Sights of Zvenigorod: the most beautiful places

One frosty February I wanted to go to some small town in the Moscow region. The choice fell on Zvenigorod , located 30 km west of Moscow. Despite its miniature size (population of only 20 thousand people and an area of about 50 km²), Zvenigorod has enough attractions, historical values and good landscapes to keep a curious tourist busy for the day.

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery in Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is the oldest city in the Moscow region; According to archaeological data, already in the 12th century there was a settlement on this site, and according to chronicles the city was mentioned since 1382. Initially, Zvenigorod served Moscow as a defensive point; it is no coincidence that two fortresses were built here: a monastery and a Kremlin. Now it is a tourist city, also famous for its sanatoriums and clean air.

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery

Monument to Savva Storozhevsky

Website: www.savvastor.ru Address: Ratekhinskoye sh., 8.

The Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery was founded in 1398 on the banks of the Moskva River at the request of Prince Yuri of Zvenigorod, the second son of Prince Dmitry Donskoy. To create a monastery, he invited a disciple of Sergius of Radonezh, the Monk Savva.

Cathedral of the Nativity

The basis of the monastery was the wooden Nativity Cathedral built on Mount Storozh. In 1404-1405, a white stone temple was erected in its place, which belongs to early Moscow architecture. The Monk Savva was buried in the Nativity Cathedral.

The bell tower is the tallest building on the territory of the monastery.

Over its long life, the monastery took part in many historical events and saw many great princes, kings and emperors within its walls. During the time of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the royal palace and royal chambers were built here. The Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery became a country residence for the royal family in the 17th century.

Royal Palace

During the Patriotic War of 1812, the monastery was occupied by the French and suffered. It was closed in 1918, here on May 15 of the same year the Zvenigorod rebellion took place and three people representing the Bolshevik government were killed. In 1919, the shrine containing the relics of Savva Storozhevsky was publicly opened as part of anti-religious propaganda.

The monastery reopened in 1995. A new shrine was created to store the relics, which is now located in the monastery.

Moskovskaya street:

The center of Zvenigorod is defined by two main parallel streets, closed in a one-way traffic ring: Moskovskaya and Vasily Fabrichny (which turns into Ukrainian). The length of these streets is no more than two blocks, on which 1/3 of all the attractions of Zvenigorod are concentrated.

Due to the large congestion of cars, it is difficult to photograph historical houses.

And here it is not clear: either a new building, or a well-restored house.

Unexpectedly, in the dining room they bought Vyatka kvass, which had been advertised throughout the country. Not bad, but nothing more.

Geese and a snowman ride in a semi-barrel on wheels, harnessed by small reindeer. You can't just pass by.

Memorial to the Eternal Flame

Monument to the fallen Zvenigorod residents and soldiers of the Fifth Army of the Western Front and the eternal flame . In 1941, Zvenigorod defended the western part of the country and the approaches to Moscow: anti-tank ditches were dug, anti-personnel barriers were installed, and a fighter battalion was formed. When the Germans approached Zvenigorod at a critical distance and were practically celebrating victory, the Zvenigorod residents were able to stop the enemy at the northern gates of the city.

Monument to the fallen Zvenigorod residents and soldiers of the Fifth Army of the Western Front and the eternal flame

Monument to A.P. Chekhov

Across the road there is a wonderful monument to A.P. Chekhov - an exact copy of a photograph of Chekhov in Melikhovo with his dachshund Khina from 1897.

Cultural Center named after. L. P. Orlova

Lyubov Petrovna Orlova (1902 - 1975) is a domestic film star of Hollywood proportions. She played on the stage of the theater and starred in films: “Jolly Fellows”, “Circus”, “Volga, Volga”, “Spring”, etc. Orlova for many years was the prima donna of the Soviet film screen, distinguished by her exquisite aristocratic appearance and well-groomed appearance. This talented woman was born and raised in Zvenigorod, it is not surprising that an entire cultural complex was built in her honor.

Cultural Center named after. L. P. Orlova

Monument to L.P. Orlova

Purchase yard

An interesting modern place in Zvenigorod is Kupchiy Dvor . This is a row of houses in the spirit of the 19th century, which sell various designer items, fashionable clothes in the Russian style, and host master classes. In general, you can come here just like visiting a museum and have a pleasant time!

