On the banks of the Volga stands the city of Kimry, whose history began in the 16th century. For a long time it was considered the "shoe's edge." Cheap cattle were transported along the river past the town, which were bought for making shoes. During the reign of Peter I, the best shoemakers worked here. They made shoes for the Russian army. Thanks to the shoemaking industry, the city became rich, and the population began to lead a free lifestyle. It was at that moment that the phrase “drunk as a cobbler” appeared.
In 1915-1917 Kimry became a city. It had its own railway and a large shoe factory.
The name “Kimry” is an unusual word for Russian ears. The Chimera are ancient Celtic tribes. But they lived in the mountains of Wales and had never been to the Volga region. At the same time, there is a version that the Merya tribe lived on the site of the city of Kimry. These are Finno-Ugric tribes that came from the Trans-Urals and settled between the Oka and Volga rivers. And in the Celtic language, Merya and Cymry are the same word.
There are many interesting places around the city in the guide to the Tver region.
For ease of route planning, we have marked all the mentioned attractions on the city map:
What to see and where to go in Kimry and the surrounding area
On the banks of the Volga stands the city of Kimry, whose history began in the 16th century. For a long time it was considered the "shoe's edge." Cheap cattle were transported along the river past the town, which were bought for making shoes.
During the reign of Peter I, the best shoemakers worked here. They made shoes for the Russian army. Thanks to the shoemaking industry, the city became rich, and the population began to lead a free lifestyle.
It was at that moment that the phrase “drunk as a cobbler” appeared.
In 1915-1917 Kimry became a city. It had its own railway and a large shoe factory.
The name “Kimry” is an unusual word for Russian ears. The Chimera are ancient Celtic tribes. But they lived in the mountains of Wales and had never been to the Volga region. At the same time, there is a version that the Merya tribe lived on the site of the city of Kimry. These are Finno-Ugric tribes that came from the Trans-Urals and settled between the Oka and Volga rivers. And in the Celtic language, Merya and Cymry are the same word.
There are many interesting places around the city in the guide to the Tver region.
For ease of route planning, we have marked all the mentioned attractions on the city map:
Kimry Local Lore Museum
Address: st. Kirova, 13/18 Phone: +7 (48236) 31267 Website: https://muzeykimry.ru Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Wed-Sat, 10:00 – 17.
00 Sun, Mon, Tue – closed Cost: students and pensioners – 50 rubles, adults – 100 rubles.
The museum has a permanent exhibition, which presents objects of everyday life and life of people since ancient times.
The originals of the 16th-18th centuries are of particular value.
Visitors can see the restored interiors of a peasant's room, an Art Nouveau living room and interiors from the 30s to the 70s of the 20th century.
The museum has been running the multimedia exhibition “Capital of the Shoe Kingdom” since 2022. Visitors will interactively see the appearance of the streets, houses and life of the Kimryans of the 19th-20th centuries.
Kimry Drama Theater
Address: Teatralnaya Square, 2 Phone: +7 (48236) 31760 Website: teatr-kimry.
ru Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 Mon-Fri Ticket prices: ground floor – 300 rubles, balcony – 370 rubles
The theater began its work in the summer of 1942.
Throughout the war, the theater hosted 2-3 performances a day. In the morning, the theater troupe performed in hospitals, and in the evening ordinary residents came.
The theater actively developed when it was directed by A. M. Giatsintov. The troupe toured to Moscow and St. Petersburg, famous actors played in the performances, and after the war the theater received a certificate from I.V. Stalin.
But in the 70s, the theater was closed for reconstruction and opened on October 26, 1991.
Today, not only plays are staged in the theater. Before the performance, the audience will enjoy a performance by musician V.V. Borisov. New Year's performances for children are held annually, and the repertoire is supplemented by premieres.
District House of Crafts and Folklore
Address: st. Kirova, 19 Phone: +7 (48236) 31309 Website: https://kimrymaster.ru Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, 10.00-16.
00 Sat, Sun Cost: 50 rubles
The craft school is located in an old building. Here in the 19th century lived the wealthy family of the peasant woman Shkvarina. She and her sons were engaged in trading and ran a farm.
Since then, the house has remained unchanged and has not required major reconstruction.
The school began operating in 1995-97. It immediately began offering classes in hand embroidery, wood carving and leather working. All classes were aimed at students learning the folk crafts of the region.
