- November 2, 2018
- Tips for tourists
- Vika Privalova
The picturesque city of Kolomna is located just 120 kilometers from Moscow. It would seem a short distance, but how different the rhythms of life are in these cities. Kolomna is a city for a relaxing holiday, ideal for family tourism. Its century-old history attracts workers in the film industry; films are often shot here.
An overview of the sights will help travelers get to know a little about the history of the city, figure out which places to visit first, and find out where to go in Kolomna with children.
Museum "Kolomenskaya Pastila" and Pastila Factory
The museum was founded in 2009 in the house of the Suranov merchants - a historical building that is more than two hundred years old. In the outbuilding of the old manor, the furnishings of the 19th century were restored and a huge collection was assembled, which introduces visitors to the main varieties of fruit marshmallows. The museum staff are dressed in antique-style costumes, which creates the right ambience and mood.
The secrets of making apple marshmallow are revealed during a theatrical excursion, with the direct preparation of a healthy delicacy and its tasting.
Address: st. Posadskaya, 13a.
An even better, richer and more interesting excursion on the same topic takes place at the Pastila Factory. There you can take part in the production process: wash the apples in a drum, boil them in a cauldron until pureed, beat the pastille dough, dry it in a Russian oven, and at the end of the tour, personally taste the freshly prepared product.
According to reviews from tourists, if you walk around Kolomna with children, then there is nothing better than the Pastila Factory (namely a factory, not a museum). There you can twirl everything yourself and eat marshmallows. And the excursion is not static: you don’t sit in one place, but walk around different rooms, meet different characters - this is very interesting for children.
Address: st. Polyanskaya, 4.
The third day we walk around Kolomna
On the last day, you can continue to explore the sights of Kolomna with your children, walk along museums and embankments. You can dilute the program by visiting entertainment centers.
Museum of your favorite toy
This place in Kolomna will be more to the taste of parents, because they will have an excellent opportunity to show their children their favorite things from their childhood. This is a small private museum filled with toys. You can pick up all the exhibits, take pictures with them, play with them, remembering the past.
The excursions are conducted by the owner herself, and there is also a person working here who conducts master classes on making toys - both children and adults can learn. There is a large selection of dolls: from those made in Tsarist times to modern, trendy Barbies. The museum has a separate play area for children.
Museum "Kalachnaya" in Kolomna
Visit the museum-bakery, which produces the famous Kolomna rolls right in front of guests. There is no usual exhibition: here they show the process of creating the city's ancient baked goods. And they start by mixing several types of flour. During the excursion, guests learn how to cook rolls.
The second stage of the museum’s program is a master class on the proper use of hot pastries, served with butter and a glass of tea. While tourists try the treat, the hospitable baker tells the story of the kalach and reveals its secrets. He will also tell you how Kolomna pastries were sold in France. Separate master classes are held for children. You can buy fresh produce in the shop at the museum.
Museum-manufactory “Fragrant Joys”
Another piece of pre-revolutionary Kolomna on the streets of the modern city is intended for visiting by the whole family. You can find a shop-museum near the Pyatnitsky Gate. This is an ancient building that once belonged to the local merchant and soap maker Suranov.
The owners of the miniature museum recreated the atmosphere of a pre-revolutionary merchant shop that offered fragrant goods to residents and guests of Kolomna. During the tour, guests are shown and allowed to smell samples of soap prepared according to ancient recipes. They tell in detail how this fragrant miracle was made and how it was used. Here in the museum, children will learn about ancient perfume.
In the museum shop you can buy soap, brewed and packaged according to pre-revolutionary traditions. Other perfume products from a long time ago are also sold here.
Kuznechnaya Sloboda in Kolomna
A small free museum in Kolomna dedicated to the blacksmithing industry that flourished in Kolomna before the revolution. The collection consists of 7,000 antique objects: iron, wood, wicker, but related to the forge. Show the children what kind of armor the warriors wore, how they forged tools for the peasants, and what convenient things the blacksmiths made for the residents of Kolomna.
There are also children's things on display in the museum: forged sleds, pots, toys. Nearby you will find adult bast shoes, cast iron irons for housewives, and ancient harnesses. The museum offers excursions and has a souvenir shop.
House of Labyrinths in Kolomna
Children can take a break from visiting museums in the House of Labyrinths. The bright world of ribbons and mirrors will captivate children and adults for a long time. The main thing is to remember to prepare your camera for “Alice Through the Looking Glass” style shots. To create an intricate space, one hundred kilometers of multi-colored ribbons, many mirrors and lamps were used.