Merchant's yard. Zvenigorod

Alexander Nevsky Church

The church was built in 1902 by decision of the Zvenigorod assembly in honor of Emperor Alexander III. In 1938, the temple closed, but its fate was not as sad as that of the Ascension Church: the building was rebuilt to meet the needs of other institutions, but was not destroyed. After the return of the church building in 1991, several stages of restoration and restoration work were carried out to return to its original appearance.

Church of Alexander Nevsky. Zvenigorod

It was strange to see a children's playground in the churchyard. This is probably due to the fact that there is a children's Sunday school and library on the church premises.

Church of Alexander Nevsky. Zvenigorod

Monument to Prince Yuri Zvenigorodsky and Savva Storozhevsky

The final attraction on Moskovskaya Street for us was the monument to the Russian prince Yuri Dmitrievich Zvenigorodsky and Savva Storozhevsky , about whom much has already been written. The monument was erected in 2005 on the 853rd day of the city.

Monument to Prince Yuri Zvenigorodsky and Savva Storozhevsky

So we walked from end to beginning all of Zvenigorod. It was a good walk and not at all tiring. Construction is in full swing next to the monument and the church; Zvenigorod is being built up with Moscow High-Rise buildings, and very chaotically and unceremoniously on historical sites.

Zvenigorod Museum

Royal Chambers

Website : zvenmuseum.ru Address: on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00 (ticket office until 17.00) daily, except Monday. In summer: Tuesday - Friday, Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 (ticket office until 17.30), Saturday from 10.00 to 19.00 (ticket office until 18.30). Cost of a full ticket (2 expositions + 2 exhibitions): 280 rubles, pensioners - 200 rubles, schoolchildren and students - 160 rubles, preschoolers - free.

The museum in Zvenigorod was created in 1920, its history was not easy. At first the museum was located in the Vvedenskoye estate; in 1923 it moved to the closed Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. The main museum funds were valuables from the monastery sacristy and items from surrounding estates.

In 1927, a commune for street children was opened in the monastery and the museum was closed, but was reopened in 1928. In 1939, the museum was closed again due to the location of a military unit in the monastery. The main exhibits were transferred to the museum of the city of Istra, the rest were taken to the Assumption Cathedral in Zvenigorod - it was there that the museum was reopened in 1944.

In 1946, the Assumption Cathedral was handed over to believers and the museum was again moved to the territory of the former monastery, where the sanatorium was located. In 1987, the museum became the owner of the entire territory of the monastery, but already in 1995 the Russian Orthodox Church resumed its work here. Currently, museum workers are located in a single building - in the Royal Chambers. All other buildings were transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church.

The full name of the museum is Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. In 1972, the works of the People's Artist of the RSFSR, artist B. N. Yakovlev, were transferred to the museum, which served as the beginning of a collection of paintings.

Main attractions of Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod, whose attractions can be listed for a long time, is called “Russian Switzerland” for the purity of nature and the unique atmosphere that reigns in this small ancient town.

Literally every corner of Zvenigorod either carries an amazing story of origin, or was a witness to grandiose historical events. A little about the most outstanding historical, cultural and religious attractions:

Religious buildings

Services were held in numerous temples and churches in Zvenigorod even before the invasion of Russia by the Golden Horde . Holy associates and military warriors were raised in monasteries. Only a part is presented here, but it also allows you to feel all the greatness of Rus'.

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery

The monastery was founded at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries. and it survived two eras of construction. The Monk Savva Storozhevsky, with the help of his son Dmitry Donskoy, initially built a small church named in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Monastic cells were also equipped at the temple, and the territory belonging to the monastery itself was small.

In just a few years, the number of monks increased significantly; the need arose to build new cells, as well as to strengthen and protect the monks from dashing people. And after 7 years, the monks erected the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, made of white stone.

A year later, the Venerable Savva of Storozhevsky, the Zvenigorod Wonderworker and disciple of Sergius of Radonezh, was buried at the entrance to the Cathedral.

During the times of numerous wars and raids, as well as during the campaigns through Zvenigorod of False Dmitriev I and II, the buildings of the monastery were brutally destroyed and plundered, and for some time the monks managed to rebuild only the most necessary buildings. Thorough restoration began only during the reign of the first of the Romanov family - Mikhail Fedorovich.

Today the monastery is inhabited by 30 monks and novices, repair and restoration work is continuously carried out. Services are held regularly, not only on the territory of the monastery, but also in the churches assigned to it.

