Sister of Moscow and Soul of Russia: what to do in Kostroma

Much has been said about Kostroma, but still it remains one of the most underestimated cities on the Volga. But she is the same age as Moscow and the cradle of the Romanov dynasty. The Snow Maiden lives here, there is a landing stage from the “Cruel Romance” on the river, and you can walk endlessly along the ancient streets of the historical center, enjoying the spiritual atmosphere. Kostroma is good at any time, but on the eve of the New Year and Christmas, it is simply magical. What is there to do in it?

Go on a sightseeing tour “Snow Maiden's Tales”

First of all, the Snow Maiden will take you to the city park that has opened after reconstruction – a small but very pretty one. There, an atypical monument to Lenin immediately attracts attention, which was originally conceived as a monument in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. By 1917, a pedestal was made and 20 bronze figures were cast. What happened next, you know. After 10 years, the figures were melted down, and Ilyich was hoisted directly onto the “imperial” pedestal.

In the park there is an observation platform of the Kostroma Kremlin, which offers an amazing view of the Volga. The Kremlin itself was destroyed in the 1930s. 20th century, now it is being actively restored. /460fx349iokk4w44848wgwog0.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”>

On the embankment, preserved from the ramparts, stands the same gazebo, from where the unfortunate dowry Larisa Ogudalova looked out for her Sergei Sergeyich. Ostrovsky himself never visited this place, but Kostroma served as a prototype for the Volga cities in his plays. Grateful residents named the gazebo after their favorite playwright.

The tour is built around the historical center. Tourists are led along the Trading Rows, of which there are a dozen in the city: Red, Green, Gingerbread, Kvass, Saddlery, Small and Large flour, Tar, Dairy and Fish. As you walk through the main square (called Skovorodka), the guides have stories to tell about each building.1/1

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Visit “Kostroma Sloboda”

And get to the interactive program “Walk, soul.” Tourists are met and escorted to the hut by wealthy peasants. In a playful way with a characteristic touch, they talk about the life of the past, the construction of samovars, about tea as a bite, when a piece of sugar is on the cheek, and about tea at a glance, when you just look at a piece of sugar. And also about tea with gildingwhen liquor or cognac is added to the drink. Naturally, all this is given to try. Finally, everyone is given a piece of cake with a telling name – drive it up. The program looks in one breath, because the actors are the real scientists of the museum-reserve. 1/1

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After the interactive, you can take a walk around the territory of the Museum of Wooden Architecture – look at the churches of Elijah the Prophet, the Merciful Savior and the houses of wealthy peasants. The exposition appeared for a reason: in 1950-60. as a result of the creation of the Kostroma reservoir, entire villages and villages went under water, they tried to take away the most valuable architectural monuments. The museum itself is located in a very beautiful place – where the Kostroma River flows into the Volga, behind the southern wall of the Ipatiev Monastery.1/1

Go to a master class in the “Full Brown” tavern

Kalachnaya is located next to the Ipatiev Monastery (Beregovaya St., 1). Tourists call this place one of the most soulful places in the city. After long walks, especially in the cold season, finding yourself in a warm room where it smells delicious of pastries and pours horseradish is just right. During the kalachi making workshop, participants will learn many interesting stories.1/1

Immerse yourself in the history of the city in the museum “The House of the Mayor G. N. Botnikov”

Gennady Nikolaevich Botnikov is a philanthropist and a competent manager . Under his leadership, the first power plant and fire station appeared in the city, mandatory house numbering was introduced, and several educational institutions were opened.

The atmosphere of the late 19th century was recreated in Botnikov's house – furniture, decoration and ceilings were restored (off. site of the museum). And directly in the central hall, the floor was removed and a cultural layer of more than two meters was excavated: visitors immediately see the entrance (presumably to the church) and traces of several fires.1/1

Valery Bykov

Go to Christmas in the 19th century

Many interactive programs are held in the building of the Nobility Assembly. One of them is “Christmas of the 19th century”, with a complete immersion in the past. Immediately at the entrance, on the steps of a magnificent cast-iron staircase with openwork patterns, visitors are greeted by actors. They tell and show how they prepared for the holiday 200 years ago. This is followed by a master class on making delicious decorations for the Christmas tree, and to a heap of everyone they also teach the correct Christmas divination.1/1

Discover Kostoma Jewelry

Almost 60% of all Russian jewelry is made in Kostroma. It turns out that not even every second, but every first woman in Russia has some kind of jewelry piece from this city! In the Golden Alley Gallery (off. site), tourists are given a master class on cold cloisonne enamel, they talk about the production of jewelry – from the stage of creating a sketch to casting it in wax and then in metal. Give yourself a try to cast the wax into molds. Then they offer to walk through the salons of different brands, where products are presented for every taste and budget.1/1

Valery Bykov

Visit the Samovar Museum

Museum on st. Voykova, 19 is relatively young: its exposition began to be collected 15 years ago. The soul of this institution is its employees, who can tell a lot of amazing things about each exhibit. They will not only lead an unforgettable tour with historical curtsies and tea surprises, but also tell you that there are samovars for “girls” and “boys”, selfish samovars for one person, soldiers’ samovars that were attached to an army belt, coffee samovars. The tour also introduces the history of samovar making in Russia, tells about the traditions of Russian tea drinking and the emergence of Russian porcelain. 1/1

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Plunge into the world of the Snow Maiden

The Museum of Fashion of the Snow Maiden on the street. Tchaikovsky, 17 (off. site) it's great to go with children to see the fabulous beauty of the image of the granddaughter of Santa Claus and listen to many legends about her birth. There, on the shelves of the exhibition hall, there are exclusive author's figurines of the Snow Maiden, as well as toys of the Soviet era.

3D models of various kokoshniks and fashionable outfits of the Snow Maiden are demonstrated on the interactive screens of the museum. On the second floor there is a workshop where you can see how snowflakes are embroidered and get to know the helper robots. At the end of the tour, tourists are allowed to try on different costumes and parade along a real catwalk.

Various master classes are held at the museum: making candles and creating paintings from wool, tasting lemonades. Adults will also be allowed to try different types of cider (from traditional apple to, for example, cherry).1/1

Valery Bykov

Don't miss the Kostroma cheese

In the Cheese Museum (off. site) on the street. Tchaikovsky, 19 everyone screams and sings about this product: the entrances to the halls are made in the “cheese” style, interesting facts and quotes about cheese hang on the walls, wherever you look – it is everywhere. At the end of the tour, visitors prepare cheese fondue from local varieties, which they then taste by dipping bread and slices of crispy pickles into it.1/1

Valery Bykov

And you can also go to the Ticino cheese factory in the village of Budikhino, Kostroma region. This is a small production where author's varieties are made. The enterprise has a small historical hall with thematic exhibits and its own laboratory. All products can be tasted and purchased.1/1

Dine like a merchant and live like a nobleman

A trip to Kostroma is the perfect time to discover traditional Russian cuisine with a beautiful presentation of dishes and a special vision of talented chefs. In the restaurant “Slavyansky” eyes run up from the variety. True, you can’t order much – the portions are really large. Guests especially praise Kostroma daily cabbage soup, herring mincemeat, chicken fillet stuffed with curd cheese and spinach. fs.tonkosti.ru/sized/f550x700/de/jg/dejgcmwv4kookoggksc0w0ow0.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”>

Valery Bykov

You can also look into the cafe “Samovar” on the street. Simanovskogo, 6. This institution is located in a mansion of the 19th century, right in the center of the city. Tourists are attracted here by the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and nice price tag. /4l/09/4l09j70okxesw0oo40sggwkcc.jpg” media=”(max-width: 549px)”>