Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. In it you can see ancient temples and cathedrals. The air of the ancient city is saturated with the Russian spirit. There is a huge number of interesting places, which can be explored in just a few days. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Nizhny Novgorod, which you need to see first.

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya street

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is the main street of Nizhny Novgorod. Stretching over two kilometers in length, it is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the city. Cars and buses are not allowed to drive here. Almost the entire street is intended for pedestrians who want to explore its merits. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is very well located. It connects 4 main squares of the city at once.

The locals affectionately call it “Pokrovka”. A walk along the street conveys the incredible atmosphere of an old Russian city. Here you can find busts of famous writers: Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. There are a lot of funny sculptures, buildings with diverse architecture, museums, the latest boutiques and shops on Pokrovka. You can have a snack here in cozy cafes.

Traffic on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is always busy. Street musicians, photos with birds, a plying train for children – all this is very lively and interesting. A walk at night Pokrovka is very romantic and beautiful. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is located in the very center of Nizhny Novgorod. You can get to the street by buses No. 3, 4, 9, 38, 45, 61, 90 or trolleybus No. 1 to Minin Square. You can get to Gorky Square by bus No. 1, 26, 27, 30, 40, 41 or trolleybus No. 6.

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

One of the main attractions of Nizhny Novgorod is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. It began to be built in the 16th century. As a result, a whole city was built. The long history of Nizhny Novgorod originates here. Thousands of tourists come here every year. The task of the building was to protect the city from the raids of the Tatars. The Kremlin wall stretched for a distance of about 2 kilometers.

13 towers served as its fortification. Today, there are 12 of them left. When the danger of wars disappeared, city governments settled in the Kremlin. They are still located on the territory of the complex. For lovers of walking, there is an alley of love and several restaurants. For people of art – an art museum and a philharmonic society. There is also an eternal flame burning here.

There is something to see for the curious tourist. Ivanovskaya Tower is the most powerful of all fortifications. She had the main task – the protection of the pier. Now there is a museum here. It welcomes guests every day from 8 am to 5 pm. The Kremlin is built on a hill. To facilitate the ascent, a funicular operates on the territory.

Stunning landscapes open up from the very top of the Kremlin. From here you can see two rivers flowing in the city at once – the Volga, the Oka. The Kremlin wall receives tourists every day from May to August from 10 am to 8 pm. September, mid-October – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mid-October – end of November – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get to the Kremlin by bus 34, 54, 81 to the Minin and Pozharsky Square stop.

Drama Theatre. M. Gorky

The theater, which got its name in honor of the world-famous writer Maxim Gorky, is one of the oldest in Russia. Its age is over two hundred years old. The institution owes its appearance to Prince Shakhovsky. He came to the city with his troupe, which consisted of serf actors. The prince was very passionate about the theatrical life. He himself chose the works for the performances. In addition to them, ballets and operas were staged on the stage of an amateur institution.

The repertoire mainly consisted of works by the classics. Shakhovsky's theater was popular, and regularly staged performances over the years. After its owners began to change. The structure survived decay, a fire and an opening elsewhere. Now folk and honored masters of the Russian Federation continue to work in it.

The Nizhny Novgorod theater is famous for the fact that absolutely all the plays of Maxim Gorky were staged on the stage of the institution. Also in his repertoire are performances based on the works of the best writers from around the world. The theater is located on the old central Bolshaya Pokrovskaya street, in a very beautiful building. Ticket offices are open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Break from 13.30 to 13.50 hours. Daytime, children's and discount performances start at 11 am. Evening – from 18.30 hours. Ticket prices vary from 300 to 700 rubles. You can get to the theater by taxi No. 2, 4, 134, 160, 183, 198 to the Minin and Pozharsky Square stop.

Caves monastery

The Ascension Caves Monastery was founded in the 14th century. It is located at a distance of 3 km from the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. For many years the monastery has been considered one of the most significant in Russia. The Nizhny Novgorod shrine was founded by Metropolitan Dionysius. He settled in this place in a cave dug out by him. After that, other monks began to settle around him. So the Pechersky Monastery began its existence. The unique Laurentian Chronicle is kept on the territory of the shrine.