Adults can take two-year courses, justified by the decree of Catherine the Great. The monastery also has a shelter for boys left without the care of their relatives.

Address of the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery: Zvenigorod, Ratekhinskoye Highway, 8. Open daily from 6:00 until the end of the evening service.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Gorodok

The cathedral and man-made 8-meter embankments of the protective structure are all that remain on the site of the ancient Town, which laid the foundation for the construction of the city of Zvenigorod. The Cathedral was erected on the instructions of Yuri of Zvenigorod, who returned from a military campaign - before the campaign, the Monk Savva predicted victory for him.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was erected in 1399 ; the white stone structure reflects the style of early Suzdal, Moscow and Vladimir architecture. Moreover, after careful study and measurement, it turned out that the massive parts of the Cathedral are slightly narrowed at the top, which allows the building to appear larger than in reality.

At the beginning of the 15th century, Andrei Rublev was involved in the design of the Cathedral, but unfortunately, few elements of the frescoes have been preserved at present.

Address of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: Zvenigorod, st. Town, 1.

Church of the Ascension of the Lord

Erected in the spirit of classicism at the end of the 18th century on the site of an old wooden one, this church has experienced many tragic moments. During the war with Napoleon, it suffered raids, destruction and looting by the French army. Upon completion, the temple was restored and a refectory was added, with donations from one of the merchants.

During Soviet times, the temple was first closed and then completely destroyed. And only at the beginning of this century the temple was rebuilt, but according to a new design, although it retained the general composition.

Address of the Ascension Temple: Zvenigorod, st. Moskovskaya, 2a.

Church of the Epiphany on Gorodok

In order to relieve the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God from divine services, and to preserve its priceless paintings and frescoes, a wooden church was built nearby. It was erected at the end of the century before last, but less than 40 years later the Bolsheviks burned the church. The restoration of the church took place with the blessing of Alexy II in the early 2000s.

Address of the Church of the Epiphany: Zvenigorod, st. Gorodok, 2a.

Alexander Nevsky Church

In 1898, construction began on the Alexander Nevsky Church; its construction was carried out as a tribute to the memory of Emperor Alexander III the Peacemaker. During Soviet times, the cemetery at the church was destroyed, and various institutions were alternately located in the building itself. After the collapse of the USSR, the temple was again transferred to the ownership of the church. Regular services are now held here.

Address of the Alexander Nevsky Church: Zvenigorod, st. Moskovskaya, 35.

Museums

There are several museums in Zvenigorod, with unique exhibitions and excursions.

Museum of Lyubov Orlova

Zvenigorod, whose attractions are numerous, has a unique place - the Cultural Center named after. Lyubov Orlova . This museum displays more than 150 exhibits - objects, portraits and photographs - that are inextricably linked with the fate and work of the great actress.

Authentic costumes used during filming, fascinating excursions, and film screenings envelop museum visitors in the spirit of the early 20th century. To the sounds of Dunaevsky's compositions, you can get closer to solving the mystery of the mystery woman Lyubov Orlova.

address : Zvenigorod, st. Moskovskaya, 11.

Opening hours : the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, visiting hours from 11:00 to 18:00;

Ticket price : For adults 100 rubles, for children and pensioners 50 rubles, for combatants, disabled children, disabled people of groups 1 and 2, as well as museum employees, admission is free. When viewing the composition with a guide, the cost of tickets increases: for the first group of visitors - by 50 rubles, for the second - by 30 rubles.

Museum of Russian Dessert

An original and distinctive museum dedicated to the restoration of original Russian cuisine. On fascinating excursions you can get acquainted with the history of preparing traditional Russian cuisine, and independently prepare the delicacies with which both boyars and merchants and peasants drank tea.

You can not only watch the tradition of tea drinking, which has long been observed in Rus', but also take part in it, with sweets prepared with your own hands. The interior of the museum is completely designed and executed in a style corresponding to the time of the founding of the city. The museum's organizers are constantly researching material to restore Russian recipes.

Museum address : Zvenigorod, st. Frunze, 23/2.

The cost of excursions for adults is from 400 rubles, for children from 300 rubles.

Opening hours : Every day from 10:00 to 20:00

Museum "Back to the USSR"

Not long ago, a museum opened in Zvenigorod, which conveys to visitors the mood and spirit of the era of the construction of communism. The exhibits are presented in various temporary exhibitions and museum guests will be able to feel and remember, or just get acquainted with, the life and culture of the Soviet Union.

