Island-city of Sviyazhsk, a full excursion: sights, photos, how to get there. History of Sviyazhsk after the revolution. Other attractions in Sviyazhsk: monuments, cultural sites, museums
Sviyazhsk is both the name of an island and a rural settlement. Sviyazhsk is located in the Zelenodolsk region of the Republic of Tatarstan, at the confluence of the Schuka and Sviyaga rivers.
Our trip to Kazan has come to an end and it's time to move home to Samara. We made this trip in our own car, so we planned to see as many sights as possible along the way. We went to Kazan through, and we will go back through Sviyazhsk, Ulyanovsk and Dimitrovgrad.
Sviyazhsk on the map.
Sviyazhsk, how to get there?
The first question that arises when planning a trip to this glorious island city is: “How to get there?”
Kazan - Sviyazhsk.
Since Sviyazhsk is located 60 kilometers from the capital of Tatarstan and the third capital of Russia - Kazan, we will consider options for how to get to Sviyazhsk from Kazan:
Sviyazhsk bus.
From the "Southern" bus station of Kazan every day at 8-40 leaves for Sviyazhsk scheduled bus. Price 150 r. On weekends at 9-00 there are additional buses from the “Central Bus Station”. (price 170 rubles) - back at 14-00. On the road 1-30.
Sviyazhsk ship.
A comfortable motor ship also runs from Kazan to Sviyazhsk, though only from May 1 to the end of September. Since 2011, a renovated River Station.
Every day at 8-20 from Kazan river port the passenger ship departs. Swim for more than two hours, but in this option you are guaranteed magnificent scenery Volga, as well as the opportunity to see the sights of Tatarstan from the water, such as Svyato-Voznesensky monastery and the Temple of All Religions. The cost of such pleasure is only a little more than a hundred rubles.
You can also combine bus route With river walk. Take a bus to Vasilyevo, and then transfer to a boat.
Also on weekends excursion routes more expensive (moving 200-300 rubles) with a tour of Sviyazhsk (400-500 rubles)
Kazan - Sviyazhsk train.
One option is to take the train. There is a small ambush here. Railroad station Sviyazhsk is located 14 kilometers from the island of Sviyazhsk. In this option, you will need to take a taxi.
Schedule of electric trains, trains Kazan - Sviyazhsk.
The stone fence of the monastery built in the 18th-19th centuries, stretching for 1 km, resembles the Kremlin wall and gives the monastery the appearance of a fortress. Has a majestic look gate church Ascension of the Lord. Free entrance to the monastery is carried out through it.
The church of Herman of Kazan and Mitrofan of Voronezh adjoins the fence and the fraternal cells. The church does not make a strong impression, since in the course of several significant reconstructions it lost covered stairs and porches, baroque window frames, and at the beginning of the 20th century. was completely disassembled. The modern building was recreated according to old drawings, descriptions and photographs.
Assumption Cathedral, Sviyazhsk.
The main building in the monastery. The Assumption Cathedral was founded in 1555 and built in the style of the Pskov cathedrals, using elements of the Moscow style. The cathedral was to become luxurious and majestic. The temple was built from white hewn stone for 4 years by a master from Pskov, presumably under the guidance of Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shiryai, who had previously worked on the creation of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
In the 18th century, the temple was rebuilt in the Baroque style: it was then that 12 “kokoshniks” appeared and the shape of the dome changed.
The interior decoration retained the features of the 16th century, including rare, well-preserved frescoes from 1561. The only one in the world, for example, is a fresco depicting St. Christopher with a horse's head.
Assumption Cathedral - Holy place, since Herman of Kazan often served in it, and his cell was located at this cathedral. It is in it that the relics of the great saint are located.
The Rector's (Bishops') building was built in the second half of the 17th century and is a rare example of a residential building of that era.
The monastery school was built in the late 17th - early 18th century. Just like in the Rector's House, in Soviet times a psychiatric hospital was located here.
Sviyazhsk prison.
The fraternal building, built in the late 17th - early 18th century, served as a prison in the early 20th century, and then in 1953-94. closed mental hospital.
Since 1928, a children's commune was located in the monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin, which was transformed in 1938 into correctional facility per 200 juvenile prisoners. Since 1943, prisoners of war have been placed here.