The school has a folk costume laboratory. Traditional outfits that are used for performances by folk groups and performers are recreated here. At the museum, you can pre-book a group excursion, which will tell you the history of folk costume and conduct a master class on making a doll.
Monument to the shoemaker
The monument to the shoemaker was opened in September 2014 on the initiative of local residents. It was Kimry that was famous for its shoemakers since the 17th century.
To create the monument, a charitable foundation was opened under the leadership of A. Andreev and V. Sukovatitsyn. Over the course of 2.5 years, the fund collected the necessary funds from entrepreneurs, enterprises and donations from individuals.
Samvel Sardanyan, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia, worked on the creation of the monument.
It is believed that this is the only monument to a shoemaker in Russia.
Monument to the TU-124 aircraft
Address: street 50 let VLKSM
Kimry is the birthplace of A.N. Tupolev. He was an outstanding engineer in the field of aircraft construction. Thanks to him, more than 100 types of civil and military aircraft were developed. His inventions are a model of domestic aviation for many foreign engineering bureaus.
The TU-124 aircraft stands on the opposite bank of the Volga, not far from the aircraft plant. In 1984, it was donated by the design bureau of A. N. Tupolev to residents of the city of Kimry.
The plane flew to the city on its own, and from the Borki airfield it was towed to the bridge over the Volga.
In the first years it was a popular monument among local residents. They took pictures here and held meetings. But in the 90s, the plane was damaged by vandals.
The administration is currently working to restore the appearance of the aircraft.
Fadeev embankment
Fadeev Street is the oldest street in the city of Kimry. Before the revolution it was called Embankment. Since the 60s, it began to be called Fadeev Embankment in honor of the author of the book “Young Guard”.
It is better to start a walk along the embankment from the first building, which housed the Chaika Hotel. The house was built in the mid-19th century and belonged to the Chernigovsky family. They founded a hotel in their house and developed the fire service in the city. During Soviet times, the hotel became state-owned.
Previously, there was a wooden house behind the hotel. The merchant M.I. Ponomarev, the doctor I.I. Ponomarev and their sister O.I. Ponomareva lived in it. During the years of his life, the doctor Ivan Ivanovich Ponomarev cured many residents of the city of Kimry.
He conducted his medical practice only at home and did not leave it. But the family faced a sad ending. None of them had children, so with the death of their brothers and sister, the clan ceased to exist.
The house was dismantled in the late 70s of the last century.
House No. 4 belonged to wealthy merchants Shkvarins. The brothers owned a steamship with barges and traded on it along the Volga. The house had a platform from which the brothers could watch musicians’ concerts on the embankment. But with the advent of Soviet power, the brothers’ trade stopped, a hospital was set up in the house, and then a police detachment.
In house No. 6, the merchant Rybkin lived on the first floor, and the second floor was rented by an agent of a shipping company. The famous writer Saltykov-Shchedrin visited the hosts. But there is no reliable information about his residence in the city of Kimry.
House 39 has been preserved, which is now on the corner with Lenin Street. It belonged to tanner V. M. Kryukov. Under Soviet rule, communal apartments were built in the house.
In house No. 11, the Falchevsky family lived on the first floor, and actress A. M. Zaitseva lived on the second floor.
Historical buildings after crossing the embankment with Radishchev Street have not been preserved.
Temple of the Ascension
Address: Kalyaevsky lane, 2 Phone: +7 (48236) 31753 Website: vozneseniekimry.
ru Opening hours: 09:00-14:00 Mon-Thu, 09:00-19:00 Fri-Sun, 14:00-16:00 break
The bell tower of the temple is visible from almost anywhere in the city.
It was built in 1813 to replace two burnt wooden churches. Since then, it has undergone alterations, but has retained its general appearance.
The temple was erected at the expense of parishioners and merchants the Bashilovs. Thanks to the merchants, the refectory in the temple was later expanded, decorations were added, an iconostasis was installed, and the bell tower was reconstructed. After their death, the brothers bequeathed funds for the maintenance of the temple.
For a long time, a document from the 17th century was kept in the temple. It was signed by Tsars Ivan and Peter and issued to the boyar Saltykov. But at the beginning of this century the letter was transferred to the Tver museums.
In addition to the diploma, the church kept a silver cross of Countess Samoilova, an icon of Dmitry of Solon, an image of the Savior and the Sign of the Mother of God.