The museum organizes two types of excursions - for young and adult visitors. There is a dining room, the interior and dishes of which correspond to the composition of the museum. You can also visit the souvenir shop, where you can buy small items reminiscent of the USSR.

Museum address : Zvenigorod, st. Moskovskaya, 7/9.

The cost of visiting an adult is 350 rubles, a child is 250 rubles, children under 5 years old are free.

Opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00 daily.

Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum

The museum is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhesky Monastery, and begins its exhibition with the Tsarina’s Chambers - this is a small museum-estate built in the 17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Today, the exhibition, arranged in three small rooms, recreates the life of the royal person and is called “The Chambers of the Boyar”.

The further excursion takes place around the monastery, where unique architectural monuments are collected, carefully preserved by monks and museum workers to this day. The guides will tell you a detailed and fascinating history of the emergence and development of Zvenigorod, as well as its role in the history of Rus'.

Museum address : Zvenigorod, st. Town, 5.

Ticket prices vary depending on the choice of excursions and exhibits.

Opening hours : from 10:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

Natural attractions

Zvenigorod is not limited to man-made attractions; natural objects are no less valuable:

Boulder near Kolyubakino. According to scientists, the huge stone is the same age as the Ice Age. The boulder weighs 55,000 kg; several years ago it was moved from a sand quarry to the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God. According to legend, the Monk Savva prayed near this stone. Today this boulder is considered a place that gives strength and fulfills wishes. Every day tourists and pilgrims come to him to make their most secret wishes, and many return to thank him. Where to find the stone: Zvenigorod, village. Kolyubakino.

Dunino settlement. The historical and archaeological complex of the Dunin settlement is located 6 km from Zvenigorod and is the best preserved settlement of nomads who lived in the Iron Age. The open-air museum was discovered in the 40s of the last century and since then archaeological excavations have been regularly carried out, bringing a large amount of useful material that allows us to restore certain historical moments of the life of ancient settlers. Address: Zvenigorod, microdistrict sanatorium "Porechye".

Mozzhinsky ravine. The reserve complex includes about 40 hectares of untouched forest. The nature reserve is protected by the state and includes about 200 species of flora and more than 50 representatives of fauna. Some of the birds and animals found in the Mozzhinsky ravine are listed in the Red Book.

Monuments

When traveling around Zvenigorod, you cannot miss visiting the monuments erected to great people with whom the history of the city is connected:

Monument to Yuri Zvenigorodsky and St. Savva Storozhevsky. Installed in a city park near the entrance to the city, the monument became a meeting place for lovers, as well as a destination for various meetings. Immediately after its opening, the square itself became a favorite place for walks among city residents. The monument was erected to people who can rightfully be considered the founders of the city - they made a significant contribution to the development and the historical sights built with their participation are admired by all of Russia to this day.

Monument to Chekhov with a dog. In the central square at the entrance to the hotel there is a bench where you can sit, relax and take a photo with the famous writer and doctor, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. The writer sits in a relaxed resting position, and his dog sits next to him. Zvenigorod residents consider Anton Pavlovich their fellow countryman, since after graduating from Moscow University it was in this city that Chekhov practiced medicine for several years.

Monk Sava's monastery

The story goes that Savva Storozhevsky (Zvenigorodsky) made a refuge in a cave, where he spent the remaining days of his life, devoting them to prayers. Later, in the 19th century, a monastery was erected on this site.

During the Soviet era, the monastery was seriously damaged; buildings on its territory were destroyed or looted. In the 2000s, the buildings began to be restored: two churches were rebuilt and a monastery bathhouse was erected. The most beautiful building of the monastery is the Church of Sava, decorated with white stone decoration in the pseudo-Russian style.

The importance of the city in the modern world

According to the first chronicle mentions, in the place where Zvenigorod is now located, Yuri Dolgoruky, during his reign, founded a fortified settlement protecting the Moscow Principality from enemies coming from the west.

Almost two centuries later, the settlement grew into a small city, and Ivan Kalita gave it into the possession of his son, who continued to improve the defensive structures. During the reign of Dmitry Donskoy, a fortress was erected, and his son, Yuri Dmitrievich, made additional fortifications. Zvenigorod-Moskovsky was also of great importance in the defense of the Chernigov principality.