It was created here since 1377 by the monk Lavrentiy. Her piece “The Tale of Bygone Years” is known to everyone. In 1597 the temple was destroyed by a huge landslide. In this connection, it was moved 1 km along the Volga, to another place. The monastery has been closed since 1924. On its territory there are buildings, a restoration workshop and even a cinema.

The Pechersk shrine is located in a very picturesque place. Around it is the Green Territory, and the building itself is washed by the waters of the great Volga. The snow-white structure is striking in its scope. It is interesting that some walls and the bell tower of the monastery are tilted. Unfortunately, this is the imprint of time and landslides. You can get to the Pechersky Monastery by buses No. 2, 28, 40, 45, 52, 62, 74, fixed-route taxis No. 2, 16, 28, 40, 45, 140, 182, trolleybus No. 1 to Sennaya stop. Further to the monastery will have to walk. The opening hours of the establishment are from 07.30 to 18.30 every day. The entrance is free.

Chkalov staircase

The famous staircase of Nizhny Novgorod was built by three Soviet architects Muntz, Yakovlev and Rudnev. This is a huge structure that connects the two embankments of the Upper Volga and Lower Volga rivers. It stretches from the monument “Hero” to the St. George's Tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. The staircase goes up the Volzhsky slope and looks like a figure eight. Observation platforms are built on its connections. To climb up, you need to overcome 442 steps. And the total number of steps is about 560 pieces. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the waterfront. The staircase is lined with lanterns. At night, it looks very attractive and romantic.

There are two ways to get to the attraction. You can get to the top of the stairs by minibus No. 2, 4, 134, 140, 183, 198. Minibuses No. 42 and 117 go to the lower part of the building (stop “Boat” Hero “). The stairs are open all 4 seasons, walking along its territory free of charge. If you decide to go here, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You should also take into account the weather conditions. In hot summers and in severe frost or ice, such a walk should be abandoned.

Annunciation Monastery

The Annunciation Monastery is a large-scale architectural complex located on the banks of the Oka River. It appeared back in 1221, along with the foundation of Nizhny Novgorod. The monastery survived many destructions and reconstructions. On the territory of the complex there are 5 temples, a bell tower, a holy spring flows. The largest cathedral is Blagoveshchensky. Inside it, ancient frescoes and an iconostasis have been preserved. The bell tower offers a beautiful view of the river and the surroundings of the monastery. Today the monastery complex operates. Here the monks lead a strict and secluded life. However, pilgrims from different places also come here. There are also guided tours.

On the territory of the shrine there are buildings of the 17th-19th centuries. Workshops work here: sewing, icon-painting and candle-making, and a bakery. The monks work on tailoring and embroidering icons. By the way, you can order and buy an icon here.

Also, the church shop sells books and other souvenirs. You can get to the Annunciation Monastery by bus 26, 41, 42 or 43 to the bus stop of the same name. You can also take the metro to the Gorkovskaya station.

An adult ticket can be purchased for about 20 rubles. Children's – for 10 rubles. Provided that the number of your group of people is from 10 people. If you want to see the sights alone, the cost of the tour will be about 100 rubles per person. It is possible to visit the monastery complex for free with the blessing of the governor.

Upper Volga embankment

Verkhne-Volzhskaya Embankment is a great place for walking along the majestic Volga River. It owes its appearance to Emperor Nicholas I. By his decree, the then unpresentable area near the river turned into a chic boulevard with its decoration – the Alexander Garden. Unfortunately, the original view of the embankment has not survived to our time. But here you can see old stone buildings and streets lined with picket fence and cobblestones. The street is a favorite of the locals. Here they take walks, make dates and hold city festivities.

The architecture of the embankment is made in the old Russian style. Against the background of other buildings, the mansion of the merchant Sirotkin and the estate of the merchant Rukavishnikov stand out. The latter is now the building of the museum-reserve. The former “House of Railway Workers” is made in a completely different style. The building of 7 floors stands out against the background of the low buildings of the embankment. You can get to the Upper Volga embankment by taxi No. 2, 4, 134, 140, 155, 160, 171, 183, 198. Or by buses No. 2, 28, 40, 45, 52, 62, 74.