This is not just a walk through an intricate labyrinth: guests need to complete a series of tasks in order to leave the hospitable place. And the whole family will have to find a mysterious hexagonal room hidden inside the House of Labyrinths.
Gorki Zoo
If you have some free time left, you can visit the Gorki area and take your children to the Kolomna petting zoo. Tame llamas, deer and donkeys live in a small area. There are many animals that came from different continents. There is an enclosure with ostriches and a pen with bison.
There is a riding school at the zoo. In addition to rides on traditional ponies and horses, children are offered to ride donkeys and camels. Parents purchase farm dairy products at the store. The whole family can have a snack at a local cafe, and then take a pleasure boat ride along one of the Kolomna rivers.
Museum-bakery “Kalachnaya”
In this wonderful establishment, also stylized in the old days, there is always a delicious smell of baked goods. Of course: here they bake rolls using ancient technology. And they talk fascinatingly about bread baking in Rus'. Museum visitors are certainly treated to wonderful fresh pastries and tea.
Address: Zaitseva street, 14.
Interesting and unusual places
Kolomna, whose sights are difficult to see in 1 day, has many interesting places outside the city:
- St. John the Theologian Church (Two Revolutions Square, 1). A beautiful temple in the classicist style with a bell tower, the height of which is about 67 m. In the temple you can see an ancient bas-relief icon of the 16th century. made of stone.
- Museum of the Origin “This money is Kolomsk” (Zaitseva St., 14). The Museum of Origins is located in the Pyatnitskaya Tower in the basement. In one hall, visitors can observe icons and objects from the everyday life of the Russian people. The second room displays jewelry and a collection of coins from various periods.
- Museum of the History of Housing and Communal Services (Lazareva St., 2a). The Museum of the History of Housing and Communal Services is located in a building that was previously used to store water. There are free excursions here that tell about the stages of the formation of public utilities in Kolomna.
- Tram Museum (Dmitry Donskoy St., 15). The first tram in Russia was produced in Kolomna. The museum's collection includes more than 150 scaled-down replicas of trams from all over the world.
- Kolomna Theological Seminary (Golutvinskaya St., 1). Priests and church ministers are trained in this educational institution. It has its own temple.
Museum-residence “Artkommunalka. Erofeev and others"
In this unusual place, the interior of a communal small-family apartment in which artists live has been lovingly recreated. Their paintings are also exhibited in the same communal apartment, and things cannot happen without bohemian meetings. There are several options for excursions to this wonderful corner: a sightseeing tour, with tea, or a theatrical tour with a recreation of a day from the Soviet era. Of course, there is nothing to do there with a small child, but this excursion will make a favorable impression on middle and high school students.
Address: st. October Revolution, 205.
What to see in 1 day
The beauty of Kolomna is that all the main attractions are located compactly. It’s quite possible to visit them all in one day on your own, especially if you arrive in the city in advance and start walking in the morning. You’ll have just enough time to see all the most interesting things, and even check out the museums, many of which are no longer open in the evening.
The central object of the city is the Kolomna Kremlin
. Tourists can freely walk around its territory, since this attraction is at the same time a city quarter. The area of the local Kremlin is quite impressive and you can study it for quite a long time. But, in principle, the inspection can be completed in a couple of hours, if you do not delve too deeply into the study of each historical object of the complex. There are about 40 such objects here. Among them are houses, churches, monuments, towers and other architectural attractions.
After walking around the Kolomna Kremlin, you will still have enough time and we recommend devoting it to trips to local museums. If you think that they feature standard historical exhibitions, you are mistaken. The museums in this city are special and themed. Pastille, soap, toys, samovars - these are some of the items that the exhibition halls are dedicated to. Moreover, some museums organize original excursions in the format of theatrical performances. When planning your route around Kolomna, expect that studying one thematic exhibition will take you about an hour.
Museum of Blacksmithing
This thematic cultural institution has an exhibition “Forge Settlement”, which contains a huge amount of armor and weapons, jewelry and forged items from different eras. A real blacksmith will be happy to teach a master class to museum visitors. And the guest who is especially lucky can find a horseshoe and keep it for good luck.
Address: st. Civil, 84.
What to bring from Kolomna
Kolomna is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in Russia. After visiting her, I want to leave a reminder of the trip. Many attractions host workshops where anyone can make their own souvenir.
Tourists visiting Kolomna can choose the following as souvenirs:
- The famous Kolomna marshmallow, which is produced in different flavors at the marshmallow museum or at a local factory.