The fortress, fortified with earthen ramparts, ditches and defensive wall fortifications, has been called Gorodok by residents from ancient times to the present day.

From the very foundation of the settlement, temples, cathedrals and monasteries were built on its territory - Zvenigorod was not only the center of the squad and tax collectors, but also was the place of establishment of Orthodox associates. So in the 14th century the Assumption Cathedral and the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery were built in Gorodok.

When exactly the fortress was given the name Zvenigorod is not clearly stated anywhere, but it is known that some settlers began to call the city that by analogy with their homeland - Zvenigorod of Kyiv, which was destroyed by raids of nomadic tribes.

Also, thanks to the abundance of churches, the ringing of bells was heard : Zvenigorod - the ringing city.

Modern Zvenigorod

Today Zvenigorod belongs to the Moscow region, to the Odintsovo urban district, its area is 48.1 square meters. km. Coordinates on the world map: 55 degrees 44 minutes north latitude; 36 degrees 52 minutes east longitude.

Being on the territory of the Odintsovo urban district, Zvenigorod borders on such villages and villages as:

Ershovskoye (in the west and north);
Uspenskoe (in the east);
Zakharovskoe (in the south);
Nikolskoye (in the southwest).

Zvenigorod town

Assumption Cathedral on Gorodok
Gorodok in Zvenigorod is the remains of the Kremlin and the center of the ancient city. Now there is almost nothing left on the site of the fortress, once reliably protected by towers and earthen embankments. The most significant building is the Assumption Cathedral on Gorodok - the oldest temple in the city (late 14th - early 15th centuries), it is very reminiscent of the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.

Most tourists, when visiting the sights of Zvenigorod, begin with the Assumption Church. The 15th century paintings of Andrei Rublev and Danila Cherny have been preserved here.

City Park

It's surprising that such a small town as Zvenigorod has its own city park.

This place is hardly suitable for a full-fledged park. The park has two illuminated alleys with benches, a children's playground can be seen in the distance, the Foundation Stone of the Memorial to Internationalist Soldiers , and a bust of V. I. Lenin . It is interesting to look at this park in summer.

Zvenigorod city park

Ascension Church

Address: Moskovskaya st., 2A.

In 1791, a stone Ascension Church was erected on this site on the site of an ancient wooden one. Before the Soviet period, this was the main temple in the city. In 1922, the church was closed for services and was used as a grain warehouse, and then as a garage. Before the start of the Great Patriotic War it was dismantled.

For many years, the site of the temple was a wasteland; the Church of the Ascension was rebuilt in 2007. The new building was built in the neo-Byzantine style and does not in any way resemble the historical building.

Red Mountain Street

After visiting Chekhov's places, we go to the center of Zvenigorod. On the way up, Red Mountain Street is filled with private houses. I am glad that some modern houses fit well into the ancient Russian buildings. For example, the houses opposite Chekhov's house.

There are some(!) houses that are well looked after and maintained in appearance. Nice houses, but the fence ruins everything. I don’t even know which of these fences is worse.

Literally five meters later, a low-rise residential complex rises in front of us.

On the other side of the road is just some kind of golden palace of an Indian Raja.

I wonder if it’s normal for residents of a golden new building to see this from their window every day?

Or that?

Or this? By the way, in this terrible house from 1922 to 1941. the Zvenigorod planetary school was located , and then the flying club , whose cadets became pilots during the Great Patriotic War. Zvenigorod, aren't you ashamed?

Chekhov in Zvenigorod

In 1884, A.P. Chekhov worked for some time as the head of the Zvenigorod City Hospital. Working here gave him many creative ideas for his works. In memory of the great writer, memorial plaques were installed: at the hospital where he worked, at the house where he lived and near the linden tree under which he loved to sit. The linden tree has not survived to this day; all that remains of it is a historical stump.

In Zvenigorod there is Chekhov Street and a monument on Moskovskaya Street.

House and linden tree of A.P. Chekhov

Coming out of Gorodok onto Krasnaya Gora Street, we immediately come across the former house of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov . I think everyone is familiar with his stories, which are interesting to read at any age, but not everyone knows that Anton Pavlovich worked as a doctor in Zvenigorod. This happened in 1884, when the local doctor Uspensky was forced to take a vacation for a month, and in return he asked Anton Pavlovich to work for himself. At that time, Chekhov graduated from Moscow University and was just beginning his writing career. This is what he wrote to a friend about his life in Zvenigorod:

● from a letter to N.A. Leikin dated June 25, 1884: “...They offered me a position as a zemstvo doctor in Zvenigorod - I refused...”

● from a letter to N.A. Leikin dated July 14, 1884: “Currently I am in the city of Zvenigorod, where, by the will of fate, I am filling the position of a zemstvo doctor, who asked me to replace him for 2 weeks. Half the day I am busy receiving patients (30–40 people a day), the rest of the time I relax or am terribly bored, sitting by the window and looking at the dark sky, which has been pouring for the 3rd day now, bad, non-stop rain... In front of my window there is a mountain with pine trees, to the right the house of the police officer, even to the right a lousy little town that was once a capital city... To the left is an abandoned rampart, to the left is a small forest, and from behind the latter the consecrated Savva peeks out. The back porch, or rather the back door, near which it smells like a toilet and a pig grunts, looks out onto the river.”

● from a letter to N.A. Leikin dated mid-July 1884: “...Or do this: go to the second station of the Smolensk road, Golitsyn. From here to Zvenigorod (15 versts) on horseback. In Zvenigorod we will see the consecrated Savva and drive from here to New Jerusalem (20 versts). All this will take you no more than a day. Grab Palmin. I warn you in advance: you will not find any amenities along the way... The roads and cities are worse than the worst, but there is a lot of fictional material. If you spend the night with me, I’ll take you to the hospital for an appointment (story in 300 lines). On Elijah, the 20th, I will have 60 sick people, on the 22nd 40 people. You will do better if you start your journey in Zvenigorod. The roads are bumpy, but picturesque..."

Chekhov's house in Zvenigorod

Rounding the house of A.P. Chekhov, we came across two brand new multi-colored buildings still under construction. First thought: “Probably a museum!” But no, it’s not at all clear what kind of buildings these are, for what purpose they were built and why one of them wants to push Chekhov’s house into a ravine?

Across Krasnaya Gora Street, on Oktyabrskaya Street, we found a stump with a memorial plaque. This is a former linden tree under which Anton Pavlovich loved to relax with his new acquaintance, the paramedic, Sergei Vasilyevich Barmintsev. The Chekhov linden tree a stump in 2013, when the old tree was first damaged by strong winds, and then completely broke due to snowfall.

Lipa Chekhova

Nearby, the house of the Barmintsev family has been preserved (one-story with carved platbands), where the descendants of paramedic Sergei Vasilyevich continue to live.

House of paramedic Barmintsev

Museum of Russian Dessert

Website: rusdessertmuseum.ru Address: st. Frunze, 23/2.

The museum, opened in 2013, is dedicated to the culture of Russian tea drinking, ancient recipes for sweets that are still popular today: candy, gingerbread, and jam. You can visit the place for free, but you will have to pay for the tasting.

The museum contains ancient cupboards from all over Russia, which now contain herbs that replaced tea for peasants. Here you can not only study sweets, but also take part in master classes on how to make them.

Museum Back to the USSR

Website:
www.ussrmuseum.ru
Address:
Moskovskaya st., 7/9.
Opening hours: from 10.00-20.00, seven days a week. ⁠ Tour cost: 350 rubles, children - 250 rubles, under 5 years old - free.

A place for those who not only want to explore the sights of Zvenigorod in detail, but also immerse themselves in memories - the Back to the USSR Museum. Here are presented interior items and equipment from the 50s to the 80s of the 20th century: televisions, gramophones, clothes, toys. Some of the exhibits can be touched. Excursions are conducted separately for adults and for those who no longer lived in the Soviet Union.

The museum staff is more focused on young visitors. Master classes are held here for children, where schoolchildren learn to burn wood and create handicrafts with their own hands. Those interested can view the filmstrips. A local cafe sells milkshakes and cakes prepared according to Soviet recipes.

Rest

In Zvenigorod you can relax not only by visiting historical monuments, but also by choosing a more modern way:

Leisure. Fans of active recreation in Zvenigorod will find entertainment to their liking at any time of the year. In winter, the city and its suburbs have excellent ski slopes of various difficulty levels. Sports fishing competitions are held on the Dubeshnya River. You can also try yourself as a horse rider, taking exciting horseback rides around the city and surrounding area. In the summer, you can kayak down the Moscow River or take a helicopter tour, viewing the sights of Zvenigorod from a bird's eye view.

Interesting places to relax with children. When visiting Zvenigorod with children in the summer, it is impossible to resist the temptation and refuse to look into the “Miracle Park”, located not far from the city. The entertainment provided by the park will appeal to children and adults of all ages. More than 50 attractions, gazebos, equipped places for fishing, themed playgrounds, a cafeteria, a cable car, sports grounds - this is a short list of what “Miracle Park” has to offer. This is a wonderful place for a family and friends holiday. The park begins welcoming guests in May, all days except Monday and Tuesday.

Cultural Center named after Lyubov Orlova

Address: Moskovskaya street, 11

It is no coincidence that the only museum in the world dedicated to the Soviet actress was opened in Zvenigorod - it was in this city that Lyubov Orlova was born. The interior of the building is designed in the style of a black and white movie; in front of the entrance to the museum there is a monument to the actress. Among the exhibits: Orlova's costumes, personal belongings, portraits, wind instruments used in films.

Tourists and local residents are especially keen to visit the cinema hall at the museum. Here you can watch films with the participation of the famous actress and documentaries covering in detail the biography of Lyubov Orlova. On certain days, the museum's cinema hall hosts performances by pop artists and children's shows.

Excursions

In order to get to know the sights of Zvenigorod better, you can take advantage of thematic excursion walks:

Ancient Kremlin on Gorodok . Duration – 1 hour, cost 2100 rubles. from 1 to 15 people. A fascinating excursion will tell and visually present the history of the emergence of Zvenigorod, starting with the founding of the outpost by Yuri Dolgoruky.
A walk through the county town . Duration 2.5 hours, cost 5250 rubles. from 1 to 20 people. A walk through the streets of Zvenigorod will present a complete picture of the life and everyday life of local residents throughout the history of the city.

Skete of St. Savva of Storozhevsky . Duration 1 hour, cost 2100 rub. from 1 to 15 people. The excursion route runs through the holy and ascetic places of the Zvenigorod Wonderworker St. Savva. The guide will tell you the history of the monastery and the life of St. Savva.

County Town Fashion Museum

Website: mmzven.ru Address: st. Ukrainskaya, house 6. Opening hours: Wednesday - Friday from 11.00 to 17.00, Saturday - Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00, Monday, Tuesday - closed.

The museum's exhibits demonstrate changes in fashion from pre-Petrine times to the era of the USSR. The museum is divided into separate halls, where samples of folk costume, dresses of fashionistas of the 19th century, and outfits of Soviet women are presented. The collections are supplemented with tools for needlework, toys, and jewelry.

You are allowed to touch all things with your hands, and some can be worked on. Museum staff conduct master classes where they teach how to use a loom and a spinning wheel. In the store located in the building, you can purchase art supplies and jewelry stylized from different eras.

What to bring as a souvenir

In Zvenigorod there is an unusual shopping complex, stylized as a Russian street from the mid-century. There are many shops on it where you can choose unusual hand-made gifts and souvenirs for any, even the most demanding taste.

Zvenigorod is a city filled with history; its attractions will leave an indelible mark on the soul after visiting.

I want to come back here and fill my heart with beauty and tranquility. The city with singing and ringing bells always welcomes guests.

Author of the article: Shishlina Anna

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

Zakharovo Estate

Website: www.museum-gol.ru Address: Moscow region, Odintsovo district, Zakharovo village.

In the 19th century, the grandmother of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin bought the estate. The great poet spent his entire childhood on the estate. His stay at the estate and his grandmother’s stories inspired Pushkin to create the story “The Blackamoor of Peter the Great.” Later, all the buildings were destroyed and rebuilt only for the poet’s bicentenary.

Tourists can view the reconstruction of the estate. From Pushkin's times, only alleys and a pond have been preserved here. The estate is part of a museum-reserve; staff conduct excursions for adults and educational walks aimed specifically at children.

Prishvin House-Museum

Website: prishvin.ru Address: Odintsovo district, Dunino village, building 2. Opening hours: from 11.00 to 18.00 (ticket office until 17.30), closed on Monday. Cost: 200 rubles, students, pensioners - 150 rubles.

The writer bought a house in Dunino as a summer cottage in 1946. Mikhail Prishvin spent his summers here for the last 8 years of his life.

Apple and linden trees grow thickly around the house; the writer’s wife began growing them. And Prishvin himself said that walks in his garden inspire him to create new creations.

