How rich the Tver region is in ancient cities! One of these cities is Vyshny Volochek - small, dusty, with a strange name and interesting history.
About 46 thousand people live in Vyshny Volochyok. Its small size and convenient location on the route between Moscow and St. Petersburg make the city an ideal weekend getaway.
Despite (or perhaps thanks to) the small budget, a lot of stone and wooden buildings from the late 18th – early 20th centuries have been preserved in Vyshny Volochyok. However, the first system of locks and water canals in Russia, built under Peter I, is of particular interest to tourists. It is thanks to this abundance of water canals that the cute nickname “Little Venice” has firmly established itself behind Vyshny Volochok.
Where is Vyshny Volochek located?
It is located on the territory of Russia in the Tver region. The river passes through Vyshny Volochek. Tsna and r. Tvertsa. Vyshny Volochek, the sights of which are included in the heritage of the Tver region, is distinguished by its rich history.
It is decorated with an ancient canal system. It arose as a result of the decree of Peter I. For the construction of St. Petersburg, it was necessary to provide food and goods along the route between the Tsna and Tvertsa rivers. The first canal was built there. But the workers who were entrusted with the work made several mistakes, as a result of which the channels began to become shallow and it became impossible to move through the water.
The mistake was corrected by Mikhail Serdyukov, acting under the leadership of Peter I.
Epiphany Cathedral
On the banks of the Tsna River, on a lonely island in the 19th century, the main cathedral for the Orthodox Slavs of the city was built. It is surprising that the Bolsheviks only closed it and did not destroy it. Re-opened in 1945. The cathedral has well-preserved icons dating back to the 17th century. The church choir is considered the best in the area.
Weather in the city by month. Best time to travel
Located in a temperate climate zone, there is a large amount of precipitation every month.
In summer there are more than 10 sunny days and up to 7 rainy days:
| Month | Average air temperature (day and night, °C) | Number of snow days | Number of rainy days | Number of sunny days |
| January | -7, -9 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| February | -4, -7 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| March | -1, -5 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| April | +8, +2 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| May | +17, +8 | 0 | 4 | 14 |
| June | +20, +11 | 0 | 5 | 13 |
| July | +23, +13 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
| August | +22, +12 | 0 | 5 | 14 |
| September | +15, +8 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
| October | +6, +3 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| November | 0, -1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| December | -3, -5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
The best time to travel will be from May to August. These months are the sunniest and warmest. You can enjoy Russian nature and the system of water canals only in the warm season. Unfortunately, due to the lack of restoration of buildings in the autumn-winter period, the city looks sad and lonely. But in warm weather, greenery and water surface decorate the streets and lift your spirits.
Magistrate's Building
The current building of the city library once housed the magistracy. Now the building looks like a single whole, but originally, in the 17th century, it was two separate buildings. Then a third one with a tower was built between them. The builders did everything to organically integrate the new building and create a single complex. To date, it has been possible to preserve this original appearance from the outside and inside of the building.
Religious buildings of Vyshny Volchok
The city is rich in historical buildings, which to this day retain their original appearance:
- The main attraction - a system of canals and reservoirs that surround the entire territory.
Vyshny Volochek has various attractions. But most of all it is famous for its water canals. - The main central street is Kazansky Prospekt . Along the entire route you can see historical buildings.
- Serdyukov's House or Peter's House is the stopping place of Peter I during his travels. The building was built in 1719 in the Peter the Great Baroque style.
- Imperial Travel Palace – built in 1783, now there is a school inside. In 1857, the facades of the building were restored in the style of late classicism.
- The railway station building has retained its original appearance from the 19th century. One of the few buildings that has not been rebuilt.
- The Ryabushinsky dacha is a building built in the Art Nouveau style, now a residence for artists.
- Shopping arcades - built in 1837, now require restoration, like many other historical attractions. They are located on Kazansky Avenue.
- Monument to Catherine II — located on the main street. Installed in 2007 in honor of the transformation of Vyshny Volochek into a city.
- Epiphany Cathedral - designed in the Empire style, built in the 19th century. underwent restructuring in a pseudo-Russian style. It was closed during the October Revolution, but services were resumed after the war.
- Kazan Convent - you can visit it only on Saturday and Sunday or on major Orthodox holidays. Built in Russian-Byzantine style.
Monument to Venetsianov
The famous Russian artist was born in the village of Poddubye, Vyshnevolotsk district. In their small homeland they remember their hero, who not only saw himself, but could also show others the beauty in ordinary everyday scenes. That is why the monument to the 200th anniversary of his birth was erected in the very heart of the regional center.
Vyshny Volchok Museums
Although the city is small in size, its museums attract many tourists interested in the history of Russia.
Museum of Local Lore
Before admiring the water canal system, you must first familiarize yourself with its creation in the local history museum. There are 5 expositions on display here, including archaeological and zoological.
