Gorno-Altaysk

Gorno-Altaysk (Russian: Го́рно-Алта́йск, romanized: Gorno-Altaysk; Altay: Улалу, romanized: Ulalu) is the capital town of the Altai Republic, Russia. About 64,000 people live there. The town has been growing in recent years.

In the past, the town was called Ulala until June 23, 1932. Then it was called Oyrot-Tura until January 7, 1948. Today, it is an important center for the Altai Republic, linking its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

History

The town of Ulala began in 1824 when people came there from Biysk. In 1922, Ulala became an important town. In 1928, it became a town. In 1932, it was renamed Oyrot-Tura. In 1948, it got its current name, Gorno-Altaysk. In 1994, a monument was put up to remember people who were treated unfairly in the 1930s.

Climate

Gorno-Altaysk has a humid continental climate. This means it has very cold winters and warm to hot summers. Rain and snow fall in moderate amounts. There is usually more rain in the summer than in the winter, when precipitation mainly falls as snow.

Administrative and municipal status

Gorno-Altaysk is the capital of the republic. It is part of the administrative system as Gorno-Altaysk Urban Okrug, which is like the districts. In local government, it also has urban okrug status.

Transportation

Gorno-Altaysk has an airport called Gorno-Altaysk Airport with flights to Moscow and other big cities in Russia.

A major highway, Highway M52, goes through the town. It connects to Novosibirsk to the north and the Mongolian border to the south.

The nearest train station is about 96 kilometers (60 miles) away, in the city of Biysk.

Culture, sports and education

Gorno-Altaysk has a theater and several cinemas for people to enjoy. The town is also home to Gorno-Altaisk State University and the Anokhin Museum, where visitors can learn about the area's history and culture.

The mountains around the town are great for activities like skiing and hiking. There are also several football fields with special artificial grass that anyone can use for free.

Infrastructure condition

In Gorno-Altaysk, the main streets are kept in good shape. The rivers are safe for swimming, and the tap water is safe to drink. Most buildings get heat from a gas station, which can warm one or several buildings at once.