Elista Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in the Kalmyk Republic, Russia
About Elista
The city was founded in 1865, and has a population of just over 100,000. When, in WWII, a significant number of Kalmyks collaborated with the Germans during WWII, Stalin dissolved the Kalmyk ASSR, deported much of the citizenry to Siberia, and resettled the land with ethnic Russians and Siberians. Elista was named Stepnoy during this period. Only after Stalin's death were the Kalmyk people allowed to return, and the city resumed its former name. From then on, it witnessed some brighter days as the site of the 1998 Chess Olympiad (with the creation of a satellite village called Chess City even), the dedication of the tallest Buddhist temple in Europe by the Dalai Lama, and the establishment of many Buddhist and Lenin monuments by its enthusiastic mayor.
Top Attractions in Elista
Explore the best things to see and do in Elista:
- ★Gallery of Fine Arts
- ★Golden Temple of Elista
- ★Kazansky Cathedral
- ★Museum of Buddhist History
- ★Museum of Kalmyk Buddhist Art
- ★Museum of Local Lore
Where to Eat in Elista
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Restaurant White Lotus
Where to Stay in Elista
- 🏨City Chess Hotel
- 🏨Hotel Elista
Elista Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: