Overlooking the Volga River, Tolyatti is the home of renowned Russian car manufacturer Lada. It centres around a magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral and is near the hiking trails at Samarskaya Luka National Park.

Things to do

One of the most impressive landmarks in Tolyatti is the Transfiguration Cathedral, which boasts floors covered in beautiful mosaics made from 12 different kinds of marble. Admire the soaring golden domes atop its whitewashed exterior, then witness the elaborate chandeliers and carved oak features.

Explore the Samarskaya Luka National Park, which occupies a peninsula created by the Volga River’s 180-degree bend through the Zhiguli Mountains. Learn about the region’s ancient peoples at the park’s small museum, then follow one of the walking trails that traverse its picturesque limestone terrain to spot Ural owls and European bee-eaters.

Discover the people and events that have shaped the city at the Togliatti Local History Museum, where ancient archaeological findings are displayed alongside traditional folk costumes. If you’re interested in Soviet art, visit the Togliatti Art Museum, which boasts 20th and 21st-century works.

Visit the open-air K.G. Sakharov Technical History Museum, home to vintage planes, military tanks and old locomotives. Learn about Russia’s development of armoured vehicles, railway equipment and naval armaments and don’t miss seeing the 1980s submarine that was hauled by tugboats from St. Petersburg.

Getting around

Tolyatti is around one hour’s drive from Kurumoch International Airport and 1.5 hours from Samara. Regular trains make the 14-hour journey west to Moscow, while buses and minivans travel throughout Tolyatti.