Petra's house

The most famous house in Nizhny Novgorod has the status of a cultural heritage. It is located in the very center of Nizhny Novgorod. The building got its name thanks to Peter the Great, who was a guest in the house, according to the stories. The building is made of white stone. There are now only about 30 houses like it left in the vicinity. At that time, the construction of such a building was very expensive, and not everyone could afford such a luxury. In the house there was a city archive and a cheap rooming house. After that, a historical museum was opened here. In the 20th century, a bar was opened in the basement of Peter's house. It gained great popularity thanks to popular artists who began to give concerts here.

Now the basement is closed by the authorities, who believe that it does not belong in an institution with cultural heritage status.

Now Peter's house is not in the best condition. It has not been repaired for a long time. Not everyone decides to go on an excursion here. But if you still get together, then look at household items of the 17-18th century, a tiled stove and a large high relief in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Russian fleet. You can get to the memorial place by any bus to the stop “Ulitsa Dobrolyubova”.

Building of the State Bank

The building of the State Bank is another attraction of Nizhny Novgorod. The construction was erected for the 300th anniversary of the Romanovs' reign, so its construction was treated with great scope and pomp. The result was a huge building, similar to the palace of the Middle Ages. The building is made in neo-Russian style. The pediment of the bank is built in the form of a church dome with a large coat of arms of the Russian Federation – a double-headed eagle with archangels. A little lower is the coat of arms of Nizhny Novgorod with a deer, covered with gilding. The upper spire of the building is crowned with the coat of arms of the Soviet Union.

The interior of the bank is just as luxurious as the exterior. Huge halls look like royalty. The walls are decorated with paintings by famous masters. Spacious galleries with semicircular windows on the ceiling turn into a chic pattern depicting eagles and luminaries. Now the bank, like many years ago, performs its direct function.

The building has a special hall dedicated to the history of the State Bank. Paid excursions are conducted here according to pre-agreed requests. It is possible to visit the hall free of charge on May 17, the opening day of the State Bank of Nizhny Novgorod. Located on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya street. You can get to the sights by buses No. 3, 4, 9, 61, 90 or trolleybus No. 1. Entrance to the bank is free. For visitors, the doors of the building are open from 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays-Thursdays. Friday is a short day until 17:00.

Literary Museum

The City Literary Museum is dedicated to Maxim Gorky. There are expositions related to the personal life, life and works of the great Russian writer. Also in the museum there is a huge number of books and manuscripts of other writers who lived and worked in Nizhny Novgorod. There is even an exhibition that tells about the life of Seraphim of Sarov. Externally, the literary museum is a wonderful little building. Inside, it is also cozy and interesting.

Beautiful halls with stucco and mirrors, mosaics and marble stairs. In the fireplace hall of the museum there is a piano played by Maxim Gorky for Vladimir Lenin. It was donated to the institution by the writer's first wife, along with the furnishings of Maxim Gorky's office, which were preserved. In the museum you can also see the personal belongings of the great writer and unique photographs.

The Literary Museum is located on Minin Street, 26. You can get to it by bus No. 4, 19, 40, 45, 52, 58, 90 or fixed-route taxi No. 2, 24, 31, 40, 45, 60, 85, 90, 97, 98 to the stop “Technical University”. The doors of the museum are open to visitors on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. On Thursday the restaurant is open from 11:00 to 18:30. Days off Monday and Tuesday. The box office is open until 4:30 pm.

Michael the Archangel Cathedral

The place on which this temple was built is considered the oldest in Nizhny Novgorod. It is made in the unique style of tent architecture. Of course, this is not the cathedral that was founded here several centuries ago. However, the temple has been restored and is as close as possible to the ancient construction of the hipped church. Michael the Archangel Cathedral is a combined church and bell tower. The main tent – bearing and the largest – serves as a decoration of the temple.

The building is snow-white with a bright green roof and a dome with a cross. The church also served as a burial place for many princes of Nizhny Novgorod. The ashes of the militia hero Kuzma Minin also rest here. The interior of the temple is calm and quiet. One of the most beautiful iconostases and beautiful old frescoes have been preserved here. One of them depicts the city's patron Yuri Vsevolodovich.