During the Soviet government, the temple was seized and used as a warehouse for Kimrotorg. The status of the temple was returned only in the early 90s.
Transfiguration Cathedral
Address: st. Uritskogo, 65 Phone: +7 (48236) 31970 Website: kimry-sobor.ru Opening hours: 08:00-12:00 Mon-Fri, 07:30-19:00 Sat-Sun
Construction of the temple began in 1902 and was completed in 1911.
During this period, they did not have time to build a stone bell tower, and after the revolution, the Soviet authorities forbade its completion. In 1927, a document was signed on the closure of the temple. But on the first attempt, the authorities failed to describe the property. On the day of closure, parishioners surrounded the church and did not let officials in.
They turned to the police for help. After the arrest of the instigators, the temple was described and closed.
At first, the building was used to house artisans, but then they began to store grain there.
During the Great Patriotic War, the church made a tangible contribution to the victory, which allowed parishioners to visit it after the victory over the Nazis.
Zoocircus Kolkunovo
Address: Kimry district, Pleshkovo village Telephone: +7 (495) 7369486; +7 (916) 7369449 Website: kolkunovo.
ru Opening hours: around the clock How to get there: from the city of Kimry, move 17 km towards the village of Pleshkovo. The complex is located at the exit of the village.
On the territory of the Kolkunovo complex there is a petting zoo with horses, ponies and other animals.
Adults can enjoy water sports, visit the sauna, and go fishing.
There are several houses available for accommodation with a capacity ranging from 2 people to 10.
UFO Park
Address: Pleshkovo village, Leninsky pr., no.
72/2 Phone: +7 (495) 7369486 Opening hours: around the clock Cost: 550 rubles – complex ticket; 250 rubles – for children over 3 years old How to get there: from the city of Kimry, move 13 km towards the village of Pleshkovo
A large amusement park opened in the suburbs of Kimry in 2014. The territory has a variety of children's attractions, playgrounds, a rope park for adults and children, a swimming pool, and a zoo.
The zoo features domestic and exotic animals. The park occupies a large area, so many animals live in the forest in comfortable conditions.
The park is located on the shore of a pond where you can go fishing or swim on a catamaran.
You can relax after a walk in small cafes, which are evenly distributed throughout the complex.
Museum of reptiles
Address: Volzhsky village, st. Vostochnaya, 4A Phone: +7 (48236) 79348 Website: muzey.gadovo.
ru Working hours: 08:00-16:00 Tue-Fri, 11:00-16:00 Sat, Sun, Mon – closed How to get there: drive 30 km from the city of Kimry along the Kimry – Bely Gorodok highway
Volzhsky was formerly called Gadovo. According to one legend, this village is the birthplace of the fairy tale hero Zmey Gorynych.
According to another version, there were always a large number of snakes in this village. But due to the dissonant name, in the 60s Gadovo was renamed Volzhsky.
Now the museum exhibits snakes made from a variety of materials. It is best to visit it with children. Various events are organized for them, they are told about the history of the region, about snakes and how to behave.
There is a Russian-style cafe in the museum building.
Church of Our Lady of Jerusalem
Address: Bely Gorodok village Phone: +7 (48236) 3-92-98 Website: hram-belogorodok.ru How to get there: follow the Kimry – Bely Gorodok highway 20 km
The history of the church is closely connected with the icon of the Mother of God of Jerusalem. According to legend, the miraculous icon was painted by the Evangelist Luke. The icon was kept near the right choir.
After the revolution, the temple was closed. In the 90s, a religious community was formed, which achieved the opening of the temple and the restoration of the church.
Churches and Temples
Temple of the Ascension
Address: Kalyaevsky lane, 2 Phone: +7 (48236) 31753 Website: vozneseniekimry.ru Opening hours: 09:00-14:00 Mon-Thu, 09:00-19:00 Fri-Sun, 14:00 - 16:00 break
The bell tower of the temple is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It was built in 1813 to replace two burnt wooden churches. Since then, it has undergone alterations, but has retained its general appearance.
The temple was erected at the expense of parishioners and merchants the Bashilovs. Thanks to the merchants, the refectory in the temple was later expanded, decorations were added, an iconostasis was installed, and the bell tower was reconstructed. After their death, the brothers bequeathed funds for the maintenance of the temple.