During the period 1937-48. political prisoners are housed in Sviyazhsk, executions are organized, as a result of which 5,000 people died. Since 1960, the correctional institution was again reorganized into a correctional labor colony.
Let's finish the sad things and move on to entertainment, but this is already outside the monastery.
Excursions Sviyazhsk.
In Sviyazhsk you can visit interesting excursions:
pedestrian "From fortress to empire";
"History of the miracle city", including walking tour around the island with a guide, as well as a visit historical museum and Trinity Church;
"The Tale of Sviyazhsk", which includes a tour of the museum halls, the Trinity Church and entertainment event"Shooter fun";
excursion “Listing through the past of Sviyazhsk…” – with additional participation in master classes in craft shops;
"Shooter fun" - interactive tour, which provides an opportunity to try on historical costumes, shoot from ancient bows and crossbows, etc.
In the photo - a historical building, a horse yard built in the 17th century. Now there is an ethnographic center with a craft settlement where you can forge a horseshoe, mold pottery and much more.
You can come to Sviyazhsk for just a few hours, as in our case, or you can come for a whole day or even for several days. Then there will be an opportunity to visit the most interesting programs and even learn horseback riding at the Horse Yard!
For children, the program "On the island of Buyan ..." is held, including a walk, an excursion to the museum, master classes and an interactive historical game with elements of reconstruction in the Skazka leisure center.
Suitable for adults and children of all ages gaming event"Heroic Strength", where two teams fight each other in historical costumes with ancient weapons, as well as in intellectual competitions.
Applications for excursions are accepted by e-mail: [email protected]
Sviyazhsk is a venue for many cultural events. Since 2009, the festival of music named after F.I. Shalyapin, since 2010 - a tournament in shooting from ancient weapons (bow and crossbow).
The island-city of Sviyazhsk with its ancient architectural structures is a remarkable monument of Russian antiquity in the Republic of Tatarstan. Sviyazhsk is located 3 km. from the mouth of the Sviyaga River on a high hill High mountain". The distance from Kazan is quite small. Up the Volga a little over 30 km. Sviyazhsk was founded in 1551 as an outpost of the troops of Ivan IV the Terrible.
Most of all, the Sviyazhsky complex impresses with unique architectural monuments against the backdrop of natural beauty. Pre-revolutionary street names have been preserved on the island: Uspenskaya ( the main street) stretches across the island from the northeast to the southwest, Troitskaya runs parallel to the south, and Nikolskaya goes to the north. Aleksandrovskaya street crosses them in the middle of the island.
In Sviyazhsk, many architectural structures appeared in the reign of Ivan the Terrible. The first monastery founded on the Island City - Trinity-Sergius consisted of two churches - Trinity and Sergius. This ancient monastery throughout its long history often experienced difficult times. In the XVIII century. Currently, in its place is the Assumption-Bogoroditsky Monastery.
The ensemble of the Assumption-Bogoroditsky Monastery is represented by such remarkable architectural monuments as St. Nicholas Church and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, founded during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, is a wonderful white stone building. Inside the temple there is a unique fresco painting. The following monuments that make up the fund architectural ensemble Sviyazhsk, are the church of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena and the Cathedral of Our Lady of All Who Sorrow Joy. The Cathedral of Our Lady of All Who Sorrow Joy was built of red brick on the territory of the John the Baptist Monastery in 1898-1906 according to the project of the architect F. N. Malinovsky through the efforts of the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Apphia.
The large five-domed four-pillar cross-domed church is made in the neo-Byzantine (pseudo-Byzantine) style with elements of eclecticism and is close in its architecture to the Kronstadt Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Also on the island-town of Sviyazhsk there is a museum of the history of Sviyazhsk, a horse yard and the lazy Torzhok complex.
Ethnographic complex"Horse Yard" invites everyone who wants to ride a horse and feed them. It is also possible to ride a carriage around Sviyazhsk. Here, at the Stable Yard of Sviyazhsk, there is a craft settlement, where tourists will have the opportunity to participate in the process of making souvenirs themselves, having received a master class from eminent masters of the Republic of Tatarstan who participated in the landmark programs of the republic.