Michael the Archangel Cathedral is open for tourists and excursions. You can visit it at any time from 8 am to 6 pm in winter, from 8 am to 7 pm in summer, except for the hours of services. Services are held every day from 8 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Free admission. You can get to the place by bus No. 1, 3, 4, 9, 45, 61, 90, trolleybus No. 9, 13, 17, 26, 31, fixed-route taxi No. 2, 4, 7, 24, 40, 41, 47, 71, 72 to the stop “Minin and Pozharsky Square”.

Museum of entertaining sciences “Quarks”

The Quarks Museum of Physics and Entertaining Sciences is not only a fascinating, but also quite an educational institution. It is located in the building of the shopping center “Laguna” in Nizhny Novgorod. The museum consists of such exhibits as optical illusion, natural phenomena, physical and mechanical experiments. The uniqueness of the institution is that you can touch the exhibits with your hands and take part in various scientific experiments.

Photos in a dark room, a soap bubble show, a miracle labyrinth – all this causes a storm of emotions not only in children, but also in adults. The “Tilted Room” is especially popular. This is a great way to test your vestibular apparatus. In the museum you can see how a typhoon and sand dunes form, how water mills and power plants work.

Here, time passes imperceptibly and very quickly. A visit to such an institution will delight curious children from about 10 years old. Kids here will not be very and not particularly interested. You can get to the Laguna by bus No. 2, 4, 40, 45, 52, 58, 61, 72, 90 or fixed-route taxi No. 10, 17, 24, 34, 41, 83 to the Akademicheskaya stop.

Chambers of Afanasy Olisov

In one of the ancient historical districts of Nizhny Novgorod, where you can plunge into the atmosphere of the 17th century, there is a unique monument of ancient Russian architecture, an object of the cultural heritage of Russia – the chambers of the merchant Afanasy Firosovich Olisov. The two-story white-stone building belonged to a noble Nizhny Novgorod supplier of bread, fish and salt to the royal court.

The facade of the chambers is richly decorated with beautiful relief tiles, cornices with elements of stone carving, intricate patterned architraves and kokoshniks on window openings. The building is covered with a wooden gable roof. The main high porch leads to the second floor, where the apartments of the merchant A.F. Olisova. The lower part of the building consisted of utility rooms. Currently, the architectural creation belongs to the Nizhny Novgorod diocese.

Sculpture of a deer

Since ancient times, the main symbol of Nizhny Novgorod is a deer, symbolizing wisdom and an invisible guardian of nature. A five-meter statue of an artiodactyl animal can be seen by tourists and local residents walking along the well-maintained embankment of the Volga River. The monumental sculptural composition was presented to the city by the Hungarian consul in honor of the celebration of the Day of Russia. The grand opening of the monument took place on June 12, 2014.

The statue of a deer consists of stainless steel strips randomly connected to each other. Metal plates give the man-made masterpiece originality, strength and durability. The sharp edges of the elements of the art object can injure curious viewers who want to touch the sculpture, as a sign on the lawn warns.

Monument to the announcement

On the facade of one of the old buildings in Nizhny Novgorod, there is a small bronze plaque imitating a wall private notice. This peculiar monument is dedicated to the ingrained tradition of the townspeople – to glue leaflets on street poles, fences and walls of houses with their advertisements for the sale, purchase or exchange of something.

The memo is a brass plate with detachable petals, on which the phone number is indicated. Embossed on a metal plaque is an unusual announcement offering an exchange of an English childhood for a childhood spent in Russia. According to the city legend, everyone who wants to change their lives for the better can touch the ad stubs and make a cherished wish.

Monument to the Postman

A popular among tourists sculptural composition of the pedestrian Nizhny Novgorod Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is the monument to the Postman. The monument was erected next to the main post office in 2006. The bronze figure depicts a 19th-century letter carrier dressed in a special uniform. A mail bag is slung over the postman's shoulder. The bronze postal worker leans on a bicycle made of the same metal.

