gold. The lake was curative, it has healed from eye diseases due to its springs.

In the 19 century the lake began being elevated. However, in early 1910th the interest to the lake completely disappeared. The reason for that was active building of south-west and south parts of Tomsk. Residents of houses adjacent to the lake used it quite uniquely: washing and rinsing clothes in it, fed and bathed their horses, the coast turned into pastures for cattle.

During the World War the area adjacent to the White Lake became the location of several large industrial enterprises evacuated from European part of the country. Only at the end of 1950 the lake was taken to order.

The city was not only growing but changing as well. Fortunately, the White Lake area preserved many features in its appearance inherent from Tomsk of hundred years ago. Nowadays the White Lake is a favorite place for weekends. In summer people like to drive a catamaran, fishing, sit in summer cafe on the beach under umbrella, ride horses, and walk.

Take a look at the White Lake coast. The construction of the whole Water Tower started in autumn 1903, and in March 1905 water supply was already running. Large reservoir at the top of the tower allowed to accumulate sufficient amount of water. From this point the water by gravity flowed to standpipes of the city. Near the water tower wooden domes of Old Believer Church built in 1913 of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin can be observed. The wooden church, topped by seven cupolas with crosses without gilding is hard keeping slim wooden walls, light domes and windows.

The right from the main entrance to the park area of the White Lake there is unusual building of architectural style - eclectic. This is the House of Science built in 1912 by Alexander D. Kryachkov (Salyanaya square, 4). The construction of this building was started on initiative of famous Siberian educator Peter Ivanovich Makushin who strove for the spread of free university education in Siberia.

From the House of Science through Pushkina street let’s walk to the Salyanaya square considered as historical monument of local importance since 1997. Historically the Salyanaya square is located at place where in 17-18th centuries carts with salt arrived at. It was located next to the oldest part of Tomsk fortress, near the main entrance gate on the north side of the Voskresenskaya Mountain. Nowadays the Salyanaya square is surrounded by buildings of different styles. Two reputable, red brick, old houses: Tomsk Regional Court and Commercial College; training corps of Tomsk State Architectural University.

Lenin Avenue is the main avenue of the city, stretching more than 8 kilometers. It has its unique toponymic history. Previously the avenue was divided into parts, and each part had its own name, or to be more specific a number of simultaneously existing or concurrently changing names.

The beginning of today’s Avenue was called Sadovaya Street. The street was limited by military camps (the area of Lagernyy garden) on one side and Novosobornaya square on another. From Novosobornaya square to Gostinny yard (Lenin square) the street was called Pochtamtskaya street. From the Gostinny yard there was Bogoyavlenskaya street, which was renamed to Milionnaya street in the time of Gold Rush.

In May 1920 all parts of the future prospect got new names in the spirit of the time. And only in 1959 instead of three central streets main avenue appeared.

Today Lenin Avenue remains a central street in Tomsk having large administrative, commercial and industrial, cultural and transport importance.

Novosobornaya Square was founded as administrative center of the city on the Yurt mountain near the Upper Yelan in 30th of the last century. It is the witness of all the major events in the life of the city for generations. It is here there were rallies and demonstrations held during the Russian revolutions; and that is why it was named the square of Freedom in 1917. Demonstrations and military parades during the Soviet era, thousands of Tomsk citizens came here the first day of the Second World War and celebrated victory in 1945.

The appearance of the square directly reflects the upheavals and contradictions of our era. During the 30th Trinity Cathedral – the main sight of the square was destroyed. According to contemporaries it was the most ambitious and magnificently decorated temple in all Russian Asia, being the same shrine to Siberia which was Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior for European part of Russia.

On May, 25, 1900 the Holy Trinity Church was consecrated. According to K. Ton’s project the cathedral was built in Russian-Byzantine style reflecting the idea of spiritual continuity of Russia Orthodox traditions of Byzantium, as well as the very idea of Russia as a trinity of concepts of Orthodoxy, autocracy and the Russian people reflected by colors of white, blue and red national flag of Russia. In the early 30th the Trinity Cathedral was closed for worship and started its deconstruction. In 1934 it was completely demolished. But the memory of the beautiful, majestic temple is still alive.

In summer, 1917 the Novosobornaya square was renamed to Square of Freedom and from December 1917 became officially known as the Square of Revolution. The original name of the square got back in 1997 by the decision of the City Council.

Let’s pay attention to the most interesting buildings in the square.