All conditions are created for tourists excursion trips in Sviyazhsk. One of the types of visiting the Island-city is a boat tour. The easiest way to get to Sviyazhsk is by water transport departing daily from the river port of Kazan. Since 2007, an 8-kilometer dam has been opened that connected the island with the mainland, which makes it possible to get to it by car (including from the Sviyazhsk railway station).
On a note
- Location: Sviyazhsk, Zelenodolsky district, Tatarstan, Russia.
- How to get there: Motor ships - from the river station of the city of Kazan, travel time is about two hours. Cars - along the M7 highway towards Moscow, go to the village of Isakovo, where a turn signal to Sviyazhsk is installed, the travel time is no more than one hour.
- Official site: svpalomnik.ru
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 9.00 to 18.00.
Russia is the most big state in the world. Its open spaces stretched for almost 10,000 km - from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka. Russia is a country with amazing story and culture. That is why we are launching a new special project, within which we will introduce you to little known places Russia.
The first stop on our tour is the island-town of Sviyazhsk with rich history and picturesque paintings.
Novograd Sviyazhsky
Mid 16th century. Between the Moscow kingdom and the Kazan Khanate - a fierce struggle. Ivan the Terrible wants to conquer the Volga region at all costs.
The Kazan Khanate is in deep crisis. Practically the only outpost of resistance to Russian troops, outnumbering the enemy in numbers and artillery, is Kazan.
In 1550, the army of Ivan the Terrible made a second attempt to conquer the capital of the Kazan Khanate. Unsuccessful: too far from Moscow to regularly supply troops with provisions and weapons. But, returning home, the governors noticed in the middle of the river a high hill with steep slopes and a flat top (Kara-Kermen). The "find" was reported to the king.
Grozny immediately appreciated the strategic value of the hill. The hill is surrounded on almost all sides by water; it is only 26 versts from Kazan, but it is not visible from the city. Ivan IV came up with a cunning plan - to build a fortress that would become a transit point for Russian troops.
1,000 km before the alleged fortress, in the Uglich forests, the king ordered to build wooden kremlin. The order was fulfilled. And in the spring of 1551, when the Volga opened up from the ice, the tsar ordered the fortress to be dismantled, logs loaded onto rafts and floated to Kara-Kermen.
On May 24, 1551, Russian troops and hard workers landed on the island. Work began to boil: 75,000 people worked day and night. In less than a month, on an overgrown, unsociable hill, a powerful military fortress, surpassing even the Moscow Kremlin in size. Two churches were erected next - Trinity and Christmas, as well as numerous outbuildings. The city-fortress first received the name "Ivan-city", and then - "Novograd Sviyazhsky".
What to see in Sviyazhsk?
In the second half of the 16th century, Sviyazhsk received the status county town: the population grew, crafts developed, new churches and houses were built.
By the beginning of the 18th century, the city became "monastic". All economic, political and administrative functions took over Kazan. In Sviyazhsk, there were two monasteries - Trinity-Sergievsky (later - John the Baptist) and Uspensky. The city was considered a stronghold of spirituality and beauty.
The revolution destroyed the harmony. In 1918, Trotsky arrived in Sviyazhsk - the Red Terror began. They executed priests, destroyed churches (from 1929 to 1930 they destroyed 6 out of 12 churches that existed in the city), closed both monasteries.
In Soviet times, Sviyazhsk became a "city of unnecessary people." In 1928, a correctional colony for difficult teenagers was placed in the cells of the Assumption Monastery, and in 1943, an NKVD camp. Later, these premises were converted into a psychiatric hospital.
Only in the 1960s, after filling Kuibyshev reservoir When Sviyazhsk became an island, its cultural and historical revival began.
Today the island-city of Sviyazhsk is like a portal to the past. There is no public transport, industry and modern buildings - only the picturesque nature of the Middle Volga and numerous architectural monuments.
In total, there are about 20 old buildings on the island: some are well preserved, others are dilapidated. Of the existing buildings: the Assumption Cathedral (1556–1561), the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church (1556), the Sergius Church (XVII century), the Church of Constantine and Helena (XVI–XVIII centuries) and others.
The pearl of the island is the Trinity Church (1551) - the first Orthodox church on the Volga and the only building that has survived from the time of Ivan the Terrible. It was built from huge larch logs without a single nail in just one light day.
