Soviets Square in Ulan-Ude — Online Webcam
History of Buryatia's Main Square
Soviets Square is the heart of Ulan-Ude and a place where centuries of the city's history intertwine. This area began forming as far back as the 18th century, when Nagornaya Square — the city's trading grounds appeared on the elevated terrain. It was here, in 1741, that construction began on the Odigitrievsky Cathedral — the city's first stone building, from which the central street subsequently extended.
The square received its modern name in the 1920s–1930s, when the authorities decided to establish the administrative center of Buryatia here. Since then, Soviets Square has remained the main square of the republic, a venue for official events, holidays, and public festivities.
Giant Lenin Head — A Unique Monument
The central feature of the square, visible to everyone watching the broadcast, is the famous sculptural head of V.I. Lenin. This monument was installed in 1970 for the centenary of the leader's birth and is the largest sculptural Lenin head in the world.
The monument's dimensions are impressive: height of 7.7 meters and width of 4.5 meters. The monument is recognized as a federal cultural heritage site and is one of Ulan-Ude's calling cards. The head stands on a tall pedestal, around which a semicircular flower bed with decorative plants is laid out.
"Mother of Buryatia" Monument
Soviets Square is home to another significant monument — "Mother of Buryatia" (also known as "Hospitable Buryatia"). This is a bronze figure of a woman standing on a high pedestal, extending a ritual scarf — a khadaq — toward the viewer. The monument symbolizes the hospitality and spiritual traditions of the Buryat people.
Architectural Ensemble of the Square
Soviets Square has impressive dimensions — 240 by 130 meters, making it one of the largest squares in Eastern Siberia. The area is designed with geometric decorative lawn zones bordered by curbs, spherical street lamps, and wooden benches for relaxation.
The square is surrounded by iconic administrative buildings: the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, the People's Khural, and the city administration are located here. These structures create a solemn and monumental appearance for the space, emphasizing Ulan-Ude's status as a capital city.
Soviets Square in Different Seasons
The appearance of the square changes noticeably depending on the season. In summer, the lawns turn green, flower beds burst with bright colors, and pedestrians stroll leisurely along tree-lined paths. In winter, the square transforms: snow cover turns the area into a picturesque winter panorama, and during holidays, a New Year tree is installed and public festivities are held.
During the warm season, the square often becomes a venue for fairs, festivals, and concerts. In winter, you can watch municipal services clear snow as the city prepares to celebrate Sagaalgan — the Buryat New Year according to the lunar calendar.
How to Get to Soviets Square
Soviets Square is located in the very center of Ulan-Ude, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. You can reach it by public transport — buses and minibuses running along the central streets. For motorists, there are parking areas nearby, though during rush hour traffic on surrounding roads can be heavy.
The central location of the square means that the city's main attractions are within walking distance: the Uda River embankment, the Lenin Memorial, market rows, and museums. This makes the square a convenient starting point for walking tours of Ulan-Ude.
Events and Activities at the Square
As the main square of Buryatia's capital, this space regularly hosts major city and republican events. Official ceremonies, military parades, holiday concerts, and fireworks take place here. On republic holiday days, the square fills with thousands of people, and exhibitions and craft fairs are organized on its grounds.
Soviets Square is also a venue for cultural festivals dedicated to the traditions of the Buryat people. Online broadcast viewers can witness these events, watching the life of the city in real time.
What You Can See on the Camera
The webcam of Soviets Square in Ulan-Ude broadcasts a top-down view of the central part of the square. In the frame are geometrically designed lawn zones with border framing, spherical street lamps, and wooden benches. On the right side, a monument on a pedestal surrounded by a semicircular flower bed is visible. On the left, a city road with vehicle traffic and a pedestrian crossing runs by. Trees grow along the square, and pedestrians stroll along the paths. The online camera allows you to assess the situation in central Ulan-Ude, road conditions, and weather in real time.
