One of the largest number of attractions dedicated to the times of the Great Patriotic War in the Tver region is the city of Rzhev . The entire history of this city is connected with constant battles and struggle for its existence. This fate was due to the extremely favorable geographical location of Rzhev. The first city along the Volga River, Rzhev was first mentioned in historical chronicles of the 11th century. The advantageous location of the city caused its rapid development and at the same time made it a tasty morsel for the rulers of all the surrounding lands. For centuries, the struggle between nearby principalities for this fortress city did not subside. In the 14th century, Rzhev was part of Lithuania for some time.
By the 18th century, Rzhev became one of the first largest commercial and industrial centers of the empire. More than 25 factories and manufacturing industries operated here, and large fairs were regularly held, which attracted traders from all over the region. During the War 1812 , residents of Rzhev actively fought against French troops. According to legend, one of the Rzhevites, intelligence officer A.N. Selivanov, even almost fell into captivity of Napoleon himself.
The years of the Great Patriotic War became a tragic page in the history of Rzhev. During the 17-month occupation of the city, it was destroyed almost to the ground, and out of 56 thousand local residents, less than five hundred remained alive. The Battle of Rzhev, which lasted more than a year, became one of the bloodiest in human history - according to various estimates, from one and a half to two and a half million people died in the vicinity of Rzhev!
In the post-war period, the city was literally raised from the ruins. In 2007, Rzhev was given the status of “city of military glory” - in honor of the defenders of the Motherland who laid down their lives for their country.
Rzhev Museum of Local Lore
The local history museum of the city of Rzhev is one of the main local attractions, which should definitely be visited by all guests of this glorious city. The creation of the museum dates back to 1916 , when a natural history exhibition opened in Rzhev. A year later, another direction appeared in the museum - historical and archaeological. The exhibition of this direction included objects from the collection of the Moscow archaeologist M. S. Vorobyov . Later, the collection of the Rzhev Museum was supplemented by another scientist - P. F. Simson , who was the director of the local gymnasium and devoted a lot of time to studying the history of Rzhev. The museum's storerooms were also replenished with items transferred from local noble estates. By 1923, the museum’s exhibition numbered more than four thousand exhibits.
After the start of the Great Patriotic War, despite the proximity of the fighting front, the museum’s collection was never removed from the city. On October 14, 1941, the city was captured by the Nazis. The occupation lasted about 14 months. During this time, the most valuable exhibits of the museum were taken to Berlin, and the museum building itself was burned. After the end of the war, an attempt was made to assess the damage caused to the museum collection, but it did not yield results. The museum's pre-war collection is considered almost completely lost.
In 1959, the Rzhev Museum of Local Lore resumed its work. It was placed in the premises of the Okovets Church. In 1980, the museum moved to the house of the Nemilov merchants.
Today, the museum's collection includes more than 9 thousand exhibits related to the history of Rzhev and the Tver region.
Modern objects interesting to visit
For those who want to relax and spend the weekend profitably, below is a list of places that a modern person can visit:
- Entertaining , it has an interesting history; many people, when they see the building, cannot even think that a couple of years ago it was being prepared for demolition, but was bought and restored.
- GoodZoone, the only representative of bars in the city, is distinguished by the presence of several zones: a dance floor, a karaoke bar, a bar and cozy places to relax.
Temples
The Ascension Cathedral in Rzhev is one of the few churches in the city that were restored after the Great Patriotic War. Erected in 1855 , the cathedral was a stone structure with one altar inside, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. The Church of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God was also located nearby. After the arrival of Soviet power, the cathedral was closed. During the fascist occupation, the temple, like most of the city's buildings, was destroyed almost to the ground. The restoration of the cathedral began only in 1985, after lengthy negotiations between the clergy and the authorities. At first, a small temporary church was built next to the former cathedral. At the same time, work began on the restoration of the cathedral. The revival of the Ascension Cathedral lasted a little more than a year, and already on December 19, 1986, on the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the first church service was held there.
The Church of the Okovets Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most ancient churches in the city. Its existence is confirmed by documents dating back to 1678 . Then it was a small wooden temple. Later, in the first half of the 18th century, the wooden temple was replaced by a stone one. The new church was consecrated in 1832. Two years later, a chapel was added to the main church in honor of the Nativity of John the Baptist , and even later - dedicated to the Monk Neil of Stolobensky.
During Soviet times, the temple was closed, and its premises housed a cotton sales office and a warehouse. In the 50s, the temple building was transferred to the needs of the local history museum. In 1980, after the museum moved to a new location, the temple was abandoned and was not used for a long time. Work on the restoration of the temple began only in 1991, when the church building again became the property of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today the temple has been completely restored and attracts the attention of guests of Rzhev with its rigor and consistency of architectural forms.