- Kolomna kalachi or pretzels are very popular when visiting the Kalach Museum.
- Many souvenir shops and shops display a variety of works made by local artists and craftsmen.
- Blacksmithing is well developed in Kolomna, so tourists will be able to purchase ready-made forged products or make them themselves during thematic excursions.
- Honey and beekeeping products, as well as drinks based on honey from the Zolotoy Uley brand from the local plant will be a wonderful gift.
- While visiting monasteries or temples, anyone can purchase icons or other objects, many of which were made by monks or nuns.
Kolomna today is a city with developed industry and science, in which there are many churches and monasteries. Some areas and attractions help you immerse yourself in the ancient city.
Article design: Mila Friedan
Museum "Fragrant Joys"
The museum-shop called “Trade in Soap by G.I. Suranov” is located right at the Pyatnitsky Gate of the Kremlin, in the very historical building where the Red Trading Rows were actually located in the distant past, and where, according to archival data, the shop of the Kolomna soap maker, merchant, worked Grigory Ivanovich Suranov.
The creators of the museum tried to recreate here the interior and furnishings, life and way of life of an ancient Kolomna shop with its special colorful atmosphere. Visitors will find a world of exquisite aromas with stories about soap making in ancient tsarist times, and the cosmetic and perfumery secrets of our ancestors.
Address: st. Zaitseva, 18.
Sights of the Kolomna Kremlin
Naturally, the greatest interest of tourists is attracted by the main historical attraction of Kolomna - the local Kremlin. In fact, this is one of the city's districts. That is why you can get to the Kremlin at any time on any day of the week. It was erected in the 16th century during the reign of Tsar Vasily III
and at that time it was considered a fairly large fortress. The defensive function of the structure was to defend the city from Tatar raids. The walls of the fortress stretch for almost a couple of kilometers, and in some places their thickness is an impressive 4.5 meters. Some of them were dismantled at the end of the 19th century. Other buildings were also damaged at the time. For example, not all the Kremlin towers survived. The tallest surviving one is the Kolomenskaya Tower. It rose 31 meters above the ground. Nowadays, large-scale work has been carried out to restore ancient masonry and sections of previously destroyed walls.
Cathedral Square
This square arose on the territory of the Kremlin in the 16th century, when the construction of two palaces was underway: the episcopal and the grand-ducal. In the 18th century it was transformed and it is in this form that it has survived to this day. Around it there are temples and churches, including the Assumption Cathedral with a separate bell tower. This is the oldest building in the square. The cathedral was built in the 17th century. New objects include the monument to Cyril and Methodius, which appeared here in 2007.
Cathedral Square - the heart of the Kremlin
Assumption Cathedral
The dominant feature of the Cathedral Square ensemble is the main Kolomna Cathedral - the Assumption. Initially, there was a temple on this site, founded in 1379 under Dmitry Donskoy. According to some sources, the famous icon painter Theophanes the Greek had a hand in painting that building. The temple stood for almost 300 years, but its condition constantly deteriorated and eventually it became clear that it could not be restored. Therefore, on the site of the former church, in the second half of the 17th century, a cathedral was built, which we can see on the square today. The construction of the temple was led by Meletiy Alekseev.
Marinkina tower
Along with Granovita, this is one of the two most famous towers of the Kolomna Kremlin that have survived to this day. There are many legends around the Marinka Tower, which is perhaps why it arouses the greatest interest among tourists. It got its name based on one of the legends. History says that the wife of False Dmitry I, Marina Mnishek, lived in this tower until her last days. There is also a completely mythical legend, allegedly the prisoner of the tower did not die, but turned into a magpie and flew to freedom through the window of the loophole.
Kuprin's house in Kolomna
When you find yourself on Cathedral Square, your attention will certainly be attracted by a small wooden house with a mezzanine. And if at first it arouses your interest from an architectural point of view, then you will be captivated by its history. In this house, which has been very well preserved since its construction in the 19th century, the relatives of the famous writer A.I. Kuprin lived. Kuprin himself was also here, often visiting his loved ones. Moreover, he lived in this house on a permanent basis for two years. It is no coincidence that the building eventually received the name “Kuprin House”. It is curious that it did not become a museum. Now there is a small hotel with modest interiors, but with preserved historical details.
