Top 15 attractions of Vyshny Volochyok, Russia

Vyshny Volochek received the city status under Catherine the Great in 1770, although it was first mentioned in the 15th century. The city is located on an artificially created waterway, the oldest in Russia. Three centuries ago, it connected the Caspian Sea with the Baltic Sea and served as an alternative to the land route between the Tvertsa and Tsna rivers, along which ships were dragged earlier. The system of water channels is undoubtedly the main decoration of the city, which is sometimes even called the Russian or Tver Venice.

The historical part of Vyshny Volochyok has been well preserved. Its sights include the Epiphany Cathedral of 1814, the Kazan Monastery of 1881, the Travel Palace of 1779, the Trade Rows, the Magistrate's building and other buildings. Vyshny Volochek is also famous for its ancient art crafts, which are introduced to museums of Russian felt boots and glass.

What to see and where to go in Vyshny Volochek?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Vyshnevolotsk water system

The first navigable canal was built under Peter I by the Dutch. He connected the Tsna River, which belongs to the Baltic basin, and the Tvertsa, which carries its waters to the Caspian. Subsequently, a large-scale hydraulic system was created according to the project of self-taught engineer M. Serdyukov. It included several canals, dams, locks, and a reservoir. The construction eliminated the need to drag ships overland. The surviving objects are the Tsninsky, Tveretsky and Obvodny canals, the Tsninsky beyshlot and others.

Drama Theater

Located in a beautiful historic terracotta building with white architectural elements. It originates from the organization of a drama circle in 1896. The current repertoire consists of several dozen classical performances. The auditorium is chamber, designed for 286 seats. The theater hosts various festivals. The building houses a museum that stores collections of theatrical costumes, scenery, archival photographs and posters.

Museum of Local Lore

. Permanent exhibitions are dedicated to the nature of the region, archaeological finds, peasant life and art crafts, the history of the creation of the water system, and the participation of local residents in the Great Patriotic War. Also in the museum there is an art gallery, which presents paintings by painters painted at the Academic Dacha.

Museum of glass factory "Red May"

The fame of the local glass factory was brought by the Kremlin stars and lamps for the Moscow metro made on its basis. The production is currently stopped. Unlike the museum, which was established at the plant in 1968 and continues to receive visitors. His collection, one of the richest in Russia, includes 4,000 items made since 1870. Among them are mass products and unique author's works made of crystal and multi-colored glass.

Museum "Russian felt boots"

Since 1992, the only factory in the country for the production of felt boots has been operating in the city. She opened an interesting museum. Its most unique exhibit is a 2-meter king-boot. Its size is 201st, weight is 52 kg. There are also ancient devices for felting wool, felted paintings, toys, souvenirs, wooden sculptures and, of course, felt boots of various shapes, colors and sizes. There is a small shop on the territory of the museum.

Kazan Monastery

The date of creation is 1881. The monastic architectural ensemble was formed by the beginning of the 20th century and contains several remarkable buildings. The majestic Kazan Cathedral, with 13 domes and rich decor, is one of the most beautiful in Russia. The 5-domed Andronikovsky Cathedral and the tallest building with a white and pink facade, the church with the bell tower of St. Ephraim the Syrian and Neonila, have been perfectly preserved. Now the monastery is active, female, visiting is possible on weekends and holidays.

Cathedral of the Epiphany

The construction of the main Orthodox church in Vyshny Volochok dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was erected in an unusual architectural style of the Empire on the banks of the Tsna River, in the middle of a small island. In the 1860s, most of the building was rebuilt in the pseudo-Russian style. After the revolution, the temple was inactive, but was not destroyed. Opened in 1945. The main treasures are icons of the 17th-18th centuries and academic wall paintings of the century before last. The church choir of the cathedral is the best in the region.

Monument to Catherine II

In 2007, it was installed in the city center, near the building of the Drama Theatre. The author of the project is the sculptor Y. Zlotya. The monument is 2.8 meters high and weighs 1.7 tons. The Empress sits majestically on the throne, with a scepter and a wreath in her hands. The latter symbolizes the royal decree of 1770 on granting Vyshny Volochok city status. Two years later, Catherine approved the coat of arms with a loaded boat floating on the water and the imperial crown depicted at the top, meaning Her Majesty's patronage.

Monument to A. G. Venetsianov

Installed in the very center of the city, on the territory of Venetsianovsky Square. The authors of the project are Komov O. and Komova N. The opening took place in 1980. An excellent portrait painter and master of rural landscape, the founder of everyday painting A. Venetsianov lived for some time in the vicinity of Vyshny Volochok. A touching sculptural composition depicts an artist standing at an easel with a palette in his hands, and a peasant woman with a baby posing for him.

Monument to Peter I and Mikhail Serdyukov

It was created in 2006 and decorates the square opposite the railway station. The author is the sculptor and artist Y. Zlotya. It is an expressive sculptural composition 2.5 meters high, mounted on a small granite pedestal. It depicts hydraulic engineer M. Serdyukov, standing in front of Peter I with a project for the future hydraulic system of Vyshny Volochok. This project was approved by the king, as a result of which canals, locks, dams, and a reservoir appeared in the city.

Trading rows

Two buildings of commercial premises were built in the center of the city in the middle of the 19th century, mainly for annual fairs. Especially brisk trade was conducted in the summer, after the arrival of ships with goods. Local merchants offered dishes, linen, tobacco, furs, honey, fish, etc. Today, the malls are a cultural heritage site. Only one of the buildings has been restored and is used for its intended purpose. The second is in a dilapidated state.

Dacha Ryabushinsky

Located on the outskirts of the city. It was built at the beginning of the last century. A classic example of a merchant's mansion, made in the Art Nouveau style, with carved decor. In addition to the master's house, an outbuilding, part of the outbuildings and old trees have been preserved. Miraculously, the interior of the premises survived. Recently, due to the state of disrepair, the house was under threat of demolition. But local historians defended the building, they plan to recognize it as a historical monument and turn it into a museum.

Magistrate's building

Two identical brick buildings in the classical style were erected on the city embankment in the second half of the 18th century, at a short distance from each other. Subsequently, already in the middle of the 19th century, another house was built between them with a pillar-shaped fire tower. Its facade was made in the style of previous buildings. And the high tower became the center of a single architectural composition. The original layout of the entire building has been preserved. Today it houses a library.

Academic dacha named after I. E. Repin

It was built in 1884 on the banks of the lake and the Msta River. One of the most famous creative bases of Russian artists. Repin, Serov, Roerich, Kuindzhi, Levitan often visited here. In 1964, the name of I. Repin was given and a monument was erected to him. At the end of the last century, modern workshops, an exhibition hall, a library, and a cinema hall were created for artists. In the summer, creative meetings are held here with the participation of famous writers, artists, artists. Museum organized.

Vyshnevolotsk reservoir

. Part of the water system. It was created to maintain a navigable level in it, in accordance with the project of M. Serdyukov. In 1951, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. Today it is used for water supply of settlements, energy, water transport, and fishing. On the banks are the villages of Kasharovo, Ermakovo, Rvenitsa, Krasnomaisky and others.