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Kostroma is one of the most unusual points of the Golden Ring. Each historical era has greatly changed its appearance, so now it is a city of contrasts with ancient monasteries, merchant mansions and Soviet buildings. In addition, there are many interesting museums and architectural monuments in the center and surrounding areas. What is worth visiting during your visit is in this post.
- Sights of Kostroma
- Neighborhood
- Museums
- Map
In the center
Shopping arcades
The shopping arcades are reminiscent of the former heyday of Kostroma as a center of merchants and trade in the 18th century. Walking under the arched vaults with dozens of benches, it is easy to imagine what the rows - or Gostiny Dvor - looked like at that time, because their appearance has remained virtually unchanged. Now Kostroma souvenirs, products of local farmers and artisans are sold here. There is a market inside during the daytime.
The complex is also interesting from an architectural point of view. The project considered the area of each merchant store and the arched entrance to them. A similar design of rows has been preserved in Uglich.
st. Red Rows, 1
Working hours: 10:00-19:00
Free admission
Church of the Savior in Rows
The dominant feature of Gostiny Dvor is the five-domed church of the 18th century in the pre-Petrine style. The temple fits harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of rows and complements the composition. During Soviet times, an anti-religious museum was located inside, and part of the bell tower was dismantled. Then the premises were used as a warehouse for a long time, and only in the 1990s was it returned to the Russian Orthodox Church and restored to its original appearance.
st. Red Rows, 1
Susaninskaya Square
All main streets diverge from the central square - Susaninskaya, named after Ivan Susanin, who was a Kostroma resident. There is a monument in his honor in the square.
The streets radiating from the square resemble a fan, and this layout makes it easy to navigate the center. On the main streets you will find many architectural monuments from different historical eras. At the same time, the square itself is rich in historical buildings.
Fire Tower
It is impossible not to notice the tallest building and symbol of Kostroma - the Fire Tower. Once upon a time, it delighted Nicholas I, who even regretted that there was no such tower in St. Petersburg. Until the beginning of the 21st century, it was used for its intended purpose, and now it is a museum-reserve with a historical exhibition. Similar projects can be found in other cities, for example, in Uglich.
Borschov's House
Also attracting attention is a large classical building - the Borschov House. It is difficult to imagine that such a monumental building was originally built as a residential estate. The emphasis is on the facade with an eight-column portico, which fits into the composition of Susaninskaya Square. In the 19th century, when Russian emperors and writers came to the city, they stayed there, including Zhukovsky.
Wiki/Commons
Guardhouse
The architectural ensemble of the Guardhouse Square is also completed in the style of late classicism. Previously, a guard was located here and until the beginning of the 20th century the building served its original purpose. Now it is occupied by a branch of the Kostroma Museum.
Central Park
The Kostroma Kremlin, which was once the architectural dominant of the historical center, has not survived to this day. Several churches burned down in a fire in the 18th century, and the rest were destroyed in 1934 as part of an anti-religious campaign. Now in its place is a park with a monument to Lenin and an observation deck.
Lenin monument
For the centenary of the House of Romanov, it was planned to erect a monument in his honor on the territory of the Kremlin. However, the revolution of 1917 happened, after which, of course, there could be no talk of any monument to the royal family. They decided to use the pedestal, which was already ready, for another purpose and erect a monument to Lenin on it. The discrepancy in proportions is noticeable even now - the pedestal and the monument obviously do not suit each other.
Now, from the other side, the panorama without the Kremlin seems incomplete, especially when comparing the current view with historical photographs. Work is currently underway to restore some churches of the former Kremlin, so part of the historical appearance will be recreated.
There is an observation deck in the park, which offers a beautiful view of the Volga and the embankment.
Working hours: 10:00-21:00
Free admission
Soviet street
Sovetskaya Street is the main street in the city; it runs through all the main areas from the bus station and railway station to Susaninskaya Square. Since the street crosses the entire Kostroma, it contains the most striking contrasts in the development. It preserves wooden residential houses, merchant mansions in the Art Nouveau style, ancient churches, and Soviet minimalist buildings.
Closer to the square there are good examples of Art Nouveau with characteristic expressive decor.