Several halls and a variety of exhibits. Spending time - at least 1 hour.
"Russian felt boots"
The museum is new and entry is inexpensive. There are guides inside who will tell you the history of the museum itself, the history of felt boots and the process of their manufacture. You can purchase souvenirs and gifts on site. In addition to felt boots, the sale includes slippers, paintings and handmade vests.
Glass Museum
Here are works of the 19th and 20th centuries produced. The product is rare and cannot be purchased. On the stands you can see both kitchen utensils and cute animals, glass flowers and perfume bottles of various shapes.
Entrance costs less than 100 rubles; for an additional fee you can purchase the services of a guide.
Academic dacha named after I. E. Repin
The dacha for artists was built in 1884 and was immediately intended for creative meetings of talented Russian artists. The names of the artists who visited here made it truly famous and now not only artists, but also writers, artists, and musicians gather here. Now the dacha has a museum, a cinema hall, an exhibition hall and an extensive library.
Natural attractions of Vyshny Volchok
Vyshny Volochek, whose sights are the main pride of the townspeople, is distinguished by its originality and unique atmosphere. The ancient artificial system of reservoirs, dams and canals is a unique creation, created at the behest of Peter I, for the convenience of moving materials during the creation of St. Petersburg.
To enjoy the beauty to the fullest, it is better to go on vacation in the summer or spring.
You can swim in the Vyshnevolotsk reservoir; its area exceeds 100 km². True, the locals themselves rarely use this opportunity. The beach is deserted and finding a shore without reeds will be problematic, but it’s worth it. The reservoir is located on the outskirts. Unfortunately, over time, buildings, monuments, and the water system fall into disrepair.
Vyshnevolotsk water system
This water system began with the construction of the first canal by the Dutch and with the further continuation of the construction of a whole network of canals that made it possible to water the area, create a reservoir and build a dam with locks allowing ships to move up and down.
Interesting places to relax with children
You can visit the museums presented above with children. If you want active recreation, then you should visit the Chocolate entertainment center at Tsninskaya embankment, 6B. The shopping center houses a cinema, a hall with 5D cinema, a cafe and slot machines. Bowling alley, hair salon, grocery store, bakery and karaoke room.
The shopping center is the only one in the city, so prices are higher than in a regular cinema or store. On Kazansky Prospekt there is an amusement park with affordable prices. The drama theater is quite suitable for spending leisure time with little restless ones. Both classical performances and children's performances are staged here.
Map
Attractions marked on the city map:
Beishlot on Tsna
Address: The dam is located in a picturesque location near Turgenevsky Lane. You can also approach it from Razin Street along Komsomolsky Lane.
This two-span passable dam was built in 1720 to maintain the required water level for ships to pass along the Tsna. The beishlot was reconstructed many times, but its appearance remained almost unchanged. The water discharge system is still in use.
Channels
Address: — You can get to the Tveretsky Canal from Kazansky Prospekt through a construction site and an abandoned bathhouse. — The Tsninsky Canal is easy to find if you go down from the Petersburg Bridge or walk from the city center from Karl Marx Street, Uritsky Street to the Vanchakov Line.
The water network includes two canals: Tveretsky and Tsninsky. Both of them are in disrepair. An embankment that has not been restored for a long time runs along the Tsninsky Canal, which causes a depressing impression. The only thing pleasing to the eye is the canal bed, lined with granite slabs.
Route for exploring the city on your own for 1-2 days
Vyshny Volochek is small in size, you can see all the sights in 2 days. It is better to devote the first day to studying architectural monuments and temples. 2nd visit to museums and city monuments.
Architecture
It is better to start your walk with architectural sights. The magistrate's building at 2 Ostashkovskaya Street is a representative of 18th-century classicism. The local library is now located inside. The station building on Kazansky Prospekt has retained its original ancient appearance.
Travel Palace on the street. Ostashkovskaya, 3/7, although it looks abandoned, contains many stories. Here in the 18th century. The imperial family stayed, and a building was built for them. And a little later, Catherine II herself lived in the palace. Shopping arcades on Moskovskaya street. are of particular value; previously trade in goods brought from afar was carried out here.
Temples
After visiting the architectural monuments, you can move on to exploring the temples.
Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord
It is in a deplorable state, the walls are half destroyed and taken away by vandals. Built in the 18th century. More than a dozen saints are buried in the nearby cemetery. Located at: st. Working.
Kazan Cathedral
Part of the Kazan Monastery complex. A must-see, the temple is distinguished by its sophisticated and sublime architecture.
Located on the street. Siversova. Admission is free during Sunday services.
Epiphany Cathedral
Built in the 19th century. The temple houses a sculpture of an icon painter and a miraculous icon, to which pilgrims come from different parts of the country. In the 20th century The Andronikov Icon was stolen from the temple; the robber was never found. The cathedral is located on the street. Ostashkovskaya.