In the house you can see the writer’s hunting trophies, a collection of dishes and the decoration of the rooms. Prishvin’s personal car is still in the garage. The architecture of the building is unusual for the Moscow region; this is explained by the fact that the first owner of the estate came from Finland and a building was built for her, modeled on Finnish houses.

How to get there

The city is located 50 km from Moscow, and you can get to it using modes of transport such as electric trains, buses, and cars.

By train

The departure of electric trains on the route Moscow - Zvenigorod occurs daily from early morning until late evening. Trains depart from Belorussky or Savelovsky stations, the interval between flights can be from 1 hour to 4 hours. The fare, as of 02.2022, is 161 rubles. Travel time 1 hour 20 minutes.

It should be noted that the Zvenigorod railway station is located on the outskirts of the city, and you will have to get to the central part on your own, using public transport or taking a taxi.

By bus

Shuttle buses depart daily, every 5-10 minutes from Moscow to Zvenigorod:

Metro station	Route number, ticket price
Tushinskaya	No. 455, 182-193 rub.
Strogino	No. 881, up to 200 rub.
Kuntsevskaya	No. 452, up to 200 rub.

By car

By car it is possible to get to Zvenigorod via several routes, and the travel time will be up to 1.5 hours:

Highway M9 – Moscow Small Ring – highway A107;
Rublevskoe highway – Volokolamskoe highway;
Leningradsky Prospekt - Volokolamsk Highway.

Lake Glubokoe

The reservoir, whose depth reaches 38 meters, is located in the forest near the city. Getting to the lake is quite difficult, but for tourists who dare to go on an excursion this is rather a plus: here you will not find crowds of vacationers and mountains of garbage.

Divers come to the lake and are not bothered by the cool water (maximum +6° even on hot days) and the springs that flow up to a height of 5 meters. The reservoir is also interesting for fishermen; perch, bream, pike, and eel are found here.

Route for exploring the city on your own in 1-2 days

To explore Zvenigorod on your own, you can use the provided route:

You should start your walk around Zvenigorod with a visit to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God. Near the foot of the hill on which the temple is located there is a holy spring.
The next point will be the Cathedral of the Ascension, located on Moskovskaya Street.
Next to the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord there is a monument to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov with a dog.
The next place to visit will be the Lyubov Orlova Museum, also located on Moskovskaya Street.
Next is the Museum of Russian Dessert, which is worth a visit while in Zvenigorod.
Continuing along Moskovskaya Street, you should visit the Church of Alexander Nevsky.
You can complete your tour of the city with a monument dedicated to the founders of the city - Yuri Dmitrievich and Savva Storozhevsky.

Equestrian farm Dyutkovo

Website: dutkovo.ru Address: Dyutkovo, 10

The courtyard has an interesting location: the equestrian club is located on the site of a bowl where a meteorite fell millions of years ago. There are no more than ten horses here each season. But the trails pass through places with an abundance of clean springs, where animals feel calm. Tourists often meet foxes, squirrels and birds along the road.

Participants in horseback riding are taught not only how to properly sit in the saddle. The program includes an introduction to the flora and fauna of the Moscow region and elements of orienteering.

Distinctive features of the city

Zvenigorod, whose sights were glorified back in the 12th century, is today a popular destination for vacationers. Forests, lakes and groves invite people to constantly return and relax their soul and body; thanks to these needs, the surroundings of Zvenigorod are equipped with a variety of resorts and boarding houses.

Features of Zvenigorod:

Climate. Located in the central Russian zone, the city has moderate continental temperature conditions. In Zvenigorod, all 4 seasons of the year are clearly expressed, with a characteristic abundance of precipitation.
Ecology. There are no hazardous industries or environmentally polluting enterprises on the territory of Zvenigorod and its environs. Highways and highways - Riga and Minskoe highways - are located at a distance from the city, separated by a forest belt, therefore, in environmental terms, Zvenigorod has the most advantageous position.

Population. According to the latest census data, about 22 thousand people live in Zvenigorod. Mostly the population has Russian roots, but there are also representatives of more than 100 nations of the world, including citizens of both near and far abroad.
Flora and fauna. In the forested areas surrounding Zvenigorod, as well as in protected reserves, there are more than 180 representatives of the flora and 80 species of animals and birds, some of which are listed in the Red Book.