Of course, the church was completed. In the 19th century, the hipped roof was replaced with an eight-slope roof, a porch was added, and the log walls were sheathed with hemp and painted ... The temple then looked faded and inconspicuous.
But in 2009, they decided to restore its historical appearance: they removed the paint, added a wooden terrace. They left only the tes (apparently, to protect the ancient logs from rain and snow). Now, not only inside, but also outside, the Trinity Church exudes the atmosphere of the era of Ivan IV. By the way, at the entrance to it there is a bench, on which, according to legend, the Terrible Sovereign himself sat.
What to do in Sviyazhsk?
As in others historical places, the main "entertainment" in Sviyazhsk is sightseeing of architectural sights. This can be done both independently and using the services of professional guides.
The latter organize various excursion programs, including interactive ones (with historical performances and theatrical performances).
In 2012, after reconstruction, the Horse Yard was opened, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century. IN tsarist Russia it served as an inn for visitors, and in Soviet times as a utility block. Now the Horse Yard is an ethnographic center where you can plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity.
A craft settlement was organized on its territory, where you can watch how horseshoes are forged, clay pots are made and fishing baskets are woven.
By the way, fishing is one of the main occupations of local residents to this day (even on the coat of arms of the city - fish). It is understandable: there is no industry, there is little space for agriculture, but there is plenty of water.
Sviyazhsk stands on the spot where the Sviyaga River flows into the Volga; navigation starts in April and ends in October. Almost all local residents have boats - in summer the Volga banks are literally strewn with fishing enthusiasts.
“Hunt” for pike and bream come even from other regions. Men joke: “Sviyazhsk - perfect place for fishing with my wife. She is in the city on an excursion, and you are calmly waiting for the bite.
How to get to Sviyazhsk?
Previously, it was possible to get to Sviyazhsk only by water. But in 2008, a dam with an asphalt road was built, which connected the island with the "mainland". Now you can get to the village both by river and land transport.
On water
Runs daily during the summer passenger ship on the route Kazansky river station - Sviyazhsk.
Departure time: 8:20
Arrival time: 10:30
Ticket price: 100 rub. (tickets sold one hour before departure)
Evening in 16:30 the ship goes back, arrives in Kazan at 18:45 .
On weekends there are also additional sightseeing tours.
In addition, you can swim to Sviyazhsk on motor boat or by boat from nearby Vasilyevo or Vvedenskaya Sloboda.
On the ground
Sviyazhsk is located 30 km from Kazan - 40 minutes by car. You can find directions online or use a navigator. But you can’t drive into the village by car - parking is provided below for cars.
By rail
From the central railway station Kazan, trains run regularly to the railway station Sviyazhsk, which is 14 km from the island, in the village of Nizhniye Vyazovye. From there, you can get to the island-city by hitchhike or taxi.
Why is it worth seeing Sviyazhsk?
Sviyazhsk - small island embraced by the mighty waves of the great Russian river. In 1833 Pushkin visited Sviyazhsk. Since then, there has been a legend that the poet had in mind when describing Buyan Island in The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Of course, this is just a legend (Alexander Sergeevich wrote about the Swan Princess in 1831), but it is easy to believe in it, because Sviyazhsk is really an island of fabulous beauty. There you want to wander between churches and dilapidated houses, admire nature, stand on the shore and think about the past and the future.
Sviyazhsk is a tiny village where most of residents are old, but its history can be the envy of many world cities. For more than 15 years this place has been claiming to be included in the List world heritage UNESCO. Federal and local authorities they are doing everything to make Sviyazhsk a "global treasure". But many of those who visited this city (not tourists, but simple connoisseurs of history) note that restoration work is sometimes carried out roughly, without observing historical authenticity and respect for Russian culture (if only it looked like something old). That is why Sviyazhsk must be seen!…until it became a typical tourist ethnopark.
And finally, a life hack: if you want to feel the silence and the historical grandeur of the island-town, go to Sviyazhsk in autumn or winter.
Sviyazhsk is a small island-village on the banks of the Sviyaga, 30 kilometers from Kazan. What attracts the flow of tourists to this miracle island? Let's try to figure it out. But first, a little history. traces its history back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. The fact is that the tsar tried to take Kazan more than once, but it is impossible to defeat such a fortified city without a stronghold. Therefore, it was decided to build a fortress city on a high hill on the banks of the Sviyaga. But how to do it under the nose of the Tatar khans?