Pyatnitsky Gate
This is the front gate of the Kolomna Kremlin. At the moment this is the only passage tower of the fortress. Outwardly, it is similar to the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Previously, not far from the gate, there was the Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Church, and that is why they received the name Pyatnitsky. Today, on the site of the church there is a Pyatnitskaya chapel. The Pyatnitsky Gate itself was kept in good condition thanks to regular restoration work.
Skating
The large and modern Ice Palace is the pride of the city of Kolomna and the entire Moscow region. It is rightfully ranked among the best sports institutions of this type in the world. Current and future champions train here and sports competitions are regularly held. Mass skating for children and adults also takes place at the Ice Palace.
Address: Kolomenka River Embankment, 7.
Nature
Three rivers flow through the city: Kolomenka, Oka and Moskva River. The confluence of rivers is very popular with local residents, as there is good fishing and beautiful nature.
The climate in Kolomna is mild, there are no sudden temperature changes. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, and in the summer, in July, the heat alternates with warm thunderstorms.
Luna Park Carousel"
Not every city in the Moscow region can boast of an amusement park like the one in Kolomna. It is located on the territory of the Peace Park. A huge assortment of swings and carousels, trampolines and children's cars and, of course, the traditional Ferris wheel will appeal to any child. The amusement park has attractions designed for children of all ages. The cost of the attractions is affordable, especially if you purchase a single ticket for an hour or two-hour visit to the park.
Address: Peace Park.
Rest zone
Where to go for a walk with children in Kolomna? Children and adults will find it interesting to stroll along the streets of the Kremlin. Lazhechnikova Street is the most picturesque here. Walking along it, you can plunge into the atmosphere of the distant past: the ringing of bells, ancient buildings that have not changed since their construction, a meeting with a real policeman who protects the peace of citizens.
Peace Park with its smooth paths, beautiful alleys, cafes and entertainment spots is an ideal place for a walk. This is the largest green area within the city. The park was created in the forties of the last century, immediately after the war. Its arrangement became a citywide affair: adults and children, scientists and workers from factories came to dig up, fertilize, plant bushes and trees, and take care of the plantings. Today there are more than four thousand trees and thirty thousand shrubs in the park. All kinds of events are held here at any time of the year.
A walk through the park starts from the gate. They are worthy of special attention: tall, decorated with elegant patterns.
The fountain and attractions in the park will make your walk even more enjoyable. The fountain in the park, by the way, is the largest in the city. Its diameter is 35 meters, and jets of water rise to the height of a nine-story building. Illumination in the evening makes the fountain look like fireworks.
Sovetskaya Square is created for shopping lovers. Shopping complexes and shops are concentrated in this area. There is also a “Children’s World” here.
Entertaining
The spacious retail space is distinguished by its bright design, the presence of a large number of attractions and cheerful music from famous children's films and cartoons. Parents can also accompany their little ones on their journey through the entertainment center for free. In the neighborhood and directly on its territory there are cafes specially adapted for visiting with children.
Address: 800th Anniversary of Kolomna Boulevard, 14.
Trampoline centers
Another favorite and healthy activity for children is jumping on trampolines. When you want to have a fun and active holiday with your children, it makes sense to go to the Kolomna “Cosmo Park” on Frunze Street, 46, or to the “Flight of the Bumblebee” on Oktyabrskaya Street, 88a. These two trampoline centers in the city of Kolomna are equally well equipped, so you can simply choose based on the territorial principle - which one will be more convenient to get to.
Ice cream parlor in Kolomna
This town near Moscow has a number of places that serve delicious ice cream and are perfect for visiting with children. Therefore, finding a suitable cafe in Kolomna will not be difficult. Just go to the one that will be closer. If you walk from the Kremlin towards new Kolomna, you can quickly find popular modern fast foods - McDonald's and KFC. There are also many other catering establishments where everything possible has been done to make visiting with children comfortable. For example:
- "Baskin Robbins" on the street. October Revolution, 362;
- "Firebird" on the square. Uprisings, 5;
- "Mix point" on the street. Lenina, 80a;
- in the art cafe “Nameki” on the street. Lazhechnikova, 5;
- in the City cafe on the square. Sovetskaya, 2.
Sculptures and monuments
Kolomna, whose sights are of historical significance, was founded back in 1177. The city hosted many memorable events and was home to a large number of prominent personalities. Therefore, you can see many monuments and sculptures on the streets.
Monument to Dmitry Donskoy
The sculpture to Dmitry Donskoy was unveiled in 2007 at the walls of the Kolomna Kremlin not far from the Trinity Novo-Golutvin Monastery. The prince sits confidently on his horse and prepares for battle. The cultural composition is located on a large pedestal and rises 12 m in height.
