Kostroma is a precious pearl in the frame of the Golden Ring of Russia. The history of the ancient Russian city goes back to the 12th century, when it began to be built on the high picturesque bank of the Volga River. Over the past centuries, many events have taken place behind its fortress walls that are significant for the formation of the Russian state.
Trading rows
As a rule, acquaintance with the sights begins with the Trade Rows, located on several blocks from Susanin Square to the site of the former Kremlin. This old shopping complex with numerous shops and warehouses is recognized as a valuable monument of urban planning. Its construction began after a fire in 1775 according to the project of the famous architect Karl von Clair. The center of the Trade Rows was two buildings located opposite each other, built in the tradition of late classicism – the Gostiny Dvor with 86 rooms (Red Rows) and the building of the Big Flour Rows.
The people called red rows where they traded in fabrics, furs, shoes, leather things. Before you appear two similar squares with rounded corners on the outside and spacious courtyards. Entering the Red Rows, you will see 4 one-story buildings that harmoniously fit into the external buildings. They were built in the 20-30s of the 20th century for merchant shops selling haberdashery goods, giving them the name – Small Rows.
From the outside, the Trade Rows seem small, but as soon as you enter the Gostiny Dvor arch, you will immediately find yourself in a large trading city with its own “streets”, where others appear behind some buildings. And, as in the old days of a merchant scale, today in the Trading Rows there is a brisk trade in goods for which the region is famous. You can visit the Trade Rows at any time of the day.
The central entrance is located from Red Rows Street, 1.
central park
Tired of walking along the Trade Rows, it's time to go along Tobacco Rows Street to the Volzhskaya Embankment, from where you can easily reach the Central Park. It is located in the northern part of the former Kostroma Kremlin. Today the park is a favorite place for recreation of citizens. In its center, on a pedestal erected for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov monarchy, there is a monument to V.I. Lenin.
The fact is that the figures of Kuzma Minin, Dmitry Pozharsky and Ivan Susanin were supposed to stand on this pedestal, but the monument was not completed before the 1917 revolution. This is how the leader of the proletariat appeared on the pedestal. Go to the observation deck, built on the remains of the Kremlin wall, for a stunning view of the Volga and the Volga pier. From the park to the pier, you can walk along a stone path, going down a beautiful staircase.
Original benches with the coat of arms of the city are placed around the territory, and there is also the only unique bench – Reconciliation. According to local tradition, newlyweds, as well as spouses who want to make peace after a quarrel, must visit it. The park has several carousels and attractions, a children's railway. The main entrance to it is from Tchaikovsky Street.
Arbor Ostrovsky
A stunning view of the city panorama and the banks of the Volga opens from Ostrovsky's pavilion, flaunting on a high bulk shaft left from the former fortress. The gazebo, which has become a symbol of the city, was built in 1956, much later the famous playwright liked to rest on this place, drawing inspiration. The constructed white-stone arbor appears in the garden architecture of such buildings, traditional for the 19th century, which were in many Russian noble estates.
It consists of seven columns covered with a roof. This pavilion became famous throughout the country for the filming of the film “Cruel Romance” based on the play by Alexander Ostrovsky “Dowry” that took place here. The attraction is located near May 1st Street.
Fire Tower
The Fire Tower towering on Susaninskaya Square has become a significant symbol since its construction. This is a real architectural monument of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, harmoniously fitting into the architectural ensemble of the area. The majestic stone building looks like an ancient temple with Corinthian columns, 6 porticos, with fire stations along their edges.
In the center of the triangular pediment there is a high relief of a double-headed eagle. The building of the tower consisted of living quarters, sheds for placing cars and barrels of water. An observation tower towered above the main building, where from a height of 35 meters the guard watched the fire situation in the city and, at the sight of a fire, rang the bell and launched balloons announcing the place of ignition.