Monument to the penny

On the main square of the Sormovsky district of Nizhny Novgorod, a monument to the “pyatak” was erected. Cast-iron five kopecks are mounted directly into the paving stone of the sidewalk of the street. The coin is about a meter in diameter. The old banknote with a bronze coating is the prototype of the “pyatak” from the reign of Emperor Nicholas II.
There is a belief among local citizens that the Nizhny Novgorod piglet contributes to material well-being and the fulfillment of the most secret desires. It is enough just to rub a coin with your foot for a nickel to bring success in life.

Monument to Evgeny Evstigneev

Walking along Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, it is impossible for tourists to pass by the bronze sculpture of Evgeny Evstigneev, an outstanding actor of the 20th century and a native of Nizhny Novgorod. The monument was erected next to the drama theater, where Yevgeny Aleksandrovich reaped his first successes in the acting field. The opening of the sculpture was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the birth of the People's Artist of the USSR.

As conceived by the author of the sculptural composition, the master of theater and cinema is located on a bench without a pedestal. A pensive look, a hat in his hand, a coat thrown over his leg – all this creates the feeling that Yevgeny Evstigneev sat down to rest for a short time after the performance played. The monument is very popular among citizens and tourists, as evidenced by the polished nose of the actor. Everyone who sits on a bench considers it his duty to rub this part of his face for happiness.

Exotarium

In the basement floor of the Palace of Culture. Ya.M. Sverdlov, there is a small menagerie of tropical and rare in their beauty animals collected from all over the world. This is the Nizhny Novgorod exotarium, which is inhabited by more than 100 species of various representatives of the fauna. Aviaries, terrariums and aquariums contain reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, invertebrates and fish.

The impressive collection of the exotarium makes a good impression. Visitors to the exhibition complex can see a variety of snakes, spiders, lizards, monitor lizards, turtles, iguanas, parrots, owls and even crocodiles. Of particular interest is the giant flying fox with incredible sharp hooks instead of front paws. The “cutest” creature wraps itself in its own wings and hangs motionless upside down.

It is impossible to take your eyes off the white-eared marmoset, the African centipede and the talking toucan. The kingdom of unique exotic animals is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky

At the foot of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin stands the famous monument to Minin and Pozharsky. The monument is a reduced copy of the famous statue, located in Moscow on Red Square. The sculptural composition is dedicated to the true heroes of the Fatherland, who preserved the Russian statehood.

At the beginning of the 17th century, it was in Nizhny Novgorod that the militia began to form under the leadership of the Zemstvo headman K. Minin and Prince D. Pozharsky to oppose the Polish invaders. The people's squad played a central role in the expulsion from the territory of Russia of foreign occupiers, who by that time were already in charge in Moscow.

Dressed in antique attire, the bronze figures of the heroes-liberators are set on a red granite pedestal. Kuzma Minin with one hand decisively points in the direction of the enemy. Next to him sits Prince Pozharsky with a shield. Both hold hands to a massive sword. Thus, the idea of national unity is embodied. The Nizhny Novgorod monument to Minin and Pozharsky was opened in 2005.

Boat “Hero”

The ennobled territory of the Nizhnevolzhskaya embankment is a favorite vacation spot for citizens and guests of the city. There are many cultural heritage sites along it, among which the memorial boat “Hero” deserves attention. The legendary launch stands on a high granite pedestal at the foot of the longest staircase in Russia, called Chkalovskaya. A small river boat has been plying the Volga River since 1916.

During its long history, the boat took an active part in the Civil and Patriotic Wars. Machine guns and anti-aircraft guns were installed over its armored sides. The ship was also used to tow oil caravans. In 1967, the boat served as a floating museum of military glory of the Volga Flotilla. Now the veteran ship has been permanently moored and is a popular attraction of the city.

Blinovsky passage

The route of each guest of Nizhny Novgorod necessarily passes through Rozhdestvenskaya Street, the expressive appearance of which is given by the ancient architectural ensemble of the middle of the 19th century. Here merchants and industrialists built their mansions, banks and trading shops. One of the central decorations of the street is Blinovsky Passage.