It was in Kolomna that Dmitry Donskoy gathered troops and defeated the Tatars on the Kulikovo field.
Monument to Vodovoz
Another interesting object is the monument to Vodovoz. The profession of water carrier was popular until water supply appeared in cities. Before this, water carriers took water from the river and sold it to local residents in buckets.
The composition depicts a man next to him is a dog and a barrel on wheels for collecting water. The man holds a ladle in his hands. The monument is installed at the end of the street. Vodovoznaya near the Moscow River.
Monument to Sergius of Radonezh
Sergius of Radonezh is a memorable figure for Kolomna.
It was under him that the construction of the Staro-Golutvin Monastery began, on the territory of which the sculpture is located. Saint Sergius made an invaluable contribution to the development of the Orthodox faith in Kolomna.
Monument to Cyril and Methodius
The monument to Cyril and Methodius was inaugurated in 2007 on Cathedral Square near the Oka River embankment during the celebration of the emergence of Slavic writing. The 7.5-meter sculpture depicts Saints Cyril and Methodius holding a Bible and paper with the Russian alphabet in their hands. An Orthodox cross rises between them.
petting zoo
Not far from the city of Kolomna, in the village of Gorki, a wonderful petting zoo has been operating since 2009. In it, every child can communicate with animals: feed them, pet them and even hold them in their arms. Among the “resident population” of this zoo are chickens, pheasants, peacocks, ducks and geese, squirrels, raccoons, nutria, pigs, llamas, goats, ponies and horses, camel, buffalo, donkey, deer, ostrich, yak and bison. The zoo was made on the basis of a destroyed peasant farm bought by investors and was actually rebuilt from scratch.
Address: Kolomna urban district, Gorki village.
Many people choose the city of Kolomna for a short family trip, and rightly so. Almost everyone likes that this town, so to speak, “keeps a historical face”: even many of the signs here are made with an “antique” slant. Perhaps this is the most comfortable corner in the entire Moscow region.
There are always a lot of tourists in Kolomna, and mainly on weekends. Therefore, it would be best to set aside a weekday for a family excursion: the area will not be so crowded, and there will be fewer cars on the streets. Ideally, you should set aside a whole day to explore this colorful town. Leave the car (or come by train) and have a good time walking around Kolomna with your children. It’s like being “inside a historical film.” A unique touch of Russian antiquity, as well as branded rolls and pastila - this is what, first of all, remains in the memory of a trip here.
Religious sites
Kolomna, whose religious sights show the features of buildings in various faiths, occupies an area of 65 square meters. km. In the city, a large number of churches are Orthodox. There is also a mosque and an Old Believer church.
Religious sites | Location | Operating hours and additional information |
Staro-Golutvin Monastery | St. Golutvinskaya, 11 |
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Bobrenev Monastery | S. Staroe Bobrenevo |
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Holy Trinity Novo-Golutvin Monastery | St. Lazareva, 11 |
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Church of St. Nicholas on Posad | St. Posadskaya, 18 |
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Staro-Golutvin Monastery
The monastery is located in a picturesque location near the Moscow and Oka rivers. On the territory of the monastery there are utility buildings, 2 dormitories for monks and 2 temples.
There is a monument to Sergius of Radonezh, under whose leadership the monastery was built. There is a theological seminary on the territory and there is a burial place of Grigory Golutvinsky, who was the first rector of the temple.
Bobrenev Monastery
Another monastery located near the city. Construction began in the 14th century. The monastery was erected by Dmitry Donskoy after a crushing victory over the troops of Mamai in the Battle of Kulikovo.
The Mother of God Nativity Monastery is made in blue and white colors and consists of 2 churches, rooms for monks and outbuildings. It houses the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God.
Holy Trinity Novo-Golutvin Monastery
Convent of the 19th century. consists of 2 churches, a bell tower and a chapel, a refectory and a monastery for nuns. There is a small hotel for pilgrims.
In the monastery you can see dogs and a camel. There is a medical center on the territory of the Holy Trinity Novo-Golutvin Monastery. Here you can purchase icons and items made by nuns.
Church of St. Nicholas on Posad
The Church of St. Nicholas on Posad or the Church of the Resurrection of Christ belongs to the Old Believer church. Snow-white building from the 18th century. has a unique roof. It is decorated with 106 kokoshniks arranged in 5 rows. There are 5 domes at the top. You can enter the temple only during services.
During other hours the church is closed to visitors.