A red ball meant a fire in the center, and a blue one on the outskirts. At night, they signaled with signal lights – white and red. The building of the Fire Tower is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under state protection. Now it houses the Fire Museum, which is open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 16.00. Days off Saturday and Sunday.
Hauptvahta
The stone building of the guardhouse on Susaninskaya Square, built in the early 19th century in the Empire style, was built for the detention of arrested military men. Well-known historical figures had to visit its walls: Decembrists, Narodnaya Volya and Polish rebels. The one-story building with columns and mezzanines at the top attracts the eye with its elegant facade with decorative and thematic moldings, reminiscent of the victories of the people of Russia over Napoleon.
Skillfully executed: a composition with an angel holding the royal monogram, military shields and ammunition. The windows are decorated with beautiful snow-white decor. The historical and cultural monument of the guardhouse is in the status of the cultural heritage of the state. Today it houses a museum of military history.
In its halls, unique exhibits of weapons that were fought in different historical eras are exhibited. You will see different samples of sabers and daggers, revolvers and guns. Of great interest is military uniforms, chain mail, helmets, shields. No less interesting is the extensive collection of orders, medals, banners and historical documents. Visitors can take pictures in military uniform and with weapons.
House of Borshov
In the architectural ensemble of Ivan Susanin Square, the House of Senator Borshchov stands out, more reminiscent of a palace mansion. Without exaggeration, it can be called a monument of Kostroma architecture of late classicism. The majestic building with columns was one of the largest city estates of the first quarter of the 19th century. The main façade overlooking the square appears as a two-story mansion with a mezzanine, decorated in the center with a portico of the Corinthian order. The presence of powerful columns erected on the ledge of the lower floor with an arcade and a figured lattice make the building especially majestic.
The main appearance of the mansion is given by large oval windows between the columns and rich stucco decoration. The interior of the house features 2 large halls. They preserved stoves lined with white tiles, paneled doors and stucco ceiling cornices. The design of the main staircase with cast-iron steps and railing posts made of scrolls is amazing. The historical building now houses the district court, so it is not possible to see its interior.
Nobility Assembly
The Noble Assembly is a museum located in a building in the style of late classicism. It was built in 1780 as a residential building, and later in the 30s of the 19th century, during the reconstruction according to a special project, it was completed with a southern wing with a spacious bright hall intended for the Nobility Assembly.
After the reconstruction, the building took on the appearance that has survived to this day – with front entrances, facade decor and a luxurious cast-iron staircase inside. On the openwork steps of the main staircase, decorated with bronze railings, go up to the second floor, where the White and Small Halls are located. The perimeter of the walls of the White Hall is decorated with Corinthian columns located in two tiers, lined with white artificial marble, like the walls of the hall.
The magnificent decoration of the Small Hall with columns dividing it into three parts, the ceiling decorated with caissons in the form of gilded rosettes, delights. The elegant appearance of the hall is given by a red silk damask in the decoration of the walls and white marble pilasters. In these luxurious halls you will plunge into the world of interesting provincial stories, the life of the nobility and the population of the city, the elections of leaders of the nobility, provincial balls.
It is located at Mira Street, 7 and is open daily from 11.00 to 19.00.
Epiphany-Anastasia Monastery
The foundation of the Epiphany-Anastasiin Monastery falls on 1559, but today we see it in the architecture of the 17th century after the restoration work caused by the destruction of the Time of Troubles. On the territory of the convent, tourists are interested in the unique architecture: the Epiphany Cathedral dating back to 1559, the Epiphany-Anastasia Cathedral, the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, the bell tower.
Immediately upon entering the territory of the monastery, the view of the picturesque bell tower, built in 1864, attracts attention. Its majestic building is crowned with a tent, which is completed by a gilded cupola. Interesting in its architecture of the Russian-Byzantine style is the one-domed church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God with a miraculous fresco icon.
The majestic building of the white-stone Epiphany Cathedral delights with its facade, completed with graceful keel-shaped zakomaras and domes shining with gold. The temple has four thrones. Pilgrims rush to it to pray to the miraculous image of the Fedorov Mother of God. You can get acquainted with the interior and the shrines located in the monastery only in the Epiphany Cathedral and the chapel.