Also, most cafes and shops are concentrated on Sovetskaya Street.
Simanovsky Street
Another ray extending from Susaninskaya Square is Simanovsky Street. Perhaps this is one of the few places in Kostroma where the atmosphere of the ancient city has been preserved. There are no modern buildings on it, so it’s easy to imagine what it looked like several centuries ago.
Among the surviving monuments: Stozharov's house, Tretyakov's houses and other merchant mansions.
Second day
2 days in Kostroma is an opportunity not only to get acquainted with historical sights, but also to immerse yourself in the fabulous atmosphere of the city. Tourist sites associated with myths and Russian fairy tales are of interest not only to children, but also to adult travelers. Interactive activities are provided for tourists of different ages.
Berendeyevka Park Photo: © Eduard Skvortsov
The Snow Maiden's Tower
The residence of the granddaughter of Father Frost is located in Kostroma. The Snow Maiden's Tower is located at the end of an ancient street with wooden houses. The museum welcomes guests all year round - they are greeted by Snegurochka, Cat Bayun and Brownies. Visitors are treated to a traditional Russian loaf of bread and invited to the tower. In the house, guests will see a puppet show, communicate with Santa Claus through a magic mirror and view an exhibition with Christmas trees made of unusual materials.
The main attraction of the Snow Maiden's Tower is the Ice Room. This is a hall lined with real ice. The room is maintained at a constant temperature of -14 degrees. Before the visit, guests are given felt boots and zipuns. Inside the room, all objects are made of ice: dishes, furniture and other objects. Visitors are treated to drinks from ice-cold glasses: children are served fruit drink with melt water, and adults are served mead.
The Snow Maiden's Tower Photo: © mva011076
In addition to the museum tower, on the territory of the interactive exhibition center there are: a restaurant of authentic Russian cuisine, a playground with wooden elements, a souvenir shop with designer gifts, and signpost stones like in Russian fairy tales. The Snow Maiden's Tower welcomes guests every day; visiting the museum is only possible with a guided tour. Cost of the excursion: 250 rubles. for adults and 175 rub. for children. A visit to the Ice Room is paid separately: 320 rubles. for adults and 160 rub. for children.
Details: Interactive exhibition
The Snow Maiden is a symbol of Kostroma Photo: © Svet-lanka
Berendeyevka Park
The 90-hectare pine-birch park is located in the northern part of Kostroma, a 10-minute drive from the city center. In Soviet times, the place was legendary - the famous fairy tale film “The Snow Maiden” was filmed here. Then an amusement park, a hippodrome and VDNKh were built here, but over time, the recreation area fell into disrepair. Only the hippodrome remains in operation to this day. In 2011, with the opening of the park hotel, the area was improved and turned into a leisure center in nature.
now includes: a hotel complex with houses stylized as the same buildings from the film “The Snow Maiden”; 3 ponds with the opportunity to swim or rent a boat or catamaran; sports grounds; wakeboarding center; restaurant "Berendeyevka", operating since 1973.
The Terem Berendey Museum is of particular tourist interest . It is dedicated to the history and traditions of the fabulous people of the Berendeys, who, according to legend, lived on the territory of the Kostroma region. The exhibition halls display wooden sculptures depicting Slavic deities, as well as objects from the peasant life of Ancient Rus'. Guests are offered not only a tour of the exhibition halls, but also lunch in a stylized cafe, as well as a photo session in Russian folk costumes. Travelers with children can also visit the nearby Kostroma Zoo.
In detail: Berendeyevka Park and the Terem Berendey Museum
Berendeyevka Park Photo: © Eduard Skvortsov
River walk
Having explored Kostroma on your own in 2 days, it’s worth looking at the city from the water. During the summer navigation period (from May to October), the city offers boat trips along the Volga. There are several options for river trips.
The most budget option is regular flights to the settlements of Borshchi and Sady. The journey in both directions takes about 3 hours. In summer, flights operate twice a day - morning and afternoon, 5 times a week. In the autumn months - only on weekends. From Friday to Sunday, the port offers short tourist excursions along the Volga. The duration of the trip is 30 minutes. The schedule includes both daytime and evening flights. The tourist boat follows to the bridge connecting Ipatievskaya Sloboda with the city center. Along the way, tourists will see Ostrovsky's gazebo near the city embankment, a monument to Lenin, and the Ipatiev Monastery.