"Verkhniy grocery store" as Tomsk citizens used to call the grocery store on the corner of Lenin Avenue and the Novosobornaya Square. This building was built by Innocent Gadalov at the early XIX century. He rented out commercial premises, traded in textiles, fur, footwear, linens, haberdashery and other goods.

The majestic building stretching across the whole square built by merchant E. Korolev for Tomsk railroad. Then there was placed TEIRR - Tomsk Electromechanical Institute of Railway Engineers here. In 1962 there was opened TIRIEE - Tomsk Institute of Radioelectronics and Electronic Engineering. More than once, changing its name but without changing its profile the institute after 35 years since its foundation got University status - Tomsk University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics.

Laying of the foundation stone of Tomsk Classic University held in a public ceremony in August, 26, 1888.

Simultaneously with the University clinics and complex of buildings for medical faculty were built.

The Tomsk citizens always been proud of their medical faculty of Imperial University that in 1930 became Medical Institute and now it is Siberian State Medical University with its educational buildings, hospitals and clinics, and especially the doctors who several times rescued them from troubles, saving and protecting them from injuries and diseases.

Admire the magnificent building of provincial government standing here for over 150 years. In the architecture of this building constructed in 1838-1842 all is thought out to confirm its importance. 19 steps of very wide staircase lead to the main entrance giving everyone the opportunity to realize the value of meeting with representatives of provincial government. 7 mighty towers have risen on 3-store height of the building hold pediment where in the center Russia Empire - Two-headed eagle stands. Now it is stored in the Regional Museum.

After 1917 the Soviets and the Economic Council were located here, and since 1928 SPTI - Siberian Physics-Technical Institute. This was the first in the country the Institute of Science and Technology at University.

After the building of provincial management was constructed at Novosobornaya square the administrative center of city moves here. In this regard, it was logical decision to build the residence of governor here. In 1881 the project of architect V.V. Khabarov was chosen. By 1889 the house was ready. In 1891 it was hastily prepared to receive the guest of honor. Only two days were supposed to be required for the August traveler, the heir-Cesarevich - the future Emperor Nicholas II stay in Tomsk. Bizarre masonry stone relief of squares and ovals creates special appeal in this small stone building. The house is very similar to a box: so carefully all the details of its decoration thought out. It is very convenient to work here, conduct business meetings and arrange balls.

After the October Revolution the Revolutionary Committee, newspapers and other organizations housed in this building until it obtained the status of the House of Scientists. House lives his life. And it is very good thing that the scientists of Tomsk have a place where they can spend their free time in relaxed atmosphere and in accordance to their hobbies.

Lagerniy Garden is one of the most significant places in Tomsk. There is a legend that in Lagerniy Garden in 1711 Tomsk Musketeer Regiment was formed. However, there is no any reliable data on this. With a few more possibility we can suppose that this area is associated with the history of 39th Infantry Regiment formed in 1798 and participated in the Crimean War.

For a very long time until the mid 19th century Tomsk confined by borders of the current center around the Voskresenskaya mountain. In Yurt mountain nomadic peoples lived. And instead of Lagerniy Garden there was forest, which on the edge of 18 – 19th centuries summer military camps appeared.

Permanent placement of Tomsk garrison camp in the garden was 19. It was the outskirts of the city. Led to the camp garden Sadovaya, along which were placed wooden houses with gardens and orchards. Ended street wine monopolies - distillery, whose pipe, we can see now.

During the exercises in the public garden is not always allowed, but with the end of the 19. in the garden when the camps began to organize dances, holiday festivities, performances, charitable vechera.Dlya this often used open stage. Is hard to imagine how busy the place was a camp garden in those years. The most attractive urban spectacle was grand building. Military celebration usually ended with a ball at staff meetings.

In 1904-1905. in Tomsk, there was a formation of a number of military units. Including was formed Tomsk 8th Infantry Regiment, received in the battle of Mukden Guards. Here in the garden of the camp, the soldiers were trained at the summer shooting ranges. Here, on this test site, took place many years of field training officers of 1 st Tomsk assault brigade, Lieutenant-General Pepelyaev.

Now the camp garden is a place of memory Tomsk citizens perished during the Great Patriotic War. In honor of 35 anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in World War II on Sept. 9, 1979 in Lagernyy garden was opened Monument-Tomic. In the central part of the park - the Eternal Flame and sculptural composition - Motherland gives weapons to his son-fighter.