The monastery is located on Simanovskogo street, 26.
Transfiguration Church
The Old Believer Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is located on the right bank of the city in the former Spasskaya Sloboda. The church building, which was built in the 80s of the 17th century, acquired its original five-domed appearance after reconstruction.
On the east side of the church there is an altar consisting of 3 parts. The western side is the southern limit with a refectory located in it, crowned with a tent. The temple also has a hipped bell tower. The decor of the facades of the quadrangle attracts with windows framed with rich architraves and entrances decorated with portals. The facades are completed by a wide ornamented cornice and semicircular kokoshniks.
In the lower tier of the bell tower, a relief tile is visible. In the interior of the temple, the murals of the Kostroma icon painters of the 17th century have been preserved. The church vault is notable for the murals of the plot, called in the holy scripture “The Prisoner's Vertograd”, depicting the apostles going to its gates.
On the top row of frescoes under the vault, you can see the festive cycle of 16 compositions. Today the temple is in the status of the Cathedral of the Kostroma and Yaroslavl diocese. You will find it on Volgarey Street. It is open for visits on Saturday from 15.00 to 19.00, Sunday from 7.00 to 11.00.
Terem Snegurochka
If the residence of Father Frost is located in Veliky Ustyug, then his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, registered in Kostroma and lives in her Terem. Brownies and the cat Bayun live with her. Terem Snegurochka is a cultural complex with a restaurant, a playground, a makeshift belfry and other buildings. Boulders with playful pointers will not let you get lost.
The dwelling of Grandfather Frost's granddaughter is an old Russian log mansion on 2 floors with platbands decorated with openwork carvings and a veranda. The owner of the ancient Russian tower will meet her guests with a loaf, introduce her assistants and invite her to the room. The temperature is kept at −14 °C throughout the entire tower, so visitors will be given zipuns and felt boots before the tour.
After treating the guests in the room with drinks from ice cups, they go to the room where the magic mirror is located, with the help of which there is a teleconference with Santa Claus. Next, guests will see the rooms: Miracles, Christmas Tree and Ice. Those who wish can mint commemorative coins, eat traditional Russian cuisine in the Snegurochka restaurant and watch a fascinating performance with the heroes of ancient Slavic mythology. You will find the Snegurochka Tower on Lagernaya Street, 38. Guests are welcome here from 10.00 to 18.00.
Church of the Resurrection of Christ on Debre
The Church of the Resurrection on Debre is recognized as an outstanding monument of history and culture of the 17th century. Tourists always come to admire its unusual architecture in the Old Russian style. The cross-domed five-domed church building with three apses stands on a high foundation and is surrounded on three sides by covered galleries. Church facades are given a picturesque look by multi-colored square and rectangular checkers, paired half-columns and window casings framed by elegant kokoshniks.
The temple is richly decorated with tiles, stone carvings depicting mythological animals and plants. Two church porches stand out brightly, covered with voluminous tents, bordered by double patterned kokoshniks. The western wing of the gallery is connected to the Holy Gates.
Their uniqueness lies in the arched passages surmounted by three faceted tents, completed with onions with a cross.
On the Holy Gates, stone carvings against the background of multi-colored tiles and four white high reliefs depicting the symbols of the Resurrection feast are admired.
A four-tiered bell tower in classical architecture adjoins the church. The interior design of the temple fascinates with the beautiful decoration of the apses, the iconostasis of the 19th century, preserved ancient frescoes and unique icons of the 17th century. You can look at this beauty on any day of the week from 7.30 to 20.00.
The church is located on Nizhnyaya Debrya Street, 37.