It is worth keeping in mind that there is no main River Station in Kostroma. Ships depart from different piers. The largest is landing stage No. 4, but tourist ships mainly depart from berth No. 2, located at the intersection of Pervo Maya, Tchaikovsky and Lesnaya streets.
Old pier in Kostroma Photo: © Eduard Skvortsov
Wooden architecture
To see the amazing carved decor and platbands of wooden houses, be sure to take a walk along Shagova, Sennaya and Engels streets. Over time, architectural monuments and wooden decor are becoming more unique and rare, so wherever this heritage has been preserved, you should try to visit such neighborhoods.
In addition to wooden houses, Kostroma has many red brick buildings from the early 20th century. The outskirts are built up with Soviet panel houses and new high-rise buildings.
How to get there
Moscow — Kostroma
It takes a long time to travel by bus from Moscow to Kostroma: 6 hours. But there are quite a lot of flights, so maybe this option will suit someone: the schedule is here
True, the train will not help you much in terms of time: it’s also a six-hour drive, the schedule is different .
Ivanovo — Kostroma
Kostroma is located within the route of the classic golden ring between Ivanovo and Yaroslavl. So there are buses to both these cities. You can get from Ivanovo to Kostroma in 2.5 hours. Schedule here
Yaroslavl — Kostroma
The road from Yaroslavl to Kostroma by bus will take less than two hours. Schedule here
Neighborhood
Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery
Not far from the center there is an ancient monastery, very important from a historical point of view. Firstly, once upon a time it was within its walls that the Ipatiev Chronicle was found - one of the oldest documents and sources of information about ancient Rus'.
Secondly, the Ipatiev Monastery was captured by False Dmitry II and even turned into a real armed fortress.
Thirdly, it was here that the Time of Troubles was put to an end, through a ritual for the reign of Mikhail Romanov. Due to this, it is considered an important place in the history of the Romanov dynasty. Museum exhibitions located in the monastery premises will tell you more about the history.
Photo from Wikipedia.
st. Prosveshcheniya, 1
Time: 09:00-17:30
Entrance: 150 rub.
Kostroma Sloboda
Near the monastery there is another interesting point - the Ethnographic Village, which recreates peasant life and stores important household items of that time. The museum-reserve also stores important architectural monuments transported here from territories flooded during the creation of the Gorky Reservoir.
Znamensky Monastery
While other Kostroma monasteries are popular among tourists, the Znamensky Monastery rarely makes it onto tourist routes. That is why it is worth coming here for the real atmosphere of monastic life, peace and quiet. It is surprising that the monastery was founded relatively recently and unites two ancient churches - the Resurrection of Christ and Znamenskaya.
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ on Debra deserves special attention. The five-domed composition is surrounded by galleries with hipped porches, and next to it is the Holy Gate with two expressive arches and rich decoration. Previously, the facade was decorated with bright paintings and decorative details, but, unfortunately, all of them have not been preserved.
Wiki/Commons
st. Nizhnyaya Debra, 37
Time: 08:00-17:00
Free admission
Elk farm
The Sumarokovskaya farm is a rare place with domesticated moose, which you can feed and take pictures with. You will have to get to the farm yourself by car or with a tour.
village Sumarokovo
Time: 10:00-15:00
Entrance: 100-150 rub.
Nearby cities
In the neighborhood of Kostroma there are many interesting places where you can go for one day: Yaroslavl, Ivanovo, Bui. In addition, the region has many ancient towns with a rich history, for example, Nerekhta and Krasnoe-on-Volge.
The most famous monuments and memorials
Historical monuments, monuments to famous people, sculptures decorating the streets and squares of the city.
Monument to Ivan Susanin
The first monument to Susanin was erected about a century and a half ago. However, the Soviet authorities did not like the kneeling pose of the peasant in front of the Tsar and the monument was dismantled and later destroyed. A new monument to the national hero was erected only in 1967. This is the image of a strong, tall man, with a beard, a staff and long clothes. The monument is located on Molochnaya Mountain, facing the Volga.