For a long time, a document from the 17th century was kept in the temple. It was signed by Tsars Ivan and Peter and issued to the boyar Saltykov. But at the beginning of this century the letter was transferred to the Tver museums.
In addition to the diploma, the church kept a silver cross of Countess Samoilova, an icon of Dmitry of Solon, an image of the Savior and the Sign of the Mother of God.
During the Soviet government, the temple was seized and used as a warehouse for Kimrotorg. The status of the temple was returned only in the early 90s.
Transfiguration Cathedral
Address: st. Uritskogo, 65 Phone: +7 (48236) 31970 Website: kimry-sobor.ru Opening hours: 08:00-12:00 Mon-Fri, 07:30-19:00 Sat-Sun
Construction of the temple began in 1902 and was completed in 1911. During this period, they did not have time to build the stone bell tower, and after the revolution, the Soviet authorities forbade its completion. In 1927, a document was signed on the closure of the temple. But on the first attempt, the authorities failed to describe the property. On the day of closure, parishioners surrounded the church and did not let officials in. They turned to the police for help. After the arrest of the instigators, the temple was described and closed.
At first, the building was used to house artisans, but then they began to store grain there.
During the Great Patriotic War, the church made a tangible contribution to the victory, which allowed parishioners to visit it after the victory over the Nazis.
What to see in the city of Kimry in one day: main attractions
It is located in a building built in 1918. The creators of the museum tried to recreate in its premises examples of the life and traditions of the city’s inhabitants, covering a period of several centuries. The exhibitions present a variety of collections of furniture and clothing.
There are informative stands covering shoe production. A large collection of shoe samples shows how their style and fashion have changed over almost four centuries.
In the museum you will also see materials dedicated to the Second World War. Unique photographs, documents, and uniforms of Red Army soldiers are presented here. There are also rooms here that tell about the fauna and flora of the area where the ancient Russian town is located.
House-Museum of Crafts and Folklore
In the mansion, which once belonged to the Shkvarin family of merchants, there is another unique attraction of Kimry. Essentially this is a house museum.
In guidebooks to Kimry it is designated as the District House of Crafts and Folklore.
The rooms contain a huge collection of various items, including furniture, utensils, household items and other property that was used by local peasants.
On display for visitors is a decent collection of folk costumes from different periods of Russian history, as well as dolls intended for various ritual traditions.
Visitors to the house-museum have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a number of ancient crafts. Here you can try to become masters of wicker weaving, embroidery, painting and wood carving, and even sew your favorite toys yourself. There is also a souvenir shop at the attraction, where you can buy interesting handicrafts for yourself and your loved ones.
General information
Currently, there are several dozen large and small enterprises in Kimry. Among them, the Savelovsky Machine Tool Plant stands out - a large enterprise producing high-tech and knowledge-intensive machine tools. There are enterprises in metalworking, woodworking, high-tech instrument making, clothing and footwear industries.
In 2013, a project was launched in the Tver region - “Preservation and use of cultural heritage in Russia”. As part of this project, they decided to implement the “Capital of the Shoe Kingdom” program in Kimry. A festival of historical reconstruction is held annually in Kimry
"Epic Coast". The purpose of the festival is to highlight the culture and traditions of the ancient Russian state and reproduce various historical events.
The name of the ancient city of Kimry is on everyone’s lips. The city has a glorious historical past and a large number of architectural and historical monuments. But in general, the city still has the fate of most small provincial ancient towns. It’s not enough to just talk about “grey-haired antiquity” - you need to invest money to preserve it and do it systematically, from year to year. Alas, the city authorities have not succeeded in this yet. Many unique ancient objects are in deplorable condition. But Kimry can become such a finger-licking tourist candy!
People's Encyclopedia
- Address - per. Voznesensky, 1.
In the city there is a remarkable Church of the Ascension of the Lord, which is also called the Ascension Church.
This current parish belongs to the Tver and Kashira diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. The religious building was erected in 1813 on the site of a wooden church. Its consecration is dedicated to the victory of Russian troops in the Patriotic War of 1812.
Parishioners collected funds for the foundation of the stone structure.
After the October Revolution of 1917, the church was confiscated from believers. However, services there continued until 1930. It was finally closed in 1941, placing an oil mill here. Subsequently, various storage facilities moved into the premises.