Museum of unique dolls and toys
Worth a visit is the museum of unique dolls and toys, which opened in 2013 on the basis of a collection of a local resident, collected for more than 30 years, and replenished to this day. Two small rooms amaze with their exhibits – toys from all countries. An extensive exhibition brought together antique dolls in national and secular clothes – French, Dutch and German. Among them, modern dolls made in Tibet, the islands of Java and Bali look exotic.
The exposition has many clockwork clowns, bears and other toys, dolls with opening eyes. No less impressive is the collection of toys produced by the Soviet industry – plush, plastic, metal. Here are bears, dogs and other animals, various dolls, sets of soldiers and all kinds of equipment that helped children adapt to the adult world.
It is located at 26 Gornja Street, working seven days a week from 10.00 to 18.00.
Museum of the Kostroma Merchant
Kostroma has long been considered a merchant city. It was the merchants who made a huge contribution to its development. In gratitude to this class, the Museum of the Kostroma Merchant was founded. The two-story building of modern uncomplicated architecture houses interesting expositions of rare items that clearly tell about the way of life, way of life, traditions and spiritual culture of famous merchant families.
The museum has three rooms. A sleigh yard with various carts and sledges, used by merchants and peasants to transport goods in all seasons, has been recreated here. In winter, these are horse-drawn sleighs, and in summer, carts. You will see samples of traveling sleighs: for a trip to visit and a temple, to a fair and a bazaar, to celebrate Maslenitsa and weddings.
You will find out which sledges were intended for the transport of goods, called firewood and sledges. The museum presents a rare type of sleigh – horse races, notable for their open narrow body and intended for travel.
Other halls introduce you to family items and everyday life of the 18th-19th centuries. The expositions present extensive collections of teapots, samovars, dishes, irons, furniture, chests, postcards, photographs and other items used in everyday life.
It is located on Engels Street 36/19 and is open to visitors all days of the week except Mondays from 10.00 to 16.00.
Museum of Jewelery
More than a third of gold and silver jewelry is made in this ancient city. The Museum of Jewelry Art, established in 2013, was called upon to show the achievements and skillful samples of jewelry accumulated over two centuries, the living and working conditions of the Kostroma and Krasnoselsk jewelry craftsmen of the past.
The collection contains almost 1000 samples of jewelry in different styles and different times, from the 18th century to the present day. Among them are products, both handicrafts of craftsmen, and jewelry produced by jewelry factories.
A unique part of the collection is elegant jewelry that delights with the filigree execution of lace patterns, the finest local technique “Krasnoselskaya filigree”. In a separate exposition, you can see the tools of jewelers – ancient and of our time, as well as the restored pre-revolutionary workshop of jewelers.
It is located in an old building on Sovetskaya Street, 7, working on Wednesday, Friday – Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00, on Thursday from 12.00 to 20.00. Monday and Tuesday are days off.
Museum of Nature of the Kostroma Region
It is located in an old building, which is an architectural monument of the 19th century, on Milk Mountain. Almost 1,700 exhibits are exhibited in it in thematic expositions. The exposition of the “Mesozoic” era, dedicated to the most ancient and mysterious period of the region's development, is interestingly executed. Here, on the diorama “The Sea of the Jurassic Period”, various inhabitants of the sea and the moment of hunting a predatory dinosaur up to 4 meters in size are shown in full size.
The rich fauna of the region is presented in the exposition “Animals and Birds”. In addition to the common inhabitants of the forests, you will see rare protected animals and birds. Expositions dedicated to the seasons “Winter” and “Spring” tell about these periods of life of local animals and birds in exhibits and dioramas. The collection of butterflies and insects will not leave indifferent nature lovers.
It has more than 4 thousand representatives of the fauna of these species – the inhabitants of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The Insectarium exposition provides an opportunity to observe rare living insects in terrariums. You can admire the beauty of stones, find out their properties and secrets by visiting the exposition “Born by the Earth”.
Address: Milk Mountain, 3. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 18.00, Saturday from 10.00 to 19.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00.
