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Irkutsk, a city in Eastern Siberia, is known for its unique wooden houses all throughout the city.

Irkutsk was founded in 1652. That time it was a small settlement playing the role of gold and fur trade center. The settlement received town status in 1686. Later, in 1760, the Siberian Road connected Irkutsk with European part of Russia. It was the reason of Irkutsk town further economic growth (Russian trade center with China).

From the beginning of 19th century Siberia region in general and Irkutsk town became the place where a lot of Russian officers and nobles were exiled for taking part in Decembrist revolt against the Tsar. One third of Irkutsk city population was from exiled men at the end of 19th century. That’s why Irkutsk city became the cultural and educational center of Siberia region.

The electricity came to Irkutsk city in 1896, first theater - in 1897 and railway station in 1898. Irkutsk city had the nickname “Siberian Paris” at the beginning of 20th century.