Church of the Intercession.
This is one of the oldest religious sites in the city. The church belongs to a certain community that lives according to old canons and rituals. It was erected in the early 1900s. A Sunday school was opened at the church. This temple has never been closed. Even during the war period, it completely retained its appearance. The cathedral was built in traditional Russian style.
Museums of Rzhev
House-Museum of J.V. Stalin . In this house in 1943, during his trip to the front, Joseph Stalin himself stayed with a simple worker of a local collective farm. Today there is a library here, and there is also a small exhibition dedicated to Stalin’s visit to the city and local front-line soldiers. The museum is also interesting because here in 1943, Stalin gave the order to hold the first artillery salute dedicated to the liberation of Belgorod and Orel.
Rzhev Exhibition Hall . Opened in 1988, this facility is dedicated to hosting art exhibitions. It is located in the building of an old merchant mansion of the 19th century. The exhibition area is about 150 square meters. The exhibition hall includes three exhibition complexes, each of which is equipped with individually selected equipment that allows you to present works of art as effectively as possible. Today, the Rzhev exhibition hall regularly hosts painting plein airs, which bring together famous artists from the Tver region, as well as from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities in central Russia. At one time, exhibitions of famous contemporary artists were held here - People's Artist of Russia M. Abakumov, sculptor D. Tugarinov, People's Artist of Russia E. Zverkov, People's Artist of Russia V. Makeev.
House-Museum of J.V. Stalin
State Bank building.
One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, a local architectural landmark. The building appeared here in the mid-20th century and took the place of an old hotel. Built in the Art Nouveau style, elements of ancient Russian motifs were introduced into it. On the tower adjacent to the facade wall there is a spire, which is decorated with a star. There is a picturesque square around the building.
Monuments of Rzhev
Revolution square . This place is one of the most beautiful places in Rzhev. There is a nine-jet fountain installed here, as well as a monument to local revolutionaries who were delegated by the city to the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets. The square is surrounded by small four-story houses that have survived from pre-war times. During the Great Patriotic War, bloody battles for the city took place in this place. In honor of the soldiers who died a brave death in those days, memorial plaques have been erected in many places.
Obelisk to the liberators of Rzhev . The memorial obelisk, erected in honor of the liberators of the city from the Nazis, is located on the Mound of Glory. The pedestal of the monument is decorated with bas-reliefs telling about the courage and heroism of the defenders of the Motherland. Here is also the grave of the unknown soldier, as well as the graves of field commanders and members of the urban underground. An eternal flame burns above them. Every year, hundreds of city residents gather in this place to honor the memory of the soldiers who died during the battles for the city.
Revolution square
Soviet square.
In the very center of the city, the first thing that greets tourists is this square. Around it there are administrative buildings and residential complexes. There is also an amusement park for children and a cinema. In the very center of the square there is a monument to Lenin. This is where city rallies and demonstrations are held. A special platform was installed for this purpose.
What to see in Rzhev in 1 day?
When planning a one-day excursion to Rzhev, pay attention to studying the following route:
- Upon arrival in Rzhev, go to the central part of the city . On the way, you can make a stop at the Steam Locomotive monument , and also look at the Smolensk Church .
- Visit the Okovets Church and the Temple of John the Baptist .
- After this, go to the local history museum of the city of Rzhev . You can also look into the Rzhev Museum of Military History , which is located next to the local history museum.
- Next, take a short trip to the Ascension Cathedral and end your excursion with a visit to the hut-museum of J.V. Stalin .
Little tourists will enjoy a walk in the Gratsinsky Park, as well as a visit to Peace Square, where a tank from the Great Patriotic War is installed.
Top 5 places suitable for holidays with children
Many couples go on excursions or vacations to Rzhev with children, they also need to be entertained, so below are the top 5 places where you can take your child in the city:
- An amusement park located near Sovetskaya Square. Has a large selection of carousels and swings. This place will charge your child with fun and positivity.
- There is a wooden children's playground in the city park; admission is free; for a fee, you can leave your child under the supervision of animators.
- Shopping centers. Equipped with areas for children of different ages, animators and many cafes will make the day more fun.
- Cinemas.
- Excursion programs. But it is worth considering that if the tour is custom-made, then the child must be over 7 years old.
Estate Stepanovskoye-Volosovo.
The calling card of the region, which is located several tens of kilometers from the city. This is the estate of the Kurakins, whose family lived here all the time. This beautiful building was built back in the 18th century. The first owner will never see the final result because he died. But his brother completed the estate. After the war, all valuables were removed, and a mental hospital was located in the building itself.