Museum “Provincial City of Kostroma”
Founded by local historians in 2014. It is housed in the shopping Red Rows in a separate two-story building of Melochny Rows and occupies 4 halls. Today, the first hall dedicated to the history of this provincial town and an exposition called “Copper Plastics 10-20” have been opened. This hall contains many photographs, posters and postcards made at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Here it is interesting to get acquainted with the history of the Trading Rows, publications of the beginning of the 20th century, original documents of merchants and industrialists, banknotes, Kostroma enterprises and many other artifacts.
At the exhibition “The Sonorous Witness of History” you will learn about the local traditions of casting bells, you will see 100 unique arched bells with an original sound. The exposition “Copper plastic 10-20” will attract the attention of old icons and crosses.
This building also houses the department of heraldry and phaleristics with a large collection of breastplates, badges, coats of arms and medals.
Exposition hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 11.00 to 17.00. Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday are days off.
Romanov Museum
Near Susaninskaya Square there is a white picturesque house in the form of a tower. This is one of the most popular attractions – the Romanov Museum, built in Russian Art Nouveau architectural style. Emperor Nicholas II came with his family to the opening of the museum. In memory of his visit, the tsar's autograph was left in the memorial book.
In 2103, the Romanov Museum, which contains historical documents about the ancestors of Alexei Mikhailovich, the ancestor of the Romanov dynasty, turned 100 years old. The expositions present a detailed picture of the life of the Kostroma boyars, connected with the interweaving of the fates of the Romanov and Godunov dynasties. Boyar chambers of the 17th century, weapons and objects of boyar life are recreated here.
One of the fascinating exhibitions tells the story of etiquette adopted in Russia in the 19th century. Collections of noble utensils, furniture and clothes will attract attention here. Art lovers will be able to admire hundreds of works of fine art: paintings, drawings and sculptures, donated from the Hermitage.
Address: Prospekt Mira, 5. You can visit the exposition daily from 11.00 to 19.00.
Exotarium
An exotarium is an exhibition and educational center founded by a group of enthusiasts, terrarium zoologists. It is housed in the former House of Trade Unions. Here they keep, study and replenish the collection of rare exotic animals collected from all over the world.
Visitors are impressed by the sight and habits of rare snakes, lizards, turtles, tropical frogs, tarantula spiders, various types of parrots and rabbits. A distinctive feature of the work of the exotarium is the reproduction of certain species of animals to replenish zoos and the zoological education of young naturalists.
You can look at feeding and caring for animals, as well as various thematic exhibitions. One of the directions of the exotarium was the breeding of insects to feed lizards and snakes kept at home. Exotarium is located at the address: Sovetskaya street, 53 “B”.
Open on weekdays from 10.00 to 18.00, on weekends from 10.00 to 19.00.
Amusement park “On Nikitskaya”
Near the railway station and the hotel complex “Troya” there is a favorite place for year-round recreation of citizens and tourists – the amusement park “On Nikitskaya”. The park entertainment complex has several play areas, recreation areas, a concert venue, a children's cafe “Terem” and a children's restaurant “Visiting a Fairy Tale”. For the entertainment of children and adults, there are several children's, family and extreme attractions.
You can spend exciting leisure time in a trampoline town, swimming in boats and with water balls in the pool, shoot at a shooting range, recharge your adrenaline at the autodrome and ride an electric car. Many visitors choose to spend their leisure time in the covered pavilion “Illusion”.
In it, children make an exciting journey through the “Fairytale Labyrinth”, enjoy spending time in the children's playroom, in the complex of electromechanical rocking chairs and carousels, on the “Rally” and “Air Cannon” attractions. Men come to play billiards, and the whole family can watch a movie in the 4-D cinema hall.
Fans come here all year round to watch cultural and entertainment programs and participate in competitions with prizes. The park is located on Nikitskaya Street and is open seven days a week from 10.00 to 23.00.