The case was entrusted to Ivan Grigorievich Vyrodkov (the first known Russian military engineer). And he came up with a truly ingenious solution. The fortress was cut down near the city of Myshkin, numbered, fused, and ready to be assembled on Bald Mountain.
At that time it was grandiose project, because the Sviyazhsk fortress surpassed even the Moscow Kremlin in size! The fortress was cut down in 1551, and already in 1552 Kazan fell. This is how this small town appeared on the banks of the Pike, Sviyaga and Volga.
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Time passed, it grew, developed, grew rich, churches and monasteries appeared on its territory. But then another time came, and the island turned into one of the Gulag camps. And on December 29, 1955, part of the city went under water. This happened in connection with the launch of the Kuibyshevskaya GRES. The road with land was flooded, and the city turned into an island.
So its inhabitants lived on the island until 2008, when a dam with a highway was laid, and Sviyazhsk again “merged” with the mainland. In 2010, the implementation of the Renaissance program began on the island, in the future it is planned to turn it into a museum-reserve of federal significance.
This is how you can briefly tell about the history of this city-island. And now it's time to go.
We stopped in Sviyazhsk on the way from Cheboksary to. The road between these two cities is all under repair with all the ensuing consequences. But we were lucky, in one place, without understanding the navigator, we managed to jump out on old track: a beautiful two-lane road, there are practically no cars. Close to the road are "golden" trees. Beautiful weather. Eat and enjoy life. Again, we accidentally jump out onto the banks of the Volga, we couldn’t miss such views in any way, we stop.
There were four cars admiring nature. Apparently, the locals also like to come here. But our path lay further - to Sviyazhsk.
The road to Sviyazhsk really disappointed me a little: when you imagine the road to the island, it seems that there will be water everywhere, but this was not the case here, water “appeared” only at the very end of the road along with Sviyazhsk.
We drive closer, leave the car in the parking lot (there will still be a barrier, so you won’t be able to drive into Sviyazhsk itself). We go to the high iron stairs.
Below, near the stairs, there is a kiosk where excursions are paid for. But this is for groups. Individual tourists you can safely move on. Near the kiosk there is a map of the island, but in principle they are scattered throughout the island, so there is no need to “cram” it.
We go up, from here the road along which we arrived is perfectly visible.
Sviyazhsky Mother of God Assumption Monastery
We were first met by the Sviyazhsk Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God. It was founded in 1555, just three years after the capture of Kazan. The first rector was Archimandrite Herman, who is considered the patron saint of Sviyazhsk. By the way, when in 1922 they wanted to desecrate his relics, a thunderstorm began so strong that the atheists abandoned this business.
Also, some of the oldest buildings of the Volga region have been preserved in the monastery - the Assumption Cathedral (1561) and the Nikolskaya Refectory Church (1556).
We decided to move around the island counterclockwise. Therefore, instead of the monastery, they turned to the Horse Yard. Here you can take a stroller tour of the island, buy souvenirs and dine. But, neither one nor the other, nor the third, we did not do. Honestly, I didn’t want to ride, souvenirs are expensive, but we didn’t manage to eat at the Tavern, we would have to wait too long for the waiters. So we just walked, looked and moved on. Didn't get hooked.
The cat walks along the "golden chain"
Almost immediately behind the Horse Yard, the Sviyazhsky John the Baptist Monastery appeared before us, it was founded simultaneously with the city - in 1551.
In the monastery, two buildings immediately attract attention.
The oldest wooden Trinity Church, which was cut down in one day in 1551. It was important for Ivan the Terrible to serve a prayer service on the day of the Holy Trinity before such an important matter as the beginning of the construction of Sviyazhsk, and, consequently, the future capture of Kazan.
And the cathedral in the name of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (1898 - 1906). This temple reminded me of an Easter cake, its domes, visible from all points of the island, turn white like glaze.
Modestly, these two churches have one more old temple- Church in the name of St. Sergius of Radonezh (1604).
But ahead already beckoned stunning views of the Volga. Here in such places you begin to understand the greatness of our nature.