The impressive four-story building belonged to the richest Nizhny Novgorod merchants, the Blinov brothers, and was intended for leasing premises to other businessmen in the city. It was a kind of shopping center. Inside there were commercial offices, shops, banks, restaurants, warehouses, residential apartments, as well as a hotel and a telegraph office.

The dark red façade of Blinovsky Passage, divided by five risalits, is richly decorated with architectural elements in the form of square recesses, ornamental brickwork, and carved window architraves with pediments. The first floor of the building is decorated with arches with columns. To date, the premises of Blinovsky Passage are also used by various offices, shops and restaurants.

Komsomolskaya Square

The geographical center of Nizhny Novgorod is Komsomolskaya Square. The first information about this territory is mentioned in chronicles from the 17th century. For a long time, there was a wasteland here, where residents from the surrounding settlements came for sand to make bricks. Modern Komsomolskaya Square arose after the opening of the new Molitovsky Bridge across the Oka River in 1965. Tourists will not find historical monuments of architecture on the square. There is a ring traffic of trams. A tall lighting pole is installed in the center.

Embankment Fedorovsky

On the hills, the slopes of which are slashed by a cascade of winding footpaths, one of the most picturesque places in Nizhny Novgorod, the Fedorovsky embankment, is equipped. A breathtaking panoramic view of the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers, ancient buildings, majestic temples, a grandiose football arena and other architectural sights of the city opens up from the high bank. A popular walking area among locals and tourists is named after the Soviet geologist Nikolai Fedorovsky.

The multi-level embankment consists of terraces, stairs, viewing platforms, bridges and numerous paths. Flower beds, tall trees, comfortable benches and green lawns on steep hills create a holistic pleasant impression of a picturesque place. On one of the observation platforms of the embankment, there is the only monument in Russia to the French writer Jules Verne.

The sculptural composition is a balloon, in the basket of which stands the author of world-famous adventure novels. Walking along the well-groomed alleys, tourists can see the bronze statue of the great writer and playwright Maxim Gorky. He sits thoughtfully with a cane and looks into the distance.

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist at the Market

An Orthodox white-stone church in the name of the Nativity of John the Baptist rises at the foot of the Kremlin hill on National Unity Square. The history of the cult shrine dates back to the 15th century. Initially, on the site of the modern cathedral there was a wooden temple, from the porch of which in 1612 Kuzma Minin called on the people of Nizhny Novgorod to start a liberation struggle against foreign invaders. The construction of the stone structure began decades later. Over the years, the temple has been rebuilt several times. In Soviet times, the church was closed. The building was dilapidated and was not used for its intended purpose.

The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist regained its original appearance only in 2005. An apse and a rectangular one-story chapel with a three-tier bell tower were attached to the main two-story building, which has a cube shape in plan. The buildings form a single architectural ensemble. The temple is crowned with a four-pitched roof of a green tint. Five gilded domes are mounted on drums decorated with openwork stone carvings. The facade of the church is decorated with kokoshniks, ornamented cornices and arched windows framed by graceful columns.

In the interior of the temple you can see a beautiful iconostasis with numerous gilded carved elements. The walls of spacious rooms are painted with biblical scenes from the life of saints.

Nativity (Stroganov) Church

The pearl of Rozhdestvenskaya Street in Nizhny Novgorod is truly the Stroganov Church, located on the right bank of the Volga River. An amazingly beautiful architectural landmark of federal significance attracts local parishioners and tourists with its magnificently elegant appearance. The temple was founded at the end of the 17th century at the expense of a merchant, politician and nobleman – Grigory Stroganov. During its long history, the religious building was destroyed several times, and then restored to its original appearance.

Due to its high artistic value, the temple survived during the anti-religious struggle of the Soviet authorities. The return of the Orthodox shrine to believers took place in the 90s of the XX century. The Stroganov Church has a complex, multifaceted expressive silhouette. It consists of a main quadrangle, a three-apse altar, a refectory and a bell tower with a clock. The red facade of the temple ensemble is richly decorated with intricate white stone lace, elements of skillful stucco molding, carved platbands on the windows and columns of the Corinthian order.