Memorial of Glory
The greatness of the historical feat of the people in the Great Patriotic War appears in full force in the Memorial of Glory located on Prospekt Mira. An alley leads to the memorial complex, in front of which a rectangular stele is installed with the image of the Order of the Great Patriotic War and the dates 1941-1945.
Further on, a monument rises on the site. Against the background of two white marble slabs, a high pedestal with figures of the Motherland with a wreath in her hands and a soldier frozen in a moment of silence was erected. On both sides of the monument there are steles with the inscription “No one is forgotten. Nothing is forgotten.” At the base of the monument, on a dark granite slab, lies a bronze star with an unquenchable Eternal Flame.
On both sides of the alley on the site you will see 10 massive slabs with large bronze stars. On another sculptural composition of the memorial, the figure of a warrior with a hand raised in a fit with a machine gun, rescuing a teenage boy, froze. The names of 886 soldiers buried here are carved in gold letters on the pedestal of the monument. The Memorial of Glory is not only a monument of sorrow, but a monument-call for the preservation of peace.
Zoo
The city zoo was founded in 2010 on a picturesque site of the Posad forest, with an area of 92.1 hectares. It cannot yet boast of a large number of inhabitants, but every year it is replenished with new species of animals kept in open and closed enclosures. Today in the zoo it is possible to observe the habits of 23 species of animals, and their total number is 58 individuals.
Adults and children come to the zoo with pleasure to look at the lion, maral deer, sika deer, llama, camels. In addition to them, you will see wild boars, wolves, brown bears, lynxes, common and black-brown foxes, raccoon dogs, minks and feed frisky squirrels. It is interesting to visually get acquainted with different types of bird family.
Here you will see a proud African ostrich, graceful black and mute swans, varieties of pigeons, peacocks and pheasants. For urban children, the behavior of domestic birds – geese, turkeys and mallard ducks – is of interest. The zoo is located on Lenin Street, you will notice it by the sculptural figures of a bear and a lion that meet visitors at the entrance.
Open all week: from 10.00 to 20.00 in summer; in winter – from 10.00 to 17.00
Church of the Savior on Zaprudnya
The white-stone Church of the Savior on the Zaprudnya River belongs to the historical and cultural monuments of federal significance. It was built in 1754 on the site of a wooden temple from the 2nd half of the 13th century. You will see a snow-white two-storey church building of the Naryshkino Baroque style in the form of an octagon, standing on a quadrangle, completed with an octagonal drum with a cupola. Attached to the temple are a 2-storey refectory and a classical style bell tower, completed with a spire with a cross.
In the interior of the temple and the refectory, the eye stops at the murals depicted in the compositions. The main iconostasis in its architectural form resembles a temple. It contains ancient (16-17 centuries) and later icons, decorated with modern carvings.
Each aisle has its own gilded iconostasis, decorated with pseudo-Russian style carvings. Of particular interest is the necropolis near the temple with artistically made tombstones of the 18th – early 20th centuries.
The church is located on Zaprudnya Street, 2. You can visit any day from 8.00 to 18.00.
Arboretum
Arboretum is an oasis of wildlife in the city, spread over an area of 30 hectares. Numerous varieties of plants and 30 species of trees and shrubs from various climatic zones are grown here in open ground. The healing atmosphere of the park is created by 11 species of coniferous trees, including rare Banks pines, European and blue spruces, firs, cedars.
Walking along its paths and paths is not only pleasant, admiring the view of rare plants, but also good for health. In addition to coniferous trees, pedunculate oaks, holly maples, Berlin poplars, Siberian larches, smooth elms and birches grow here. The peculiarity of the arboretum is that a certain area is allocated for each type of trees and shrubs, which makes it possible to see the nature of different climatic zones.
Dendropark has no infrastructure at all. On the way to its central part there are 2 lakes surrounded by a picturesque forest. In the summer, they become a favorite vacation spot for the townspeople. The arboretum is located along Lenina street with the entrance after the intersection with Krasnaya Mayevka street.