We slowly made our way to Rozhdestvenskaya Square. Around ancient buildings. People take photos. The usual tourist life is in full swing in a very beautiful place.
Buildings in Sviyazhsk are used in different ways, for example, the local government is located in this one.
"Lazy bastard"
But we did not look into the buildings, ahead of us was waiting for " Lazy Torzhok". It is precisely from this complex of historical reconstruction that some kind of double aftertaste remains. On the one hand, yes, there are handmade souvenirs (the son ruined a beautiful ring - a dragon). Yes, there is a historic kitchen and a photo studio. But everything is somehow too simple, in principle, there is nothing special to look at. If only to eat and buy souvenirs.
Of course, maybe we have become too spoiled by impressions, but it seemed to me somehow in any way here. And it was Saturday (and, by the way, my birthday). I don’t know, but if the complex is positioning itself as a historical reconstruction, then you must comply. Invite the same artisans whose work you can watch. Set up a truly historic kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs at work. Yes, and we got to the fight quite by accident, "sitting on the tail" of the group. But in principle, such fights should be permanent, so that people can come to a certain time and see. So the idea is good, but the implementation is clearly lame. But something I grumbled, it's time to see what we saw.
Here is such a historical studio, but the child and her husband categorically refused to be photographed, and I am not a fan of such entertainment.
Historic cuisine. They took pancakes with condensed milk and horsemeat with potatoes. It was delicious but expensive.
In the meantime, we were waiting for food, for the arriving group they played a duel between two warriors, a Russian and a Tatar. And then the husband laughed: “To hear the cry: “Beat the Tatar!” in Kazan, I did not expect at all. But a fact is a fact, everyone was “rooting” for the Russian. Apparently feeling such popular support, he won.
After eating and watching the fight, they left Torzhok.
Souvenirs are again being sold outside the gates, but samovars and pancakes captured my attention.
Naturally, we could not pass by such an attraction, we bought tea, pancakes with apple jam and brushwood. Everything cost 200 rubles.
Here is such an interesting wooden house with columns "caught" on the road.
Now the church stands on the edge of the island, and earlier it separated the fortress from the settlement.
After admiring the views, we set off on our way back. And, as I said earlier, we were accompanied everywhere by the Cathedral of All Who Sorrow Joy.
The people became smaller. Apparently the ship has sailed away. And these are left independent travelers, like us.
On the way we saw another interesting wooden house, painted antique.
Museum of the History of Sviyazhsk
We reached the Museum of the History of Sviyazhsk. My man tried to resist the "campaign". But it is useless to argue with me, so we went to the museum, and as it turned out later, not in vain.
The next room is devoted to archeology.
Visitors are invited to play the role of an archaeologist. The son liked the entertainment, "digging" the whole box, he found a sword.
And I really liked these “pictures”: conveniently, at the top there is a panorama of how what was done, then a description of the craft, and below are the results of labor.
Blacksmith craft.
Leather production.
In the same room you can see what Sviyazhsk looked like before.
In the following rooms, the hut of a serviceman is recreated.
Monk's cell with related exhibits.
Post office.
A nun who keeps all the churches of Sviyazhsk.
Most of all, I was struck by the icons on stainless steel.
School room with desks, everything is as it should be.
Official's office.
Scheme of how the great empire used to be ruled.
And the form of those years.
Medals of that time.
And these are the main "workaholics" - steamboats.
The layout of a trading shop, Lyovka managed to “rummage through” it all.
And I "had fun" studying the layouts of houses.
Model of the estate of the Olginsky orphanage of industriousness.
Model of the estate of staff captain Akchurin.
And just at home in Sviyazhsk.
And these are the people of that time.
And, as I called it, a 3-D wall.
The next room is dedicated to the history of Sviyazhsk at the time of Ivan the Terrible.
A further visit to the museum involves a passage to the courtyard, by the way, very beautiful.
In one of the buildings, more than new story. I didn't catch any of it.
The last building of the complex is dedicated to Saint Christopher. The fact is that, according to legend, this saint was very beautiful from birth, many women paid attention to him. And in order to get rid of the temptation, he asked God to give him a terrible appearance, and that's how the dog's head appeared. In Sviyazhsk, in the Assumption Cathedral, a fresco with his image has been preserved. Why is she valuable? Just by the order of the Synod of 1722, his images with a "dog" head were banned, so many of them were destroyed. And in Sviyazhsk, in general, there is a unique image of this saint with a horse's head. Such a "retreat" from the canons was made on the orders of Ivan the Terrible and personified the victory over Kazan. And now a few icons depicting this saint.