The surfaces of the five domes are covered with colorful scaly mosaics. The interiors of the temple amaze with their magnificence. The walls and ceilings are decorated with stucco and colorful frescoes. Of interest is the gilded four-tiered iconostasis. It is decorated with filigree carving, which is a motif of weaving a grapevine with clusters of fruits.

Alexander Nevsky New Fair Cathedral

At the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers, the majestic Alexander Nevsky Novoyarmarochny Cathedral rises. The slender Orthodox church with hipped domes is one of the three tallest churches in Russia. The building rushes up to 87 meters. The construction of the cathedral began on the initiative of Nizhny Novgorod merchants, who thus expressed their desire to perpetuate the arrival of Emperor Alexander II to the annual fair.

The long construction of a grandiose structure was completed only at the end of the 19th century. The cathedral was distinguished by the fact that its parishioners were merchants and guests of honor who came to the fair in Nizhny Novgorod. After the revolutionary events, the cathedral underwent many years of persecution, oblivion and destruction. The restoration and revival of the shrine began in 1983. The Alexander Nevsky Church is an equilateral cross in plan.

The octagonal tents are placed on light drums, framed by rows of kokoshniks. The beige facade of the church is decorated with cornices with ornamental stripes, lancet window openings and arcade belts. Near the temple, a four-meter bell weighing 60 tons is installed in a special design. The carved wooden iconostasis, which is 23 meters high, attracts attention in the interior decoration. The ceiling and wall colorful paintings of the images of saints evoke fertile feelings. In the interiors of the temple, you can see many ancient icons in a gilded frame.

Main Fair House

From time immemorial, Nizhny Novgorod has been the capital of wholesale and retail trade. Merchants from all over the Russian Empire came to the city for the largest fairs. The volume of trade was of great economic importance for the state. In the 19th century, a monumental fair complex was erected on the spit of the Oka and the Volga, which later became an architectural landmark of Nizhny Novgorod. The first floor was occupied by shops, and the second tier was intended to accommodate trade committees, bank, telegraph and post offices.

The elongated facade of the majestic Fair House embodies elements of ancient Russian architecture. This is evidenced by massive fortress towers with hipped roofs and an abundance of snow-white stone carvings. Expressiveness of the architectural creation is given by columns, decorative cornices, arches, kokoshniks and rectangular recesses. Today, the religious building is used for various exhibitions, forums and conferences.

Manor of the Rukavishnikovs

The luxurious three-story estate of the 19th century, located on the Verkhnevolzhskaya embankment not far from the Kremlin, captivates the eyes of tourists. This magnificent and solemn baroque palace belonged to the noble merchant family Rukavishnikov. After the revolution, a local history museum was opened in the building. Today the estate is a state historical and architectural museum-reserve.

The mansion of a delicate blue hue is replete with decorative elements. The facade of the building is generously decorated with snow-white exquisite stucco, balustrade, as well as flowerpots, caryatids, lions, atlantes, angels and other sculptural compositions. The interiors of the palace amaze with special pomposity. The walls and ceilings of the halls of the estate are lined with intricate openwork stucco, painted with picturesque relief frescoes and decorated with numerous sculptures.

Carved furniture, high mirrors, typesetting parquet and carved lamps correspond to the aristocratic surroundings of the estate premises. The merchant's house is open to visitors every day except Monday. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00 (Tuesday-Thursday) and from 12:00 to 19:00 (Friday-Sunday).

Park Switzerland

In the Prioksky district of Nizhny Novgorod, the Switzerland entertainment park stretches for four kilometers along the high bank of the Oka River. A favorite place for citizens for an exciting and relaxing holiday, it occupies an impressive area of over 300 hectares. The park was founded in 1903 by Nizhny Novgorod gymnasium students. Under the guidance of their teachers, students planted thousands of tree seedlings on the Oka slope: oak, aspen, birch, larch and pine. For several years, the territory began to literally drown in groves of various plants.

Switzerland Park is a picturesque green forest with well-maintained paths, attractions, cafeterias and a zoo. Here, everyone can take a walk in the bosom of nature and contemplate the panoramic surroundings of the city from a slope. About 80 animals live in the zoo, including bears, lions, bison, wolves, lynxes and other representatives of the fauna.