Uznezya on the Katun: Landscape and Cultural History

• Uznezya lies on the right bank of the Katun, at the mouth of the Uznezya River.
• The village is located on the southwestern slope of the 752-metre-high Seligur in the Iolgo Range.
• Vera Fyodorovna Tozyyakova founded the Tozyyakov Dynasty Museum and Estate in Uznezya; the house museum closed in 2021.
• A chapel built in 2011 stands on Mount Obzornaya. It commemorates the 255th anniversary of the Altai people joining the Russian state.
• The “Stone Gates” lie outside Uznezya on the Chemal Highway, beyond the Askat Bridge.

The description of its location by the water is more precise than simply calling it a riverside village: Uznezya lies on the right bank of the Katun and at the mouth of the Uznezya River. The riverbank and mouth are two specific features that help locate Uznezya in relation to the rivers.

Another reference point is Seligur. Uznezya lies on its southwestern slope; the mountain is a prominent 752-metre-high peak in the Iolgo Range. The riverside location and mountain slope describe different aspects of the geography: the confluence connects the village with both rivers, while Seligur places it in the mountain range. These details provide a clear basis for comparing Uznezya with other destinations by landscape.

Vera Fyodorovna Tozyyakova founded the Tozyyakov Dynasty Museum and Estate in Uznezya. The Tozyyakov family house museum closed in 2021 because Tozyyakova could no longer work due to her age and there was no successor in the family to manage the museum. Its founding and closure are therefore part of the village’s specific family history.

The chapel on Mount Obzornaya is another historical memorial. Built in 2011, it is dedicated to the 255th anniversary of the Altai people joining the Russian state. The museum and estate and the chapel concern different subjects: the former is connected with the Tozyyakov dynasty and its museum, while the latter commemorates a dated event in the history of the Altai people.

Outside Uznezya, beside the Chemal Highway, is a steep rocky slope known as the “Stone Gates.” It faces west towards the Katun valley. In its lower section is a large, arch-shaped opening in the rock, crossed by a diagonal fissure. The formation combines a distinctive rock shape with a clear orientation towards the valley.

The road details are especially useful for locating it on a map: the “Stone Gates” are beyond the Askat Bridge, at kilometre 19 of the Chemal Highway, on the left-hand side of the road. Together, the bridge, kilometre marker and side of the road provide reference points for describing the location. The formation is situated outside Uznezya, in its immediate vicinity.

Discover more destinations: Anos, Ust'-Sema.

Where is Uznezya?

Uznezya lies on the right bank of the Katun, at the mouth of the Uznezya River and on the southwestern slope of the 752-metre-high Seligur in the Iolgo Range.

What does the chapel on Mount Obzornaya commemorate?

The chapel, built in 2011, commemorates the 255th anniversary of the Altai people joining the Russian state.

Why did the Tozyyakov family house museum close?

It closed in 2021 because Vera Fyodorovna Tozyyakova could no longer work due to her age and there was no successor in the family to manage the museum.

Where are the “Stone Gates”?

They lie outside Uznezya, beyond the Askat Bridge, at kilometre 19 of the Chemal Highway, on the left-hand side of the road.

Go to the main travel overview: Chemalskiy rayon.