Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital city of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, aka Yugra. The city stands on seven picturesque hills in taiga, at the confluence of two great Siberian rivers – Ob and Irtysh. The city is located at the distance of 475 kilometers from Tyumen (680 km by highway) and 1900 kilometers from Moscow. Its area is 337.76 square kilometers. The city’s population makes about 35 thousand people.

Khanty-Mansiysk is one of the most advanced and dynamically developing cities of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area.

History of Khanty-Mansiysk

The city’s history is rooted in the faraway past. 1637 was considered to be the foundation year of Khanty-Mansiysk, but four Tyumen historians challenged this opinion in their book «Since the Time of Prince Samara». Scientists assume that chronology should be observed from 1582, the first record of the settlement in written sources. Therefore on September, 9th, 2007 Khanty-Mansiysk celebrated its 425th anniversary.

A small group headed by Ermak’s associate Bogdan Bryazga approached by boats Belogorodsky Township – a settlement of Khanty Prince Samara. Prince Samara perished in the battle between Russians and Khantys, and the natives were scattered; after a while they gave an oath of allegiance to the Moscow tsar. There soon came a necessity of consolidation of the new lands. In 1637 by the decree of Tsar Michael Fedorovich there was founded Samarovo Village, which then became the center of trade and crafts. The village was founded for the purpose of providing transport and guides for generals and other officials on the way to Surgut or Obdorsk (Salekhard). 50 coachmen with families brought from the Perm, Vologda and Olonets Territories became the first settlers of Samarovo. They were soon followed by other immigrants. Ahead of them, however, were merchants, who rightly assumed chances for brisk development there.

Building of the modern city was started in 1931, soon after the decision to establish the district center – settlement Ostyako-Vogulsk, which was later renamed into Khanty-Mansiysk.

In 1977 Khanty-Mansi Area received the autonomous status, and all regional authorities got concentrated in the city. And in the early 1980s, when an oil fountain broke through near the city, the land started to be spoken of as perspective. And it proved to be so.

Present of Khanty Mansiysk

Today the city is developing fast not only as the center of oil territory, but looks more and more like the center of business activity, big-time sports, and national culture.

Modern dwelling houses and office buildings, beautiful squares and streets, unique sports, cultural and educational constructions are wonderfully fitted into majestic Siberian nature. In some places large forests adjoin inhabited quarters, thus creating a unique image of the city landscape.

Major Sights of Khanty-Mansiysk

V.Igoshev's House Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, 4 Orthodox Churches, the world’s and Russia’s only Park of Slavic Writing and Culture, Victory Park with Avenue of Heroes, Losev's Park, nature parks Samarovsky Chugas and Arkheopark, and the memorial estate Torum Maa. Not far from the city there is a nature sanctuary the Valley of Streams and a skiing center.