Church of John the Evangelist
The temple dedicated to John the Evangelist is a historical and cultural monument of federal significance. Its location is the center of the former Ipatievskaya Sloboda. The main building of the church was erected in the 80s of the 17th century, later it was supplemented by a southern porch, a brick fence with a gate. Today we see a beautiful two-pillar cathedral crowned with 5 domes, three apses and a hipped bell tower.
Its facades gracefully end with false zakomaras, and the windows attract the eye with ornamented architraves with keeled ends. The admiration of the temple begins with the entrance gate, crowned with a faceted drum with a cupola and an arched entrance. The bell tower delights with its rich decor – niches and inserts of green tiles.
The interior of the church is striking in the richness of the paintings. It is worth looking up, where in the center of the dome is the image of Christ the Almighty. The vaults are decorated with paintings of the apostles, the Trinity and the Mother of God. On the walls, a cycle of paintings on biblical themes, applied in 4 rows, delights. The iconostasis dating back to the 19th century has been partially preserved in the temple.
Address: Osetrov street, 4. You can admire the skill of icon painters daily from 9.00 to 18.00
Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery
The history of the Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery, located in the western side of the city on the banks of the river, dates back to 1330. This monastery is called the cradle of the Romanov dynasty. Among the monastery buildings, the leading place is given to the great creation of Russian architects – the Trinity Cathedral. This majestic snow-white temple in the architecture of the Russian-Byzantine style has the shape of a rectangle with three altar apses.
It is crowned with 5 massive gilded domes with crosses placed on the drums. The design of the facades is of artistic value. The architecture and decor of the porch that completes the gallery entrance to the cathedral is amazing. Its vaults, with semicircular arches, are decorated with murals depicting the genealogical tree of the Romanov dynasty, supported by 4 Doric columns. The pediment of the porch is also richly painted with biblical scenes.
In the interior of the temple, a rich iconostasis and a massive royal place, hoisted on 4 lions and decorated on the back with a double-headed eagle with a crown, are striking. The cathedral is known for its main shrine – the miraculous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, particles of the relics of the Hieromartyr Hypatius and particles of the Lord's Robe.
The monastery complex consists of 2 parts: the New Town – a fraternal territory closed to the public, and the Old Town, which belongs to the territory of the Church Historical and Archaeological Museum, where access is open from 9.00 to 17.30. You will find the monastery at Enlightenment Street, 1.
Kostroma Sloboda
Having visited the Ipatiev monastery, head along the river bank, past the monastery wall towards the arrow and you will find yourself in a medieval Russian village – Kostroma Sloboda. Here guests are transferred to the atmosphere of “long gone years” by visiting the village chapels and wooden village churches, preserved from the 17th-18th centuries, with an interior typical of that time. Walking through the streets of the settlement, it is interesting to look into the houses of wealthy and poor peasants, where their life is recreated with household utensils and utensils.
In some houses you will get acquainted with the scenes of ordinary and working life, in others you will visit the holiday. In the wooden two-story house of the rich peasant owner of the carpentry artel Lipatov, it is interesting to learn about the traditions of Russian guests and tea drinking at exhibitions.
In the potter's house, watch the potter's wheel spinning. You will visit inside a three-tiered mill, see the flour-grinding mechanism and pantries, find out what the baths on piles, barns for storing grain and numerous peasant outbuildings were like.
Address: Enlightenment street, 1B. Open from Monday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00, winter time: 9.00-17.00
Museum-estate of flax and birch bark
It appears in the form of a fabulous tower surrounded by green lawns and flower beds. In the estate, the murmur of the brook pleases the ear, and the look is bizarre bridges thrown over it. The picturesque landscape complements the traditional well.
Entering the house, you first find yourself in the flax hall, where, with the guide's story, you will see how flax straw turns into threads, which, passing through the spindle with the skillful hands of the craftswoman, turn into a canvas. Here you will learn how linen fabrics are woven in factories, get acquainted with their samples of the last century and modern ones.