Museums
The Vyshny Volochok Museum of Local Lore is located on the street. Kazansky Avenue, 63/65. The entrance ticket costs 100 rubles. Inside you can see archaeological, geological, zoological exhibitions. The history of the creation of the water system is described in detail. The closed glass museum and “Russian felt boots” are a must-see.
Monuments
Monument to Catherine II - the sculpture was installed in 2007 and is dedicated to its reorganization into the city. The Venetsianov Monument is the work of two Komov brothers and was created in 1980. Dedicated to the painter Venetsianov, who lived here for a long time. Located in the main park of Vyshny Volochyok.
Monument to Komsomol members - in the same park you can see an abandoned monument to Komsomol members, built in 1968.
Monument to Peter I - you can see the sculpture on the station square. The work shows the moment when Mikhail Serdyuk’s water canal project was handed over to Peter I. It was Serdyuk who corrected the workers’ mistakes and stopped the disappearance of the canals.
Hotels in the city
List of hotels:
- Heath Park - one of the most popular hotels. Located on Ul. Bauman 15. Cost per day – 2800 rubles. Clean rooms with large beds and free Wi-Fi. A warm welcome and delicious food are the main advantages of the hotel. The level of comfort here is excellent. The area is cleaned and well maintained.
- Beryozka is an inexpensive hotel with a nightly rate of 1,200 rubles. Located on the street. Sadovaya Bolshaya, 61/95. The price includes room cleaning, free Wi-Fi, and there are rooms for families with children.
- Zdeshevo is a hotel that is also a sports and fishing base. Located at: village. Zdeshevo, 14. The window overlooks the river. Cost per day - 2300 rubles. There are rooms for families with children, free Wi-Fi.
- Baltika is located in the village. Kolomno, 88. Cost per night – 1700 rubles. The rooms are clean and free Wi-Fi.
- Baza Otdyha Hivitek is located 5 km from the city: Vyshnevolotsky district, Valentinovka village. Cost per day – 1500 rubles. The windows overlook the beach and there is free Wi-Fi.
Where to eat in Vyshny Volchok: cafes and restaurants
Chicken House serves classic American menu in fast food form. It has a lot of positive reviews from visitors. Inexpensive establishment with friendly staff and a tasty, simple menu. There is a playroom for children. Along with the menu, you can purchase a souvenir toy as a gift for your child. The average bill per person does not exceed 400 rubles.
The menu includes burgers, salads, delicious coffee, a la carte dishes and soups, as well as pita dishes. A standard beef roll will cost 100-150 rubles, and a burger with chicken cutlet will cost 70 rubles. Located at: l. Paris Commune, 24. For a more cultural holiday, you can go to the Pallada cafe, which is located at Yamskaya St., 205. The average bill for 1 person is 500 rubles.
There is a summer terrace and free Wi-Fi. The menu offers Russian and mixed cuisine. Pancake and Lenten menus are included, as well as a grill.
Cafe Podberezovik is located on the street. B. Sadovaya, 61/95 in the Beryozka hotel. The menu includes dishes of classic Russian cuisine. In 2022, the cafe won the competition and received a Certificate of Quality. There are hot dishes, dumplings, shish kebab, salads, appetizers, and desserts to choose from. The staff fulfills orders very quickly and treats every visitor with care. The average bill does not exceed 500 rubles.
Cafe Thyme provides a large selection of dishes:
- Caucasian:
- Russian;
- Azerbaijani cuisine.
The average bill per visitor does not exceed 300 rubles. Food delivery and Wi-Fi are available. McDonald's is located on the street. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 44. The chain has a standard and familiar menu. The average bill is not higher than 400 rubles. for 1 visitor. Dishes are prepared quickly.
Cafe Neolit is located at st. Siversova, 18Z. The menu includes dishes of classic Russian and mixed cuisine. The average bill per visitor is 350 rubles. Cafe Caspiy: price for an average bill does not exceed 600 rubles. The menu includes dishes of Caucasian and Russian cuisine. Suitable for lovers of a classic homemade lunch. There is karaoke and food delivery. Address: Leningradskoye sh., 2V.
Useful information for tourists
It’s better to go on vacation in the summer; in winter you can’t enjoy nature and water canals, and non-restored buildings will spoil the impression.
Tips for tourists:
- If the purpose of your visit is to study temple architecture, you can enjoy it both in winter and summer.
- Most local entertainment is available absolutely free, and tickets to the museum rarely exceed the 100 ruble limit.
- Vyshny Volochek, whose sights are distinguished by the absence of restoration work, pleases tourists with an artificial system of water canals. But water increases the level of humidity and reduces air temperature, especially in the autumn-spring period.
- You should pre-book a hotel and prepare an offline map on your phone, as the Internet may not work in remote areas.
Vyshny Volochek is distinguished by its originality. Let the small but proud city keep every attraction under its wing. It is necessary to visit it because of the unique system of water canals and architectural monuments.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