This concludes our tour of the museum. I really liked the museum: modern, interactive, there are many attractions for children and food for thought for adults. If you are in Sviyazhsk, you should definitely come here, you will learn a lot of new things.
Well, according to tradition, the information stand of the museum with prices, website, phone number and other useful information.
And the island itself finally gave us great views rivers.
This is how Sviyazhsk is - a miracle island-city.
So what attracts tourists here?
First, history. Where else can you touch the wooden church (albeit remade) from the time of Ivan the Terrible?
Secondly, the views, and they are really gorgeous.
Thirdly, the funds invested in Sviyazhsk turned it into an island convenient for walking, and, of course, made it possible to open a wonderful museum and restore buildings. There is no dull hopelessness from lack of money.
Fourthly, the proximity to Kazan and the publicity of this place.
Did we enjoy the island? Definitely yes. But I definitely wouldn't want to live there. I can't imagine how locals withstand such a flow of tourists every day. And so, you will be in Kazan, stop by. Just try to get on the weekend, then there is a chance to at least watch historical battles.
Island-town Sviyazhsk unusual and incredible beautiful place, which attracts tourists with its historical sights and beautiful panoramas. The town stands on a small piece of land in the middle of a green-blue flood formed by the waters of the mighty Volga and the Sviyaga River. Sviyazhsk can be called big museum, where fascinating pages of history unfold before visitors.
The city has preserved monasteries and churches built 400-500 years ago. They withstood a difficult time and all the hardships, so that later they could be reborn and again become the spiritual centers of the Volga region. Many architectural monuments of Sviyazhsk are unique not only for Tatarstan, but for the whole of Russia. Their cultural value recognized by international organizations.
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What to see and where to go in Sviyazhsk?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
Since its founding in the middle of the 16th century, the monastery has been the main spiritual center of the entire Volga region and one of the richest monasteries in Russia. In the 18th century, after the secularization of the lands, it gradually began to decline, and during the Soviet period it was completely plundered and closed. The revival began in 1997. The main architectural monuments of the complex are the Assumption Cathedral and the St. Nicholas refectory church with a bell tower, built 400 years ago.
The cathedral is part of the Assumption Monastery ensemble. It is a unique example of Russian medieval architecture. The temple was erected in the classical Pskov-Novgorod style by craftsmen from Pskov from white hewn stone. The external decorations of the facade are made in the form of patterned kokoshniks, which were completed later - in the 18th century. Inside, fresco paintings from the era of Ivan the Terrible have been almost completely preserved.
Temple of the beginning of the 18th century, erected on the site of a dilapidated wooden church. The first building was built with elements of the Baroque style. After the destruction in the 1930s, only the lower tier with fragments of frescoes remained from it. The restoration of the temple began after a thorough analysis of historical data, which made it possible to recreate its original appearance. Restoration work was completed in 2015.
A five-tiered tower 43 meters high, built in the 16th-17th centuries. Such structures in Russia are a rarity. It is an integral part of the Nikolskaya refectory church (the temple seems to have been specially built for it). At the beginning of the 19th century, the total number of bells reached 22, the largest of them weighed 8.5 tons. Only monks are allowed to enter the belfry.
Now the former convent is the courtyard of the Assumption Monastery, but until 1917 it was an independent institution. The first mention of it dates back to the middle of the 16th century. In 1919, the monastery was abolished and a museum-reserve was organized on its territory. The main architectural monuments are the wooden Trinity Church built in 1551, the one-domed church of Sergius of Radonezh built in 1604 and the cathedral in the name of the icon Mother of God, erected in the neo-Byzantine style at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries.
A small temple of the middle of the 16th century is the only wooden building in Sviyazhsk, preserved from those times. The church was cut down from larch and put up literally in one day. In subsequent centuries, the appearance of the building changed as a result of alterations and restorations, which led to a significant distortion historical appearance. The church resembles a wooden manor, and only the dome with a cross indicates a religious purpose.