A master class on weaving will bring great pleasure, from where you will take away a piece of linen as a keepsake. The hall of birch bark will delight with the characters of Russian fairy tales, made with a special technique of birch bark weaving. The guide will acquaint you with the traditions of making products from birch bark, tell you how shovels, baskets, pistons, and bast shoes are weaved. Those who wish can take a master class and weave a souvenir with their own hands or make a charm doll.
It is located on Tereshkova Street, 38. It is open from October to April from 9.30 to 17.00 on weekdays and from 9.30 to 18.00 on weekends and from May to October.
Museum Forest Wonder
You can get acquainted with the fabulous inhabitants: Baba Yaga, Leshim, Cat-Bayun and Chud-Yud in the magical interactive Wonder Forest. It is located in a two-story estate with several themed halls, on the left bank of the river opposite the Ipatiev Monastery. There are no museums similar to the Miracle Forest in Russia, so tourists flock to a fairy tale to feel like children.
The mansion, specially built for the museum, is surrounded by a fence covered with hops. Under the lush crowns of trees, guests are greeted by fantastic creatures living in the forest and heroes of folk legends and fairy tales. You will be introduced to all the benefits that forests give people. He will appear as a breadwinner, builder, healer, storyteller, source of inspiration.
At the exhibitions, you will see original handicrafts made of wood with skillful carvings and paintings, products made of wicker and birch bark. They often arrange master classes on teaching art crafts from wood and natural materials, the art of weaving from vines and birch bark, and teach respect for the forest.
You will find the Wonder Forest on Ostrovsky Street, 63. In the autumn-winter period, it welcomes guests from 9.30 to 17.00 and is closed on Monday. In the summer months from May to October until 18.00 and seven days a week.
Museum “Peter's Toy”
Petrovsky toys are recognized as unique musical folk wind instruments. This is a long-standing traditional folk craft, which was based on wooden and clay stamps of various shapes: oval, round, cruciform, rectangular and others. From them, whistles were made in the form of various animals, which were used as amulets from evil spirits.
Over the years, a lot of such toys have accumulated, which served as the basis for the creation of the Petrovsky Toy Museum. All toys in Peter's style are collected in one room. In addition to old whistles, there is a wide range of various figurines and bells with a variety of ornaments in the form of Christmas trees, rhombuses and various symbols, applied with a squeaker stick.
The second hall is devoted to handicrafts, where many samples of mugs, flasks, teapots and Dymkovsky, Filimonovsky and other clay toys, souvenirs with city symbols are presented. You will be able to watch the process of creating pottery on a potter's wheel, and then how it is fired and painted by the master's hands. You will also learn how toys and whistles are made, and with the help of a craftsman you can make a memorable souvenir for yourself.
The kingdom of clay toys is located on 1 May Street and is open daily from 9.00 to 18.00.
House of Rogatkin and Botnikov
The three-storey house of Rogatkin and Botnikov complements the architectural ensemble of Susanin Square. It is named after the names of the former owners who occupied half of the house. One part, from the side of Susanin Square and Mira Street, belonged to the merchant Rogatkin, and the second part, from the side of the current Lenin Street, belonged to his father-in-law, the tradesman Botnikov. The construction of the building took place at the beginning of the 19th century and has undergone minor changes to this day.
In its architectural form, the mansion is the letter “G” with rounded corners. If you enter from the side of Lenin Street, you will see a facade clearly divided by interfloor cornices in the form of shelves decorated with massive wedge-shaped locks on the windows of the first floor. On the main second floor, the window frames are distinguished by intricate platbands.
The entrance from Lenin Street is equipped with a figured cast-iron porch with a canopy. Two rounded corners of this half of the house are notable for balconies on brackets with patterned lattices. The opposite – the eastern part of the facade is more restrained in decor. The modest entrance from the side of Mira Street is decorated in the form of a small metal umbrella. At different times there were hotels, restaurants and entertainment establishments. The house can only be viewed from the outside.