Monument to Yuri Dolgoruky
The monument to the Grand Duke is located in the city center. It was installed on the site of a memorial stone with a capsule of soil from the prince’s grave in the Kiev-Pechora Lavra. The height of the monument is 4.5 meters, weight – more than 4 tons. The sculpture depicts the prince sitting on a wide bench and extending his hand towards the Volga and the Trading Rows, as if showing where the city should be founded. The sculptor is V. M. Tserkovnikov.
Sculpture of the Snow Maiden
Installed in 2015 next to the city hall. The author of the project, sculptor Eremin, depicted in bronze a young girl in a fur coat and with a crown on her head. The Snow Maiden has a long braid thrown over her shoulder, and she is surrounded by forest birds and animals. It is believed that touching the bird on the Snow Maiden's hand or the girl's nose will bring good luck. The height of the figure together with the pedestal is 1.5 meters. Father Frost was present at the opening of the monument.
Monument to V.I. Lenin
The monument to the political figure is installed on a pedestal that looks more like a crypt or tomb. In 1913, it was planned that a monument with 26 historical figures would be erected on it in honor of the 300th anniversary of the reign of the Romanov dynasty. However, during the revolution, the finished, but not yet installed, bronze figures of the royal family were sent for melting down, and a monument to Lenin was erected on the pedestal.
Monument of Glory
The monument to Soviet soldiers was erected on Peace Square in 1972, on the day of the Victory celebration. It depicts a young warrior rescuing a teenage boy. The sculptors of the monument are Levitskaya and Baburin, the architect is Kutyrev. Every year on May 9, ceremonial rallies and parades are held at the Monument of Glory, war veterans and city residents gather to lay flowers and honor the memory of fallen soldiers.
Memorial "Eternal Flame"
Located on Mira Avenue. The basis of the memorial complex is represented by several high pylons made of white marble, against the background of which a sculpture of the Motherland laying a wreath and a soldier are installed on a pedestal. At the foot of the pedestal there is a bronze star, in the center of which the Eternal Flame burns. The names of the soldiers buried in the mass grave are engraved on granite slabs. There is a chapel nearby.
Museums
Historical
The exhibition is located on the first floor of the Fire Tower on Susaninskaya Square. The museum will introduce you to the history of the city and region.
Wooden architecture
It is located not far from the Ipatiev Monastery and consists of unique centuries-old wooden buildings. In addition to the exterior wooden decor, the buildings and churches have restored historical interiors and furniture.
Wiki/Commons
st. Prosveshcheniya, 1B
Time: 09:00-17:00
Entrance: 100-150 rub.
Flax and birch bark
The exhibition will tell about the ancient origins of the use of flax and birch bark, the cultural traditions of the region and the country as a whole associated with these materials.
st. Tereshkova, 38
Time: 09:30-17:00
Entrance: 50-100 rub.
Nature of the Kostroma region
The museum's dioramas will show the diversity of nature and animals. Reconstruction of scenes from the animal world and a petting zoo will be of interest to both adults and children.
st. Milk Mountain, 3
Time: 10:00-18:00
Entrance: 80-120 rub.
Where to stay
Kostroma has quite a large selection of accommodation, including budget hostels, good hotels, and private apartments. It is better to choose housing in the center, since the difference in price will be small and you will not have to waste time on the road.
It’s easier to choose the right option in the Hotellook aggregator, since the prices of all popular search engines, including Booking, are immediately presented there.
Private housing, including apartments and houses in the region, is more convenient on Sutochno.ru in Kostroma
Excursions
The sights of Kostroma that local guides recommend to see in 2 days often differ from the top lists. Kostroma guides show tourists unusual places in the city; They tell interesting facts that cannot be read in guidebooks. A guided tour of Kostroma can be either a sightseeing or a thematic one. Travelers with young children often choose “fairytale” programs. Schoolchildren will benefit from excursions with a historical twist. There are also special excursion programs for pilgrims.
Excursions around Kostroma on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru
Borschov's House Photo: © Igor Butyrskii