The appearance of the cathedral is strikingly different from appearance churches of Sviyazhsk. Unlike the latter, built in the manner of Russian architecture, it was erected in an elegant neo-Byzantine style. The temple has impressive dimensions - the spherical central dome reaches 32 meters in height. Appearance buildings are completely preserved, but interior was lost during the Soviet era.
The temple was erected in 1604, it was originally built as a courtyard of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. It is a two-story stone building: earlier, utility and residential premises were located on the first level, and the church itself was on the second. Inside, a fragment of a 17th-century fresco depicting the Old Testament Trinity (a copy of the icon of the same name by Andrei Rublev) has been preserved.
The first church was erected under Ivan the Terrible in 1551; a building built in the 18th century in the style of ancient Russian architecture has survived to this day. Since 1939, a museum was located on its territory, until in 1993 the temple was transferred to the Orthodox community. The church is the only religious building in Sviyazhsk, not belonging to any monastery.
The church was built in the middle of the 18th century in the Baroque style, the classical bell tower was added later. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was dismantled and all that a tourist can see today is the preserved brick foundation. Now a wooden cross has been erected on the site of the church. The plaque contains a photograph of the temple and its Short story. IN last years restoration work began.
home Town Square, founded on the site of the Nativity Church destroyed in the 1930s Holy Mother of God(its ruins are nearby). Here are the main administrative and public buildings: government, post office, school, police, as well as cafes and shops. Equipped for tourists Observation deck overlooking the picturesque floods of the Volga.
The museum collection is located on the territory of the building of the middle of the 19th century. It consists of several permanent exhibitions: "Pages of the history of Sviyazhsk", " Ancient city Sviyazhsk”, “Enchanted by the Island”, “Like Mother Volga…” and other thematic exhibitions that tell about the history of the city and acquaint visitors with its cultural heritage.
The museum opened in 2016 and immediately attracted the attention of visitors. The exposition is located in a city estate of the 19th century, which previously belonged to a family of wealthy burghers. It is dedicated to the history of the Red and White armies, their confrontation, as well as to the personalities who played a key role in the outcome of the war. A separate exposition tells about one of the leaders of the Revolution - Leon Trotsky.
In the 1940s, after the end of the Second World War, Sviyazhsk became a subdivision of the GAUAG and was used to keep prisoners (mainly political ones), as well as disabled people who were injured during the hostilities. The monument to the victims of repression was erected in 2011. It is a grating in stone through which a prisoner releases a dove.
The building is located on Rozhdestvenskaya Square, it houses the hotel of the same name. Historical building It was built of stone and wood in the 19th century; it belonged to the merchant F. T. Kamenev. But this building has not survived to this day. In 2011, in its place was erected new house. The restorers tried to recreate the original appearance and interior as much as possible.
A red brick building built at the beginning of the 20th century. It still fulfills its purpose (here is located high school). Gothic elements can be seen on the central facade of the building - they are indicated by the lancet shape of the windows and the stained glass rose located under the roof, which is typical for Catholic churches architectural approach.
One of the numerous exhibition halls of the Museum-Reserve "Island-city of Sviyazhsk", located in a two-story building that was once part of the system of hydraulic structures of Sviyazhsk. The first floor - the base of the tower is made of stone, the second - of wood. Inside there is a small exhibition of paintings by local artists and an exhibition of handicrafts.
The complex is a historical reconstruction of Sviyazhsk, where you can immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of bygone centuries. Craft shops and shooting ranges operate here, impromptu military duels are regularly held in full historical attire and cook National dishes. You can also visit an exhibition of ancient weapons and armor.
The horse yard is located near the Assumption Monastery. The ensemble of buildings is architectural monument. After restoration on the territory of the yard earned entertainment center. Here you can ride a horse, visit a smithy, bakery and honey shops, order a carriage and ride it around Sviyazhsk, dine in a restaurant and buy souvenirs.
Sviyazhsk is located on an island connected to the "mainland" by an isthmus, just at the place where Sviyaga and Volga meet, forming wide spills of incredible beauty. The city looks very picturesque from the pleasure boats passing by. Small islands and land areas are scattered in the middle of the mirror-like water surface, giving the surrounding landscape a unique flavor.
