From Kremlin Walls to Ravine: Ufa's Oldest Street

Posadskaya Street in Ufa is the city's first and oldest, dating back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse into historical trade and architecture.

Feb 6, 2026

The street features ancient architectural elements that have been preserved for centuries.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

Ufa has a large number of streets, some of which have already changed several names. But there is one that has borne its name since the 17th century. This street is considered the first in the city and the oldest in the capital of Bashkortostan.

Both pedestrians and vehicles use the street, creating a busy and active thoroughfare.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

We are talking about Posadskaya Street — it starts from the Monument of Friendship and runs along the Sutoloka River to the intersection with Mingazhev Street.

A general view shows the entire stretch of Posadskaya Street with its historic buildings.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

Once upon a time, instead of the well-known stele on the hill, there stood the Ufa Kremlin. Under its walls, a posad formed — this is a trade and craft settlement outside the fortified part of the city. Actually, because of this, the street got its name.

Despite its short length, the street has significant traffic from cars and people alike.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

Here, there are still plenty of old houses with the most beautiful window frames. And most of the houses are residential, only a few of them look clearly abandoned.

The intricate window frames on the old houses are a captivating visual detail.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

The 1647 census showed that in the posad of that time, there were 17 households, and 74 people lived in them. And already 100 years later, this number grew to 180 people, among them was the merchant elite of that time.

A beautiful merchant house stands as a reminder of the street«s commercial past.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

Here, various traders and craftsmen originally lived. If you look at the street now, even today there is still a lot of various trade on it. Although the street itself is not that long. The Sutoloka River has almost dried up, although it used to be full-flowing, ships even sailed on it, which helped in trade.

A few abandoned houses contrast with the mostly well-kept residential properties.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

It makes sense to walk along this street if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Ufa. However, there is no pedestrian part, so you need to be careful, as the flow of cars is quite dense.

Local residents often attend services at the Church of the Intercession on the street.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

The main local attraction is the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin. It is the oldest church in Ufa, built in 1817 and still standing. By the way, it is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

Many houses along the street were constructed during the era of the Russian tsars.
Source:
Bulat Salikhov / UFA1.RU

Posadskaya Street skirts the hill and ends already on the ascent, where Mingazhev Street begins. It cannot be said that the whole street is quiet and serene, as already mentioned, cars use it quite often, as do pedestrians. On one section, there is a rather steep climb, in winter cars have a hard time.